be quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1600W Power Supply | ATX 3.1 Compliant | 80 Plus Titanium | Digital Regulation, for PCIe 5.0 and 6+2 Graphics Cards | 2X 12VHPWR Cable Incl | BN501
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AI Verdict
This 1600W 80 PLUS Titanium ATX 3.1 PSU with two 12VHPWR connectors is for extreme multi-GPU or heavily overclocked systems requiring stable power delivery.
This 1600W 80 PLUS Titanium PSU is designed for the most demanding systems, offering two native 12VHPWR connectors and robust power excursion handling up to 3200W. Its features directly address the needs of multi-GPU setups and extreme overclocking.
If 1600W is overkill for your setup, consider a 1000W-1200W ATX 3.0/3.1 PSU with 80 PLUS Platinum or Gold efficiency for a more balanced power delivery.
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
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Pros
- Achieves up to 94.5% efficiency, minimizing power waste and heat generation.
- Handles power excursions up to 3200W, ensuring stability for demanding components.
- Features two native 12VHPWR connectors for dual PCIe 5.0 GPUs.
- Overclocking key allows switching between six 12V rails and a single massive 12V rail.
- Includes high-quality Japanese 105°C capacitors for durability.
- Backed by a 10-year manufacturer's warranty.
Cons
- Some units were labeled ATX 3.0 despite being marketed as ATX 3.1, causing user confusion.
- Reports of low-frequency fan noise from some users.
- 12VHPWR cable melting reported by users, though this is a known issue with the connector standard itself.
- At 200mm long, it's larger than some standard ATX PSUs, potentially complicating case fitment.
Dimension Scores
The 80 PLUS Titanium certification with up to 94.5% efficiency and 1600W continuous power output is best-in-class.
It uses an improved frameless Silent Wings fan, achieving 31.1 dB(A) at full 1600W loads, which is quiet for its power class, though some users reported low-frequency fan noise.
The PSU features an aluminum case, exclusively high-quality Japanese 105°C capacitors, and fully digital control for signal stability.
It offers fully modular, individually sleeved cables and two native 12VHPWR connectors, providing excellent flexibility for cable routing.
Best For
- Systems running two high-end PCIe 5.0 graphics cards like RTX 4090s.
- Extreme overclockers needing stable power and single-rail flexibility.
- Workstations with multiple power-hungry components.
- Users prioritizing maximum power efficiency with 80 PLUS Titanium certification.
Not Recommended For
- Standard gaming PCs or single-GPU setups where 1600W is excessive.
- Compact PC builds due to its 200mm length.
- Budget-conscious builders, as this is a premium-tier component.
Watch Out For
- Some users received units with 'ATX 3.0' labeling on the PSU itself, despite marketing for 'ATX 3.1', leading to uncertainty about the exact standard.
- A Reddit user reported their PSU failed with a 'pop' after approximately 12 hours of continuous use.
- Several users experienced low-frequency fan noise, prompting returns.
- The 12VHPWR cable has been reported to melt at the connection for some users, particularly with an RTX 5090, which is a known issue with the connector type.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C6FY4JXF |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Wattage | 1600 watts |
| Model Name | BN501 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Item Weight | 14.37 pounds |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Connector Type | ATX, PCI Express |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Output Wattage | 1600 Watts |
| Item model number | BN501 |
| Compatible Devices | Computer Systems |
| Product Dimensions | 16.42 x 9.97 x 5.98 inches |
| Maximum Input Voltage | 240 Volts (AC) |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 16.42 x 9.97 x 5.98 inches |
What Buyers Say
While marketed as ATX 3.1, some users noted their physical unit was labeled ATX 3.0, causing a bit of confusion, though be quiet! clarified it's a running change to the newer standard. The 1600W output and 94.5% Titanium efficiency are consistently praised, especially for handling power-hungry components and massive power excursions up to 3200W. However, there are isolated reports of unit failure and recurring complaints about a low-frequency fan noise, which led some users to return the product. The 12VHPWR cable, while a standard feature, also drew specific complaints about melting, a known issue with the connector type itself.
“Man, this thing is a beast for my dual 4090 setup, but I swear I hear a hum sometimes, and that ATX 3.0 sticker threw me off when I paid for 3.1. Hope that 10-year warranty actually means something if this 12VHPWR cable acts up.”
Common Praise
- Provides 1600W of continuous power, supporting extreme system configurations.
- Achieves 94.5% efficiency with its 80 PLUS Titanium certification.
- Handles power excursions up to 3200W without issue.
- Includes two native 12VHPWR connectors for modern GPUs.
- Offers a 10-year manufacturer's warranty.
- Features an overclocking key for flexible 12V rail configuration.
Common Complaints
- Some units received were labeled ATX 3.0 instead of the advertised ATX 3.1.
- Reports of low-frequency fan noise from some users.
- One user experienced a PSU failure after approximately 12 hours of use.
- 12VHPWR cable melting at the connection was reported by some users.
- The 200mm length can be a tight fit in some PC cases.
Ownership Tips
- The physical ATX version label on the unit might not match the latest advertised standard, but be quiet! confirms it's updated.
- Even with the 'Silent Wings' fan, some users detect a low-frequency hum, especially in quiet environments.
- The 200mm length requires careful case compatibility checks before purchase.
- The overclocking key is a physical switch or jumper, which is a hands-on feature you'll use if you're pushing your system.
- The individually sleeved cables look clean but can be stiff, making routing a bit challenging in tight spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this PSU truly ATX 3.1 compliant?
Yes, be quiet! states they are in a running change and the Dark Power Pro 13 has been updated to ATX 3.1, even if some units might still show ATX 3.0 labeling.
How many 12VHPWR connectors does this PSU have?
It includes two native 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connectors for next-generation PCIe 5.1 graphics cards.
Can I use this PSU for extreme overclocking?
Absolutely, it features an overclocking key to switch between six 12V rails and a single massive 12V rail, which is beneficial for preventing protection mechanisms during heavy overclocking.
What is the efficiency rating of this power supply?
It is 80 PLUS Titanium certified, offering an energy efficiency rating of up to 94.5%.
What is the warranty period for this PSU?
be quiet! provides a 10-year manufacturer's warranty for the Dark Power Pro 13 1600W.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a power supply like this, you're not just buying watts; you're buying stability and efficiency for your high-end components. You need to consider if your system actually demands 1600W, or if a lower wattage would suffice, saving you money and potentially space. Pay attention to the ATX standard and connector types to ensure compatibility with your current and future graphics cards. Don't just look at the peak wattage, but also how it handles power spikes.
Wattage (1600W)
This is the maximum continuous power the PSU can deliver. 1600W is for extreme systems, like those with multiple high-end GPUs or heavily overclocked CPUs, not your average gaming PC.
80 PLUS Titanium Efficiency (up to 94.5%)
This rating indicates how much power from the wall is converted into usable power for your components. Titanium is the highest rating, meaning less wasted energy as heat and lower electricity bills over time.
ATX 3.1 Compliant with 12VHPWR
This ensures the PSU meets the latest power delivery standards for modern components, especially PCIe 5.0 graphics cards, which can have significant power spikes. The 12VHPWR connector is specifically for these new GPUs.
Digital Regulation
Digital control allows for more precise and stable power delivery, which is crucial for sensitive, high-performance components and overclocking, preventing crashes or instability.
Alternatives
If 1600W is overkill, look for PSUs with 1000W-1200W output and 80 PLUS Platinum or Gold efficiency. If case space is tight, prioritize units with a length closer to 175mm rather than 200mm.
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