SilverStone TX500-G 500W TFX Power Supply 80 PLUS Gold
Overview
The SilverStone TX500-G 500W TFX Power Supply 80 PLUS Gold is a compact and efficient solution for small PC builds. Measuring just 7 x 3.4 x 2.6 inches, this 500W power supply fits snugly in tight spaces while delivering steady and reliable power. It’s designed to run continuously at temperatures up to 50°C, making it suitable for demanding systems. Thanks to its 80 PLUS Gold certification, this PSU ensures lower power consumption and minimal heat, which is ideal for users seeking a reliable, long-lasting power source in compact form factors.
Features & Benefits
The SilverStone TX500-G offers several advantages, including its 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, which translates to lower electricity bills and a cooler system overall. The silent 80mm fan operates at a minimal noise level of just 18 dBA, making it perfect for quiet environments like home theaters or media centers. Multiple built-in protection features, such as over-voltage and short-circuit protection, further ensure the safety and longevity of both the power supply and the components it powers. Its non-modular design with two PCI Express connectors provides simplicity in setup.
Best For
This power supply is best suited for users building compact PCs or HTPCs that need a reliable, efficient power supply without taking up too much space. The SilverStone TX500-G is ideal for budget or mid-range builds that require a steady and quiet power source. Its small form factor and low-noise operation make it especially appealing for home theater setups or small office systems where noise reduction is a priority. It’s also a great choice for those seeking a dependable PSU that won’t overheat during extended usage.
User Feedback
Users generally appreciate the SilverStone TX500-G for its reliable performance and quiet operation, especially in compact systems. Many noted that its small size makes it an excellent fit for small form factor builds, with no compromise on power output. However, some users did report minor issues with cable length when installing in larger cases. Despite this, most found it easy to install and maintain, and its 80 PLUS Gold certification was highlighted as a key factor in its energy efficiency and value.
Pros
- This power supply is perfect for compact PC builds, fitting easily into small cases with limited space.
- The 80 PLUS Gold certification ensures excellent energy efficiency, saving on electricity bills.
- With an 80mm fan and a noise level of just 18 dBA, this PSU operates quietly, making it ideal for home theater setups.
- Designed for 24/7 operation, this PSU is reliable and built to handle continuous use, even in demanding environments.
- Users appreciate its solid performance, with minimal heat buildup during extended use.
- This power supply is easy to install with two PCIe connectors, suitable for most mid-range and budget systems.
Cons
- Some users report that the cables are too short for larger PC cases, limiting flexibility during installation.
- The non-modular design can create cable management challenges, especially in compact builds.
- A few buyers noted that the 500W power output may not be enough for high-performance gaming or heavy workloads.
- While quiet, the 80mm fan may not be sufficient for cooling larger or more powerful systems under load.
- The relatively small size might lead to overheating issues in high-temperature environments, especially when used in tightly packed cases.
- Though designed for small builds, this PSU may struggle to power systems with multiple GPUs or other high-power components.
Ratings
After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple countries, languages, and platforms, the scores for the SilverStone TX500-G 500W TFX Power Supply 80 PLUS Gold reflect both its strengths and minor pain points. All spam, bot, or incentivized reviews were filtered out, ensuring the ratings are based on authentic, high-quality feedback. While users generally praise this power supply for its compact size, efficiency, and quiet operation, there are some reports on cable length in larger cases that have impacted the overall experience for certain users.
Performance
Efficiency
Build Quality
Noise Level
Thermals
Installation & Setup
Size & Compatibility
Reliability
Value for Money
Cable Length & Management
User-Friendliness
Long-Term Durability
Customer Support
Suitable for:
The SilverStone TX500-G 500W TFX Power Supply 80 PLUS Gold is ideal for users with compact PC builds, especially those looking to maximize space without compromising on performance. Its compact size (7 x 3.4 x 2.6 inches) and efficient design make it a perfect fit for small form factor PCs or HTPCs. The 80 PLUS Gold certification also ensures that this power supply will deliver energy-efficient performance, making it a great option for budget-conscious users who need a reliable PSU for mid-range systems. Additionally, those building quiet systems for home theaters or office use will benefit from its silent operation, as the 80mm fan runs at a noise level as low as 18 dBA, keeping noise to a minimum in noise-sensitive environments.
Not suitable for:
However, the SilverStone TX500-G may not be the best option for users with larger, high-performance builds. The non-modular design and shorter cables might make installation difficult in cases that require more flexibility or larger setups, such as gaming rigs with multiple GPUs. Additionally, users who need higher wattage or plan to upgrade to more power-hungry components may find the 500W capacity insufficient. Those who push their systems to the limits, particularly for intense gaming or professional workloads, might encounter thermal concerns due to its relatively small form factor and limited cooling options. Therefore, enthusiasts building high-end systems or needing more power and cable flexibility should consider alternatives.
Specifications
- Wattage: Provides 500W of power, suitable for budget and mid-range systems.
- Form Factor: TFX form factor, designed for compact builds with limited space.
- Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold certified, ensuring high energy efficiency and reduced heat generation.
- Cooling: Equipped with an 80mm fan for cooling with a noise level of 18 dBA at minimum.
- Protection Circuits: Includes over-voltage, under-voltage, and short-circuit protection for safety.
- Connectors: Comes with two PCI Express connectors for use with compatible graphics cards.
- Dimensions: Measures 7 x 3.4 x 2.6 inches, making it compact and easy to fit in smaller cases.
- Weight: Weighs 3.54 pounds, offering a lightweight option for building or upgrading systems.
- Operating Temperature: Can operate continuously at temperatures up to 50°C, ensuring stable performance.
- Fan Noise: Maintains a quiet operation with a minimum noise level of 18 dBA, suitable for low-noise environments.
- Designed for 24/7 Operation: Engineered for continuous, reliable performance, even under full load or long usage periods.
- Cable Management: Non-modular design with all cables fixed in place, which may require careful cable management.
- Input Voltage: Supports an input voltage range from 100V to 240V, making it suitable for use in different regions.
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): Rated for an MTBF of over 100,000 hours, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Certification: Complies with CE, UL, and other safety certifications for quality assurance.
- Warranty: Typically comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind and coverage.
- Compatibility: Compatible with small form factor PC builds and HTPCs requiring a TFX form factor.
- Power Factor Correction: Includes active PFC (Power Factor Correction) for stable and efficient power delivery.
- Cable Length: Cables may be short for larger cases, so users may need to manage cable routing carefully.