Cold Test Results (~25°C Ambient Temperature)

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts. For a thorough explanation of our testing methodology and more details on our equipment, please refer to our How We Test PSUs - 2014 Pipeline post.

The Be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 650W adheres to the 80Plus Gold certification criteria, demonstrating commendable electrical conversion efficiency. Specifically, when supplied with a 115 VAC input, the unit exhibits an average nominal load range efficiency (spanning from 20% to 100% of its capacity) of 90.7%, and 92% when powered by a 230 VAC source. The peak efficiency of the unit takes place at 50% load and is at 93.4% or 92.6% for an input voltage of 230 VAC or 115 VAC respectively. These figures align well with expectations for a product within its efficiency class.

The Be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 650W PSU does not feature a "hybrid" fan mode, resulting in the fan being operational from the moment the power supply is activated. However, due to its design, the fan maintains a low speed for up to 60% of the load capacity, which helps in keeping the unit operating quietly, especially under standard conditions at room temperature. As the load surpasses approximately 400 Watts, the fan's speed increases significantly to address the increased thermal output of the PSU. The internal temperatures of the unit remains low at all times, with the thermal control circuit being particularly aggressive when the load is greater than 500 Watts.

Introduction, Examining Inside & Out Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient)
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  • DBissett - Sunday, March 17, 2024 - link

    Maybe it doesn't require $100, but I want all the safety I can get in the PSU. I've always bought Corsair but once I had a PSU blowup, like POP, smoke, and everything in the box got fried. I did get my data saved by having a tech guy swap the platter in the HDD to another unit. Anyway, at 10% of the cost of systems I usually build I don't think it's too much for top quality.
  • jrbales@outlook.com - Monday, April 15, 2024 - link

    Thirty years ago I took a PC building class. In regards to PSUs, the instructor drilled this into my head: You get what you pay for, and the PSU is the one component you don't want to be purchasing based on getting the cheapest price possible. He stressed the PSU as the most important components in that it affects the stability and longevity of your system and software. Since that time, I've stuck to three brands that I trust based on their reputation and consistency in producing great models: Seasonic, Corsair, and Be Quiet! (your list will vary), and I've only used Seasonic the last 15 years or so. But even then you should still read some reviews before pulling out the credit card so that you're fully informed of the strengths and weaknesses of various models. And I've managed to find online sales that have helped save a few bucks. A quality PSU will last longer than a cheap one with poor design and components that can take your system down (or even set it on fire in the worst case).

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