Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply vs Apevia SFX 500W Small Form (2026): Key Differences
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When you compare the apevia sfx ap400w mini itx solution vs sfx ap500w mini itx solution, you are looking at two compact power options for small builds. Both units share the same SFX dimensions and Mini ITX compatibility, making them direct physical replacements for one another. The primary difference lies in their power output and connector configurations. The 400W model offers a baseline of 400 watts, while the 500W variant provides additional capacity and slightly different cable options. You need to decide which power headroom matches your component list.
Key differences
| Aspect | Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply | Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 400W | 500W |
| CPU Power Connector | 1 x 4pin 12V(P4) | 1 x 8pin 12V(P4+4) |
| SATA Connectors | 2 x SATA | 3 x SATA |
| Floppy Connector | 1 x 4pin Floppy | not listed |
| Weight | 2.03 pounds | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply if
- You have a low-power Mini ITX build that does not exceed 400 watts.
- You need a legacy Floppy connector for older drives.
- You prefer a lighter power supply unit for easier installation in tight cases.
Choose Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply if
- You plan to use a CPU that requires an 8-pin power connector.
- You need to connect three SATA devices simultaneously.
- You want 100 extra watts of headroom for future component upgrades.
Verdict: The Apevia SFX 400W is sufficient for entry-level small form factor systems with modest power demands. The Apevia SFX 500W is the better choice if you require an 8-pin CPU connector or need extra SATA ports. Choose the 500W model if your total system wattage approaches the 400W limit.
Apevia SFX 400W vs 500W Comparison
Wattage Output
The most obvious difference is the power rating. The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply delivers 400 watts of total power. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply provides 500 watts. This 100-watt gap matters if you plan to install a high-performance graphics card or multiple drives. The 500W unit offers more headroom for demanding components. The 400W model is sufficient for basic systems with low power requirements. You should match the wattage to your specific component list to avoid strain.
Form Factor Fit
Both units share identical physical dimensions. The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply measures 125mm by 100mm by 63.5mm. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply is also 125mm by 100mm by 63.5mm. They both fit into Mini ITX cases that support SFX power supplies. You can swap one for the other without changing your case. The footprint remains the same regardless of the wattage increase. This consistency makes upgrading easier if you need more power later.
CPU Power Connector
The connector options differ slightly for the CPU. The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply includes one 4-pin 12V (P4) connector. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply features an 8-pin 12V (P4+4) connector. The 8-pin unit can split into a 4+4 configuration for older motherboards. This provides more flexibility for various CPU power requirements. The 4-pin only model may limit compatibility with newer boards needing 8-pin support. You should check your motherboard manual for the required connector type.
Storage Connectors
Storage connectivity varies between the two models. The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply provides two SATA connectors. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply offers three SATA connectors. If you plan to install multiple hard drives or SSDs, the extra port on the 500W unit is useful. Both models include two 4-pin Molex connectors for older devices. The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply also lists one 4-pin Floppy connector. The 500W unit lists only Molex for non-SATA devices.
Cooling System
The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply uses an 80mm fan with automatic thermal sensing. The data for the Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply does not specify the fan size or type. Both units are compact, so cooling efficiency is important. The 80mm fan in the 400W model is standard for this form factor. You should assume the 500W model also uses a similar fan size for proper airflow. However, the specific cooling mechanism is only confirmed for the 400W unit in the provided specifications.
Which Apevia SFX unit suits your build
Users needing extra headroom for components
Choose the Apevia SFX 500W if your system demands more power. It provides 500 watts total output compared to the 400-watt limit of the other model. The 100-watt difference supports higher-end components or future upgrades. This unit maintains the same compact SFX dimensions, ensuring it fits your small form factor case without requiring any changes to your chassis design.
Budget-conscious builders with low power needs
Select the Apevia SFX 400W if your build has modest power requirements. It delivers 400 watts of total power, which is sufficient for entry-level or mid-range systems. The unit features an 80mm fan for cooling and includes essential connectors like a 20+4pin main cable and a 6/8pin PCIe connector. It offers a reliable power solution for small builds that do not require high wattage.
Users wanting flexible connector options
Pick the Apevia SFX 500W for better connector versatility. It includes three SATA ports instead of two, offering more storage connection options. The 8pin CPU connector splits into 4+4, and the PCIe connector splits into 6+2. This adaptability ensures compatibility with motherboards and graphics cards that use older or specific pin configurations, providing a more flexible installation experience for various hardware combinations.
