be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 850W Power Supply vs CORSAIR RM Series

Price Comparison

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 850W Power Supply is priced at C$173.21, while the CORSAIR RM Series comes in slightly higher at C$179.00. This indicates a price difference of C$5.79 between the two products. While both power supplies are competitively priced within the market, the be quiet! model offers a more budget-friendly option for consumers looking for high-efficiency power solutions without stretching their finances too far.

Efficiency Ratings

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M boasts an impressive 80 PLUS Gold certification with an efficiency rating of up to 94.4%. This high level of efficiency translates to lower power consumption and operational costs, making it a sound choice for those prioritizing energy savings. In contrast, the CORSAIR RM Series does not specify its efficiency rating but emphasizes the use of industrial-grade, 105°C-rated capacitors, which typically contribute to reliable performance. However, without explicit efficiency figures, the be quiet! model stands out as the more energy-efficient option.

Modular Design

In terms of modularity, the CORSAIR RM Series is fully modular, allowing users to connect only the cables necessary for their specific system configuration. This feature promotes better airflow and a neater build. On the other hand, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M does not mention a modular design, which may limit cable management options. For users who prioritize customization and aesthetics in their builds, the full modularity of the CORSAIR RM Series provides a distinct advantage.

Cooling Solutions

Both power supplies incorporate innovative cooling solutions to maintain performance under load. The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M features a semi-passive zero-RPM cooling mode, where the fan remains off during low loads, ensuring silent operation. This is particularly beneficial for quiet systems and gaming PCs. Conversely, the CORSAIR RM Series also includes a zero RPM fan mode, which operates quietly at low to medium loads. While both provide effective cooling, the be quiet! model's semi-passive design may appeal more to those seeking absolute silence during low-intensity tasks.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility with modern systems, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M is notable for its adherence to ATX 3.1 specifications and includes native support for PCIe 5.1 graphics cards, alongside four PCIe 6+2-pin connectors for current-generation GPUs. This makes it highly versatile for both present and future system builds. The CORSAIR RM Series offers triple EPS12V connectors, ensuring broad compatibility with modern graphics cards and motherboards. However, the advanced features of the be quiet! model make it a more future-proof option for users building high-performance systems.

Performance Under Load

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M delivers 850W of continuous power with the capability to handle transient loads up to double its rated power. This ensures that the power supply can effectively manage high demand from next-generation processors and graphics cards. The CORSAIR RM Series, while not specifying a continuous power rating, is engineered for solid electrical performance and reliability, thanks to its high-quality capacitors. However, the clearly defined power handling capability of the be quiet! unit gives it an edge in reliability during demanding tasks.

Noise Levels

Both power supplies are designed with noise reduction in mind. The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M is particularly focused on creating a silent operation environment, featuring an airflow-optimized fan that operates quietly across all load scenarios. The CORSAIR RM Series also boasts a specially calculated fan curve that minimises noise levels, even under full load. While both brands prioritise silent performance, the be quiet! model's emphasis on quiet operation at all times may be more appealing to users who are particularly sensitive to noise.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 850W Power Supply and the CORSAIR RM Series ultimately depends on your specific needs. The be quiet! model offers superior efficiency, a robust power handling capability, and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for high-performance and quiet systems. On the other hand, the CORSAIR RM Series excels in modularity and compatibility, appealing to users who value cable management and flexibility. If budget and energy efficiency are your top priorities, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M is the recommended choice. However, if modularity and a slightly higher build quality are more important, the CORSAIR RM Series may be worth the additional investment.