Introduction

We would like to thank be quiet! for supplying the review sample.


As I have already evaluated the 850 W model, it was only a matter of time before the Pure Power 11 FM 1000 W got its turn—it is the Pure Power 11 FM flagship, after all. Owing to reasonable pricing and the good name be quiet! has made for itself in this market, I expect these new products to garner attention. With a price close to $160, or €142–145 incl. VAT in Europe, it is notably more affordable than its main competitor, the Corsair RM1000x (2021). The latter is supported by a ten-year warranty, has a topnotch ML fan, and uses a special-CWT platform exclusive to Corsair. At the same time, the Pure Power 11 FM comes with a five-year warranty, has a rifle-bearing fan, and uses a specially designed HEC platform. HEC is mostly known for its budget PSUs, but can apparently deliver higher-end platforms if properly guided. While small, be quiet!'s PSU team is highly capable and very knowledgeable—talking with and exchanging information with them as needed for this review was a pleasure, too. However, as per usual, I will remain just as picky as in my other PSU reviews.

At only 160 mm deep, the FM 1000 is compact. For comparison, the new RM1000x measures 180 mm deep. While I am not a big fan of compact PSUs, 160 mm is fine. Compact PSUs have over-populated PCBs, which restricts airflow and makes the fan work harder, at high speeds, so output noise is high, too. The FM 1000 is both 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Gold certified for efficiency, and also has the Cybenetics Standard++ noise certification, so overall noise output is between 30 and 35 dBA. There is no semi-passive operation, but I don't have a problem with that since I prefer the fan to be operating all the time as it prevents internal heat build-up. Lastly, the maximum temperature for continuous full-power delivery is restricted to 40°C, while the RM1000x has a 50°C temperature rating. That said, I will still be pushing the FM 1000 hard at higher temperatures.

Specifications

EPS and PCIe connectors would ideally not use the same rail, but this PSU only has two +12 V rails, so compromises had to be made.

Photos

The box is the same as for the 850 W model. At the face is a photo of the PSU with the model and wattage descriptions. The power specifications, various badges, and icons describing the PSU's compliances and certifications are on the back.


I would like to see better protection than just bubble wrap inside the box.


The bundle includes fixing bolts, zip ties, the user manual, and cables.


The non-restrictive fan grille is good news for airflow. It also allows a clear view at the for more airflow designed fan blades.


You will find the power specifications label on one of the sides, while the other has the stamped-in be quiet! logo.


The modular panel has nine sockets.


The white accent around the fan is a nice detail.


Some more photos of the PSU from various angles.

Cables and Connectors

While there are only two 4-pin Molex connectors, there are two EPS and six PCIe ones. The ATX and PCIe connectors use thicker16AWG gauges for lower voltage drops, and the EPS connectors use the standard 18AWG wires. Since this PSU is for large cases, I would like to see longer ATX and EPS cables—these should respectively be 50 mm and 100 mm longer.


Two PCIe connectors are on dedicated cables; these connect to a 12-pin socket on the modular PCB.


The peripheral connectors are spaced adequately far apart. More than two 4-pin Molex connectors would be nice. be quiet! could get rid of the FDD connector and install an additional 4-pin Molex in its stead.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest looking at this article, which will help you better understand the insides of a PSU.



This new HEC platform was created under be quiet!'s guidance. The heatsinks are large for higher heat dissipation and lower noise output. Airflow is also positively affected by the increased space between parts on the PCB, which is large enough. Moreover, soldering quality is good, but I disagree with the choice of caps on the secondary side. I would like to see higher-quality caps than the mainstream Teapo ones HEC installed. The more expensive RM1000x only uses Japanese caps, along with a magnetic levitation fan, which is why its warranty is double that of the Pure Power 11 FM 1000 W.


The transient filter starts on the AC receptacle and continues on the main PCB.


A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) handles voltage surges.


An NTC thermistor suppresses large inrush currents. A bypass relay supports it.


The bridge rectifiers can handle up to 30 A of current combined.


The APFC converter uses three Infineon FETs and a CREE boost diode. The bulk caps are by Teapo and offer 940 uF combined capacity. They are rated for 2,000 hours at 105°C, so they are good on paper. Still, I would like to see Japanese caps used for this stage, and others.


The APFC controller is a Champion CM6500UNX. It is supported by a CM03AX IC for lower vampire power.


The two On Semiconductor primary switching FETs are installed in a half-bridge topology, and an LLC resonant converter is used for higher efficiency.


The LLC resonant controller is a Champion CM6901T6X.


The main transformer is next to the resonant tank and capacitive parts of the LLC resonant converter.


Six Nexperia FETs regulate the +12 V rail. They are installed on the solder side of the main PCB. Three heatsinks above these keep operating temperatures under control.


Still, I would like to see higher-quality electrolytic caps instead of the mainstream Teapo SC ones. Many polymer caps are also used.


Two DC-DC converters generate the minor rails.


The standby PWM controller is an EM8569D. The rectifier on the low side is an SMPD1060L SBR.


The supervisor controller is a Weltrend WT7527RT.


Several polymer and electrolytic caps at the face of the modular panel form an extra ripple-filtering layer.


Soldering quality is good.


The cooling fan is by be quiet!, and its model number is QF2-12025-HS. It uses a rifle bearing, which will last for quite a while. This is the same fan as in the FM 850 model.

Test Setup