be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W PSU Review
Meet the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W
be quiet’s Dark Power Pro series has just received a big upgrade
be quiet has upgraded its Dark Rock Pro series of PSUs for 2026 with its new Dark Rock Pro 14 IO 1300W and 1600W models. Alongside high efficiency levels and lots of power, these PSUs promise strong data analytics and new software controls. These features are a first for be quiet’s product line.
This PSU has 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Titanium efficiency ratings, delivering efficiency levels up to 94.9%. That level of efficiency translates to less wasted power and less heat production, allowing this PSU to be quiet despite its 1600W maximum power output.
The 1600W model has a Cybenetics Lambda A noise rating, meaning it runs between 20 and 25 dB(A). The 1300W model has an A++ (under 15 dB(A)) noise rating, which makes sense as less power means less heat output, and both the 1300W and 1600W models share the same cooling/heatsink designs. Note that 30 dB(A) noise levels are whisper-quiet. During our tests, this PSU was incredibly quiet, as expected from be quiet!
Premium aesthetic
be quiet’s Dark Power Pro series PSUs are built like tanks. With their anodised aluminium exterior, these PSUs are weighty, and both look and feel premium. This is an engineer’s PSU, an engineer who built the PSU they wanted to create, not the PSU that would maximise margins. It shows care and attention to detail that many competing PSUs lack. It’s almost shameful that this PSU is practically guaranteed to be hidden under a PC case’s PSU shroud…
BIG power
As a 1600W unit, this PSU can draw a lot of power. This PSU doesn’t use a bog standard kettle lead (C13 power cable); it uses the beefier C19 mains connector. A chunky input for a PSU that can draw a lot of juice. Note that this PSU doesn’t have switches for single-rail mode or its zero-ROM fan mode (unlike the Dark Power 14 (non-Pro) series). Thanks to this PSU’s IO software support, be quiet can remove these switches and simply control these features with software.
IO Connectivity
This PSU doesn’t just deliver power to your PC; it can also push and receive data. Connect this PSU to your PC via its USB Type-C input to control it with be quiet’s IO software and view power draw, PSU fan speeds, efficiency levels, and more.
Note that each power output is labelled by the 12V rail it uses.
PSU Cables
Most cables that come with be quiet’s Dark Power Pro 14 IO are braided with a soft cotton braid, giving this PSU a premium feel. The only cables that use plastic sleeving are the case’s USB Type-C cable for IO data connectivity and the PSU’s 12V-2×6 power cables, which use an embossed plastic to give the appearance of a braided cable.
Note that the 12V-2×6 cables provided with this PSU feature an angled end connector. This can prevent cable strain when the edges of GPUs are close to your case’s side panel.
Note the orientation of this 12V-2×6 cable. When buying this PSU, make sure your GPU’s 12V-2×6 power cable is oriented in a way that looks aesthetically pleasing with this cable.
Included Cables
The be quiet Dark Rock Pro 14 IO 1600W and 1300W ship with the same cables. One 24 (20+4) pin, two 8-pin CPU cables (one is 4+4), and two 12V-2×6 power cables. The PSU also features six 6+2-pin PCIe connectors, 15 SATA connectors, and two Molex connectors.
Pricing
be quiet’s Dark Power Pro 14 IO series is available in 1300W and 1600W forms. Both models are currently available to pre-order from Overclockers UK. In the UK, these PSUs cost £399.95 and £499.99 respectively.
Accessories
Included with be quiet’s new Dark Power Pro 14 IO series PSUs are four different cable comb sizes and a set of Velcro ties. This allows users to give their systems a premium aesthetic with well-routed PSU cables. Typically, PC builders need to invest in aftermarket cables to have cable combs.
For cable management, these Velcro ties are a useful add-on. They’re much easier to use than plastic ties and reusable.
