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TESTING METHODOLOGY AND BENCHMARKS
Technical Assistant – Berardino Petrelli
All tests were repeated multiple times for better accuracy and conclusive results. The test bench was used for testing PSU temperatures and datalogging. Ambient environmental temperature was 22⁰C during testing, which was also the same within the chassis of the test system when powered off. Extra hardware used is as follows:
CSI3711A Programmable DC Electronic Loads
Extech 382100 – 1200A 3-Phase Power Analyzer/Datalogger
Extech MultiMaster MM570A High-Accuracy Multimeter
Extech SL355 – Personal Noise Dosimeter/Datalogger
SunMoon SM-268
Supco LIT6P Laser Infrared Thermometer + Probe
The temperature raises a few degrees after power-on, which makes sense due to typical startup procedure. All-in-all, the Silencer Mk III 850W stays quite cool even on maximum load, but also keep in mind our ambient temperatures are about 10⁰C less than what the average user has. Still, a maximum threshold of 49⁰C-50⁰C is excellent in that regard.
Noise levels are also very good considering the 140mm fan kicks-in at 50% load. The PSU still remains relatively quiet which helps confirm its naming. Even with the cooling fan, the decibels remain low at the 50% jump because it does not rotate at the full 1500 RPM, but scales as temperatures and power requirements rise – a nod to its smart fan-controlling properties.
While maximum throughput is a tad silly, we decided to include the test anyway. The Silencer Mk III 850W can go +66W over its advertised value which is quite substantial.
Finally getting to efficiency results, the best numbers come at around the midway point of total load, where the PSU stays true to its 90% 80 PLUS Gold rating. The largest discrepancies come at initiation and maximum load, but still stay valiantly close to the 90% guarantee. Note than the 916W rating is added for extra perspective and does not count towards the overall efficiency results.