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COMPARISONS
The comparison table below shows the SPL versus Power Load data on all the PSUs tested in the anechoic chamber thus far.
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Comparison: Various PSUs Noise Vs. Power Output in Anechoic Chamber
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Model
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90W
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150W
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200W
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250W
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300W
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400W
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500W
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6~700W
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Nexus Value 430
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11
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11
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16
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18
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18
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19
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n/a
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n/a
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Seasonic M12D 850W
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14
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14
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14
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14
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14
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24
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37
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42
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Enermax Modu82+ 625*
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13
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13
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14
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15
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16
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26
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36
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37
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Coolermaster M700W
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14
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14
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18
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21
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25
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27
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34
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34
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Chill Innovation CP-700M
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15
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15
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15
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15
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17
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30
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34
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34
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Antec Signature 650
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15
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15
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15
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18
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18
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28
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36
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47
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SilverStone DA700
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18
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18
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18
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18
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23
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32
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35
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41
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NesteQ ECS7001
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22
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22
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22
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21
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23
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25
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36
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37
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PCPC Silencer 610
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20
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24
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24
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24
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24
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30
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40
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50
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The green boxes represent >30 dBA@1m SPL.
*Guesstimates based on the Modu82+ 425's idle in the chamber and the Modu82+ 625's load test.
The green colored blocks are 30 dBA@1m or greater SPL readings. The PSU that stayed quiet (under 30 dBA) to the highest load is not in this table because it has not been tested in the anechoic chamber: The Zalman ZM1000, which stayed below 30 dBA to almost 600W load. It's idle noise is probably not low enough to match the M12D-850W , the Enermax, or the Signature 650; its measured SPL in the live test room was 20 dBA@1m, a dB or two higher than the others.
It's difficult to rank the Coolermster M700W. The SPL at low loads puts it high on the rankings, but it also ramps up in noise more quickly than many of the others.
Caution: Please keep in mind that the data in the above table is specific to the conditions of our test setup. Change the cooling configuration, the ambient temperature and any number of other factors, and you could change the point at which the fans start speeding up, as well as the rate of the rise in speed. The baseline SPL is accurate, however, probably to within 1 dBA.
CONCLUSIONS
The Coolermaster Silent Pro M700W is clearly a quiet power supply, one with high efficiency and excellent electrical performance. Its noise level at lower loads is low enough to make a computer that's inaudible at idle and low power. While the overall SPL never gets that high, the rate at which the noise rises is almost linear, which makes the unit a touch louder than its competitors in the middle load range (200~300W) that represents real power demand in many current enthusiast systems.
The efficiency numbers alone are enough to show that this PSU has quite up-to-date technology. It is not possible to reach >85% effieicny at any load with older technology. The very low 0.3W power draw in standby is notable, as is the mere 5W draw with no load power on.
For gamers, the noise difference between this and many other quieter PSUs we've reviewed is probably moot. Many gaming PC rigs will reach the 300W load, at which point, many other fans in the system will be ramping up enough to obscure the differences in power supplies. The M700W does deliver good clean power, and fairly quietly even at high load, so there's a lot going for it.
For the quiet PC enthusiast, the noise at <200W is more important, and the noise level of this model is low enough to compete with some of the best rated silent PSUs... but the 700W rating is overkill. The rubber mounting gasket is a nice touch, and it could actually help reduce noise in some cases, although the results will be very system- and case-specific. All in all, the Coolermaster Silent Pro M700W is a modern, efficient, high performance power supply quiet enough for the vast majority of users.
Our thanks to Coolermaster for the M700W sample.
Check the current price of the Coolermaster Silent Pro M700W
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SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power Supply Fundamentals
SPCR PSU Test Rig V.4
Chill Innovation CP-700M
Seasonic M12D-850
SilverStone Decathlon DA700 power supply
Modu82+ 625 Power Supply: Enermax to the Forefront
Corsair HX520 & HX620
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Discuss this article in the SPCR Forums.
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