be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 1500W Power Supply Review

be quiet! clearly is after Corsair's AX1600i, with its new, digitally controlled, Dark Power Pro 12 power supply with 1500W max capacity.

Reviews
By Aris Mpitziopoulos
last updated
be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 1500W
Editor's Choice
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Performance Rating

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The overall performance is high, but it isn't even close to the AX1600i, which remains the king in this category.

Noise Rating

The graph below depicts the cooling fan's average noise over the PSU's operating range, with an ambient temperature between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius (86 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The Dark Power Pro 12 features silent operation, but it cannot beat the AX1600i even in this region, which is be quiet's specialty. 

Efficiency Rating

The following graph shows the PSU's average efficiency throughout its operating range with an ambient temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The average efficiency is high, but we would like to see more from a new platform that tries to enter the big boys club. 

Power Factor Rating

The following graph shows the PSU's average power factor reading throughout its operating range with an ambient temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius.

PF Rating Chart

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The average PF rating is high. 

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Aris Mpitziopoulos
Contributing Editor

Aris Mpitziopoulos is a Contributing Editor at Tom's Hardware US, covering PSUs.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • tamalero
    Been trying to find a Corsair AX and EVGA T2 and nobody has them on stock!
    Reply
  • patrick47018
    tamalero said:
    Been trying to find a Corsair AX and EVGA T2 and nobody has them on stock!
    Try the EVGA G+ instead, or you could buy the Dark Power Pro 12 on Amazon right now with the 1200W in stock and the 1500W coming and able to be ordered.
    Reply
  • mac_angel
    I've never seen a power supply with an "overclock" jumper/setting. You mention that this has it, and that it combines the 'virtual' single 12v rails into a single big one, but not what that means.
    Reply