In this review we found out that OCZ StealthXStream 500 W is manufactured by FSP, while the 400 W model is manufactured by CWT, thus they use a different project. We also discovered that internally StealthXStream 500 W is identical to Zalman ZM460-APS and SilverStone Strider ST50F.

These other two power supplies are, however, better than StealthXStream 500 W because of the number of cables available. Both feature two six-pin video card power connectors, while OCZ500SXS offers only one. The model from Zalman offers four SATA power plugs and the model from SilverStone offers six, while the reviewed model has only three. And the model from SilverStone offers six peripheral power plugs, while the reviewed model comes with four, the same amount found on Zalman’s.

The performance of the tested unit is good for a mainstream product: main positive voltages closer to their nominal values than necessary, efficiency up to 83% and low noise and ripple levels. It can deliver 500 W, but nothing more than that: during our tests this unit wouldn’t turn on if we tried to pull more than its labeled wattage. Usually manufacturers leave some margin, but this is not the case with the reviewed unit.

OCZ StealthXStream 500 W is not a bad power supply for an entry-level or mainstream PC with one video card, but since it is on the same price range as SilverStone Strider ST50F we recommend this model from SilverStone instead if you are specifically looking for a 500 W power supply.

If you are really looking for a power supply with a better good cost/benefit ratio, we highly recommend the 400 W version of StealthXStream instead. It provides a proportionally better performance at a lower cost. Assuming of course that your system doesn’t need anything greater than 400 W (most mainstream systems won’t) and you won’t need more than one power cable for your video card (you always have the option of converting peripheral power plugs into a video card power connector using an adapter).