Performance Analysis

We don't really expect any PSUs from major manufacturers to fall outside of the key specifications, but it's always good to see the numbers for ourselves. The SFX L Power 500W handles 12V delivery just fine, deviating by less than 1.5 percent at most.

The main efficiency results are right where you'd expect them to be for a PSU certified as 80 Plus Gold, and it's on the money when it comes to low loads as well.

Ripple results are strong as well. The unit is well within specifications and able to compete with other Gold-rated PSUs.

There's always room for a fan to be quieter, but the 120mm model here never reached a level that we'd call loud. It's capped at 1,350 RPM, which helps, and unless you are really chasing low noise as a priority we can't see it bothering you.

Conclusion

The SFX L Power 500W is a solid PSU all-round that ticks many a box: build quality, electrical performance, full modularity, selection and design of cables, and fairly low noise. One feature we might request is a semi-passive fan, but it's practically inaudible at idle levels anyway, so this would really just be scratching an itch.

There is a thorn in the unit's side, however, which is that SilverStone's competing 500W SFX-L power supply is £20 cheaper. It does offer considerably less connectivity, however – half the number of PCIe and SATA headers, in fact. That said, how relevant such an abundance of connectors is to a 500W small form factor PSU is questionable. On the other side, Be Quiet!'s own 600W version of this power supply can currently be had for under £110, making it easily the better deal – we'd point you in that direction instead.