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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
Comparatives
CONCLUSIONS
It's not easy to be a star power supply at SPCR these days. The
high struttin' 80 Plus Gold models dominate the top, and only other goldies
can hope to join their ranks. The noise level has dropped literally into silence,
with Gold and fanless models making no noise at all. So what's a middle class
boy like the Antec True Power 750 to do? The best he can, of course, and that
is pretty dang good even by the rarified PSU standards of SPCR in mid-2010
The noise level of the TP-750 from minimum load to over 150W is
about as quiet as any fan-cooled PSU can be. It measured a hair above the Enermax
Modu/Pro87+ 500W, which was essentially at the ambient level of the anechoic
chamber, but you're not likely to hear either one in any normal setting. The
difference between the TP-750 and the Modu/Pro87 500W is that the latter has
a shallower fan-speed-to-load curve, which means it stays quieter to a higher
load. This is patently unfair comparison, because the Enermax is a much pricier
80 Plus Gold model in that brand's premier line... and it almost impossible
to find in the marketplace at any price these days. The TP-750 is very widely
distributed and almost cheerfully affordable in comparison. Use it in an advanced
computer case that provides access to outside air for the PSU, and the TP-750
will easily stay very quiet to over 300W load.
Electrically, the TP-750 does an excellent job on every measurable
parameter. Somewhat higher ripple and noise at full power could be quibbled
about, but it is still well within specifications. It also keeps itself very
well cooled, despite the low fan speed at lower power loads.
Perhaps most welcome of all is the fact that the TP-750 is one
of a family which extends downward to the TP-650 and TP-550. The lower power
models can surely be expected to provide the same acoustic and electrical performance
at <300W, which is the main power range of concern to the vast majority of
DIY PC builders.
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Antec TruePower TP-750 Balance Sheet
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Likes
* Extremely quiet at low power
* Very quiet in typical use
* Good efficiency
* Powerful enough for 90% of systems
* Excellent electrical performance
* Modest pricing
* Greener packaging
* 5-year warranty
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Quibbles
* Fan curve a bit steeper than the best
* Cables not really that modular
* Ripple a mite high at full load |
Much thanks to Antec
for the review samples.
The Antec TruePower New TP-750 is Recommended by SPCR.
* * *
SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power Supply Fundamentals
Recommended Power Supplies
SPCR PSU Test Rig V.4
Seasonic X-400 Fanless
Seasonic X-650: Seasonic Hits
Gold
Enermax Modu/Pro87+ 500W
Antec CP-850: Unique PSU with Top Performance
Nexus NX-5000 Silent PSU
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Discuss
this article in the SPCR Forums.
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