The products compared
Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply
Best for: low-power Mini ITX builds
- Wattage
- 400W
- PCIe Connector Type
- 6/8pin PCIe
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Form Factor
- Mini ITX
- Dimensions
- 5 × 4 × 2.5 inches
- Weight
- 2.03 pounds
View on Amazon: Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply Affiliate link
The Apevia SFX-AP400W is a compact 400W power supply designed for Mini ITX builds. It features an 80mm thermal-sensing fan and fully sleeved cables. The unit provides a 20+4 pin main connector, one PCIe connector, and standard SATA and Molex outputs. Its small dimensions make it suitable for tight cases, though the 400W limit restricts high-end GPU usage.
Pros
- Compact 125mm x 100mm x 63.5mm form factor
- Fully sleeved cables for cleaner builds
- 80mm automatically thermal sensing fan
- Includes 20+4 pin main, PCIe, SATA, and Molex connectors
Cons
- 400W wattage limits high-power components
- Single PCIe connector restricts GPU options
- 80mm fan may be louder under load
Good fit if
- You are building a Mini ITX system
- You need a compact power supply for tight cases
- You have low-power components
Skip if
- You require more than 400W of power
- You plan to use high-end GPUs
- You need multiple PCIe connectors
Verdict: Apevia SFX-AP400W 400W Mini ITX PSU fits users with small cases and low-power needs. It is not suitable for high-performance gaming rigs.
Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply
Best for: Mini ITX builds needing 500W
- Wattage
- 500W
- PCIe Connector Type
- 6+2
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Form Factor
- Mini ITX
- Dimensions
- 4.92 × 3.94 × 2.5 inches
View on Amazon: Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply Affiliate link
This Apevia SFX-AP500W delivers 500W of power in a compact 125 x 100 x 63.5mm SFX frame. It includes a 24-pin main connector, an 8-pin CPU cable, and a 6+2 pin PCIe connector. The design supports Mini ITX and Micro ATX builds. You get versatile connectivity for motherboards and graphics cards. This unit fits small form factor cases where space is tight.
Pros
- 500W output capacity
- Compact SFX dimensions of 4.92 x 3.94 x 2.5 inches
- Splitable 24-pin, 8-pin, and 6+2 pin connectors
- Includes SATA and Molex connectors
Cons
- Requires all cables to be connected to power on
- Limited to SFX form factor compatibility
Good fit if
- You need a 500W supply for a Mini ITX build
- You require splitable connectors for older motherboards
- You are building in a tight Micro ATX case
Skip if
- You need more than 500W of power
- You require a standard ATX form factor
- You want a PSU that powers on with just the main cable
Verdict: Apevia SFX 500W Mini ITX PSU provides reliable 500W power in a small frame for Mini ITX builders. It suits users who need splitable connectors for flexible motherboard compatibility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply | Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 400W | 500W |
| PCIe Connector Type | 6/8pin PCIe | 6+2 |
| Fan Size | 80mm | 80mm |
| Form Factor | Mini ITX | Mini ITX |
| Dimensions | 5 × 4 × 2.5 inches | 4.92 × 3.94 × 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.03 pounds | not stated |
| Model | SFX-AP400W | SFX-AP500W |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Apevia SFX 400W fit in standard SFX cases?
Yes, the Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply is designed for Mini ITX systems. It measures 4 inches wide, 2.5 inches high, and 5 inches long. These dimensions match the standard SFX form factor. You can install it in most small form factor cases that support SFX units without any issues.
Is the Apevia SFX 500W smaller than the 400W model?
The Apevia SFX 500W is slightly more compact in width and length. It measures 3.94 inches wide and 4.92 inches long. The 400W model is 4 inches wide and 5 inches long. Both share the same 2.5-inch height. The 500W unit saves a small amount of space in tight builds.
Can I use the Apevia SFX 500W for a gaming PC?
The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply is suitable for Mini ITX builders needing 500 watts. It provides reliable power for systems that require more headroom than the 400W model offers. It suits users who need splitable connectors for flexible motherboard compatibility in their gaming or workstation builds.
What is the weight difference between the two Apevia SFX units?
The Apevia SFX 400W Power Supply weighs 2.03 pounds. The weight of the Apevia SFX 500W is not specified in the product data. You should check the specific packaging or manual for the 500W unit's exact weight if that detail is critical for your installation constraints.
Are both power supplies compatible with Mini ITX motherboards?
Yes, both units are built for Mini ITX systems. The Apevia SFX 400W and the Apevia SFX 500W both feature the Mini ITX form factor. This ensures they work with small motherboards and fit into compact cases designed for SFX power supplies, providing a direct physical replacement for existing setups.
Which model offers more power for future upgrades?
The Apevia SFX 500W provides 500 watts of total output. This is 100 watts more than the 400W model. If you plan to add more components or use higher-end parts, the 500W unit gives you more headroom. It is the better choice for systems demanding greater electrical capacity.