be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 1000W Power Supply vs SAMA G850 Power Supply - 850W Fully Modular 80 Plus Gold Certified ATX 3.1 & PCI

Price Comparison

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 1000W is priced at £99.99, while the SAMA G850 Power Supply is slightly cheaper at £84.99. This difference of £15 highlights a fundamental choice between budget considerations and power requirements. The higher price of the Pure Power 13 M reflects its 1000W capacity, catering to high-performance systems, making it an enticing option for users planning to run demanding hardware. In contrast, the G850, with its 850W rating, may be more suitable for users with less intensive power needs, which can justify its lower price point.

Power Output

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M delivers 1000W of continuous power, outperforming the SAMA G850's 850W output by a significant margin. This additional 150W can be crucial for high-end gaming or workstation setups, especially when utilising multiple GPUs or power-hungry components. The Pure Power’s single massive 12V rail is designed to handle power excursions, ensuring reliability during peak demands. On the other hand, the SAMA G850 still offers substantial power for most users, making it effective for mid-range builds, but it may struggle under the most demanding conditions.

Efficiency Ratings

Both power supplies boast 80 PLUS Gold certification, indicating high efficiency. The Pure Power 13 M achieves an impressive efficiency rating of up to 94.4%, while the SAMA G850 reaches up to 91.15% at typical loads. This higher efficiency of the Pure Power model translates to lower energy consumption over time, which can significantly reduce electricity costs for users running their systems for extended periods. The SAMA G850, while slightly less efficient, still provides excellent performance for energy-conscious users, but the difference in operational cost may be notable in the long run.

Modular Design

The modular design of both units allows for better cable management. The SAMA G850 is fully modular, enabling users to connect only the cables they need, thereby improving airflow and aesthetics in their builds. The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M, while also modular, does not specify full modularity in its description, which may imply a less flexible cable setup. However, both designs can lead to neater builds, although the SAMA's fully modular design might give it a slight edge for those prioritising clean aesthetics and airflow.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling is an essential aspect of any power supply, and both models employ different approaches. The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M features a fan that turns off completely under low load conditions, ensuring silent operation during lighter tasks. This, combined with its airflow-optimised fan blades, makes it exceptionally quiet. The SAMA G850 utilises a 140mm ECO fan with Fluid Dynamic Bearing for quiet operation and vibration damping. While both units prioritise silent performance, the Pure Power's fan-off feature under low loads may appeal more to users seeking near-silent operation during everyday use.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M is designed with future-proofing in mind, featuring a native 12V-2x6 connector for next-generation PCIe 5.1 graphics cards and four PCIe 6+2-pin connectors for current GPUs. This ensures compatibility with the latest hardware, making it an excellent choice for users looking to upgrade in the near future. The SAMA G850 also caters to modern standards with its native 12V-2x6 connector for RTX 50 and 40 Series GPUs. Both units are compliant with ATX 3.1, ensuring they meet current industry standards, but the Pure Power's additional connectors provide greater flexibility for high-performance builds.

Build Quality

When it comes to build quality, both power supplies feature high-quality components that speak to their longevity and reliability. The Pure Power 13 M is highlighted for its LLC topology, which offers best-in-class voltage regulation and efficiency. Meanwhile, the SAMA G850 is equipped with premium Japanese capacitors, known for their durability and stability. This focus on quality components in both units suggests that users can expect reliable performance over time, although the Pure Power’s design may be more suited for extremely quiet systems and high-demand environments.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 1000W and the SAMA G850 Power Supply ultimately hinges on specific needs. If you require a high-wattage supply for an intensive gaming or workstation setup, the Pure Power 13 M is the superior choice, with its 1000W output, higher efficiency, and advanced cooling features, albeit at a higher price of £99.99. Conversely, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option suitable for mid-range systems, the SAMA G850 at £84.99 provides excellent value with its solid performance and fully modular design. Evaluate your power requirements and budget to make the best decision for your setup.