Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply vs Apevia SFX 500W Small Form: Spec Comparison
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This comparison examines the apevia tfx ap300w 300w tfx power vs sfx ap500w mini itx solution micro. Both units are Apevia power supplies designed for compact PC builds. They share a standard height of 2.5 inches, fitting into small chassis slots. The main difference lies in their form factor and output capacity. One uses the TFX standard with 300W, while the other uses the SFX standard with 500W. Your case size and component power needs will determine which fits best.
Key differences
| Aspect | Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply | Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | TFX | SFX (Mini ITX) |
| Wattage | 300W | 500W |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 6.75 x 3.23 x 2.5 inches | 4.92 x 3.94 x 2.5 inches |
| Fan Size | 80mm | not listed |
| Weight | 2.1 pounds | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply if
- You have a chassis that strictly supports TFX power supplies.
- Your system components require no more than 300W of total power.
- You prefer a longer unit that extends further into the case for better airflow management.
Choose Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply if
- You need higher power output for more demanding components.
- Your case is designed for the smaller SFX form factor.
- You want a more compact footprint with a shorter length to save internal space.
Verdict: Choose the Apevia 300W TFX if your case requires that specific form factor and your power needs are modest. Select the Apevia SFX 500W if you need more wattage or have a case that supports the smaller SFX standard. Match the physical dimensions and power rating to your specific hardware constraints.
TFX 300W vs SFX 500W Specs
Form factor fit
The Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply uses the TFX form factor, measuring 6.75 inches in length. This makes it longer than the SFX unit. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply measures 4.92 inches in length. Both share a height of 2.5 inches. You must check your chassis depth carefully. TFX cases accept TFX units. SFX cases accept SFX units. While SFX is often compatible with TFX slots via adapters, the physical dimensions differ. The TFX unit is significantly longer. This affects cable routing and component clearance in tight builds. Choose the form factor that matches your case exactly.
Wattage capacity
Power output is a major differentiator here. The Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply provides 300W of total power. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply delivers 500W. This is a substantial difference for small form factor builds. The SFX unit offers 66% more power. You can support more demanding components with the 500W unit. The 300W unit is limited to lighter duty tasks. If you plan to use a dedicated graphics card, the higher wattage of the SFX model is likely necessary. The TFX unit may struggle with high-power components. Always check your system's total power draw before choosing.
Voltage regulation
Voltage stability is critical for component longevity. The Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply specifies a 5% tolerance for its 5V, 3.3V, and 12V outputs. The published data for the Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply does not list voltage tolerance percentages. Without this specific data point for the SFX unit, we cannot directly compare their regulation precision. Both units provide essential rails. The TFX unit explicitly lists its tolerance. The SFX unit lists connector options but not regulation specs. You may need to consult the manufacturer for SFX tolerance details. Based on available data, the TFX unit provides clearer regulation information.
Connector flexibility
Connector versatility impacts build ease. The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply includes detailed connector options. It features a 24-pin motherboard connector that splits to 20+4 pins. It has an 8-pin CPU connector that splits to 4+4 pins. It also includes a 6/8-pin PCIe connector that splits to 6+2 pins. This allows compatibility with older motherboards and GPUs. The Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply lists its output rails but does not detail connector split capabilities in the provided data. The SFX unit offers explicit adaptability for various legacy and modern components through its split-able connectors.
Cooling method
Thermal management differs between these units. The Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply uses forced air ventilation with an 80mm fan. This fan size is standard for TFX form factors. The published data for the Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply does not specify fan size or cooling method. SFX units typically use 92mm fans, but we cannot assume this without data. The TFX unit explicitly states its 80mm fan. This fan is smaller than typical SFX fans. Smaller fans can run louder under load. The lack of cooling data for the SFX unit prevents a direct comparison of noise or airflow efficiency.
Which Apevia PSU fits your build
Users needing maximum power for compact cases
The SFX 500W unit delivers 500W of output, significantly higher than the TFX model's 300W limit. This extra headroom supports more demanding components in small form factor builds. It includes versatile connectors, such as a splittable 8-pin CPU and PCIe cable, ensuring compatibility with various motherboards and graphics cards without needing adapters.
Owners of standard TFX chassis requiring 300W
This TFX power supply matches the physical dimensions required by TFX slots, measuring 6.75 inches in length. It provides 300W of power, which is sufficient for low-power systems. The unit features an 80mm fan for cooling and maintains 5% voltage tolerance on its rails, ensuring stable operation for basic computing tasks in compatible cases.
Builds prioritizing shorter power supply length
The SFX model is physically shorter at 4.92 inches, compared to the 6.75-inch length of the TFX unit. This compact footprint saves valuable internal space within small form factor cases. The reduced length allows for better cable management and easier installation in tight environments where every inch of depth matters for component clearance.
