Cooler Master Silent Pro M Series PSU Contest

[Olin Coles]

Cooler Master and Benchmark Reviews would like to present one lucky member with a brand new 700W Cooler Master Silent Pro M-series power supply unit (http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/landing/silentpro/).

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/landing/silentpro/gallery/0.jpg

All that you need to do is answer one question in your entry post:

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level
G) Quality Components

One winner will be selected on 23 February 2009. This contest is open to anyone and everyone, but shipping is restricted to USA and Canada only. Good luck!

[slugbug]

What is most important to me in a power supply is B) Energy Efficiency.

[Olin Coles]

What is most important to me in a power supply is B) Energy Efficiency.

I agree with Slugbug, my top concern is:

B) Energy Efficiency

[Nate Swetland]

Energy Efficiency..

having a ton of power that is unmanaged is simply wasteful

[Tim White]

I'm going to have to agree.

B) Energy Efficiency

More power goes to the computer and less wasted as heat.

[Polytec]

I have to agree.

B) Energy Efficiency

All the other choices have an importance to me, but Energy Efficiency is the number one most important.

[LovermanOwens]

Cable Managment all the way

[MaxFN]

While not always an indicator of good design it is always much harder to design a high efficiency system than a low efficiency one. So I would stick with B) Energy Efficiency over a same power low efficiency unit...especially given the other criteria provided. I would not select Energy Efficiency over reliability or power quality and at some point cost...after all the whole point is to power the system not feel good about yourself for being green.

[yfital]

F) Noise Level

I would say my top concern is Energy efficiency, but to be frank, the most important thing for me is quiet. my OCZ gameXstream is killing me!

Heck if i win, ill pay the shipping expenses :)

[x.clay]

I consider all those items when buying a PSU but Energy Efficiency is at the top of my list.

[AlteredCarbon]

Not to sound like a broken record here, but...

B) Energy efficiency

A (very) close second is an option not listed though: noise level.

[filmfan214]

I will agree with most so far and say Energy Efficiency. It's not the only consideration, but perhaps the most important to me.

[Beans]

B) Energy Efficiency

Is absolutely most important. with out, quality power going to your machine, all the other options mean nothing.

[ROBSCIX]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price

B and D.... If I had to pick though, too many cables make your PC a mess.
I don't like to be wasteful though either.

[FunkZ]

What is most important to me is cable management. I would rather have a modular power supply with easy to use cables than extra or more efficient power or warranty.

[MENG]

B) Energy Efficiency

Without question.

[Big Dave]

GREEN... I look for maximum power - that is top priority when figuring out the power supply needed - then trying to determine which of the PSU are most efficient is a bonus (along with cable management and price and warranty). You could have the most efficient 500 watt power supply on the planet, but to run sli/crossfire high-end graphics and multiple drives - you better get the wattage needed. Choice 'A' all the way! :cool:

[ratbert]

All other things being equal,(I can find a lot of quiet efficient power supplies), I would pick...
C) Warranty Period
...if you can't back it up I don't want it.

[werty316]

B) Energy Efficiency

[=CDU=Above]

What is most important to you in a power supply?
Energy Efficiency

[Schwarz]

I would go for Maximum Power Output.
And no its not only for bragging rights...
First of as you know Das I run a phase change cooler (Mach II GT) or if you remember me..BTW long time no see heh.
As far as noise levels I have a phase change so the noise of the PSU could never be as loud as the compressor in there haha..
Price... well of course its important but i've paid my stuff and never looked at the price why would I start now, if I want the latest I have to pay the price...
Cable management is not as important to me, though it makes a very good looking box, in my case I am ready to sacrifice everything for the top performing PC.
Warranty period is very important and this is where I had a dilema but I came down to Max power output.
As far as energy efficiency, well my PC already makes my bill go up...
There you have it :)

[Olin Coles]

I would go for Maximum Power Output.
And no its not only for bragging rights...
First of as you know Das I run a phase change cooler (Mach II GT) or if you remember me..

The only item I currently use with phase change is the Cooler Master V10 CPU cooler. See what happens when you fall of the face of the Earth for over a year? Welcome back.

[lothar]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

Energy Efficiency.

My highest drawing system is my media server and that hardly reaches 200W due to the hard drives. My other systems are 150W or less.

