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

Efficiency Normal, Light & Super-Light Loads

Efficiency in power supplies is the percentage of input AC power converted to usable DC power for the system, with the rest lost as heat. For example, an 80% efficient PSU delivering 400W of DC power draws 500W from the AC source, losing 100W as heat.

The platform offers high efficiency in all load ranges. Still, there is room for improvement with a 2% load where the competition is tough.

Average Efficiency

The PSU’s average efficiency with more than 1450 different load levels at 115V and 230V is depicted in the graphs below.

The average efficiency meets the Cybenetics Titanium criteria.

Average PF

Power factor in power supplies is the ratio of real power (used to do work, measured in watts) to apparent power (total power drawn, measured in volt-amperes). It indicates how efficiently a PSU uses incoming AC power. A higher power factor (closer to 1) is better, as it means less wasted energy, reduced strain on electrical systems, and improved efficiency, often achieved through Active Power Factor Correction (APFC) in modern PSUs.

The APFC converter offers decent performance at 115V, which can be further improved, and the same goes for 230V input.

Average Efficiency 5VSB

The 5VSB rail’s efficiency is high.

Vampire Power

Vampire power, also known as standby power, refers to the electricity consumed by a power supply unit (PSU) when it is plugged in but not actively powering a device, such as when a computer is turned off or in a low-power state, like sleep mode. This small, continuous draw (often a few watts) occurs due to background functions, such as maintaining standby rails (e.g., +5VSB for wake-on-LAN). Lower vampire power is better, as it reduces energy waste and lowers electricity costs.

Vampire power is increased, especially at 230V.

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2 thoughts 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?

    1. …in addition, Pure Power has more compact dimensions 160 vs 175 (Dark Power) and fits into e.g. Lancool 207, or Sugo 14, while Dark Power does not 😉

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