be quiet Dark Power Pro 10 550W Power Supply Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Friday, August 03, 2012
Product Layout and Features
Dark Power Pro PSUs all come with a common set of features with the only difference being the size of the power circuits and subsequent efficiency rating. The unit featured in this review is the smallest in the Dark Power Pro line, at 550 Watts, but does come with an 80Plus Gold efficiency rating and larger form factor common to 850W and larger power supplies.
The primary cooling fan is 135mm be quiet unit with SilentWings technology. The fan spins at 1500rpm with a 12.9dBA sound rating at full load. This drops to 11.7dBA under normal operation making the fan virtually silent in the standard desktop.
The Dark Power Pro features a modular cable design that allows you to use only the cables required for your system. Unlike other modular PSUs you will find a different power plug for each molex type. PCI Express cables are located across the top and feature a unique 12pin plug design. Drives are located in the middle and use a flat 5pin plug design and the 12v CPU power comes from a single 10pin plug located next to the drive connections.
The Dark Power Pro features a modular cable design that allows you to use only the cables required for your system. Unlike other modular PSUs you will find a different power plug for each molex type. PCI Express cables are located across the top and feature a unique 12pin plug design. Drives are located in the middle and use a flat 5pin plug design and the 12v CPU power comes from a single 10pin plug located next to the drive connections.
A nice feature that comes with the Dark Power Pro line is the dedicated two wire fan connections direct from the PSU. These fan ports are located along the side of the PSU and deliver 12v constant power.
Maybe one of the most unique features of this power supply is called Overclocking Key. OCK is a single jumper that combines the four independent 12v rails into a single mono rail. The conversion can be done using the included jumper wire or with the fancy expansion slot switch. If you use the switch a red LED will activate when the OCK has been enabled and is ready to use.
Maybe one of the most unique features of this power supply is called Overclocking Key. OCK is a single jumper that combines the four independent 12v rails into a single mono rail. The conversion can be done using the included jumper wire or with the fancy expansion slot switch. If you use the switch a red LED will activate when the OCK has been enabled and is ready to use.
