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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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Nexus RX-8500
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14
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14
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17
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22
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28
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32
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32
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33
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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.
The Nexus RX-8500 has low SPL at low loads, but it ramps up in noise much more quickly in the middle-low load range than many of the others. Yet, the maximum loudness is lower 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 Nexus RX-8500 is a quiet power supply at low power loads, modestly quiet at middle loads, and quieter than most competitors at very high loads. Unlike some of its precessors, this Nexus has a fan speed controller that is more linear in its response to temperature rise, at least to about 400W. The rate at which the noise rises is a bit quicker than most every other PSU tested in the anechoic chamber.
The efficiency results suggest that this PSU is not quite up-to-date with the latest technology. It does not approach 85% efficiency, which is the starting point for the 80 Plus Bronze models. The <150W power efficiency is surprisingly low as well. Mind you, Nexus makes no claim about the unit being 80 Plus approved in any way.
For extreme gamers looking to save their hearing, the noise difference between the Nexus and other quiet PSUs we've reviewed may be signficant. While the noise at mid-low power isn't the lowest, and 32 dBA@1m isn't exactly whisper quiet for 400W, it's pretty darn quiet for 600W or even higher, because the RX-8500 fan simply doesn't spin any faster. Many of the top rated PSUs actually get louder than 40 dBA@1m at >500W level. This is probably good for their longevity and for system cooling under high load, but they are generally noisier than the Nexus RX-8500 at >500W load. The Nexus delivers clean power, and fairly quietly even at high load.
For the quiet PC enthusiast, the noise at <200W is usually most important, and the noise level of this model is low enough to compete with some of the best rated silent PSUs as long as 200W load is not reached. On the flip side, the 850W rating is overkill. Most silencers will opt for lower power models that better reflect their power requirements.
The thick attached cables are a bit of an annoyance for a model that's supposed to have modular cables... but this complaint applies to many other so-called modular PSUs.
The Nexus RX-8500 reflects an interesting balance: Very quiet at low load, modest in the middle, and still quite quiet at very high load. It's hard to confirm or dispute the Nexus claim of the RX-8500 being "the quietest 850W PSU" because it depends on just how the noise is assessed. Nevertheless, the Nexus may be the perfect choice for a obsessed computer gamer who worries about his hearing.
Our thanks to Nexus and EndPCNoise for the RX-8500 sample.
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SPCR Articles of Related Interest:
Power Supply Fundamentals
SPCR PSU Test Rig V.4
Coolermaster Silent Pro M700W
Chill Innovation CP-700M
Seasonic M12D-850
Zalman ZM1000-HP
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