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CONCLUSIONS
So, is the Strider truly the strong and silent type? Well, it's certainly strong.
Voltage regulation was tight, output capacity was impressively high, and efficiency
was the third highest we've measured.
But silent? Hardly. Quiet, maybe, but there are quieter PSU options.
Silencing the Strider would not be difficult. The high speed fan is an excellent
candidate for a fan swap. The Strider uses a standard fan connector that is
easily accessible, so the operation itself should be quite easy.
The obvious problem with a swap to a slower, quieter fan is potential overheating if the PSU is asked to deliver anywhere near its rated power. Just keep in
mind that using a fan with lower airflow will probably reduce the maximum safe output capacity, as cooling at the higher loads was not the best we've seen.
For those who are not quite so concerned with noise as the average SPCR visitor, the Strider is a fine PSU. But for most SPCR regulars, there are probably better ways to spend $130
if you want a quiet, high power PSU. The Strider's strengths
are not quite enough to overcome its weaknesses — a bit too much noise beyond middling loads and less than ideal cooling at more than 50% load. If
it was cheaper, a fan swap might be a viable
option, but SilverStone is a premium brand, with prices to match.
* * *
Much thanks to SilverStone
for the opportunity to examine this power supply.
Discuss this article in the SPCR Forums.
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