Quietest Power Supply for Replacing Chieftec 450W

To replace the Chieftec COMPACT 450W with the quietest option, completely passive power supplies or models with intelligent cooling systems would be ideal. The best choices for maximum silence would be the SilverStone Nightjar (SFX-L) or be quiet! SFX POWER 3, which will operate absolutely silently when properly installed.

Table of Contents

• Power Supply Format: SFX vs SFX-L
• Quietest Options: Completely Passive PSUs
• Semi-Silent Alternatives
• Case Compatibility
• Selection and Installation Recommendations

Power Supply Format: SFX vs SFX-L

Your current Chieftec COMPACT 450W has an SFX form factor, which is important to consider when choosing a replacement. SFX power supplies are more compact and designed for small form factor cases.

Key format differences:

• SFX: Standard compact size (125 × 100 × 63.5 mm), your current format
• SFX-L: Extended version (125 × 100 × 70 mm), compatible with most SFX cases

Important: Many passive models, including the SilverStone Nightjar, are only available in SFX-L format, but they are usually compatible with cases that support the standard SFX format.

Quietest Options: Completely Passive PSUs

For absolute silence, completely passive power supplies are ideal, as they have no fans and operate completely silently.

SilverStone Nightjar NJ450-SXL

• Power: 450W (perfect for replacing your current unit)
• Format: SFX-L (usually compatible with SFX cases)
• Features:
  • Completely silent cooling
  • High 80 PLUS Bronze efficiency
  • Fully modular cables
  • Japanese capacitors
  • Warranty: 2-3 years

Nofan P-400A

• Power: 400W (slightly less, but sufficient for regular systems)
• Format: SFX
• Features:
  • Completely passive cooling
  • Unique design with heat pipes
  • Suitable for office and multimedia systems

Seasonic Focus SGX-450

• Power: 450W
• Format: SFX
• Features:
  • Completely silent at loads up to ~60%
  • High 80 PLUS Gold efficiency
  • Stable operation

Semi-Silent Alternatives

If a completely passive option isn’t suitable, there are excellent models with intelligent cooling that operate virtually silently.

be quiet! SFX POWER 3 450W

• Power: 450W
• Format: SFX
• Features:
  • 80mm fan with speed control
  • Maximum noise level: 33.8 dB(A) at full load
  • Operates silently at low and medium loads
  • 80 PLUS Bronze certified
  • Fully modular

Chieftec SFX-450BS

• Power: 450W
• Format: SFX
• Features:
  • Quiet fan with power-based regulation
  • Good build quality and component quality
  • Sufficient cables for most configurations
  • User reviews note low noise levels

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Comparison of quiet power supplies:

Case Compatibility

When choosing a passive power supply, it’s important to ensure compatibility with your case:

1. Check dimensions: Make sure the new PSU fits in the PSU compartment
2. Case ventilation: For passive PSUs, good case ventilation is important as heat is dissipated through the PSU housing
3. Cable length: Check if the cable lengths are sufficient for your configuration

Important: The SilverStone Nightjar has an SFX-L format (70mm height), which may be taller than standard SFX (63.5mm). However, most modern cases support both formats.

Selection and Installation Recommendations

For maximum silence:

1. SilverStone Nightjar NJ450-SXL - the best choice for absolute silence
2. Ensure compatibility with your case
3. Maintain good system ventilation

For a budget solution:

1. be quiet! SFX POWER 3 - excellent balance of price and silence
2. Ideal for office and multimedia systems

Installation tips:

• Position the case so that hot air from the PSU is effectively vented
• Use quality thermal paste on CPU and GPU to reduce overall system temperature
• Consider installing additional case fans to improve airflow
• When using a passive PSU, monitor case temperatures under load

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Sources

1. Review of Silverstone Nightjar NJ450-SXL passive cooling power supply
2. be quiet! SFX POWER 3 SFX3-450W 450W power supply — specifications and reviews
3. Quiet computer power supplies: 6 mini reviews
4. How I built a silent computer
5. CHIEFTEC SFX-450BS 450W SFX power supply — specifications
6. Review and testing of CHIEFTEC COMPACT CSN-650C power supply

Conclusion

To replace the Chieftec COMPACT 450W for maximum silence, I recommend:

• Best choice: SilverStone Nightjar NJ450-SXL for absolute silence
• Budget option: be quiet! SFX POWER 3 with intelligent cooling
• Important: Check case compatibility and ensure good system ventilation

Completely passive power supplies will provide perfect silence, but require attention to case cooling. With proper installation, you’ll achieve your goal - your computer will operate absolutely silently.