Buying Guide
The Best SFX Power Supplies for Small Form Factor PCs
Six SFX and SFX-L units for small cases, compared on wattage, fan size, efficiency and the cable details that matter in tight builds.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read6 products evaluated
Small form factor cases need a small power supply, and SFX units now reach 1000W. The trade-off is fan size: most SFX units use a 92mm fan that works harder than the larger fans in ATX units.
Six SFX and SFX-L units made the list based on what their makers publish, without hands-on testing on our side. Some small-form-factor listings skip the ATX version or length, and we say where.
Before choosing, check whether your case accepts SFX-L. It allows a quieter 120mm fan, but it is longer and not every small case fits it.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best All-Round SFX
CORSAIR SF750 (2024)
Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.1 in a standard SFX body.
Best for: Most ITX builds with a mainstream or upper mid-range graphics card.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR SF750 (2024) (opens in a new tab)
Quietest at Idle
LIAN LI SP1000P
The only fan here listed to stop at low load.
Best for: Machines that idle for long periods between heavy tasks.
Our take Check price for LIAN LI SP1000P (opens in a new tab)
Largest Fan
ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum
The largest fan here (120mm).
Best for: Buyers who want a large, slow-spinning fan.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick
LIAN LI SP750 V2
The lowest price in this group when we checked.
Best for: A first build on a tight budget.
Our take Check price for LIAN LI SP750 V2 (opens in a new tab)
Best 850W SFX
CORSAIR SF850 (2024)
850W with Platinum efficiency in an SFX body.
Best for: Small builds with a demanding graphics card that need more than 750W.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR SF850 (2024) (opens in a new tab)
Best for Tight Cable Routing
Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold
A 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable and cable lengths cut for small cases.
Best for: Compact cases where the GPU power cable has little room to bend.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.1 in a standard SFX body. | Most ITX builds with a mainstream or upper mid-range graphics card. | Check price for CORSAIR SF750 (2024) (opens in a new tab) |
| The only fan here listed to stop at low load. | Machines that idle for long periods between heavy tasks. | Check price for LIAN LI SP1000P (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest fan here (120mm). | Buyers who want a large, slow-spinning fan. | Check price for ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price in this group when we checked. | A first build on a tight budget. | Check price for LIAN LI SP750 V2 (opens in a new tab) |
| 850W with Platinum efficiency in an SFX body. | Small builds with a demanding graphics card that need more than 750W. | Check price for CORSAIR SF850 (2024) (opens in a new tab) |
| A 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable and cable lengths cut for small cases. | Compact cases where the GPU power cable has little room to bend. | Check price for Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best All-Round SFX1 of 6
CORSAIR SF750 (2024) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Corsair SF750 is the all-round SFX pick, pairing Platinum efficiency with ATX 3.1 in a standard SFX body.
Best for
- Most ITX builds with a mainstream or upper mid-range graphics card.
Skip if
- You want the quietest possible unit under sustained heavy load.
Why we like it
It uses a 92mm PWM fan and 105°C-rated Japanese capacitors. The small fan works harder under heavy load than a larger one, which is the usual SFX trade-off. On efficiency tier it ties with the LIAN LI SP1000P, the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum and the CORSAIR SF850 at Platinum.
On fan size it ties with the LIAN LI SP750 V2 and the CORSAIR SF850 at 92mm. Confirm your case accepts SFX; many small cases take SFX but not the longer SFX-L. Buyers who need a confirmed warranty should compare it with the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum, which offers 10-year.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form factor: SFX, ATX 3.1
- Efficiency: 80 Plus Platinum
- Fan: 92mm fluid dynamic bearing
- Cabling: fully modular
Pros
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- Fluid dynamic bearing fan
- Fully modular cables
- 92mm PWM fan
Cons
- Small 92mm fan works harder under load
- No published warranty term
- No zero-RPM mode
Quietest at Idle2 of 6
LIAN LI SP1000P on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Lian Li SP1000P fits 1000W into a standard 100mm-deep SFX body, and its fan can stop at low load.
Best for
- Machines that idle for long periods between heavy tasks.
Skip if
- You want a clearly stated warranty term before buying.
Why we like it
It is 80 Plus Platinum and includes an SFX-to-ATX bracket, so it can move to a larger case later. The maker doesn't state an ATX version, so confirm 12V-2x6 support for your card. On efficiency tier it ties with the CORSAIR SF750, the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum and the CORSAIR SF850 at Platinum.
Confirm your case accepts SFX; many small cases take SFX but not the longer SFX-L. Confirm the exact revision supports ATX 3.1, since the product page is not consistent about it. The maker doesn't give its warranty; if that figure matters, the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum offers 10-year.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form factor: SFX
- Efficiency: 80 Plus Platinum
- Length: 100mm
- Fan: zero-RPM mode
Pros
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- Fan stops at low load
- Short 100mm body
- 1000W in a standard 100mm-deep SFX body
Cons
- No published warranty term
- ATX version not stated consistently
Largest Fan3 of 6
ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W is the quieter option if your case takes SFX-L, using a 120mm fan instead of the usual 92mm.
