Power supply comparison rest assured! Dark Power vs. Pro

For this comparison we will be using two of the most premium power supplies from the same manufacturer, with the aim that the fundamental difference between the two models is precisely that one of them is digital and the other is not. . In this regard, in both cases, we will opt for the “12” models, which are the last available on the market at the time of writing this article, so that the comparison is as consistent as possible.

Be quiet! Dark Power vs Dark Power Pro, features

Let’s start with the technical specifications of the two sources to compare them one-to-one:

We are, as you can see, in front of two very similar sources, the main differences of which lie essentially in the fact that the Pro model is offered in higher powers than the normal model and therefore has a higher amperage on the rails and a greater number of connectors, but beyond that its parameters are practically identical.

Yes, it is true that the Dark Power Pro version is an edition that the German manufacturer wanted to launch on the market in Premium, and therefore includes details like sheathed cables that we do not see in the classic version, but It should also be taken into account that there is a fairly large price difference between the two, since the 1500W model of the Pro version exceeds 400 dollars in price, while the normal 1000W model can be bought for less than 300.

Leaving that aside, the two power supply models are very similar, with their 80 Plus Titanium efficiency certification, the highest among PCs, fully modular cabling, a very quiet fan that keeps the power supply at the right temperature and a very similar design. , with a large grille that occupies the entire surface of the fan and high quality brushed aluminum construction.

So where is the difference? As we mentioned at the start, in addition to the Premium aspects of the Dark Power Pro version, we have the fact that they are digital while the normal version is analog. So is it worth paying the price difference? ?

Why choose a digital font?

In general, analog circuits sufficiently monitor and regulate all functions and values ​​of the power supply, but a digital controller gives us better adjustment in controlling and monitoring these. Of course, let’s not confuse the concept that a source has digital control with that of a display or monitoring system via USB as in some cases which are only analog sources with an LED display or which allow to monitor its parameters by means of software and the manufacturer sells them as digital sources when in reality they only have monitoring, but they are not.

The Dark Power Pro from be quiet! it’s a fully digital power supply, and that means even its regulation is. Analog power supplies like the Dark Power 12 use an analog circuit to monitor and regulate the output voltages they deliver to the PC on the DC and PFC side (power factor correction), while on a digital source This work is done by a micro controller, a control element that monitors the PFC, fan control, LLC-SR-12V circuit regulation and protection circuit actuation points.

The digital control therefore allows a much finer adjustment of all the parameters, but also a much faster reaction to problems to trigger the protection circuits, in addition to measuring the source values ​​with much greater precision. As if this were not enough, the faster the MOSFETs of the LLC and SR circuits of the power supply can be set, the shorter the dead times will be and therefore the greater the efficiency will also be.

You already know that higher efficiency means an operation in which the source wastes less energy by converting it into heat, and therefore helps to reduce the electricity bill while it heats less, therefore it has more operation. silent and ensures greater longevity of the device, so of course all are advantages.

So which of the two is more interesting?

There is no doubt that we are dealing with two very high-end power supply models, the only substantial difference of which is the fact that the Dark Power Pro are entirely digital sources, but if to this we add the “Premium” factors that we stand! As the cables have been added sheathed, we have a fairly substantial price difference.

Therefore, be quiet! Dark Power 12 is a recommended power supply for users who want the assurance of having one of the best power supplies on the market, with great quality, efficiency, power and a 10 year warranty. However, the Dark Power Pro 12 model is already aimed at the most greedy who do not hesitate to spend a little more money in order to have the best of the best, with even greater efficiency (despite the fact that both carry the 80 Plus Titanium certificate) and Premium category details that end up making the difference.

Obviously, for us the digital control in a power supply is a rather interesting asset but today we do not consider it essential, at least not when we compare it to a source of the size of Dark Power 12. So if you are looking for a source of excellent quality, we invite you to go for this normal model, but if you are looking for the best of the best and with digital control, you will not regret spending more money to go for the Pro model.