PSUs

be quiet! Dark Power 14 850W ATX v3.1 PSU Review

crmaris

According to be quiet!, the new Dark Power 14 series makes no compromises in silence or performance. It’s time to put that claim to the test and see if it holds up. Read the full review to discover how the flagship 1000W model performs.

The be quiet! Dark Power 14 1000W is (or will be) included in my best ATX v3.x & PCIe 5.x PSU picks article.

be quiet! has been active in the PSU market since the early 2000s and is now among the best-selling brands in Germany, especially for users who prioritize silent operation. The company’s power supply lineup is structured as follows, from flagship to entry level:

  • Dark Power 14
  • Dark Power 13
  • Straight Power 12
  • Power Zone 2
  • Pure Power 13
  • Pure Power 12
  • System Power 11
  • SFX Power
  • TFX Power 3

The Dark Power 14 series stands as be quiet!’s flagship PSU lineup, comprising three models ranging from 850W to 1200W. All variants achieve Cybenetics Titanium efficiency ratings alongside top-tier LAMBDA noise certifications. In addition, Cybenetics has verified the entire series for full ATX v3.1 compliance, confirming that every unit meets the standard’s requirements.

The highlights of the Dark Power 14 line are the following:

  • Available in 1200W, 1000W, and 850W models
  • Cybenetics Titanium efficiency (up to 95.57%)
  • ATX 3.1 PSU with full support for PCIe 5.1 GPUs and GPUs with 6+2-pin connectors
  • Active and semi-passive cooling can be selected with the push of a button
  • An aluminum heatsink to support the semi-passive cooling concept and improve the longevity of the components
  • Silent Wings fan for virtually inaudible operation
  • Full bridge + Synchronous Rectifier + LLC technology provides unmatched signal stability and extremely high efficiency
  • Button to switch between single and multi-rail operation
  • Full-mesh front with funnel-shaped air inlet upholds the high air circulation abilities
  • Modular cable management for maximum convenience
  • 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
  • Product conception, design, and quality control in Germany

 

 

To minimize fan noise, be quiet! employs a large heatsink directly coupled to the components with the highest thermal load. By improving passive heat dissipation, this design reduces the fan’s workload and, in turn, overall acoustic output. The fan is mounted directly onto this heatsink, which, according to be quiet!—helps eliminate vibration transfer. Rounding out the design, the fan features a 6-pole motor and a fluid dynamic bearing for smooth, quiet operation and long-term reliability.

Someone on our Discord server mentioned that I didn’t stand out much in this new fan-design approach in previous reviews. Well, look at the noise results to see whether it helps minimize noise output, because whatever I comment on the design, the results clearly show whether it is effective. Moreover, the day only has 24h, and I have other stuff to do, besides detailed commenting on fan-heatsink combos.

The MSRP prices of the Dark Power 14 units are:

  • Dark Power 14 1200W: $310/310€
  • Dark Power 14 1000W: $275/275€
  • Dark Power 14 850W: $230/230€

These prices are stiff, I know, but we are talking about the flagship be quiet! products here.

Check out our top ATX v3.1 PSU guide before purchasing your next PSU.

ATX v3.1 850W PSU Reviews:

Cybenetics PSU Test Database
Best ATX v3.x PSUs
Technical Specifications:
  • Manufacturer (OEM): CWT
  • Max Power: 850W
  • Cybenetics Efficiency: [115V] Cybenetics Titanium (92.070%), [230V] Cybenetics Titanium (93.439%)
  • Noise: [115V] Cybenetics A++ (10.46 dB[A]), [230V] Cybenetics A++ (10.61 dB[A])
  • Compliance: ATX v3.1, EPS 2.92
  • Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load): 0 – 40 °C
  • Alternative Low Power Mode support: ✓
  • Power 12V combined: 840W
  • Number of 12V rails: 1
  • Power 5V + 3.3v: 120W
  • Power 5VSB: 15W
  • Cooling: 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (BQ SIW4-13525-MF)
  • Semi-Passive Operation: ✓ (Selectable)
  • Modular Design: Yes (Fully)
  • High Power Connectors: 2x EPS (2x cables), 1x 12+4 pin (600W), 4x PCIe 6+2 pin (2x cables)
  • Peripheral Connectors: 13x SATA (4x cables), 2x 4-pin Molex (1x cable)
  • ATX Cable Length: 600mm
  • EPS Cable Length: 700mm
  • 12+4 pin PCIe Cable Length: 600mm
  • 6+2 pin PCIe Cable Length: 750mm
  • Distance between SATA/4-pin Molex: 155mm
  • In-cable capacitors: No
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 mm x 85 mm x 175mm
  • Weight: 2.21 kg (4.87 lb)
  • Warranty: 10 Years
  • MSRP (excluding VAT): $230/230€

Power Specifications

Rail 3.3V 5V 12V1 12V2 12V3 12V4 5VSB -12V
Max. Power Amps 24 24 30 30 35 35 3 0.5
Watts 120 840 15 6
Total Max. Power (W) 850
Pages:
  1. Prologue & Technical specifications
  2. Box & Bundle, Product Photos & Cables
  3. Part Analysis
  4. Load Regulation & Ripple Suppression
  5. Transient Response
  6. Hold-Up time, Inrush Current, Leakage Current & PSU Timings
  1. Efficiency, Power Factor, 5VSB & Vampire Power
  2. Protection Features & EMI
  3. Noise Output
  4. Overall Performance
  5. Epilogue
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One thought on “be quiet! Dark Power 14 850W ATX v3.1 PSU Review”

  1. Leakage current graph is for the 1000W models so wrong graph used here, too bad your graphs don’t include Pure Power 13 M , that model seems to be a better value and maybe better unit than this.
    BQ can snatch loyal Seasonic and Corsair users with these 2025 models, good job from them. Thanks for the review!

    Do you think that the Dark Power 14 worth the premium over the Pure Power 13 M?

    Reply

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