The products compared
Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply
Best for: compact builds with low power needs
- Wattage
- 300W
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Form Factor
- TFX
- Dimensions
- 6.75 × 3.23 × 2.5 inches
- Weight
- 2.1 pounds
View on Amazon: Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply Affiliate link
The Apevia TFX-AP300W is a 300W TFX power supply designed for small form factor builds. It features an 80mm fan for forced air ventilation and supports input voltages from 115V to 230V. The unit provides stable outputs with 5% tolerance on the 5V, 3.3V, and 12V rails. It measures 6.75 inches in length and weighs 2.1 pounds. This model suits users needing compact, reliable power for standard desktop components.
Pros
- 300W output capacity
- 80mm fan for cooling
- 5% voltage tolerance
- Compact TFX form factor
Cons
- Lower wattage than the 500W SFX alternative
- 80mm fan may generate more noise than larger fans
- Single 12V rail limits flexibility for high-draw GPUs
Good fit if
- You need a TFX power supply for a small case
- Your system requires around 300W of power
- You want a standard input voltage range
Skip if
- You require more than 300W of power
- You prefer an SFX form factor for better compatibility
- You need higher efficiency certifications
Verdict: Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply fits users with modest power needs in tight cases. It offers basic stability but lacks the headroom of higher-wattage options.
Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply
Best for: Compact Mini ITX and Micro ATX builds
- 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 unit delivers 500W in an SFX form factor, measuring 4.92 x 3.94 x 2.5 inches. It supports Mini ITX and Micro ATX builds. The design includes a 24-pin main connector, an 8-pin CPU cable, and a 6+2 pin PCIe connector. You get three SATA and two Molex outputs. It suits users needing flexible power for small cases.
Pros
- 500W output capacity
- Compact SFX dimensions (4.92 x 3.94 x 2.5 inches)
- Splittable 24-pin, 8-pin, and 6+2 pin connectors
- Includes 3 SATA and 2 Molex connectors
Cons
- Smaller 500W capacity compared to 300W TFX alternative
- Requires proper cable connection to power on
- Single 8-pin CPU connector limits high-end CPU support
Good fit if
- You need a 500W supply for a Mini ITX build
- You require flexible connector splitting for older motherboards
- You are building a Micro ATX system
Skip if
- You need more than 500W of power
- You require an ATX form factor
- You need multiple 8-pin CPU connectors
Verdict: Apevia 500W SFX Mini ITX PSU fits users building compact Mini ITX or Micro ATX systems who need moderate power and flexible connectors.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply | Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 300W | 500W |
| PCIe Connector Type | not stated | 6+2 |
| Fan Size | 80mm | 80mm |
| Form Factor | TFX | Mini ITX |
| Dimensions | 6.75 × 3.23 × 2.5 inches | 4.92 × 3.94 × 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.1 pounds | not stated |
| Size | TFX 300W | not stated |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | TFX-AP300W | SFX-AP500W |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apevia 300W TFX compatible with standard SFX cases?
No, the Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply uses the TFX form factor. It measures 6.75 inches in length, which is significantly longer than the SFX standard. While it shares the same 2.5-inch height, the extra length prevents it from fitting into cases designed strictly for the shorter SFX 500W unit.
Which PSU is shorter for tight Mini ITX builds?
The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply is the shorter option. It measures 4.92 inches in length. In contrast, the TFX model extends to 6.75 inches. If your chassis has limited depth, the SFX unit provides a more compact footprint for internal components.
Do both power supplies share the same height?
Yes, both units share a standard height of 2.5 inches. This common dimension allows them to fit into the same mounting slots in small form factor cases. The difference lies in their length and width, with the SFX model being wider at 3.94 inches compared to the TFX model's 3.23 inches.
Can I use the 300W TFX for a high-end gaming PC?
No, the Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply is not suitable for high-end gaming PCs. It is designed for compact builds with modest power needs. The 500W SFX unit offers significantly more headroom for demanding components. The TFX model lacks the wattage required for powerful graphics cards or processors.
What are the exact dimensions of the Apevia 500W SFX?
The Apevia SFX 500W Small Form Factor Power Supply measures 3.94 inches in width, 2.5 inches in height, and 4.92 inches in length. These compact dimensions make it ideal for Mini ITX and Micro ATX builds where space is limited. It does not include a listed weight in the specifications.
Does the TFX model weigh more than the SFX model?
The Apevia 300W TFX Power Supply weighs 2.1 pounds. The SFX 500W model does not have a listed weight in the provided data. You cannot directly compare their mass based on available specifications. The TFX unit includes weight details, while the SFX unit omits this specific data point.