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Verdict: the original SilverStone Strider ST50F was a capable budget 500 W power supply when Hardware Secrets tested it in 2008. It delivered its rated output near 50 °C, regulated voltage well and produced acceptable ripple. In 2026, however, an approximately 18-year-old unit with aging capacitors, obsolete GPU connectors, unclear combined 12 V documentation and no current warranty should generally be replaced rather than reused.
Which SilverStone ST50F is this?
This review concerns the original Strider ST50F tested by Hardware Secrets on April 25, 2008 (the page carries a February 24, 2023 update marker). It is not a review of every SilverStone supply with a similar name. SilverStone lists the ST50F-ES, ST50F-ES230, ST50F-PB, ST50F-ESB and ST50F-ESG as separate products, alongside models such as ET500, ET500-B and ST500P. They have different platforms, certifications and cable sets. Check the complete model suffix and label against SilverStone’s comparison table before treating any result as applicable: SilverStone PSU comparison.
Original specifications and construction
| Item | Original ST50F review detail |
|---|---|
| Rated output | 500 W historical rating |
| Manufacturer identified by reviewer | FSP |
| Power factor correction | Active PFC |
| Cooling | 120 mm fan |
| 12 V arrangement | Two virtual rails |
| Efficiency claim | SilverStone stated approximately 80% typical efficiency; the review did not establish 80 PLUS Bronze certification |
| Capacitors | Taiwanese CapXon electrolytics identified in the teardown |
| Monitoring IC | PS223, supporting OVP, UVP, OCP and OTP functions; OPP was not supported according to the teardown |
| Warranty and launch price | Three years and $67 at Newegg, both historical 2008 figures |
The teardown found no MOV in the transient-filtering stage. Most conductors were 18 AWG; the low-current −12 V and power-good wires were 24 AWG. Cables were not sleeved. Hardware Secrets noted similarities to Zalman ZM360B-APS and possibly ZM460B-APS platforms, but that observation does not prove the units are identical.
The Tool Desk
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- One 20/24-pin motherboard connector
- Two ATX12V plugs that together form an EPS12V connection
- Two 6-pin PCIe plugs on one cable
- Six SATA connectors
- Six peripheral/Molex connectors and one floppy connector
The first virtual 12 V rail fed the motherboard, peripheral cables and one ATX12V plug. The second fed the auxiliary video cable and the other ATX12V plug. Hardware Secrets found conflicting combined-rail figures: 29 A (348 W) on the retail box versus 36 A (432 W) on SilverStone’s website. Do not calculate headroom from the higher number without confirming the exact revision.
#1 Best Overall
- High efficiency with 80 PLUS certification
- Continuous 24/7 output at an operating temperature of 40 degrees C
- Premium single +12V rail
- Active PFC circuit
- Supports 8-pin and 6-pin PCIe connectors
The two PCIe plugs are 6-pin, not modern 6+2-pin connectors, and share one cable path. There is no native 12VHPWR or 12V-2×6 connector. A 6-pin plug should not be treated as an 8-pin plug, and adapters are a poor solution for a modern high-power graphics card. Never reuse modular cables from another PSU; the original ST50F’s cables should be considered specific to that unit.
Hardware Secrets load-test results
Hardware Secrets tested five load points plus a second full-load pattern, using 115 V AC. Room and PSU temperatures reached approximately 49–50 °C at full load. Every listed point passed that publication’s load, voltage-stability and ripple/noise checks.
| Output load | Approximate load level | Efficiency at 115 V |
|---|---|---|
| 103.1 W | 20.6% | 85.9% |
| 194.6 W | 38.9% | 86.5% |
| 296.7 W | 59.3% | 85.8% |
| 398.5 W | 79.7% | 84.1% |
| 501.2 W | 100.2%, lower-12 V pattern | 80.6% |
| 499.8 W | 100% pattern with greater 12 V loading | 82.1% |
These are historical laboratory measurements, not a current retest and not a statement about surviving units. The sample stayed above 85% through roughly 300 W, measured about 84% near 400 W and fell to roughly 81–82% at full output. Calling the original model “80 PLUS Bronze” would be incorrect unless a particular retail label independently proves that certification.
Rank #2
- POWER OUTPUT: 500W ATX power supply unit designed to deliver reliable power for desktop computer systems and components
- EFFICIENCY RATING: 80 PLUS certified for energy efficiency, featuring Active PFC (Power Factor Correction) technology to reduce power consumption and heat generation
- COMPATIBILITY: Standard ATX form factor ensures compatibility with most mid-tower and full-tower PC cases with ATX power supply mounting
- COMPREHENSIVE CABLE SET: Includes multiple power connectors with braided cable sleeving for organized cable management and connection to motherboards, graphics cards, storage drives, and peripherals
- COOLING SYSTEM: Equipped with a 120mm cooling fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures and ensure stable performance during extended use
Voltage regulation and ripple
All outputs except −12 V remained within 3% of nominal voltage during the test. The −12 V rail ranged from −11.10 V to −11.43 V, which the reviewer regarded as within the then-applicable 10% tolerance.