Best for
- Buyers who want a large, slow-spinning fan.
Skip if
- Your case only accepts standard SFX units.
Why we like it
It is 80 Plus Platinum with a LAMBDA A noise rating and a 10-year warranty. SFX-L is longer than SFX, so check your case before buying. It is Lambda A certified at under 25dB, and a 16-pin cable delivers up to 600W to PCIe 5.0 cards.
ROG heatsinks cool key parts. It matches the CORSAIR SF750, the LIAN LI SP1000P and the CORSAIR SF850 on efficiency tier (Platinum). Its 120mm fan size is the largest here; the CORSAIR SF750 comes next at 92mm.
Confirm your case accepts SFX-L; many small cases take SFX but not the longer SFX-L. Check which ATX revision your unit ships as; the product page is inconsistent.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form factor: SFX-L
- Efficiency: 80 Plus Platinum
- Fan: 120mm
- Cabling: fully modular
- Warranty: 10 years
Pros
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- 10-year warranty
- Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise rating
- Fully modular cables
Cons
- SFX-L is longer than standard SFX
- No zero-RPM mode
- ATX version not stated consistently
Best Budget Pick4 of 6
LIAN LI SP750 V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Lian Li SP750 V2 is the value SFX pick, with a 10-year warranty and a two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is fully seated.
Best for
- A first build on a tight budget.
Skip if
- You want the quietest possible unit under sustained heavy load.
Why we like it
It is Gold rather than Platinum and uses a 92mm FDB fan. It was the least expensive unit here when we checked. A 92mm FDB fan keeps it quiet, and its upgraded 3A standby rail helps USB devices while the PC sleeps.
Lian Li backs it with 10-year hardware protection. It matches the Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold on efficiency tier (Gold). It matches the CORSAIR SF750 and the CORSAIR SF850 on fan size (92mm). Confirm your case accepts SFX; many small cases take SFX but not the longer SFX-L.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form factor: SFX, ATX 3.1
- Efficiency: 80 Plus Gold
- Fan: 92mm fluid dynamic bearing
- GPU cables: 1× 12V-2x6
- Cabling: fully modular
- Warranty: 10 years
Pros
- 80 Plus Gold certified
- 10-year warranty
- Native 12V-2x6 cable
- Fluid dynamic bearing fan
Cons
- Small 92mm fan works harder under load
- No zero-RPM mode
Best 850W SFX5 of 6
CORSAIR SF850 (2024) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Corsair SF850 adds 100W over the SF750 with the same 92mm fan and Platinum efficiency.
Best for
- Small builds with a demanding graphics card that need more than 750W.
Skip if
- You want a current ATX 3.1 unit with the 12V-2x6 socket.
Why we like it
It is listed as ATX 3.0 rather than 3.1, so check how it connects to your graphics card. Choose it if you need 850W in SFX; otherwise the SF750 is the better fit. On efficiency tier it ties with the CORSAIR SF750, the LIAN LI SP1000P and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum at Platinum.
On fan size it ties with the CORSAIR SF750 and the LIAN LI SP750 V2 at 92mm. You also get 105°C-rated Japanese capacitors. Confirm your case accepts SFX; many small cases take SFX but not the longer SFX-L. Buyers who need a confirmed warranty should compare it with the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum, which offers 10-year.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form factor: SFX, ATX 3.0
- Efficiency: 80 Plus Platinum
- Fan: 92mm fluid dynamic bearing
- Cabling: fully modular
Pros
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- Fluid dynamic bearing fan
- Fully modular cables
- 92mm PWM fan
Cons
- ATX 3.0, not 3.1
- Small 92mm fan works harder under load
- No published warranty term
Best for Tight Cable Routing6 of 6
Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold is built for cramped cable routing, with a 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable and cable lengths cut for small cases.
Best for
- Compact cases where the GPU power cable has little room to bend.
Skip if
- You want a clearly stated warranty term before buying.
Why we like it
It is 80 Plus Gold. The maker doesn't state a warranty or fan details, which the Lian Li and ASUS units spell out. Its 90-degree 12VHPWR connector reduces strain on the cable at the graphics card, and the integrated LLC design helps cooling in a small case.
It is built for mini-ITX builds. On efficiency tier it ties with the LIAN LI SP750 V2 at Gold. Confirm your case accepts SFX; many small cases take SFX but not the longer SFX-L. If efficiency tier is your priority, the CORSAIR SF750 (Platinum) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Form factor: SFX, ATX 3.1
- Efficiency: 80 Plus Gold
- GPU cables: 1× 12V-2x6
Pros
- 80 Plus Gold certified
- Native 12V-2x6 cable
- 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable for tight cases
- Cable lengths cut for small-form-factor builds
Cons
- No published warranty term
- No zero-RPM mode
How We Chose These SFX Power Supplies
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Warranty and build
- We compared warranty length and listed component details such as capacitor ratings.
