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PSUPower Supplies·Cooler Master

Cooler Master SF450

4.4
Shed ScoreEditorial rating out of 5, based on specs, build quality and value in its class.
  • Compact SFX form factor
  • 80+ Gold efficiency
  • Quiet modular design

The Cooler Master SF450 is a well-built, compact SFX power supply that's ideal for mini-ITX and small form factor builds needing moderate power.

  • Form FactorSFX
  • Wattage450W
  • Efficiency Rating80 PLUS Gold

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// Datasheet

Technical specifications

SF4506 fields
Form FactorSFX
Wattage450W
Efficiency Rating80 PLUS Gold
ModularityFull Modular
Fan Size92mm FDB Bearing
Warranty3 Years

// Verdict

Our take

4.4

The Cooler Master SF450 is a well-built, compact SFX power supply that's ideal for mini-ITX and small form factor builds needing moderate power. Its 80+ Gold efficiency, quiet fan profile, and modular flat cables make it a strong choice for silent, space-constrained builds, though its 450W cap and single PCIe connector mean it's best suited for mid-range GPU pairings rather than high-end gaming rigs.

// Trade-offs

Pros and cons

+What we like

  • Excellent power density in a tiny SFX footprint
  • Quiet fan curve, near-silent at idle and light loads
  • Flat, easy-to-route modular cables
  • 80+ Gold efficiency keeps heat and power bills down
  • Solid build quality with high-grade Japanese caps
  • Comes with ATX bracket for broader case compatibility

−Watch out for

  • 450W ceiling limits high-end GPU pairing
  • Only one PCIe 6+2 pin cable, limited for dual-GPU setups
  • Fan can ramp up noticeably under sustained heavy load
  • Modular cables are somewhat stiff despite being flat
  • No ATX 3.0/12VHPWR native connector

// Feature set

Key features

  • 01450W 80 PLUS Gold certified output
  • 02Compact SFX form factor for small form factor (SFX) builds
  • 03Fully modular flat black cable design
  • 0492mm FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) fan for quiet operation
  • 05Semi-fanless 'Silent Mode' for low-load silence
  • 06Japanese capacitors for durability
  • 07Includes SFX-to-ATX bracket adapter

// Long read

Full review

The Cooler Master V SFX 450 (commonly referenced as the SF450) is a compact power supply engineered specifically for small form factor PC builds where space comes at a premium without sacrificing reliability. Built around the SFX form factor, this unit delivers 450 watts of continuous power through a single robust 12V rail, making it well suited for mini-ITX gaming rigs, HTPCs, and compact workstations that still demand dependable performance. Despite its diminutive footprint, Cooler Master equipped this PSU with high-quality Japanese capacitors rated for extended operational life, ensuring the unit can handle sustained loads and power fluctuations without premature degradation, a critical consideration for builders who want longevity in systems that often run in tight, heat-constrained enclosures.

Efficiency is a core selling point of the SF450, as it carries 80 PLUS Gold certification, meaning it operates at over 90 percent efficiency at typical loads. This translates into less wasted energy as heat, lower electricity costs over time, and reduced thermal output inside an already cramped SFF case. The power supply features fully modular cabling, a thoughtful design choice that allows builders to connect only the cables they need for their specific motherboard, GPU, and peripherals, drastically improving airflow and cable management inside small cases where every millimeter of clearance matters. The flat, ribbon-style cables included with the unit are specifically designed to be easier to route and bend within tight spaces compared to traditional round cables, further easing the build process for enthusiasts working with compact chassis like the NR200, Dan Case A4-SFX, or similar SFF enclosures.

Cooling is handled by a 92mm fluid dynamic bearing fan that Cooler Master tuned for quiet operation, incorporating a semi-fanless mode that keeps the fan completely stationary under low-load conditions, which benefits users building silent or near-silent systems. The SF450 also includes comprehensive protection circuitry covering over-voltage, under-voltage, short circuit, and over-current scenarios, giving builders peace of mind when pairing it with power-hungry components like mid-range graphics cards and overclocked processors in space-constrained environments. With its combination of Gold-rated efficiency, modular flexibility, and a form factor tailored for the growing small form factor PC community, the Cooler Master SF450 remains a popular choice among custom builders prioritizing both performance density and quiet, efficient operation in their compact rigs.

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