Cable management is always a good thing, as is noise level and price, but Energy Efficiency is #1 for me.

[Janus]

F) Noise Level

[scruffykid]

Definitely noise level. You can't have a vacuum powering you pc. Efficiency was a close second though.

[gunner46]

I consider all those items when buying a PSU but Energy Efficiency number one .

[Olle P]

Hmm, let's see...

A) Maximum Power Output
Must be more than X watts, but not really more than Y.

B) Energy Efficiency
80+ rating is required and good enough. I won't pay extra for higher efficiency.

C) Warranty Period
Not a factor as such, but high quality is a factor. With high quality comes often extended warranty.

D) Cable Management
Modular is nice, but not worth that much extra money.

E) Price
With all other factors satisfied, it boils down to the price. I'd rate this as the decisive factor, once I've made a short list of two or three competitors. The one I find most price worthy will be the winner!

F) Noise Level
Very important! I've had enough of noisy PSUs. A single dB difference isn't enough to warrant a success vs failure verdict though.

Cheers
Olle

[zachig]

For me, 'Energy Efficiency' in first place. Second, 'Maximum Power Output'. :D

[Nycto]

Ah...I would be concerned about the warranty most. Efficiency is definitely important, but a fully backed lifetime warranty tells me I will not have to worry about the unit going bad in a year. If somebody wants my cash, they better have a product they are confident enough in that they can give it that level of support.

So, C) Warranty

[higgamo]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

D) Cable Managment

big deal for me it can cause bad airflow and hurt other parts =|

[dlb]

Another vote here for <B> Energy Efficiency. Followed by <A> and <D>...
:D

[BlackRain]

it starts with "Energy Efficiency"

[gs-059]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

D) Cable Management


I wish there was an option for quality or lifespan...

[tanka12345]

The thing that is most important to me in a PSU is Energy Efficiency. There's no point in a perfect, high quality, silent, powerful PSU if your energy bill ends up costing more than the PSU.

[Z-Knight]

Definitely b) Energy Efficiency.

I had a $200 power supply which I thought was good...but my system would have random reboots with my tiny overclock. It took months before I decided to replace it with a newer better power supply and that solved the entire problem...it was simply a problem with poor power signals, so Energy Efficiency is important to me.

[shawn1cai]

B. Energy Efficiency

Noise level is mighty important to me as well.

[Sim]

B) Energy Efficiency

[Evaders99]

E) Price - if its a good deal, I'll get it

[johndoe]

A) Maximum Power Output

[Daryl Greene]

I would say B) Energy Efficiency

[l337h4l]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

A combination of all of these options are important to me every time I shop for a supply. If I had to choose 1 specific reason for a purchase in a supply it would have to be, Price taking into account all of the other factors surrounding the Price of the Supply. What I don't see for an option is Manufacture as I will only purchase from 3 manufactures one being Cooler Master.

[kodemunke]

Since I am currently in the process of building my first PC ever this is the PSU that I have in mind. But to answer your question to try to win this bad boy I would have to say that Energy Efficiency is the number 1 factor I look for in a PSU. The fact that this PSU is 80+ certified and has Active PFC circuitry you should be good to go. With power supplies getting up to 1000W+ nowadays that is 1KW of energy being used by your computer and you need a PSU that is Energy Efficient to save you money and maybe a tree or two along the way. I fell in love with this PSU from the moment I saw it. It is about time Cooler Master came out with a modular PSU. I could go on but I will leave it at that. I hope I can win this badboy. Later guys :cool:

[Olin Coles]

Just so that you're aware, computers only draw as much power as the components demand. Just because you have a 1000W power supply, doesn't mean your computer will draw 1000W from the wall.

Also, the quad-core Core i7-920 system I test with had two GTX 280's running in it for a total power consumption of 560W under full load.

[boredgunner]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

Overall, my answer is (A) Maximum Power Output. A power supply is useless if it can't supply enough power to your system. However, a power supply needs more than just this to be a high quality unit. Energy efficiency is critical as well, and Cooler Master power supplies are "80 PLUS" certified. Anything 80 PLUS certified is good enough for me. You would want a good warranty, as most brands offer. As for cable management, this is not a real issue unless you have a small case. Non modular power supplies are better in some ways (reliability, size), but my Antec 300 doesn't have much space, so a modular power supply is best for those with a mid tower case. Price is important, you don't want an overpriced power supply, but most inexpensive power supplies lack quality. I really don't care much about noise level, as long as it doesn't sound like a banshee. That's how I look at power supplies before I buy them.

