Conclusion:
If you are looking for a powerful power supply for a single video card, the Cooler Master Real Power 550W power supply does the job. If you are planning on a SLI configuration, I would imagine the SLI version will operate just as well. The power readings were stable under all idle and load conditions, and worked flawlessly on the DFI NF4 SLI-DR Expert motherboard, which is particularly picky on components.
There are two main issues with this power supply. The first is the issue with the display interface installation. In the Thermaltake Shark case, I was unable to get it installed flush with the front of the case. I have had this issue before with other 3.5" devices, so this wasn't a surprise to me, and is an isolated incident due to the Thermaltake Shark's design. I did not have this issue with the Thermaltake Tai-Chi's 3.5" mounting bracket.
The second, and biggest, issue I have with this power supply is that the cables are unwrapped. While the power supply is not designed to be a show piece, it is geared towards enthusiasts who demand the best in their equipment. Wrapping the cables could help improve air-flow in the case. Other than that little issue, this power supply is nearly perfect.
One wish list type item would be to see the efficiency improved from its current 75%.
A search of
PriceGrabber shows this unit sells for between $90 and $130 (US) at the time this review was completed. This is not a bad price for a good 550W power supply. There are certainly cheaper alternatives, however they may not provide the quality or stability that the Real Power provides, as well as the general reputation for quality that all Cooler master products carry.
If it weren't for the issue with the installation of the display interface and if the cables were wrapped, I would award the Cooler Master Real Power 550W a score of five out of five stars. However, given the unwrapped cables, and the display interface installation issue, I have to take away a few points. I award the Cooler Master Real Power 550W Power Supply a final score of four out of five stars and the rating of "Recommended".
Final Rating (4 out of 5 stars):
Pros:
» Solid Performance
» Long cables
» Quiet 120mm blue LED Fan
Cons:
» Unwrapped cables
» Display Interface install issue
» Not Modular (not designed to be modular)
Special thanks to
Cooler Master for providing the Real Power 550W Power Supply to Bigbruin.com for review!
