SFX power supply: The Ultimate Guide for Compact Builds

Tired of that massive tower dominating your desk? Dreaming of a compact PC that still crushes the latest games without sounding like a jet engine? The secret to building a powerful yet small rig isn't just the case... it's the tiny but mighty heart inside: the SFX power supply. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right one for your small form factor (SFF) build, right here in South Africa. 🚀

Corsair iCUE LINK 6500X RGB Mid-Tower ATX Dual Chamber Gaming E-ATX PC Case - Black / Compatible with reverse connector motherboards / Supports Motherboards up to E-ATX / Tempered Glass / iCUE LINK Fan Bundle included / 3 x Pre-Installed RGB Fan Included / CC-9011269-WW

R5599.00In Stock

DeepCool CH510 ZORIA Mid-Tower PC Case / Themed Edition / Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX Support / 360mm Radiator Support / Tempered Glass Panel / 1 x Pre-Installed Fan Included / CH510-ZORIA

R1499.00In Stock

Antec CX600M RGB Gaming Case - Micro-ATX & ITX Motherboard Support - Support 2x Water Cooler - Dual Chamber - Panoramic 270° View, 3 x Pre-Installed Fans Included / 0-761345-10118-9

R1299.00In Stock

Antec C5 ARGB White, 7 x 120mm ARGB PWM Fans Included, Up to 10 Fans Simultaneously, Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 Port, Seamless Tempered Glass Front & Side Panels, 360mm Radiator Support, Mid-Tower ATX PC Case / 0-761345-10034-2

R2199.00In Stock

Antec CX500M ARGB Micro ATX Gaming Case - 2 x 120mm ARGB Reverse fans + 1 x 120mm ARGB Fan - RTX 40 Compatible - Type-C - 360mm Radiator Support - Seamless Tempered Glass Front & Side Panels / 0-761345-10136-3

R1299.00In Stock

Gamdias TALOS E3 MESH Elite E-ATX Gaming Case / 3 Built-in PWM ARGB Fans / Supports Motherboards up to E-ATX / Supports Dual 360mm Radiators / Compatible with 390mm GPU / Perforated Mesh Front Panel Provides Optimal Ventilation / TALOS-E3-MESH-Elite

R1299.00In Stock

What is an SFX Power Supply and Why Do You Need One?

An SFX (Small Form Factor) power supply is a compact version of the standard ATX PSU found in most desktop PCs. Its primary advantage is its size, making it the essential choice for mini-ITX and other space-constrained builds.

But it's not just about being small. A quality SFX power supply often boasts impressive efficiency and surprisingly quiet operation. Because SFF cases have limited airflow, using a highly efficient PSU (like an 80 Plus Gold or Platinum model) is crucial. It generates less waste heat, keeping your components cooler and your fans spinning slower. This means a quieter, more stable system for those intense gaming sessions.

Choosing the Right SFX PSU for Your Build

Picking the perfect SFX power supply involves more than just finding one that fits. Here’s what to look for.

Wattage: Don't Skimp on Power

How much power do you need? It depends entirely on your components. A mid-range build with a Core i5 and an RTX 4060 might be perfectly happy with a 650W unit. But if you're squeezing a high-end CPU and a beastly GPU like an RTX 4080 into your build, you'll want to aim for 750W or higher. Always check the recommended PSU wattage for your graphics card and add a little headroom for future upgrades.

Gamemax Hype-A ATX Mid-Tower Gaming Case - White / Tempered Glass Side Panels / Support 10×120mm or 4×120mm + 4x140mm Fan Mounts / 4 Pre-installed 120mm ARGB Fans / ATX, M-ATX, Mini-ITX Motherboard Support / ATX PSU Support / HYPE-A-WH

R1699.00In Stock

Xigmatek Aqua Ultra RGB ATX Mid Tower Gaming PC Case - Black / 7 x Pre Installed ARGB Fans / EN40672

R2399.00In Stock

Xigmatek Alphard Arctic Mid Tower Gaming Case - White / Supports Motherboards up to E-ATX / 6 x Pre-Installed Fans Included / EN43833

