System temperatures
Our next batch of tests deployed the PSUs in a real-world system with a pair of GeForce 8800 GTS cards in SLI and a couple of hard drives. For these tests, the systems first sat at idle for 10 minutes. They were then subjected to a 10-minute load consisting of Prime95, Oblivion, and an IOMeter file server test pattern. Finally, the systems were allowed to idle for a 10-minute cool-down period.

System temperatures were measured using Everest Ultimate Edition.

With our test system idling, we have a temperature spread of no more than four degrees. The Zalman ZM-750HP emerges as the victor here, but only by a slim margin.

Most of our temperature deltas actually shrink when the test system is put under load, and again, the ZM-750HP looks very good. It's still only marginally cooler than the competition, though.

This is the first time we've included cool-down results, and they provide some food for thought. For instance, look at just how much hotter the hard drives and motherboard run with our prized Silencer. The ZM-750HP isn't nearly as impressive here as it was at idle and under load, either. Overall, though, we're still only looking at a few degrees difference between the hottest and coolest temperatures for each component.