Average Noise
The average noise output is not high for the category’s standards, given also the PSU’s high capacity.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 115V
The fan’s passive operation is short, which is expected given the compact platform and its increased power output. The PSU’s fan starts with a 25-30 dBA noise output, while the 1000W unit starts at 20-25 dBA! There could be more intermediate and less noisy steps, and it is also weird that the fan starts at higher speeds in the 850W model than the 1000W one. The 30 dBA mark is passed at around 640W at 12V. Noise exceeds 35 dBA at 690W.
Fan Noise & Speed Maps @ 28-32 °C – 230V
With 230V input, the fan speed profile looks similar to the 115V one. The (small) differences are that noise passes the 30 dBA mark at 650W (instead of 640W at 115V) and goes over 35 dBA at 700W (instead of 690W at 115V).
The transformer’s visual impact is remarkable, but it is the optical effect compared to the size of the power supply. Seeing 1200w from such a small 850w power supply always makes a certain sense.