Silentmaxx Fanless 400W PSU Review - The benchmark and results
(Page 3 of 5 )
The benchmark
I ran the system up with the original power supply (Coolermaster ATX12v 430W peak) in place, and only one of the intake fans operating (the reason will soon enough become clear). I took initial voltage readings upon power-up using a handheld DMM and then let the machine warm up for two hours with the case closed. I ran up the simulated loading sequence, taxing the machine for twenty minutes. Since processor operating temperature is partly dependant upon the temperature of the case air into which the HSF dumps its heat, I took both case and CPU temperature readings, as well as voltage measurements through the CoreCenter monitoring software that came with the motherboard.
The baseline measurements are below. Note that the voltages recorded by the CoreCenter software are not the same as the readings I took with the DMM. Software measuring systems are notoriously inaccurate, and while there are methods to calibrate some programs for accurate temperature readings, I have yet to find anything that allows one to cal the voltage measurements. Also, CoreCenter does not track the 12v2 voltage; however, the 12v2 remained constant throughout testing according to DMM readings.
| 3.3v | 5v | 12v1 | 12v2 | Case Temp | CPU Temp |
Baseline (DMM) | 3.28 | 4.95 | 11.90 | 11.95 | | |
Baseline (CoreCenter) | 3.33 | 5.05 | 11.72 | | 32 | 36 |
First test
After establishing the benchmark, I removed the original PSU and replaced it with the Silentmaxx. Installation went smoothly. As with the benchmark, I took initial readings with the DMM and then closed up the case.
As can be expected, the case and processor temps were significantly higher with the fanless PSU. Note that throughout the testing, the voltages provided by the PSU are consistent. I could detect no audible noise from it at all and upon opening the case, found it to be very warm to the touch, but not hot.
| 3.3v | 5v | 12v1 | 12v2 | Case Temp | CPU Temp |
Single fan (DMM) | 3.35 | 5.04 | 12.12 | 12.11 | | |
Single fan | 3.28 | 4.92 | 11.90 | | 42 | 50 |
Next: The Fan >>
More Power Supply Units Articles
More By Dngrsone
| Recommended by Dev Hardware |
|---|
|