- Connectors
- We recorded native 12V-2x6 support and PCIe connector counts from each listing, because connectors decide GPU compatibility.
- Fan and noise
- We compared fan size, bearing, semi-passive modes and listed noise certifications.
- Physical fit
- We recorded form factor and stated length, which decide whether a unit fits your case at all.
What to Look for in SFX Power Supplies
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
SFX, SFX-L and ATX brackets
SFX units are 100mm deep; SFX-L units are longer to fit a 120mm fan. Many small cases accept SFX but not SFX-L.
If you want to use an SFX unit in an ATX case, you need an adapter bracket; some units include one.
Expect more fan noise from SFX
SFX power supplies use small fans, usually 92mm, that spin faster under load. In a compact case with little airflow, they can be the loudest part.
If noise matters and your case allows it, consider SFX-L.
Read Cybenetics, not just 80 Plus
80 Plus checks efficiency at a few load points. Cybenetics measures across many load levels and also rates noise, from A++ down.
When a listing gives both, the Cybenetics rating tells you more about everyday use.
Match cables to your graphics card
Before comparing wattage, look up the power sockets on your exact graphics card. Each socket needs its own matching cable from the power supply.
Partner cards built on the same GPU can differ, so use the model number, not the chip name.
Keep each unit's own cables
It is tempting to keep the cables already routed in your case. Don't: pinouts at the PSU end vary between brands and models, and a mismatched cable can destroy components.
Use only the cables supplied with the new unit.
12V-2x6 is a socket change
ATX 3.1 replaced the 12VHPWR socket with 12V-2x6, whose shorter sense pins keep power off until the plug is fully inserted. The cable itself did not change.
Push the plug in until it clicks and avoid bending the cable sharply at the connector.
How to Choose SFX Power Supplies
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most ITX builds with a mainstream or upper mid-range graphics card | CORSAIR SF750 | Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.1 in a standard SFX body |
| Machines that idle for long periods between heavy tasks | LIAN LI SP1000P | The only fan here listed to stop at low load |
| Buyers who want a large, slow-spinning fan | ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum | The largest fan here (120mm) |
| A first build on a tight budget | LIAN LI SP750 V2 | The lowest price in this group when we checked |
| Small builds with a demanding graphics card that need more than 750W | CORSAIR SF850 | 850W with Platinum efficiency in an SFX body |
| Compact cases where the GPU power cable has little room to bend | Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold | A 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable and cable lengths cut for small cases |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By graphics card cables
Counts as stated in each listing; check your card's power sockets against them.
| Power supply | Native 12V-2x6 | PCIe 6+2 |
|---|---|---|
| CORSAIR SF750 | Not listed | Not listed |
| LIAN LI SP1000P | Not listed | Not listed |
| ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum | Not listed | Not listed |
| LIAN LI SP750 V2 | 1 | Not listed |
| CORSAIR SF850 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold | 1 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | LIAN LI SP750 V2, Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold, ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum |
| About $150 to $250 | CORSAIR SF750, LIAN LI SP1000P, CORSAIR SF850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an SFX power supply powerful enough for a high-end GPU?
SFX units now reach 1000W. Check your card's recommended wattage and connectors, as you would for ATX.
Can I put an SFX power supply in an ATX case?
Yes, with an SFX-to-ATX adapter bracket. Some units, such as the Lian Li SP1000P, include one.
What changed between ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1?
Mainly the GPU power socket: ATX 3.1 uses 12V-2x6, whose shorter sense pins cut power if the plug isn't fully seated.
Do I need an adapter for a 12V-2x6 graphics card?
Not with the picks here. Every unit offers a native 12V-2x6 cable or suitable PCIe connectors, so an adapter adds an extra plug for no benefit.
Is a Platinum power supply worth paying more for?
Mainly for heavy, sustained loads or very quiet builds. For typical gaming, fit, connectors and warranty matter more.
How do I know a power supply will fit my case?
Find the maximum PSU length in your case manual and compare it with the unit's depth, leaving room for the modular plugs.
Bottom Line
The Corsair SF750 is the all-round SFX pick, with Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.1. The Lian Li SP1000P is the choice for a high-power card, with 1000W in a standard SFX body and a zero-RPM fan, and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W is the quieter option if your case takes SFX-L.
The Lian Li SP750 V2 is the value pick with a 10-year warranty, the Corsair SF850 adds wattage (as an ATX 3.0 unit), and the Cooler Master V750 suits cramped cable routing.