[Theidaz]

F) Noise Level

And that includes fan noise as well as electrical noise. The latter being the most annoying! :(

[kodemunke]

Just so that you're aware, computers only draw as much power as the components demand. Just because you have a 1000W power supply, doesn't mean your computer will draw 1000W from the wall.

Also, the quad-core Core i7-920 system I test with had two GTX 280's running in it for a total power consumption of 560W under full load.

I totally agree with you. The PC that I am planing to build is going to be stuffed full of components, so I guess I was talking more in the terms of my planned setup. But you would still need to have a lot of stuff hooked up to the PSU to hit 1000W. I have been real indecisive on which PSU I want to buy because I am unsure what I will really need. But all I know is that it will be Cooler Master to go with my Cosmos 1000 case. Later

P.S. - Forgot to mention earlier but Cooler Master's 5 year warranty on their PSU's is top notch.

[muffe]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

I will tell you why noise level is the most important to me. I've had a noisy computer forever. I would get weird stares from people who came into my room, saying "WTF is that?". The fan on the CPU would function however made the sound like someone firmly rested their finger nail on it. All the fans were loud, but the cpu fan was just unrepentable. The worst is i had to share my computer with my brother, and it was in the same room I slept in. It was terrible for years, him playing counter strike at night, not because he was speaking over the mic, but the fans were way louder. I finally have enough money to buy a new build, and it's going to have to be near silent. I have everything already I just need a dead quiet PSU 600watt or higher.

I've looked online for reviews of 600+ watt power supplies. The Be Quiet! Dark Power would be perfect for me, but it's not readily available in the United States. So the Cooler Master Silent Pro 700 was the next best option. I've searched everywhere and same, luck, I can't find a vendor in the U.S.. Amazon,com Buy,com both have none in stock. So I've found this contest, and If I win that's great. If not, then please can an admin or another user direct me where to purchase this product in the U.S..

Thanks again,
Steve

[Claytronics]

The most important thing in a power supply is B) Energy Efficiency

[CalvinH]

Most important for me would be: B) Energy Efficiency

[XJnine]

A) Maximum Power Output


I'm going with A because that is the first thing I look for in a power supply. All of the other factors come into play but the first thing I do when shopping for a PSU is make sure it can power what I need it to.

[Mugsy]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

Most important to me is not listed: G) Reliability.

But of the choices listed, D) Cable Management is suddenly very important to me as I'm starting to have airflow/cooling issues with my PC.

[bajafish]

I'll have to go with B energy efficiency.

[brewer]

My main concern is:
B) Energy Efficiency

[rired48]

B)

Energy efficiency

[WitsEnd]

While they're all important factors that need to be considered, I'd say "Energy Efficiency" is the most important one!

[Spectrum]

I think B) Energy Efficiency is the most important
But noise level is second because my current PSU's fan is making lots of noise and it's very annoying at times

[JoeThaMan]

For me, I would have to say cable management, or the ability to purchase the power supply, then the length and type of cable that you need. I have purchased a few power supplies. Some normal, some "modular". I liked the modular one, but the length of cables are a bit long on both types but the ability to remove the ones I don't need was nice on the modular unit. Having to double them up and zip-tie them out of the way because the drive or board plug in is less than 6" away from the power supply is somewhat of a hassle and clutters things up. On my most recent computer I spent an hour on just making everything organized and run neatly through the case.

[darrel kincade]

I 'm going to say F for noise level, my current one sounds like it will soon start hovering.

[sushrukh]

The most important thing to me in a power supply is :-

E) Price

[devit]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

my answer is B and after that would be the price of course

[Neutronbeam]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

B) Energy Efficiency

[PingoPongo]

B) Energy Efficiency
Cos noone wants to have a PSU like 1000W input but max 500w output...

[crafldm68]

A) Maximum Power Output

[cablemonkey]

For me it's noise level, closely followed by cable management.

[K0RWW]

Power supply efficiency is the specification that I look at first. Generally, the better effeciency the better the power supply.

