For those wanting the best for their system build, there are a number of options regarding the best power supply to choose. Sometimes, for those building a large server or top end graphic system the obvious choice is often to go with the most powerful in order to ensure that not only is it capable of powering all of the connected devices, but also that the system will be future proofed.
At the top end of available PSUs on the market (both in rated wattage and and price!) is the Cooler Master Silent Pro M, which boasts a maximum output capacity of 1000W (as the name might suggest!). Below are listed the speciifications as listed on the Cooler Master website:
-Model: RSA00-AMBAJ3-US
-Type: Intel ATX12V V2.3 / SSI EPS 12V V2.92
-Dimensions:
*5.91(W) x 3.39(H) x 6.5(L) (inches)
*150(W) x 86(H) x 165(L) (mm)
-Input Voltage: 90~264V (Auto Range)
-Input Current: 14A@115Vac, 8A@230Vac
-Input Frequency Range: 47~63Hz
-PFC: Active PFC >0.9
-Power Good Signal: 100~500ms
-Hold Up Time: >17ms
-Efficiency: 85% Typically
-MTBF: >100,000hrs
-Protection: OVP/ UVP/OCP/OPP/OTP /SCP
-Output Capacity: 1000W
-Max. Output Capacity: 1200W
-Operation Temperature: 0~40°C (Nominal Input Voltage)
-Regulatory: TUV / CE / GOST / C-tick / UL / FCC / CCC / BSMI
-Fan: 135mm ultra silent fan
-Certification: SLI / 80 Plus Bronze
-Warranty: 5 years
The Silent Pro M box goes above and beyond a standard carboard box, with three layers of cardboard protecting everything. In the box, you get the Cooler Master Silent Pro M 1000W, AC power cable, instruction manual, two vibrational dampeners (for mounting in difference cases), and a bag of modular cables, which include the following:
- PCI-E 6+2 Pin x 6
- 4 Pin Peripheral x 6
- SATA x 9
- 4 Pin Floppy x 1
- PCI-e Y cable x 2 (One PCI-e 6+2 Pin extends to two PCI-e 6+2 connectors)
The case of the PSU is finished in a modest matt black, with the fairly standard honeycomb style mesh covering the rear of the power supply, and a 135mm fan for cooling covered by a stainless steel fan grill on which is mounted a Cooler Master logo. On the side of the case is another logo stating "1000W Silent Pro" and another Cooler Masterlogo, and on the other is a table detailing power output and rail configuration (see below):
The only non-modular cables from the power supply are those of the the 4+4 pin ATX12V cables and one of the 20+4 pin motherboard connector which have sleeves to minimise the need for cable tidying. As with the Cooler Master GX 750W we recently reviewed, the +12V rail is not split into virtual rails, giving a single +12V rail capable of supporting multiple SLI arrangements. As regards the modular connections, there are ports for connecting up to six 6+2 pin PCIe cables, and up to five Molex/SATA output connectors, certainly enough to satisfy even the most power hungry system/ system builder! The modular cables are flat (similar to the old PATA cables making them much easier to route and enable a much tidier install. With all of the connectors, including the PCI-e Y cables for splitting the PCI-E 6+2 Pin cables, it would be possible to install a total of 8 video cards, nine SATA devices and six molex powered devices. With this sort of spec, this power supply should see most users through at least to the end of the Cooler Master 5 year warranty, even with the most exotic systems!
Installation in to our test rig was simple, massively aided by the use of the modular cabling, of which we didn't really need to use much (again highlighting the potential for future upgrades with this power supply), and the design of the cable made routing very easy. Basic testing was again conducted using OCCT in order to subject the power supply to stress testing and the power supply performed well throughout, although as with the Cooler Master GX 750W, there was a slightly higher than expected fluctuation in the 12V line at "peak" loads (although it would be very unlikely that anyone would need to build a system requiring this kind of output from the power supply). Throughout the testing the PSU lived up to its name, with the 135mm fan causing less noise than the case fans on our rig (Antec twelve hundred).
With a five year warranty, SLI and 80 Plus Bronze certification, a massive 1000W power output, modular design and a truely quiet acoustic operating noise, the Cooler Master Silent Pro M 1000W really does deliver. In our opinion this PSU would make a valuable addition to any top end gaming system or server build and the price (~£130 at the time of writing) compares favourably to its' competitors on the market.
Available from:
Amazon: COOLERMASTER RSA00-AMBAJ3-UK COOLERMASTER SILENT PRO 1000W MODULAR PSU - UK
Our last gaming case that we reviewed was the 
Cooling-wise the Cosmos S comes with three 120mm fans as standard: one at the back of the case, one on the top and a third located on the front of the hard drive cage. Finally there is a huge 200mm fan located on the side panel which can provide a serious amount of airflow over the motherboard. Thoughtfully, Cooler Master have provided an air filter at the base of the case to protect the air intake for an installed power supply, and since the case is raised away from the ground by the feet, there shouldn't greatly impede airflow. Inside there is plenty of room to work (this is a big case: (W) 266 x (H) 598 x (D) 628 mm) and there is easily enough room to accomodate a water cooling system internally, although if you still don't think you have enough room, there are rubber lined ports for pipework through the rear of the case for an external radiator.
Installation of the motherboard is similar to other cases, however, Cooler Master handily include a sheet of cardboard in place of the motherboard tray that details the positions for the correct screws for different motherboard setups (anything up to Extended ATX). As mentioned previously, 5.25" drives are installed simply by sliding them into place and pushing in the locking buttons, and HDDs are installed in the dedicated HDD cage, albeit using the common screw to locate them in place. Cable routing was very simple, and we particularly liked the slight angling of the edge of the motherboard tray with channels for cable routing that make the job so much easier.
Connecting to the internet need not be a hassle any more with the plethora of wireless network adaptors and routers available on the market, and there are prices to suit every pocket. The latest edition to our reviews is an entry level kit from Belkin, including a basic specification G cable router and a wireless G USB dongle.
