Performance (40% of the final score) - I really want to like the Silent Pro Gold 1200W, and I do. It's reasonably efficient, and very stable. But the ripple suppression just isn't that great on this model. Yes, it was all in spec at the six load tests that really mean anything, but only just barely. But, at the same time, this thing handled itself well in the hot box at temperatures way over what it was rated for. Three points come off for the ripple, a point goes back on for being cool about high temperatures. 8.

Functionality (20% of the final score) - I'm not really finding anything to complain about here. True, the unit is extremely light on the Molex connectors for a beast this size. But, it's also true that the Molex is going the way of the dodo, and has been for some time. Honestly, I care more that this unit has nine SATA connectors than I care about the very few Molexes. So, I'm just going to go ahead with a 10 here.

Value (30% of the final score) - ExcaliberPC currently lists this unit at $221.90. Somehow, I thought it was going to be more expensive than that, but it's almost the same price as the Antec Truepower Quattro 1200W at the same place. Not a bad value at all. 9.

Aesthetics (10% of the final score) - looks nice to me, but I'm still a bit frazzled over the unsleeved portions of the hardwired PCI-E cables. Aw, what the heck... I'll let that pass. As I said before, short unsleeved wires are easier to manage, and the black and yellow sort of fits the color scheme. But only sort of. 9.

Summary

As only the second 1200 watt unit I've tested to clear 80 Plus Gold, Cooler Master's latest and greatest just barely squeaks itself into a recommendation. This is fitting, for it only barely cleared 80 Plus Gold, and only barely kept ripple in spec in all tests where ripple mattered. Honestly, scoring this one was tough. I didn't like the mediocre ripple suppression, but I loved watching it laugh at forty eight degree temperatures in the hot box too. Is this the best 1200 watt power supply out there? No. Not even close. But I have to say the price is right and you could easily do worse.

The Good:

• efficient
• handled temperatures at full power well in excess of rated temp spec
• regulated even better hot than it did cold
• decent price

The Bad:

• ripple, ripple, ripple... somebody at Cooler Master must like butterscotch ripple ice cream an awful lot

The Mediocre:

• fan gets loud if you push the unit