Seasonic TFX 350W PSU Review

1. Introduction2. Seasonic TFX 350W (Bundle & Cables)3. Seasonic TFX 350W (External)4. Seasonic TFX 350W (Internal)5. High Res Gallery6. Testing Methodology and Results7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

We do not often get the chance to look at TFX form factor power supplies – so the review of the new Seasonic TFX 350W has been particularly interesting today.

Seasonic has been one of the most consistent scoring power supply OEM companies in KitGuru labs over the last 3 years and it is clear to see why. Even though a TFX power supply (by nature of the form factor) forces compromises in many ways Seasonic have managed to deliver a very capable, attractive unit which will target the discerning enthusiast audience building a new small form factor PC. Those situations when space is at a premium.

Most TFX power supplies available on the market today are unattractive looking ugly white or grey slabs of metal – so it is good to note that Seasonic are placing effort into the finish and modular cable implementation.

Technically there is little to fault. Load regulation is stellar, and the supply runs stable while emitting only a moderate amount of heat. The high levels of efficiency will certainly be welcomed in this form factor. Ripple suppression proved excellent, with only the +12V rail rising a little higher than we would have hoped under full load (55mV). Still the results overall are well within the rated tolerance levels (less than half of the 120mV max).

It is only when delivering 300-350 watts that the unit can be heard above normal system fans. While this is not a practical situation to be running 24/7 it does raise a slight concern for me.

I do feel Seasonic could have selected a higher quality fan than the ADDA AD0812MB-D90 they are using. We admire the ‘Smart & Silent Fan Control' concept. The whole idea of stopping the fan at less than 40% load, or when temperatures drop below 25c is great, but at higher loads, the fan is clearly audible. Obviously we need to accept some compromises when dealing with a small 80mm fan, but still, I think Seasonic could have produced a quieter unit than this with improved fan selection.

At time of press we have no confirmed pricing, although we have had an indication from Seasonic that retail price in the UK should be £69.99 inc vat. TFX power supplies are inherently more expensive than standard ATX units so they are not directly comparable. We will update this page with links and confirmed pricing when available.

EDIT: Scan have just listed at £65.22 inc vat.

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Pros:

• great looking unit, quality paintwork.
• modular cabling is excellent.
• high levels of efficiency.
• passed ripple suppression tests.
• delivered almost 400 watts before shutting down.

Cons:

• Can get noticeably loud at close to full load.

Kitguru says: If you need a TFX power supply for a specialist build, then the Seasonic TFX 350W deserves to make the final shortlist.

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