The Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W ATX 3.0 PSU Review: Flagship Quality, Flagship Price

Power Supply Quality

As part of our testing, we also check output parameters are within specifications, as well as voltage ripple and line noise.

Our equipment limits us from testing the Dark Power Pro 13 in its default multi-rail mode, as it requires more electronic loads than we have available. We performed our testing, unless noted otherwise, with the OCK mode enabled.

The electrical performance of the Dark Power Pro 13 does not set any records, but it is great overall. Voltage regulation is impressive on the primary 12V line, with our instruments showing less than 0.6% across the nominal load range. It is not as tight on the secondary 3.3V/5V lines, which both were at about 1.1%, but that remains a good performance figure. The filtering on all voltage lines is very good, with a maximum of 12 mV and 14 mV on the 3.3V and 5V lines respectively, and 24 mV on the 12V line.

As part of our standard testing, we test the primary protections of all PSUs we review (Over Current, Over Voltage, Over Power, and Short Circuit). All of the protections of the Dark Power Pro 13 PSU engaged normally. With the OCK mode on, the OCP is at about 140% of the unit’s rated capacity, kicking in almost instantly at 151A. Testing with the OCK mode disabled gave us abnormal results, with the OCP kicking in randomly anywhere between 120%-160% of a rail’s capacity, most likely because we could technically load only three out of the six 12V rails with our equipment, confusing the OCP detectors. All of the OCP protections are high, but not abnormally so for a top-tier ATX 3.0 compliant PSU.

Conclusion

The Dark Power Pro 13 series is Be Quiet!’s pinnacle, a product designed with the best possible overall characteristics, relinquishing most (but not all) consideration of cost-effectiveness. The end result is an exceptional power supply unit with a focus on delivering top-notch performance and reliability, yet with a very hefty price tag that is disproportionally higher than mainstream and even premium units.

When it comes to build quality, this PSU is truly exceptional. It boasts a classy external appearance and a very clean layout. The integration of high-quality Japanese electrolytic and solid-state capacitors, along with high-performance active components, ensures stable and efficient power delivery. Channel Well Technologies (CWT) is a highly reputable OEM with a proven track record of producing reliable platforms. And that promise of reliability is underscored by the the PSU's 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

All of the performance figures for the Dark Power Pro 13 are better than what we got from the previous Dark Power Pro version – some only slightly and some notably – so it is good to see the company improving on all fronts, even if by just a little. The power quality of the Dark Power Pro 13 is excellent, with tight voltage regulation and good voltage filtering across all rails. Nevertheless, neither the voltage regulation nor its filtering is truly better than most premium PSU designs. The energy conversion efficiency is where it does stand out, meeting the 80Plus Titanium certification requirements with a 115V AC input.

Thermal performance is another strong suit of the Dark Power Pro 13. While it exhibits elevated operating temperatures under extreme loads and high ambient temperatures, these levels do not pose any danger or indicate thermal stress. The inclusion of the proprietary Silent Wings frameless 135mm fan contributes to its ability to maintain low noise levels during normal operating conditions. Even under heavy loads, the PSU remains practically noiseless, ensuring a quiet computing experience.

Overall, the Be Quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 is a top-tier option for a PC PSU, meant for users who are willing to pay more than a little extra for top efficiency, quality, and aesthetics. The Dark Power Pro 13 is currently available for $420 in the US, a price tag that is surely going to push all budget-conscious PC builders away. Though regardless of the high price tag, when compared to its direct competition in the flagship PSU space, the Dark Power Pro 13 is still a highly competitive product. Ultimately, for users who are after a true top-tier PSU that will last for years to come – budgets and cost-effectiveness be damned – the Dark Power Pro 13 is a worthwhile investment that will not disappoint.