The power supply typically isn't the noisiest component in a high-end PC. Nevertheless, many folks are serious about cutting noise, and go the extra mile for a quiet system. We step in with a comparison of two silent models against one low-noise PSU.
Test Setup, Hold-Up Time, Inrush Current, Peak Load, And Short Circuit Protection Test
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Test Hardware
AC Source
Chroma Programmable AC Source 6530
Power Meter
Yokogawa WT210 Digital Power Meter
Loads
4 x 600 W Chroma 63306 for 12 V testing4 x 300 W Chroma 63303 for 5 and 3.3 V testingusing Chroma HighSpeed- DC Load Mainframes 6334
Oscilloscope
Tektronix DPO3034 Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (300 MHz)
Test Procedure
Voltages
110 and 230 V
Standby Power
0.25 A fixed current to simulate PC standby power on 5 Vsb
80 PLUS Efficiency Testing
100/50/20% load, relative to specified total output Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100% testing at 110 V according to ATX 2.3 specification
Efficiency at Fixed Loads
25, 50, 85, 300, 500 W loads Load distribution across 12/5/3.3 V rails at the same proportion as specified for 100%
Peak Load Test
110% Overload Testing at maximum combined 12 V
Temperature Test
Air intake vs. Outtake temperature delta tracking highest delta during all tests
For more test data about these three and other power supplies, please refer to our power supply charts.
Hold-Up Time, Inrush Current, Peak Load Test, and Short Circuit Protection Test
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Short Circuit Protection Test at 12 V
Power Supply / Mains Voltage
Test Passed
Seasonic X-460 (115 V)
Yes
Seasonic X-460 (230 V)
Yes
be quiet! Straight Power E9 CM 480 W (115 V)
Yes
be quiet! Straight Power E9 CM 480 W (230 V)
Yes
SilverStone SST-ST50NF (115 V)
Yes
SilverStone SST-ST50NF (230 V)
Yes
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