ATX vs. SFX: Which power supply (PSU) standard is best for your PC?
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ATX vs. SFX: Which power supply (PSU) standard is best for your PC?
ATX vs. SFX: It’s all in the size
The important point to remember is that these two terms relate to a size of power supply, not a spec. One isn’t necessarily better than the other.
And that’s physical size, too, not capacity. SFX power supplies are physically smaller units than ATX power supplies, and that’s the main reason you’d want one.
An increasing number of small form factor PC cases simply don’t have the space required for a full ATX power supply. That’s where SFX comes in.
ATX is the most likely choice
It’s possible to get confused when considering an ATX power supply if you’re also using a Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboard in your PC. The size of the motherboard will always be described in your case. But ATX power supplies don’t only apply to ATX cases.
In fact, you’re more than likely going to need an ATX power supply. As above, unless your case specifically states that you need an SFX power supply, then you’ll be OK with a normal ATX one.
Upgrading your PC and reusing the SFX power supply
If you need an SFX power supply now but in the future need to upgrade to a bigger PC case, you can re-use it. As the SFX size is smaller than ATX, you’ll have no trouble fitting it in physically.
But, since they occupy very different footprints, you may need an adapter toproperly mount an SFX power supplywhere normally you would use an ATX. It’ll vary on a case-by-case basis, but don’t just assume you’ll have to throw it out.
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Our recommendations
If you’re in the market for either an ATX or SFX power supply, these are currently our top recommendations for each.
FSP makes great power supplies for the likes of EVGA and Cooler Master, but the company’s own branded PSUs are also worth considering. The Dagger Pro 850W is a great choice for a modern SFF PC build.
The best power plant for your PC
You’ll find it difficult to find a better value PSU than this EVGA example. It’s rated for 80 Plus Platinum and has enough power for gaming PCs.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you’ll find him steering the site’s coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon atmstdn.social/@richdevine
