Conclusion

What we did like:

The StraightPower series units are well designed with high quality components used throughout. They are also powerful and stable enough to have someone wonder if Be-Quiet really had a value series in mind when the design criteria evolved. The units are attractive with excellent cable design, despite the fact that they are not modular. To add to this feeling of quality, the cables are long and sleeved with black connectors as well as a black fan grill. The unit is finished in black chrome paint, it could be safely said that Be-Quiet paid plenty of attention to detail. The 3 year warranty is also a positive point, since very few mainstream units come with such a long term.

What we did not like:

All the attention to detail and high quality finish we mentioned above might also be the achilles heel of this series. With all this engineering finesse there comes a price. That said, they are more competitively structured than their top of the line DarkPower series, but they do not fall in the value category of >50€. Another minor issue is that the fan motors make a very low humming noise, even when the units are not loaded at all. Many people might not notice this while their PCs are working, but some people with very sensitive ears (such as mine) will notice it. Therefore it would be hard to recommend these units if you are wanting to build a truly silent system.

Who would we recommend it to:

The StraightPower series is potent enough to get marked down in the shortlist of anyone looking for a high quality power supply unit. Ranging from 350W up to 700W, they are well suited for use in a myriad of systems, from your typical office PC to an extreme overclockers system. The units are good looking, powerful, reasonably silent and represent good value for money. The Straightpower series will certainly find a place in the hearts of many budget conscious enthusiasts.

Taking all of the above into consideration, we believe that the StraightPower series is worthy of our Editor’s Choice award.

What do these awards mean?

The recommended end-user prices for be quiet! STRAIGHT POWER models amount to €47.40 (350W), €53.40 (400W), €60.30 (450W), €68.90 (500W), €77.50 (550W), €86.10 (600W), € 94.80 (650W) and €107.70 (700W), all prices without VAT.