The SP750 SFX Gold Review: Lian Li's First SFX Power Supply
by E. Fylladitakis on July 12, 2021 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- PSUs
- 80Plus Gold
- 750W
- SFF
- Lian Li
- SFX
- SP750
Cold Test Results (Room Ambient Temperature)
For our power supply testing, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts. For a thorough explanation of our testing methodology and more details on our equipment, please refer to our How We Test PSUs post.
The efficiency of the Lian Li SP750 is good – and it had to be, considering the very high output and its small size. The unit meets the 80Plus Gold certification limit of 90% efficiency at 20% load when powered from a 230V AC source. When powered from a 115V AC source, the low load efficiency is actually even higher, easily granting the SP750 its 80Plus Gold certification. The average efficiency of the SP750 across its nominal load range is 91.3% when powered from a 230V AC source, or 89.7% when powered from a 115V AC source.
Lian Li has the SP750 designed so as to operate without turning on its fan up to 40% load (300 Watts). To be exact, the thermal control of the PSU is tuned so as to turn on the fan when the internal temperature of the unit reaches 60°C. At a room temperature of 25°C, that would happen when the load is about 300 Watts, hence Lian Li’s specification. With our higher room temperature, the fan started earlier, with the thermal control circuit starting the fan almost exactly at an internal temperature of 60°C.
The 92 mm fan started when our load was just over 200 Watts, with relatively low noise figures for a fan this size. Its double ball bearing engine is audible just as soon as the fan starts but stays at comfortable levels unit the load reaches about 550 Watts. At higher loads, the fan will be clearly audible from a distance, yet not unexpectedly so all things considered.
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kdogg4536 - Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - link
$140 I think I will pass until they build up a proven track record for that much money. One good review is a nice start but not enough to get my $140kaidenshi - Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - link
I'd take it at that price. I paid $99 for the 550W Focus SFX PSU in my mini-ITX build, and I would have gladly paid $50 more for a 750W from a company with a better reliability record if it had been available at the time.Foeketijn - Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - link
It always interests me, how these business plans enfold. If I was Lian Li and wanted to make such a A grade >100 dollar PSU, I would go to the best name brands, who are coincidental also in Taiwan.Make sure it has for example the best cooling fan and only Japanese parts. Just to make sure that first new product sets the stage for whatever comes next.
Especially For a Taiwanese company, how come it's a Chinese PSU with Chinese parts (other than the fan). Why take the risk? Why not support your local industries?
I try to avoid buying stuff from China as much as possible because I don't like the politics, and slavery. We vote with our spending. And I'm not Taiwanese. Fascinating
Jasonovich - Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - link
I don't think geopolitical sentiments have any value on an IT website. Most brand names have their operations outsourced to China and some very fine quality electronic components come from China.If you're into main stream media and you believe everything your government says that's fine, enjoy your poison but slavery?
What about Nike, Addidas, Apple, the list is long.I assume you're OK with Israel and apartheid ?
Questor - Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - link
If it stays on topic, geopolitical statements can be valuable information to inform the consumer. When it veers off topic, then it has no value.Foeketijn - Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - link
Interesting reply. I am not saying China can't make propper stuff. I am just saying, the best PSU's are made in Taiwan. Why gamble with an relatively unknown producer.And ofcourse geopolitics play a role. I don't think Australians will outsource much to China ATM. Just like Indians won't likely outsource anything to Pakistan.
It's not black an white. And has it's place on any website including IT. As long as it's ontopic.
Off topic, you guessed right, I never buy anything from those brands. And that list is indeed very long. I am not against China, I don't like most things about globalisation (I do like that I can write this to you), and I hate slavery. Can't proof you didn't use slavery? I won't buy.
WonkoTheSaneUK - Thursday, July 15, 2021 - link
"What is strange here is the presence of three PCI Express connectors, because the SP750 clearly has the power output for two middle-range graphics cards but the lack of a fourth connector deprives users from that choice."3 PCIe connectors isn't strange at all.
750W is enough power to run a Nvidia RTX3080 or RTX3090 graphics card, and some of the AIB cards require 3 such connectors, instead of Nvidia's new, smaller single 12-pin connector, used on the "Founder's Edition" cards.
eldakka - Sunday, July 18, 2021 - link
I think the comment was about ONLY having 3 connectors on a 750W PSU, as it is capable of running 2 GPUs each requiring 2 connectors for a total of 4, which this PSU doesn't have.I don't see it as a problem for gamers, as they'd most likely go for a single high-power card (max 3 connectors needed), but gaming isn't the only use case out there ;)
faaaaq - Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - link
I just grabbed the 011 Mini deal from Newegg that came with this, for like $200. My first SFX PSU and man is it teeny tiny. Powering my heavily-overclocked 5950x, moderately overclocked 3080 FE, nine RGB fans, two water pumps (GPU and CPU are each on their own AIO cooling loops), and 4000mhz DDR4. No issues so far but Ive only had it since yesterday, replacing my Seasonic 750w ATX PSU and CoolerMaster H500. I had not looked up reviews before purchasing the case + PSU combo, so its nice to see the PSU ended up being very high quality. Nice.