Packaging

Like all Leadex units, this one too comes in a white box, with SF's logo occupying most of the front's real estate. The unit's capacity is given in silver fonts and inside a black frame you will find in the bottom-left corner, and the 80 PLUS Platinum badge is in the top-right corner.


The unit's most crucial features are listed on this side. These include its fully modular design, Japanese caps, 80 Plus Platinum certification, the EuP and some other energy spec compliances, and a mention of its crystal-cube connectors with LED lighting.


The Leadex units come in either black or white. We got a black unit for review.


The back contains the usual odds and ends for a Leadex box. A few photographs and texts describe the unit's most interesting features, and a table with the unit's specifications and a graph explaining the fan's operation in ECO mode (semi-passive operation) are also here.

Contents

The contents are nicely arranged, and the PSU is protected by packing foam on all sides. Already in a clear see-through bag, it has also been put inside a white one.


The bundle is poor as it only includes an AC power cord and some thumbscrews to mount the PSU. We were at least expecting a few zip ties or a Velcro strap. Retail units will also have a user's manual.

Exterior

White is definitely a better match for this unit; however, many users will prefer the black version if they own a black case. The finish is quite good and the unit's dimensions are pretty large, but normal for its capacity. At the front is the switch with which to switch between ECO and auto mode. Below it are the AC receptacle and the on/off switch. SF engraved its logo into one of two sides. The other side features the unit's specifications label.


The fan-mode switch comes with explanation marks, so you won't have to randomly flip the switch to figure out which position activates which mode. The switch is set to ECO mode by default, but we would suggest using auto mode instead as it constantly engages the fan but keeps its speed low at low loads, which regulates output noise nicely.


The fully modular panel includes crystal cube sockets that feature LED lighting. These LEDs only activate once you connect a cable to the socket. It is definitely a nice touch, but an option to turn these off would be nice as well as some people may want a completely dark case interior instead.


We personally like the rough, industrial-like look its punched-out fan grill creates.


All cables but the main ATX cable are flat, which will improve your system's internal airflow since flat cables are easier route while hampering airflow less. Every wire is also stealth, and all cables except for the main ATX cable use the same cube connectors. The main ATX cable uses one normal and one larger cube with more pins. These cubes also allow you to connect any cable to any of the modular sockets, and given the single +12V rail, you won't have to worry about where a cable goes.


The EPS connectors that don't connect to the PSU are blue. The corresponding PCIe connectors are red. The ATX cable's sleeving is of acceptable quality for sleeving that is not custom made, but we would like its sleeving to be a little longer to close in on both its connectors a bit more.