silentpcreview.com - Power

Recommended Power Supplies

Fri, 1 Dec 2006 17:36:14 +0000

Our short list of recommended power supplies for quiet or silent computers, updated at least once a quarter. The update of Sept 8/09 is a complete overhaul. Gone are the finely graded numeric values, replaced by just two main categories: Editor's Choice and SPCR Recommended. Latest update Feb 19, 2011.

SPCR Power Supply Test Rig, v.4 (and v.4.1)

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:28:28 +0000

A little over a year after our last major update, we've made changes extensive enough to consider this the fourth iteration of SPCR's power supply testing system. PSU reviews have been popular bread-and-butter articles at SPCR for years, partly because of our close attention to detail, fundamentally sound test procedures, good test gear and thorough acoustic analysis. It is also because there were few serious PSU reviews done by other hardware web sites. Now, we've added crossloading, low AC input voltage, and ripple testing to complete our mix of PSU tests.

Power Supply Fundamentals

Wed, 6 Apr 2005 09:18:37 +0000

A reference article comprehensively discussing many aspects of power supplies and how they affect system noise, cooling, efficiency and stability. Also lists recommended quiet power supplies. This is a years-old article that has been updated numerous times. It remains the most popular article at SPCR, with nearly 900,000 reads as of April 2007. Last updated April 4, 2007.

Seasonic X-1050 PSU: Gold at Kilowatt+

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:17:05 +0000

Seasonic recently entered the ranks of kilowatt PSU makers with new 1050W and 1250W models in its X series, and a 1000W model in its new X-derivative Platinum line. Our acoustics-focused review of the 80 Plus Gold approved X-1050 finds Seasonic in fine form.

Fanless PSUs: Kingwin Stryker STR-500 & Silverstone ST50NF

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 17:24:30 +0000

We review and compare two fanless 500W ATX12V power supplies from quality brands. One has 80 Plus Platinum efficiency; the other sports Silver. In other ways, they appear similar, with the exo-heatsink design of so many passively cooled devices.

Kingwin Lazer Platinum 550W Power Supply

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:58:11 +0000

The only 80 Plus Platinum level PSU on the market, with over 92% maximum energy efficiency, is also said to be one of the quietest. We analyze the Kingwin LZP-550 for efficiency, electrical performance and noise.

Corsair Gold: AX850 Power Supply

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:04:29 +0000

Corsair's new AX850 has 80 Plus Gold certification for 90% efficiency, totally modular cables, a hybrid passive/active cooling for silent operation, and is backed by a 7-year warranty. It's perfect for a Silent Gaming Rig in a thermally advanced case.

Cougar GX-700: 80 Plus Gold from a new brand

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 23:23:42 +0000

A German affiliate of HEC, Cougar is offering the 80 Plus Gold rated premium GX series only in the EU at this time. How does the GX-700 fare against other Gold PSUs?

Antec TruePower New TP-750

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 18:18:29 +0000

The TruePower series has been bread-and-butter for Antec for many years, but the line has recently received a refresh. Partly modular cabling, high efficiency, lower noise, and high quality parts are all promised in these new Seasonic-made models. How do they fare against the SPCR short list?

Fanless PSU Torture Test Roundup

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:43:58 +0000

A roundup torture test of samples from every fanless power supply line in the marketplace instigated by the Seasonic X-400 Fanless, which cruised through 15 hours of full-load operation at nearly 60°C temperature in the "case". Which fanless PSUs can actually deliver rated power with virtually no forced airflow?

Seasonic X-400 Fanless PSU

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:54:47 +0000

The Seasonic X-400 Fanless is based on the successful, 80 Plus Gold X-series platform introduced late last year. Company reps say the new fanless PSU was years in the making; ultimately, they had to await the development of a super-efficient platform. It was worth the wait.

Enermax Modu87+ 500W 80Plus Gold

Wed, 5 May 2010 17:55:43 +0000

The most efficient ATX12V power supply in the world with a sensible power rating is the Enermax Modu/Pro 87+ 500W. It's also the quietest, by a slim margin. Alas, finding one to buy is a challenge.

Nexus NX-5000 Silent PSU

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:25:07 +0000

Nexus has had PSUs in SPCR's silent circle before. The NX-5000, a modest 530W model with fairly high efficiency, is the latest to enter the select winners circle.

Corsair CX400W Power Supply

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:54:40 +0000

The well-known memory brand morphed in recent years to become a major player in retail power supplies. While Corsair offers kilowatt PSUs, a 400W model rounds out the opposite end of its line.

Enermax Eco80+ 500W PSU

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:01:47 +0000

In Enermax' seven (!) lines of power supplies, the Eco80+ is one of two tagged as "eco". The "Love our Earth" tagline on the packaging attests that "eco" stands for ecology, but its position at the low-end of Enermax' lineup suggests that "economy" might also be a relevant tag. How fares this modest PSU in these times of silent, 90% efficiency, $200 models?