Average Noise
The PSU’s average noise output is low for the category’s standards. From the >1500W units, only the Noctua Edition TX-1600 achieves a lower noise rating, but I need to conduct thermal tests on this platform to check the consequences of such a relaxed fan speed profile in a 1600W PSU.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 115V
Increased load on the minor rails doesn’t affect the fan speed profile. The fan doesn’t spin at up to around 760W; it starts spinning for a small period, then drops to passive operation at 800W and begins to spin again at around 830W, at very low speeds, with its noise output remaining below 15 dBA. It needs more than 1240W at 12V for the fan to enter the 30-35 dBA range, and with more than 1440W at 12V, the fan’s noise falls within the 40-45 dBA range.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 230V
The 230V fan noise profile is more relaxed compared to the 115V one. The passive operation lasts a bit longer, but the most crucial difference is that the high-speed fan operation is pushed to higher loads, notably lowering the average noise output.
Wouldn’t have expected AsRock to enter that space but it’s always a welcome surprise to see new competition. Are there any plans to also test their SL-G and PG-G units?