[Joel Naticchioni]

I pick B) Energy Efficiency, for the following reasons:

Maximum Power Output - most 650W PSUs are plenty for even enthusiast systems.
Warranty Period - If it's engineered well and built with efficient components to begin with, this isn't even a factor. I've never had to RMA an Enermax or Seasonic PSU.
Cable Managment - pretty much all mid- to high-end PSUs are modular now.
Price - Overall, the PSU is likely the longest-lasting piece of the PC. Price isn't really a factor - unless you're paying over $250. Then you're likely getting robbed for paying into a 'name' instead of components.
Noise Level - Again, most quality PSUs are quiet enough that you won't even notice them. They're usually the quietest part of the PC to begin with; the video or CPU fan is usually much louder.

[the_dope_chaud]

For me, its noise level, as I am a quiet PC kind of guy.

[SQr]

B) Energy Efficiency.

[gbowlin0300]

In today's world (B).Energy Efficiency can really be the only answer, Price of power now days and if you don't scream "environment" now day's, watch out.. "THEY " will get ya....lol

[psanchez2k]

F is my answer.

Cooler Master and Benchmark Reviews would like to present one lucky member with a brand new 700W Cooler Master Silent Pro M-series power supply unit (http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/landing/silentpro/).

All that you need to do is answer one question in your entry post:

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

One winner will be selected on 23 February 2009. This contest is open to anyone and everyone, but shipping is restricted to USA and Canada only. Good luck!

[heffbird714]

A) Maximum Power Output

[Digerati]

Of the choices, maybe:

E) Price

Not cheap, but a decent unit with good bang for the buck is what I buy usually.

But in all honestly, all of these factors matter a lot to me.

[Vidiot]

Mine is gonna have to be B) Energy Efficiency. as well

[space2012]

Cooler Master and Benchmark Reviews would like to present one lucky member with a brand new 700W Cooler Master Silent Pro M-series power supply unit (http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/landing/silentpro/).

All that you need to do is answer one question in your entry post:

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

One winner will be selected on 23 February 2009. This contest is open to anyone and everyone, but shipping is restricted to USA and Canada only. Good luck!

#1. less than 10mV "Verry Low Ripple Noise" at any load, all DC 3.3v, 5v & 12v.
#2. verry stable "true" DC outs at any load.
less than +-1% deviation.
#3. single 12v Rail.
#4. less than 20dB of fan noise at any load.
#5. no heat.
#6. cable leghts.
#7. dual 8-pin eps12v, splitable to 4-pin.
#8. 10 sata power cables.
#9. long lasting parts.
#10. usb temperature&fan speed monitoring capability.
#11. looks. black & gold. honey comb. etc...
#12. included laboratory certificate of specs performance.
#13. more than 10 independent reviews all with same specs & performance.

[SirMango]

F) Noise Level
Low noise can be achieved pretty easily I find. The power supply's fan (if it's 120mm) just needs to have a starting RPM of 500-600. As far as I know, Enermax' new power supplies do that and it's a silent marvel.

Noise caused by coil whine needs to be minimized too!

[Massdeth]

i would have to go with energy effiency also, but followed very closely by warranty for when i overclock my rig to death and the thing gives me the "red spark of death' !!!!!! :eek:

[Pipemayor]

cable management airflow is a must

[Leganfuh]

D) Cable Managment

[rvail317]

B) Energy Efficiency

[WitsEnd]

What's "the" most important trait for me in a power supply?

While Maximum Power Output is important, it isn't an overall-deciding factor in choosing one brand over another. Obviously, any particular model must meet the needs of the system, but purchasing a PSU with output capabilities far in excess of a system's current or anticipated needs is simply a waste of money! The other factors — Energy Efficiency, Warranty Period, Cable Management, Price, and Noise Level — are all important deciding factors, assuming a PSU meets the electrical requirements. But for me, the most important factors in choosing any PSU is the Reputation of the Manufacturer, and the Reliability of their products!

[Houndar]

B) Energy Efficiency

[RagingShadow07]

Max Power Output for me, I guess. If I buy a power supply, I want to make sure it can power what I have, and have enough power for upgrades I'd buy in the future, without me having to buy a new power supply for a while.

[mmm40x]

Noise reduction is my biggest concern. That electrical hum drives me batty.

[JAJansenJr]

Which single factor is most important?

(What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level)

In any purchasing decision I look at three factors and in this order:

1) Does it do what I need done? Here, power output, cable management and noise level (both electrical noise and sound noise) are factors.

