TFX power supply: overview, specifications and owner reviews

Choosing a power supply unit is as important as finding a video card. Few give this device attention. As a result, if you do not calculate the load of food consumption, the potential of the system is lost. You have to sit down and understand the models, manufacturers and formats of the power unit.

Formats

Before choosing a TFX power supply, you should generally understand the options. Few know what this addition to the model means. In the history of the PC's existence, 6 types of BP were developed. Now the variant of ATX is most often developed. Such models are found in almost all modern PCs. In addition, they are compatible with the motherboard form factor ATX, which is also important.

Until 1995, the AT version was often used. He maintained the voltage at + 5 / -5 and + 12 / -12 V. Further, the component developed, accordingly, it was necessary to change the format. So the world became known to ATX. As a result, the voltage was added +3.3 V, and also +5 V SB. The latter option was intended for those who often "sleep" the PC, and after pressing a button or mouse "wakes up" it.

Then came the ATX 12V format. Its development was due to the fact that the processors were getting more power. It was necessary to switch to the power supply of the CPU stabilizer from +12 V. This made it possible to balance the current flows and the received voltage in a balanced way. Later, an improved version of this 2.0 format appeared. The tire with +12 V increased twice. Thus, it was possible to unload other channels and food to make more effective.

Compact version

The TFX power supply belongs to compact models. For this version there are already 8 types of PC cases. To such dimensions of the BP should be attributed TFX. It is an individual format for a thin and long body. Usually these models are equipped with a fan that has a blade size of 80 millimeters, so it often cools the entire system at once. Its dimensions are on the average 65x85x95 mm.

Variety

The TFX power supply is represented by several models. The most popular of these are the Seasonic TFX-350, TFX POWER 2 300W, Foxconn FX-300T and others. They differ in design, characteristics, and bundling. Of the general here, of course, the standardized dimensions of the device's body, as well as the size of the fan.

Leader

Before we get down to specific BP models, it's worth mentioning the leader-producer. They became the company Seasonic. The manufacturer has already released several models of this format. In addition, he is generally a leader in the market for power supplies, so the reliability of its products can not be doubted.

So, the most popular model was the Seasonic TFX-300. The option was very high quality, interesting for many buyers. Appearance of it does not stand out with something remarkable. More details about it we will talk further.

Seasonic also created another TFX power supply model SS-250TFX. In addition, there is an older version of 350 watts. The price of both models is available to everyone. Although it is not quite low, because it depends on the specific format of the PSU.

300 W option

So, the first monitored PSU was the Seasonic SS-300TFX. This model is included in the OEM-series, was provided without a box with a bundle. This line has only ten models, so it is generally designed for integrators.

The appearance of the PSU is quite common, but its dimensions are somewhat different from the ones claimed. Its length reaches 17 centimeters, width and height - 8 and 7 cm respectively. The fan is large - 80 mm. It is behind a small grate. Nearby there is a sticker with the technical characteristics of the device.

The back panel is equipped with one power slot, as well as a compact ventilation grille. The power off button is missing, as if there was not enough room for it on the case.

There are not so many cables. For example, it's not very pleasant lack of PCIE format for a video card. For power supply 150 W is enough. But the indicator that received the power supply TFX 300w, indicates the possibility of using a discrete accelerator. Just at the time of the release of this BP in America, low-profile accelerators began to appear. They worked with several processors, among which were both economical models, and more powerful chips.

The number of cables is acceptable: eight pieces. Here it is necessary to include 20 + 4-pin wire for power, the length of which was 35 centimeters. The 4-pin power connector became longer by 10 cm. There were also two cables for PATA and FDD drives, which on average received a length of 30-45 cm. Also there were two SATA connectors in this model.

Specification

The Seasonic SS-300TFX for its 12 V channel received a power of 252 watts. Given its size, this figure is impressive. The lines +3.3 V and +5 V can withstand the load of 20 A. As a result, the load power can reach 110 W. In principle, at the time of release, any modern PC would work fine with this PSU.

The range of the input stream is from 110 to 240 V, which allows to think less about the problems with the voltage in the network. This model received the technology 80 PLUS, which indicates the excellent power consumption of the device and its good efficiency, which should be at least 82%.

Force

Another model that has a power of 300W is Be quiet! TFX POWER 2. The appearance of this PSU was caused by the release of a new high-performance graphics card from AMD format Mini-ITX. If earlier the accessory had 150-200 W, then this card functions at the level of 175 W. And if you take into account the fact that the accelerator needs a good processor, then this indicator will be even greater.

Therefore, the novelty of the TFX format, the power supply unit, the dimensions is standardized, but the device itself is designed for serious tasks that are beyond the power and some large power supplies.

Delivered this model in a pretty package, which shows the product, the model, the manufacturer, some features are indicated. Inside the box there is a power supply cord, there are screws for mounting the unit, cable ties, an adapter for PATA and instructions for the user.

This version of the TFX format is represented by the TFX12V version. The size of the box is 175 millimeters in length, 6 and 8 centimeters in length and width. It is great for equipping a mini PC. The company also took care of the quality of the materials. An additional layer of black paint is applied on top, which makes this model attractive.

Characteristics

This TFX POWER 2 power supply unit has a convenient arrangement of all the elements. The fan through the opening takes the air in and cools the system. It is biased towards the hole with the wires. By the way, they are decorated in a rigid braid. Some users like this option, there were those who would prefer a trail-like design. It is caused by the fact that in the existing version it is not easy to lay wires in the case, which is already quite compact.

The rated power is 300 watts. The efficiency is 82%, even if the loads are very small. In general, this model of the BP has many advantages, among which, first of all, quality is distinguished. Reviews this model received very flattering. The option was excellent for creating a mini-PC, while coping with difficult tasks, did not make too much noise and did not overheat.

Alternative options

The market is now difficult to find a TFX power supply. Foxconn FX-300T 300W has enough connectors, a compact size and a good package. Externally, this model is inferior to the previous one. It does not have a black paint coating, it is made in the classic gray color. Dimensions of this BP - 175h84h63 mm. The input voltage fluctuates in the range of 200-240 V. But unfortunately, this model has already gone out of sales and it can only be bought from other users.

Although the 300 V power supply option is more common, you can also find a TFX 200w power supply in stores. For example, there is an option from the company MAXcase. Also looks pretty standard. This option is more suitable for office mini-PCs, as not all users will have enough power.

Reviews

Speaking of power supplies of this format, users often complain about the cost. Of course, it is not surprising that a rather powerful PSU has an impressive price tag, because it is not easy to make a compact device, while it's quality and productive, and even cheap. Therefore, the price often exceeds 5-7 thousand rubles. Yet most of the TFX format is praised for quiet work and technology. In addition, the models are distinguished by good indicators of voltage, stable performance and longevity.