be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum PSU (750w) Review

A Closer Look

So, with the be quiet! Straight Power 11 being a platinum efficiency-rated power supply, we already know that (at least in theory) this should be a pretty impressive power supply. Before we get to the tests, however, lets take a look at some of the individual components.

Cabling

In terms of the cabling, while it is bundled together within two velcro straps, I must admit it’s a little disappointing to not see it contained within a canvas bag.

In terms of the cables themselves, however, they are exceptionally well protected with their woven sleeve and in terms of length, although not overly generous, unless you have a notable large chassis, you shouldn’t have any problems weaving these the way you want them!

Internals – A Look Inside!

While removing the fan cover, it seemed (at least to us) that be quiet! isn’t too keen on you poking around inside the power supply itself. Unless we were missing something, it did appear that the Straight Power 11 is a sealed unit.

While you can get a glimpse of the internal configuration between the fan blades, in truth, you don’t get an overly clear view. What we can say, however, is that what was on display looked good.

Fortunately, through a little peeking, we were able to get a look at the main capacitors and we can confirm that these are both Japanese. Manufactured by ‘Nippon Chemi-Com’ these are some of the best available on the market and clearly speak of a very well-designed power supply.

A Look at the Power Supply as a Whole

In terms of the design as a whole, the be quiet! Straight Power 11 looks like a very solid power supply. It is, after all, platinum efficiency rated and, by proxy, it has to do its job very well indeed!

One of the most eye-catching aspects of this power supply, however, has to be that fan cover. With the metal bars going across, it honestly looks really attractive.

So, what’s happening on the sides? Well, starting with one of the more boring aspects (but interesting to me) you get the details on the power supply including the wattages outputted across the various voltage rails.

As this is a fully-modular power supply, you have the bank of inputs to the interior side. Rather unusually, these are laid out in an ‘upright’ style which might suggest that this power supply would perhaps be better suited in an upright position. You can, of course, use this anyway up you like. Well, as long as you don’t choke off the exhaust. Speaking of which…

The exhaust plate has a nice section of open vents which should, all going well, help keep the temperatures down which, by proxy, should keep the fan running as minimally as possible. As you may note, this doesn’t have a ‘smart-fan’ function, but being a be quiet! product, as you’ll soon find out in our testing, it really doesn’t need one!

A minor aesthetic touch, but on one of the sides of the power supply, you can find the be quiet! logo embossed into the metal. It’s a nice little bit of bling to make this already pretty special sounding power supply look that extra bit fancy!

So, we’ve determined that the be quiet! Straight Power 11 looks like a very professional power supply. Every bit as good as what it promises on the box. There is, however, the small matter of testing to find out just how really good this it!

Let’s get into the testing!