2) Is it reliable? This would include the warranty. If it isn't reliable no matter how good on point 1) then it is a no go.

3) Price

In my career I've spent over $60,000 on a piece of equipment when a similar piece of equipment was available for $2000. But the more expensive piece of equipment did what I needed on a much more timely basis and it was reliable. Energy efficiency obviously affects price.

As to which is the single most important factor I will go with energy efficiency. This is a potential deal breaker - if it is inefficient then it will waste energy and the total cost of ownership may be unacceptable.

However, all the factors are important.

[speeb]

Noise Level is tops for me. I want things to run as quietly as possible at the expense of everything else. :)

[Ramze]

What is most important to you in a power supply?

A) Maximum Power Output
B) Energy Efficiency
C) Warranty Period
D) Cable Managment
E) Price
F) Noise Level

my answer is B I don't mind loud fans too much.

[bobboslobbo]

I think for me cable management has been a huge issue, theres just something about a tidy layout that makes me feel confident that there is little to no airflow restrictions.so while id love to say all of the above im going with D) Cable Managment.

awesome site btw

[Gutterpuppy]

I'd have to say warranty period. I haven't had good luck with power supplies in the past (WAY rural VT)

[xellos2099]

I would choose D) cable management because that temperature is one fo the major thing that could affect the stability of the system. The more the airflow the better.

[reageacowboy]

Energy Effiency would be the MOST important since we can only choose one. But they are all very valid and important properties of a quality power supply.

reageacowboy

[cr_whiskey]

My main concerns for purchasing Power Supplies over the years has changed somewhat. Where as Performance no matter what the cost used to be my main concern I now very much include noise level as a major factor. Since we are only able to select one I will go with B) Energy Efficiency. I only wish they would have included a modular Power Supply with my Blacklabel system but the UCP 700 does a great job, well more power would have been nice...:)...It never ends....:D

[MKmods]

I vote for "G" quality components...

(wait, what no G?)

good luck guys.....

[Olin Coles]

I vote for "G" quality components...

(wait, what no G?)

good luck guys.....

There is now. ;)

[TattooVampire]

G) Quality Components is #1 for me

[enzzen]

At the present time the most important factor in a PSU for me, is noise level.
I have been setting up a project recording studio in my home and the combination of CPU cooler and PSU plus a case fan can be distractingly loud and annoying, not to mention all of this fan sound is not good for live mic recording in the room.
I have a great PSU that came with my system but i am researching silent fans and PSU now...

[Morange]

B) Energy Efficiency

Save the planet while saving on your power bill. ;)

[kodemunke]

Now that yall brought up the addition of Quality components i am going to have to change my pick. The quality of the components in a psu make or break it in my opinion. i am a fan of seasonic's M12 design. the internal components on those psu's are rock solid. i cant believe today is the day i cant wait to see who wins

[Olin Coles]

Drawing the winner...

[Olin Coles]

The contest winner has been drawn, and notified by PM. Thank you to all for the excellent feedback!

[slugbug]

No PM here. Congrats to whoever won though.

[RagingShadow07]

Congratulations to the winner!

[Olle P]

Not surprisingly, I didn't win either.
Congratulations to whoever did win!

/Olle

[Olin Coles]

Please congratulate kodemunke!!! He is the winner of the Cooler Master contest for February 2009!

[kodemunke]

Please congratulate kodemunke!!! He is the winner of the Cooler Master contest for February 2009!

:cool: Thanks a lot man.

[MKmods]

Congrats to the winner.. and thanks to Olin/BR for having the contest.

[slugbug]

Congrats kodemunke. Put that new PSU to good use.

[kodemunke]

Congrats kodemunke. Put that new PSU to good use.

Oh don't worry I will. I got a Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 case ready for it. Here are my specs for right now.

CPU: AMD Athlon X2 7750 Black Edition
GPU: Gigabyte GV-R467D3-512I (ATi Radeon HD 4670 512MB)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 (AMD 790FX + SB600)
Cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 LED
RAM: Corsair TWIN2X4096-8500C5D (Dominator 4GB PC2-8500 1066MHz Dual-Channel)
HDD: Working on it.

it's a work in progress but i will post up pics or something.

[XJnine]

Congrats! I'm adding a little more happiness to this post to meet the length requirement for posting... ;-)