be quiet! Pure Power 9 CM 700 Watt PSU Review - Certification & Efficiency

Certification

Be Quiet! offers this PSU now as a Silver 80+ product certified by the 80 PLUS organization (the people that certify and test efficiency). We already explained a little what that literally means. But what does such a certification entail? Well, 80 Plus (trademarked 80 PLUS) is a voluntary certification program intended to promote efficient energy use in computer power supply units (PSUs). Launched in 2004 by Ecos Consulting, it certifies products that have more than 80% energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load, and a power factor of 0.9 or greater at 100% load. That is, such PSUs will waste 20% or less electric energy as heat at the specified load levels, thus reducing electricity use and bills compared to less efficient PSUs. Sometimes, rebates are given for manufacturers who use 80 Plus-certified PSUs.

Well there is plenty to choose from, we have Standard, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and even Titanium certifications. A PSU that is certified 80 PLUS Gold or 80 PLUS Platinum is far more efficient than your regular unit. The Pure Power 9 power supplies are certified by the 80 PLUS organization to deliver an 89% energy efficiency at 50% load and 85% efficiency when your PC idles (at 230 Volts). Additionally, the Pure Power 9 units have active PFC with a power factor up to 0.99 and are ErP 2014 compliant with a standby power drain below 0.11 watts.

These days we suggest you get at least a 500 Watt PSU for any mediocre PC, but considering your PC / PSU is the most efficient and energy friendly at half its load, it might be wise to get a higher rated power supply. The 700 Watt model tested is most efficient at 350 Watts, which is pretty much what a reasonably powerful PC with a high-end graphics card uses during a game of hefty fragging. Listan released this power supply with the statement it will not only have a huge amount of power across all rails, but does so with very little noise + the option to create one huge 12V rail - that is fairly unique. 

80 PLUS Silver certification
The models with 400 to 700 watts have been awarded 80 PLUS Silver certification and feature efficiency up to 91% at 230 volts. High efficiency means money savings, reduced waste heat, and overall quieter operation. Additionally, the Pure Power 9 units have active PFC with a power factor up to 0.99 and are ErP 2014 compliant with a standby power drain below 0.11 watts.

Quiet Operation
All Pure Power 9 CM models use a high-quality 120mm Be Quiet! fan. It is thermally controlled and optimally governed to strike the best balance between proper cooling and exceptional quietness. Airflow-optimized fan blades reduce turbulence, allowing for a best-of-class quiet operation with excellent airflow.

Active Clamp + SR topology
Pure Power 9 CM makes use of the current, superior topology for power supplies called “Active Clamp + SR“. This uses IC controllers instead of older style passive components, so the power conversion is constantly monitored and always being kept at an optimal efficiency level with maximum stability.

Multi-GPU support
Pure Power 9 CM 700 and 600 Watt models offer four 6+2 pin PCI-E connectors; the 500 and 400 Watt models offer two. This allows you to power top-of-the-range or dual graphic card systems without a problem.

Modular cable management
Be Quiet!’s new Pure Power 9 CM models are available with high-quality cable management features. Cable management results in a cleaner, better looking installation, simplifies component installation and reduces annoying clutter. New is that the power supply now comes with flat ribbon cables. In addition, there is an “all-in-one” cable with a practical Easy-Plug HDD connector. Also new: all cables are outfitted in black, which leads to a clean and modern look in the PC.

Integration of all protection circuits
In the new power supply series all modern protection circuits are integrated, including UVP (under voltage protection), OVP (over voltage protection), SCP (short circuit protection), OPP (overload protection), OCP (over current protection) and OTP (overheating protection). This guarantees maximum safety for the Pure Power 9 CM and is exceptional in this price range.

Warranty
Listan offers you a 3 year carry-in warranty.