Low-noise component maker be quiet! has just launched its Dark Power Pro 14 IO PSU series, equipped with a high-performance cooling system and semi-passive fan operation. The series offers up to 1,600W of power to modern systems, from gaming setups to multi-GPU workstations.
Available in 1,300W and 1,600W capacities, the Dark Power Pro 14 IO series represents the company’s most technologically advanced PSU lineup yet, designed with low-noise operation and efficiency in mind. For starters, we find 80 Plus Titanium and Cybenetics Titanium certification, rated for up to 94.9% energy efficiency. This ensures that most of the power it draws used to run your machine, instead of being wasted as heat, resulting in lower power draw and cooler operation.
Next, the Dark Power Pro 14 IO offers two fan modes, an active one where the Silent Wings fan spins all the time, plus a semi-passive one where the fan doesn’t spin below 50% load. To help with the latter, there’s the built-in aluminium heatsink, which is designed with passive cooling in mind.
Inside its 200 x 150 x 86mm (L x W x H) chassis, you’ll find fully-digital control, including an active rectifier, plus a full bridge LLC topology. These are said to deliver higher efficiency, better power regulation, and lower ripple noise, which results in cleaner and stable power for the system.
On top of offering loads of power, this series also integrates with the brand’s IO Center software, which we recently tested in our be quiet! Light Loop IO LCD 360 review. In this case, the software enables you to monitor real-time power consumption and fan speed, while estimating the cost of electricity based on recorded use.
In fact, the Dark Power Pro 14 IO is the first be quiet! PSU with smart software control. But that’s not all; you can also switch between multi-rail and single-rail modes using this software, or select the fan operating mode. Both of these features are usually only available through physical buttons, so having them in software makes them more convenient to use.
In terms of cable/connectors, both Dark Power Pro 14 IO models offer an identical set, comprising two 8-pin EPS sockets for CPU power, two 12V-2×6 cables, along with six 6+2-pin wires for graphics cards. You also get five SATA/Molex cables, plus a USB cable for controlling the PSU.
All these cables are modular, featuring nice-looking, individually sleeved wires. be quiet! also bundles a bunch of cable combs and zip ties to help keep your cable routing tight and tidy.
Price-wise, the Dark Power Pro 14 IO will be available starting September 1 at £449.99 / $499.90 / €479.90 for the 1,600W unit and £399.99 / $479.90 / €439.90 for the 1,300W model, backed by a 10-year warranty.
Look our for a full review of the Dark Power Pro 14 IO on Club386 soon. In the meantime, check out our full guide to buying the best PSU for all our latest power supply recommendations.
