Conclusion:
Overall, the performance of the PC Power and Cooling 750 Quad Black Power Supply was extremely impressive. Even with the extra load added by the synthetic load generator thrown on top of everything else the test system had to offer, the voltage rails wouldn't budge. They just kept on reporting the same static data, which is what you would like to see. Whether the data was being read instantaneously via a multimeter or over time with diagnostic software, the unit made it clear it could handle much more.
Physically, the Silencer 750 may not be the most exciting unit to those looking for a high end PSU to install in their gaming rig, but that PC Power and Cooling badge showing through a case's side window would let people know that your rig was legit. On top of that, it does sport a total of four PCI Express leads to help power any graphics setup you could throw at it, as well as plenty of other connectors to power the rest of the devices in a top of the line system.
For those concerned about their electric bill taking a beating by upgrading to a higher Wattage power supply, the Silencer 750 has the features you would be interested in, too. High efficiency and a 0.99 power factor allowed the Silencer 750 to require about 6% less Wattage on the AC power line, despite having a power rating 50% higher than the reference PSU used in testing. Upgrading from a less efficient power supply would make the power savings (and cash savings) even more impressive, and could honestly pay for the unit in less than three years time.
The only negative worth listing is that as the load increased, the temperature did too, and the noise from the fan in the Silencer 750 became more pronounced. Under significant loads maintained for extended periods of time, the term "Silencer" really wasn't appropriate any more. The 80mm fan design may help keep things cool and quiet at low to moderate loads/temperatures, but there isn't much you can do when it reaches its full speed of 3900RPM and 41dBa.
A search of PriceGrabber turns up a few stores carrying the Silencer 750, and you can even buy directly from PC Power and Cooling at this link. Expect to pay between $170 and $190 (US, before shipping/tax) depending on where you buy it. While this may seem like alot of money to lay out on a power supply, you do get what you pay for. At one time, PC Power and Cooling units seemed over-priced to me, but with so many other units now in the same price range, that the quality, reliability, and efficiency is definitely worth the investment.
Given the quantity and quality of connectors, the strength of the various voltage rails, the efficient use of AC power, and the general heavy duty nature of the unit, the PC Power and Cooling 750 Quad Black Power Supply easily earns the rating of "Highly Recommended".
Pros:
» Excellent performance
» Powerful single 12V rail doesn't lose voltage on underused lines
» Nearly static values on voltage rail readings under any load
» Heavy duty
» Plenty of drive connectors on nicely finished cables
» Ready for gaming with a total of four PCI Express connections
» Three year warranty that is renowned for being no-nonsense
Cons:
» Can be louder than you might expect from a 'Silencer'
Special thanks to PC Power and Cooling for providing the PC Power and Cooling 750 Quad Black Power Supply to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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