At approximately 500 W, reported peak-to-peak ripple was:
| Rail | Ripple/noise |
|---|---|
| +12V1 | 56 mV |
| +12V2 | 46.6 mV |
| +5 V | 23.6 mV |
| +3.3 V | 26.5 mV |
| −12 V | 93.6 mV |
The reviewer considered the principal rails within the referenced ATX limits, although competing supplies produced lower ripple. The −12 V result was a particular weakness. Passing an old test limit means the measured sample was acceptable under that methodology; it does not make the unit unusually clean by current standards. See the complete measurements at Hardware Secrets’ test results.
Rank #3
- High efficiency with 80 PLUS Bronze certification
- 24/7 continuous power output with 40℃ operating temperature
- 100% modular cables with flexible flat arrays
- Class-leading single +12V rail
- Strict 3% Voltage regulation and low ripple & noise
Rated power, overload and protection
The reviewed unit delivered approximately 500 W in both full-load patterns at around 50 °C. Hardware Secrets measured a maximum of 598.5 W at 45.6 °C, but this was an experimental maximum, not a safe continuous rating or a design target.
Over-current protection (OCP) and short-circuit protection (SCP) were tested and activated. OVP, UVP and OTP were not independently tested. The PS223 controller supported several of those functions, but the teardown indicated no OPP (over-power protection). OCP on monitored rails is not the same as complete protection against excessive total PSU power. This explains how a review can report working OCP while also criticizing the absence of an overload-protection circuit. Hardware Secrets’ protection discussion is documented on its teardown page and conclusion page.
What those results mean in 2026
Why it was attractive when new
- It reached its 500 W rating at a demanding approximately 50 °C test temperature.
- Voltage regulation was strong on the main rails.
- Efficiency was respectable for a mainstream 2008 design.
- It offered six SATA and six peripheral connectors at a low historical price.
Why age changes the decision
- Electrolytic capacitors can lose performance after years of heat, storage and electrical stress, increasing ripple or causing startup and shutdown faults.
- A worn 120 mm fan can allow overheating under load.
- The platform lacks native 8-pin PCIe, 12VHPWR and 12V-2×6 support.
- The 12 V documentation is contradictory, and rail allocation may constrain a CPU/GPU combination.
- The original three-year warranty is long expired for surviving units.
- A low used price does not offset the risk to other components or data.
Should you use an original ST50F?
Reasonable only in limited situations
A period-correct retro PC, low-power diagnostic bench or hardware-history project may justify evaluation. Inspect the label and cables, test the fan, measure output under load and, ideally, have the unit assessed with professional PSU equipment. Do not open or probe a PSU unless qualified; capacitors can retain hazardous charge.
Rank #4
- Supports standard SFX form factor and ATX via included bracket
- 80 PLUS Bronze level efficiency (82%~85% efficiency at 20%~100% loading)
- Class-leading single +12V rail with 36A
- Single PCI-E 8pin and dual PCI-E 6pin connectors support
- Active PFC
Replace it for modern or valuable systems
Replacement is the responsible choice for a current gaming PC, workstation, sustained CPU/GPU loads, any graphics card requiring 8-pin or 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 power, an unknown-condition second-hand unit, or a system where component or data loss would be costly. Stop using it for burning smells, bulging capacitors, fan grinding, unstable startup, intermittent shutdowns or unusual electrical noise.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to buy instead
Choose a currently sold, warrantied PSU selected for the complete system rather than the old model number. Verify:
Recommended Free Tools
- Native connectors for the exact graphics card, with separate PCIe cables where required
- Modern protection coverage and a current ATX specification appropriate to the platform
- Independent contemporary testing
- An efficiency certification suitable for your operating profile
- Enough capacity for measured peak demand plus sensible headroom
- An intact model label, return rights and manufacturer warranty
SilverStone’s current comparison page lists distinct newer options including ST50F-PB (500 W, 80 PLUS Bronze), ET500, ET500-B, ST50F-ESB and ST50F-ESG, plus lower-capacity models such as ET450-B. Their specifications and availability vary by region; do not assume that a shared “ST50F” prefix means shared internals.
Best Value
- Supports standard SFX form factor and ATX via included bracket
- 500W 24/7 continuous power output with 40℃ operating temperature
- Silent running 92 mm fan with 18dBA minimum
- Japanese primary capacitor
- High efficiency with 80 PLUS Bronze certification
Final assessment
Historical verdict: Hardware Secrets’ sample was a solid budget performer for 2008, with full rated output at high temperature, good regulation and acceptable—though not class-leading—ripple. The missing MOV, absent or unclear total overload protection and conflicting 12 V ratings kept it from a top award.
2026 verdict: treat the original ST50F as legacy hardware. Its age, capacitor and fan risk, outdated connectors and uncertain condition outweigh its historical test results. Keep one for a carefully controlled retro or test project; replace it in a modern or valuable PC.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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