Cooler Master Silent Pro 700w Modular PSU

 

With its single +12v rail, excellent modular cable system and a silicone gaskets to dampen vibrations, the Cooler Master Silent Pro 700w certainly looks like it has something for everyone, from overclockers to silent PC enthusiasts. However, as we’ve seen over on the previous page, the voltage stability of the unit is somewhat unusual, with both the +5v and +12v rails taking a roller-coaster ride depending on the distribution of load between them. While most of the time these voltages remained within ATX specifications and therefore shouldn’t cause any issues, we can’t help but wonder what kind of results a user would see with a configuration that exerts a very unbalanced load on the +5v and +12v rails (e.g a dual graphics card PC).

 

On a more positive note, the Silent Pro does exactly what it says on the tin. The combination of a 135mm fan along with excellent management of its speed depending on load and temperature makes the unit quieter than a mouse in slippers. For this reason alone, the Silent Pro 700w should certainly make its way onto the short list of those looking for a compact PSU to complement their HTPC or Silent PC build.

 

Expected to retail for around £94 over at stores such as Scan and Yoyotech, the Silent Pro 700w places itself right at the top scale for what we’d expect to pay for a unit of this wattage. Is it worth it? Well, if you’re after an extremely silent, modular PSU then the answer is a definite YES. However, if you’re after a PSU that will be predicable no matter what system config you throw at it, then probably no.

 

 

– Amazingly silent, even when pushed passed 700w load

– Silicon vibration dampeners shield the PC case from the PSU.

– Single +12v rail ensures that enthusiasts can make full use of every amp.

– Decent modular system with sexy looking cables.

– Rock solid +3.3v rail

– High level of efficiency under most load levels.

– Compact size suitable for small cases and some HTPC’s.

 

– Relies on balanced power consumption over the +5v and +12v rails for best results.

– Silicon gaskets on our sample unit had a tendency to fall off.

 

– Nothing.

 

 

Thanks to Cooler Master for making this review possible. Discuss this review in our forum.