Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W Review: A Silent Powerhouse
For demanding PC enthusiasts, the Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W is more than just a power supply – it’s a silent and reliable force, designed to fuel high-end rigs with unwavering stability. I’ve been using this PSU for the past few weeks, putting it through rigorous tests to see how it holds up under heavy loads and what it brings to the table in terms of features and performance.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W is the latest iteration in Be Quiet!’s renowned Dark Power Pro series, boasting a plethora of improvements over its predecessors. Designed with a focus on silent operation, high efficiency, and rock-solid stability, it’s a compelling choice for anyone building a high-end gaming PC or workstation.
Key Features
The Dark Power Pro 13 1300W is packed with features that cater to demanding PC builds:
- 80 Plus Titanium Efficiency: This ensures maximum energy conversion efficiency, reducing wasted power and heat output.
- 135mm Silent Wings Fan: The large fan with a fluid dynamic bearing ensures near-silent operation even under full load.
- Full Modular Design: Cable management is a breeze with the fully modular design, allowing you to connect only the cables you need.
- Digitally Controlled: Advanced digital control allows for precise voltage regulation and ensures a stable power delivery.
- Full bridge + LLC + SR + DC/DC Technology: This advanced topology ensures superior power delivery and reduces ripple noise for improved component stability.
- 12V Rails: This provides dedicated and stable power to your CPU and other high-power components.
- 10-Year Warranty: Be Quiet! offers a reassuring 10-year warranty on this power supply, attesting to its long-term reliability.
Performance & Stability
The Dark Power Pro 13 1300W consistently impressed me with its performance. Under full load, it remained rock-stable, providing a clean and consistent power delivery without any noticeable voltage fluctuations. I ran multiple benchmarks, including heavy gaming sessions, demanding 3D rendering tasks, and CPU-intensive stress tests, and the PSU never faltered.
The 135mm Silent Wings fan, as its name suggests, is truly silent. Even under heavy load, the fan remained remarkably quiet, contributing to the overall quiet operation of my entire PC. The fan only kicks in when needed, and its speed ramps up gradually, maintaining a balance between cooling efficiency and noise level.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W:
Pros
- Exceptional performance and stability
- Superb 80 Plus Titanium efficiency
- Whisper-quiet operation thanks to the Silent Wings fan
- Full modular design for excellent cable management
- Advanced digitally controlled for precise voltage regulation
- 10-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Relatively high price compared to other PSUs
- Can be a bit bulky, but this is common for high-wattage PSUs
Final Verdict
The Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W is an exceptional power supply that delivers on all its promises. Its silent operation, rock-solid stability, and high efficiency make it a compelling choice for demanding PC builds. While its price might be considered high compared to some other options, the performance and reliability it offers justify the cost, especially for those who value a silent and stable power solution. If you’re looking for a top-tier power supply for your high-end PC, the Dark Power Pro 13 1300W is undoubtedly worth considering.
Specifications
| Model | Dark Power Pro 13 1300W |
|---|---|
| Continuous power (W) | 1300 |
| Peak power (W) | 1400 |
| Form factor | Version 3.0 |
| Form factor EPS 12V | Version 2.92 |
| Topology | Full bridge + LLC + SR + DC/DC |
| Digitally controlled | ✓ |
| Voltage (Vac) | 115 – 240 |
| Frequency (Hz) | 50 – 60 |
| Input current (A) | 15 / 9 |
| Power factor at 100% load | >0.99 |
| Modern standby | ✓ |
| Power consumption in standby (W) | <0.06 |
| Average life time (h / 25°C) | >100,000 |
| Operating temperature up to (°C) | 50 |