Build Quality
As we already know the SilverStone DA1650 135mm fan design that is used in the same vein as 120mm fans in that these can provide for quiet cooling environments due to the ability to move a larger volume of air at slower speeds than a smaller diameter fan. The 135mm fan is just about the largest diameter fan we are likely to see in ATX power supplies given the physical constraints of the form factor. While great for quiet computing environments the key criteria in our evaluation is whether or not the cooling solution is sufficient, not necessarily its sound output level or form factor, although we certainly listen for offending units.
External Build Quality
The exterior of the SilverStone DA1650 is similar to the previous ATX12v/EPS units from SilverStone in appearance that we have seen, but just a wee bit bigger. The difference in size is not that huge, but it is noticeable since SilverStone does often put out compact ATX12v/EPS units. The Branding today gives the unit a decent look. However, the branding is mostly via stickers which is a bit lower quality than embossing or printing and those higher-quality methods would not be out of line for a unit as high end as this one. The modular interface is mapped as well, which is nice, and the fan guard is the same as what we see on most SilverStone units. Other than that, there is not much here that differs from your standard single overhead fan unit that is fully modular and features APFC.
The SilverStone DA1650 comes in at a total length of ~7 inches while the cables come in at a length of ~25″ to 31″ to the first or only connector. This makes this one of the shortest 1600W, or larger, units we know of on the market. So, while not small by ATX12v/EPS standards like a lot of SilverStone’s other units it is still very compact for what it is. Additionally, the cables are all FlexForce style cables which is excellent.
Internal Build Quality
Once we open the top of the SilverStone DA1650, we have to wonder where the power supply went. For a 1650W unit there just does not seem to be a lot here. The topology is a full bridge resonant LLC primary with a synchronous rectification secondary and DC-DC VRM’s for the minor rails.
The layout is a little less common as we do not see the normal “left-right” primary-secondary divide. Rather, in a more logical setup, the primary is by the rear edge of the main PCB while the secondary is by the modular interface PCB at the front of the unit. The fan cooling this unit today is a FDB Globe Fan fan rated at 0.45A at 12v and it is paired with four smaller heatsinks. Lastly, the soldering is generally excellent, which is not always the case with Sirfa built units, and the MOSFETs on the back of the main PCB use the housing as part of their heatsink.
The DA1650 input filtering begins up on the housing itself where we find a PCB with some X capacitors and Y capacitors. The balance of the input filtering is found on the back edge of the main PCB. There are then a pair of bridge rectifiers next in line sandwiching a large “T” shaped heatsink. The APFC coil is next and it is followed by the APFC power components on a heatsink by the edge of the main PCB. The other heatsink here houses the main switchers. Speaking of these heatsinks, the main input capacitors are stuck between them, and these 400v 820uF 105C monsters are provided by Nippon Chemi-con.
The secondary side of this unit is situated directly against the modular PCB. In the middle of this area, we find the main transformer by a pair of tiny heatsinks. These heatsinks are used by the MOSFETs which are on the back of the main PCB and they use the case as a heatsink as well. Next to this, we find the DC-DC VRMs housed on their own PCB (populated by Nippon Chemi-con solid capacitors) up against the IC protection PCB. Throughout the secondary, we see FPCAP and Nippon Chemi-con solid capacitors as well as Nippon Chemi-con standard capacitors. The modular PCB construction looks very nice and there are more FPCAP and Nippon Chemi-con solid capacitors here as well.
Build Quality Summary
Today’s SilverStone DA1650 is the biggest power supply we have seen from SilverStone in both capacity and physical size. With bigger, did come a little bit of better as well as the build quality looks very nice/excellent. This unit does lack any real “excitement” on the exterior of the unit (save for the FlexForce style cables). The integration seems to be very well done and the component selection is excellent as we see Nippon Chemi-con standard capacitors as well as Nippon Chemi-con and FPCAP solid capacitors today. We also see a FDB Globe Fan fan used in this unit. All in all, the SilverStone DA1650 is not the most visually striking unit we have seen, but it does seem to be well built where it matters. Let’s move on now to the load tests and see how this unit performs!