Lian Li SP1000P SFX power supply review: Exceptional power density in compact form

The Lian Li SP1000P represents a remarkable engineering achievement in power supply miniaturization, delivering 1000 watts from the standard 100mm SFX form factor. This review examines whether this high-wattage SFX unit justifies its premium positioning through exceptional performance and build quality.

Engineering Achievement in Miniaturization

Achieving 1000W output from SFX dimensions requires advanced circuit topology and premium components. The SP1000P employs a flat copper strip transformer rather than conventional wire-wound designs, improving electrical performance while reducing footprint. This design choice enables higher operating frequencies that minimize transformer size without compromising efficiency.

The unit targets small form factor enthusiasts requiring maximum power output without sacrificing system dimensions. ATX 3.1 certification confirms transient handling capability critical for modern graphics cards, while Japanese capacitors throughout support the ten-year warranty period.

Build Quality and Design

Build quality proves very good with no manufacturing imperfections evident despite the extremely compact design. The matte black chassis demonstrates excellent finishing quality with smooth surfaces free from defects. The unit measures precisely 100mm in length, conforming exactly to standard SFX specifications.

Internal examination reveals industrial-grade components including Oriental Semiconductor MOSFETs and Rubycon APFC capacitors. Six Nippon Chemi-Con and Nichicon secondary capacitors confirm commitment to reliability. The flat copper strip transformer represents advanced engineering that reduces losses and permits the unit's very compact size.

Cable Configuration and Accessories

The bundle exceeds typical expectations for an SFX unit. Beyond standard AC power cable and mounting screws, Lian Li includes an SFX-to-ATX mounting plate adapter enabling installation in standard ATX chassis. An AC power cable extension features an integrated power switch, addressing cases where PSU mounting renders the unit's rear switch inaccessible.

Cable combs arrive in quantity for organizational customization, though the cable configuration proves conservative for a 1000W unit. The package provides one 12V-2x6 connector and three 6+2 pin PCI Express connectors, with five SATA connectors representing minimal provision for storage-intensive builds.

Electrical Performance

Electrical performance proves exceptional across all metrics. Voltage regulation maintains 0.8% deviation on the primary 12V rail with slightly higher but still good figures on minor rails. Ripple suppression achieves outstanding results at 24 mV on the 12V rail, 16 mV on the 5V rail, and 16 mV on the 3.3V rail.

Protection circuits respond with sharp precision. Over Current Protection activates at 132% on 3.3V and 5V rails, and 116% on the 12V rail. Over Power Protection triggers at 118% during hot testing. These figures confirm exceptional power quality across all outputs.

Efficiency Results

Cold testing efficiency of 90.9% with 115 VAC and 92.3% with 230 VAC achieves 80 Plus Platinum certification with 115 VAC input. The unit approaches but narrowly misses Platinum certification with 230 VAC input, missing by approximately 0.4%.

Hot testing reveals fairly significant efficiency degradation to 88.2% and 89.5% respectively, with clear thermal stress signs at maximum load. These figures remain within acceptable parameters for a unit rated at 40 degrees Celsius, though the degradation is notable.

Thermal Management and Acoustics

Thermal management proves adequate for specification compliance though acoustic performance suffers under sustained high loads. The 100mm form factor paired with a 92mm fan operating at extremely high maximum speed creates inherent cooling challenges.

The fan remains inactive until approximately 370 watts load, contributing to excellent low-load acoustics. Loads exceeding 60 to 70% capacity produce significant noise levels. Under elevated ambient temperatures, the fan reaches maximum speed at 90 to 95% load and becomes very loud.

Market Positioning and Value

Pricing positions the SP1000P at approximately $185, representing reasonably high positioning for an SFX unit with 80 Plus Platinum efficiency. The market segment for users requiring such massive power output from such compact dimensions remains very niche.

Competition exists from other high-wattage SFX units, though few match the SP1000P's power density. Value assessment depends heavily on small form factor requirements and willingness to accept high-load acoustic compromises. Those prioritizing silence should consider lower-wattage alternatives or builds that rarely approach maximum capacity.

Conclusion

The Lian Li SP1000P succeeds in delivering remarkable power density without compromising electrical performance quality. The flat copper strip transformer, industrial-grade MOSFETs, and Japanese capacitors demonstrate serious engineering rather than corner-cutting.

While high-load acoustics present a notable trade-off, the unit's exceptional electrical performance, build quality, and ten-year warranty period justify consideration for small form factor builds requiring substantial power output. The SP1000P represents exceptional engineering achievement in power supply miniaturization that delivers on its core promise of maximum power density in minimal dimensions.

Pros:

• Exceptional power density from standard SFX form factor
• Outstanding voltage regulation at 0.8% on 12V rail
• Excellent ripple suppression despite compact design
• Sharp protection circuit responses
• Premium Japanese capacitors throughout
• Ten-year warranty period
• Zero-RPM fan mode for silent low-load operation

Cons:

• High fan noise under sustained high loads
• Limited connector configuration for peripheral expansion
• Significant efficiency degradation under thermal stress
• Very niche target market
• Premium pricing for SFX segment