Package
Cooler Master’s packaging is typically well done, and the RPP series power supplies are no exception. Not only do they keep the unit safe during transport, they are also tremendously convenient for the storage of other power supplies while the RPP is in use. Inside the cleanly designed package is the unit itself, a manual, mounting screws, a case badge, and last but certainly not least: a bottle opener. Why Cooler Master decided to toss in a bottle opener with the RPP1000 is beyond us, but they can rest assured that it will be getting plenty of use. After opening and closing the box repeatedly over the course of testing, we found the packaging to be quite durable.


Testbed and Methods
Test Setup

• Case: Thermaltake Armor
• Power Supply: Enermax Galaxy 1000 | Cooler Master Real Power Pro 1000
• Motherboard: ASUS L1N64-SLI WS
• Processor: (2x) AMD Athlon 64 FX-74 (Quad FX)
• Hard Drive: (2x) Western Digital WD1500ADFD 10,000RPM, RAID-0
• Video: (2x) XFX NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX XXX Version
• Memory: 4096MB (2x1024MB) Corsair XMS2 PC2 6400
• Optical Drive: Lite-ON SHW160P6S05
• Cooling: (2x) Vigor Monsoon II

Software Configuration

• Motherboard BIOS: L1N64-SLI WS Release BIOS 0124
• Operating System: Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2
• Video Driver: NVIDIA ForceWare Version 97.92 (January 10 release)

We pulled out all the stops for this one. Of all the testbeds we have used to test power supplies with in the past, none had anywhere near the power sucking ability needed to truly test the Real Power Pro 1000. That said, we decided to take a whole new approach and custom build the most powerful rig we could muster. This Quad FX, SLI system uses components that have been shown to consume pretty much the most power possible. We also threw in some Vigor Monsoon II TEC coolers for an extra 120W consumption.

In the past we have overclocked the test system to squeeze even more juice from the power supply being tested. However, the Quad FX platform used in this particular test system does not overclock with any kind of ease or significance. For that reason, we will not be testing the Real Power Pro 1000 on an overclocked system – not that it would have mattered, as you will read a little later.

Measurements were recorded with a digital multimeter and voltage levels were recorded over a 2 minute period for each value when possible. Power consumption readings were taken using a Kill-A-Watt Electric Usage Monitor from P3 International that was plugged into the power mains.