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MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made as 24-bit / 88 kHz WAV files with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's
own anechoic chamber (11 dBA ambient), then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer
or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!
Each recording starts with 6~10 seconds of room ambient, followed
by 10 seconds of the product's noise and various settings. For the most
realistic results, set the volume so that the starting ambient level is just
barely audible, then don't change the volume setting again while comparing all
the sound files.
Sound Recordings of PSU Comparatives in the Anechoic Chamber
CONCLUSIONS
The best of the high efficiency, quiet power supplies have been
truly impressive in our recent reviews. The Enermax 80 PLUS Gold certified 500W
models are the most impressive in some ways, with the best noise profile of
any power supply tested to date. The acoustic performance is such that the average
user will be hard pressed to tell whether the power supply is on, at least not
by the sound, because these models remain inaudible even at over 50% of rated
power load.
Our experience tells us that unless you run a high power video
card, your system is not likely to crest 250W, and at such a power level, the
fan in these Enermax power supplies will not speed up past the 330 RPM start
speed, where it registers barely 11 dBA@1m. This is inaudible in most rooms
for most people. In a computer case where the PSU has its own separate intake
vent — like the Antec P180 series, the Silverstone GD05 or the Fractal
Define — the Modu/Pro87+ 500W noise may never rise above that 11 dBA level.
Despite the low noise and slow fan speed, self cooling in the
Modu/Pro87+ 500W is fine, at least at moderate ambient room temperature. Perhaps
if ambient room temperature gets to be tropical summer hot, say 35°C or
hotter, you might want to consider speeding up your case fans, but most users
in such environs already know what they have to do for PC survival.
Electrically, these Enermax Gold certified PSUs also deliver excellent
performance. Perhaps not the very best in any single category, but plenty good
enough overall to be considered top tier, and better than any computer really
calls for. They won't let you down. They also have a few niceties like a fan
that keeps blowing after power off to ensure rapid cooling, and an AC cord clip
to prevent accidents.
Alas, it's disappointing to discover that like the SS-550LP, Seasonic's
most modestly rated 80 PLUS Gold model, the Enermax Modu/Pro87+ 500W models
cannot be found for sale in the Americas at this time. This is despite their
official release announcement at the start of the year, some 4-5 months ago.
They are available in some EU countries, however, and with the higher 220~240VAC,
the efficiency for EU users will be even higher, up 2-3% on average. So as it
stands, the Seasonic X-650 remains the most moderately rated 80 PLUS Gold efficiency
power supply that's widely available in the US and Canada. We can only hope
that Enermax steps up quickly with the 500W models on this continent, as tech
geeks are as fickle and flighty as any consumer group.
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Enermax Modu/Pro87+ 500W Balance Sheet
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Likes
* Almost always inaudible
* Silent in typical use
* Extremely high efficiency
* Rated capacity suits real systems
* Excellent electrical performance
|
Quibbles
* Slightly buzzy sound at highest loads
* No current market availability
* Price? |
Much thanks to Enermax
for these review sample.
Enermax Modu/Pro87+ 500W wins the SPCR Editor's Choice Award.
* * *
SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power Supply Fundamentals
Recommended Power Supplies
SPCR PSU Test Rig V.4
Seasonic X-650: Seasonic Hits
Gold
Seasonic M12D-850W
Enermax Modu82+ 625W
Antec CP-850: Unique PSU with Top Performance
Nexus NX-5000 Silent PSU
* * *
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