Which PSU for ITX server

[apmallett]

In progress of picking parts for my new build itx server using the Lian Li Q25b chassis. Looking at running Asrock A85 board and A4 5300 chip, 4gb ram. Stuck on the PSU.

Even though space is a premium, the chassis takes a standard ATX PSU, although length is limited to 180mm and even at that it is a very tight squeeze. So I have three PSUs shortlisted.

BE Quiet L8 300/350w
Seasonic SS360w

Or the SFX option which would give me more room

Be Quiet SFX 300/350w

Best proposition? Will there be a real word difference between bronze and gold. Not really seen SFX PSUs before either so any experiences?

[AETAaAS]

Hard to say with your use case, you may enter into the 80Plus tested range (since they only rate at PSU loads of 20% and up) and on a server like you specified, you are probably going to spend a lot of time below the 20% load line which means the certifications are not a reliable indication of the PSU's efficiency.

Of those you chose, I'm inclined to go with the Seasonic because I'm guessing it will stay more efficient than the Bequiet and also generate less heat that needs venting (and hopefully lower fan use). I'd avoid the SFX PSU because you will have to fabricate an adapter plate and potentially end up with a noisier little fan.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Seasonic G 360W is still 80+ efficient at 10% load:

http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Cases-a...ential-Tempera

[Macadee]

Have you considered a modular PSU to save some space?

[AETAaAS]

The Seasonic G 360W is still 80+ efficient at 10% load:

http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Cases-a...ential-Tempera

Sounds good to me. Being a server, you get to enjoy additional efficiency that little bit more.

[apmallett]

The Seasonic G 360W is still 80+ efficient at 10% load:

http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Cases-a...ential-Tempera

Thanks all. the Seasonic looks the best bet, especially at the 10% load efficiency which looks interesting. It was a little more than I was wanting to spend but value for money and importantly noise look like a bonus. Over the life of the server I am sure the price difference will pay out, and you cant account for waf factor for noise.

Have you considered a modular PSU to save some space?

Unfortunately with the clearance the case gives a modular doesn't work great because the slight extra length that the cables need, although a pity as I would have liked to save the cable mess

[peterb]

I have used one of the these in an itx buildm fitting it into a 2u high case with enough clearence to get good cooling.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/450w-...r-80-plus-gold

Bit more expensive than the Be Quiet! models, but it is modular.

I am planning to use this for another build soon. It is SFF with an atx adaptor plate so it is quite versatile.

Or this

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/450w-...an-sfx-eps-12v

Which doesn't appear to be modular, but is SFF - again with an adaptor plate for an atx case.