Cooler Master recently updated its lower-capacity V series, and today we take a look at the V750. This unit features 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, fully modular cabling and very small dimensions, which put it up against the SilverStone ST75F-GS V2.
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Pros, Cons And Final Verdict
There currently aren't many options if you need a compact 750W power supply with modular cabling. As far as we know, you're picking between SilverStone's ST75F-GS V2 and this new V750. In PSUs with such high power density, issues tend to crop up when the operating conditions get tough and the ambient temperatures exceed 40 °C. However, in this case, the V750 easily handled our hot-box tests, although it did so with its small fan screaming along. The crowded components on its small PCB don't allow for optimal airflow, and on top of that, it's not possible to use a larger fan due to the enclosure's dimensions. Cooler Master tried to skirt these limitations with a high-quality LDB fan that operates quietly and offers up to 160,000 hours of effective use. Indeed, under normal operating temperatures, the V750 does run quietly. Even after prolonged operation at full load it barely goes above 40 dB(A). Its high efficiency reduces thermal output, allowing the fan to do its job effectively.
Cooler Master implemented a significant upgrade to its VSM models, bringing them up to the level of the higher-capacity V series with fully modular cabling and a Silencio fan. Given such compact dimensions, the V750 (along with its smaller siblings, the V650 and V550) will be an ideal choices for small form factor PCs requiring a strong and reliable PSU. This platform delivers good overall performance and is quiet enough under normal conditions. It'll satisfy enthusiasts sensitive to noise, who want the performance of two graphics cards in CrossFire or SLI.
The biggest downside we identified, aside from a high price, is the performance of its 3.3V rail during our Advanced Transient Response tests, though that won't affect most of you in real-world conditions where 3.3V is only used lightly. A second con is the quality of the bundled modular cables, especially the main ATX cable, which we had a really hard time connecting and disconnecting. With the PSU inside inside of a chassis, you should be able to detach its modular cables easily and without using extra tools like we had to, so Cooler Master should immediately check on the quality of its cables. Maybe the sample we received simply came from a bad batch. Still, we can only judge based on what's in the lab. Finally, the price difference between the older VSM750 and Cooler Master's V750 is large. With the same amount of money, you could find a lot of good alternatives. None of them are going to be as small, but if compact dimensions aren't an issue, then there's no reason to pay a premium to get the V750 while there are options like Corsair's RM750x and EVGA's SuperNova 750 G2 for less money. But if you need a fully modular compact PSU with 750W capacity, then the new V750 is a winner since it outperforms its main competition, the SilverStone ST75F-GS V2.
I think TH reviews should take a bit from Jonnyguru or similar and include a point scale at the end. Sure listing the pros and cons with a verdict is enough in most cases, but its up to the reader to decide just how good or bad a unit may be.
I agree with you on this, however on page #9 among others you will find a performance graph which can easily play the same role. On top of that it offers comparison data including relevant offerings so a reader can easily figure how the product fares against the competition.
While that is included, it dosent give an overall final score. Saying the RMx scored 9% higher is alot different to readers than saying the RMx got a 9.8/10 for ecample.
Point Scales are horrible and i am glad that TH is one of the few remaining sites not to do so. There are already enoguh websites and magazines for people who prefer points, and stars over content.