R1599.00In Stock

MSI MPG GUNGNIR 300R Airflow Gaming Case - White / Mid-Tower Case Form Factor / EATX, ATX, M-ATX, ITX / Pre-installed 4x 120mm ARGB Fans / Tempered Glass / 306-7G21W21-W57

R3199.00In Stock

MSI MPG GUNGNIR 300R Airflow Gaming Case / Mid-Tower Case Form Factor / EATX, ATX, M-ATX, ITX / Pre-installed 4x 120mm ARGB Fans / Tempered Glass / 306-7G21R21-W57

R2999.00In Stock

Xigmatek Cubi II Arctic Gaming Case, with 7 ARGB, Supports Motherboards up to E-ATX, Lights,USB-C x1,USB 3.0 Ports x2, HDD/SSD Slots (White) / 7 x Pre-Installed ARGB Fans Included / EN45493

R2199.00In Stock

Modularity: The Key to a Clean Build ✨

In a compact case, every centimetre counts. This is where modularity is your best friend.

• Fully Modular: You only attach the cables you absolutely need. This drastically reduces clutter, improves airflow, and makes the building process much easier.
• Semi-Modular: The essential motherboard and CPU cables are permanently attached, while peripheral cables (SATA, Molex) are detachable.
• Non-Modular: All cables are attached, making cable management a real challenge in a tight space.

For any SFF build, a fully modular SFX PSU is highly recommended. The extra cost in ZAR is well worth the saved frustration.

Pairing Your PSU with the Perfect Compact Case

Your SFX power supply is only one part of the SFF puzzle; it needs a compatible home. While many mini-ITX cases are designed specifically for SFX PSUs, some larger "compact" cases might support both SFX and ATX. Using an SFX PSU in these often requires an adapter bracket but frees up valuable extra room for cables or cooling.

DEEPCOOL CG530 - White / ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX - Mid Tower / Tempered Glass / 4x 120mm ARGB Fans Pre-installed / CPU Cooler Support up to 160mm, GPU Support up to 410mm / 7x PCI Slot / 360mm Radiator Supported / Front I/O: 2x USB, 1x Type C, HD Audio / CG530-4F-WH

R1299.00In Stock

Evetech RIX Mid-Tower ATX Gaming Case - Black / RGB LED Controller / Support USB 3.0 / Supports 7 Expansion Slot / 6 x Pre-Installed ARGB Fans Included / C1936B

R1999.00In Stock

Fractal Design North Chalk White With Mesh Side Panel Case - Sleek wood and alloy for Enhanced Aesthetics - ATX, mATX, ITX Compatible - Easy-release design - Fits GPU Up to 355mm - No Fans Included - FD-C-NOR1C-03

R2999.00In Stock

Deepcool CH510 Mid-Tower ATX Computer Case/ Gaming Cabinet - White | Support - Mini-ITX / Micro-ATX / ATX / E-ATX | Pre-Installed 1 x 120mm Rear Fan / CH510 WH

R1199.00In Stock

Fractal Design Pop Silent Black - Tempered Glass Clear Tint – Bitumen panel and sound-dampening foam – TG side panel - Three 120 mm Aspect 12 fans included - ATX Silent Mid Tower PC Case / FD-C-POS1A-02

R1899.00In Stock

Cooler Master MasterBox 500 PC Case - Mid-Tower Chassis, FineMesh Front Intake & 120mm ARGB Fan, Removeable Top Panel & Tempered Glass Side Panel, Supports Motherboards up to E-ATX, Versatile Component Support, 120mm Rear Fan / MB500-KGNN-S00

R2599.00In Stock

For example, a sleek case like the Cooler Master E301 is designed for space efficiency where a compact PSU shines. Exploring the full Cooler Master's range of cases reveals many options tailored for small but powerful builds. You'll also find great value in options from brands like Gamemax, which offer features perfect for first-time SFF builders.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced system. Don't be afraid to check case specifications carefully and even watch a few build videos online. Ready to see what's possible? Why not browse our full selection of computer cases to find the perfect chassis for your next project?