Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 850W Power Supply Review: A Quiet Powerhouse?
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 850W is a premium power supply unit (PSU) designed for serious PC builders who value both performance and quiet operation. With its 80 Plus Platinum efficiency rating, fully modular design, and whisper-quiet fan, the Straight Power 12 promises to deliver reliable power while keeping your system whisper-silent. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve put it through a rigorous test to find out.
Features
The Straight Power 12 is packed with features that cater to discerning PC builders. Let’s take a closer look:
- 80 Plus Platinum Efficiency: This ensures high energy efficiency, resulting in lower power consumption and reduced heat generation.
- Fully Modular Design: Allows you to connect only the cables you need, improving airflow and cable management.
- 135mm Silent Wings Fan: Designed for whisper-quiet operation even under heavy loads.
- 12V-Rail Design: Delivers stable and efficient power to all your components.
- Active PFC: Improves power factor and reduces harmonic distortion, ensuring clean power delivery.
- Full Bridge + LLC + SR + DC/DC Technology: Advanced circuitry for improved stability and efficiency.
- 10-Year Warranty: Demonstrates Be Quiet!’s confidence in the product’s longevity.
Performance
The Straight Power 12 850W delivered impressive performance across the board. It easily handled all my components, including a powerful CPU and a high-end graphics card, without showing any signs of strain. During benchmark tests, the PSU remained stable, delivering clean and consistent power.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Straight Power 12 is its quiet operation. Even under heavy load, the 135mm Silent Wings fan remained remarkably quiet. I could barely hear it over the noise of my other components, and it never became obtrusive.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 850W:
Pros:
- Excellent 80 Plus Platinum efficiency for energy savings and reduced heat.
- Fully modular design for easy cable management and improved airflow.
- Quiet operation thanks to the Silent Wings fan technology.
- Stable and reliable power delivery for demanding components.
- 10-year warranty for peace of mind.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to some other PSUs in the same wattage range.
- The modular cables are a bit stiff and can be difficult to manage.
Final Verdict
The Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 850W is a high-quality power supply that delivers excellent performance, whisper-quiet operation, and a comprehensive set of features. While it’s on the pricier side, its exceptional performance and long warranty make it a worthwhile investment for serious PC builders who demand the best.
If you’re looking for a premium PSU that can handle demanding components while remaining silent and efficient, the Straight Power 12 is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Straight Power 12 850W |
| Continuous power (W) | 850 |
| Peak power (W) | 920 |
| Form factor | Version 3.0 |
| Form factor EPS 12V | Version 2.92 |
| Topology | Full bridge + LLC + SR + DC/DC |
| Voltage (Vac) | 100 – 240 |
| Frequency (Hz) | 50 – 60 |
| Input current (A) | 10 / 5 |
| Power factor at 100% load | >0.99 |
| Modern standby | Yes |
| Power consumption in standby (W) | 0.17 |
| Average life time (h / 25°C) | >100,000 |
| Operating temperature up to (°C) | 40 |