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This week we take a look at another of the latest Seasonic PRIME Platinum power supplies – this time in a 1200 watt capacity. These new supplies are less expensive than the previous flagship Titanium graded units but still offer a pure modular design and feature high grade Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) cooling fans.
There is no doubt that Seasonic are a producer of fine quality power supplies – over the years, they have been the most consistent manufacturer in our tests. Companies such as Corsair, XFX and Cooler Master have used them as an OEM in some of their previous high end designs, so we know they are much desired.
Overclockers UK are already taking pre orders for the Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum power supply – priced at £244.99 inc vat HERE.
1200W PRIME Platinum Specifications:
– Model name: SSR-1200PD
– 80 PLUS®: Platinum
– Form Factor: Intel ATX 12 V
– Dimensions: 170mm (L) x 150mm (W) x 86mm (H) +/-1 mm
– Fan Size: 135 mm
– Fan Control: Premium Hybrid Fan Control
– Fan Bearing: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
– Life Expectancy: 70,000 hours at 40 °C, 15 % – 65 % RH
– Modularity: Fully Modular
– Cable type: Flat black cables
– Operating Temperature: 0 – 50 °C
– MTBF @ 25 °C, excl. fan: 150,000 hours
– AC Input: Full Range
– Protection: OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP
– Safety and EMC: cTUVus, TUV, CB, CCC, BSMI, EAC
– Environmental Compliance: Energy Star, RoHS, WEEE, ErP Lot 6, REACH
Review photography handled in house at KitGuru with a Leica S series medium format camera and S series prime lens. Please do not use any of the images within this review without express permission.
Shiny, shiny. Seasonic PRIME box artwork is very bright and rather tricky to photograph properly!
The front of the box shows the product name and wattage capacity along with the 80 Plus Platinum certification and 10 year warranty. But, as we said before this stated 10 year warranty is actually now 12 years (HERE).
Seasonic could do with updating their box artwork. Not sure where I will be in 12 years, but it certainly gives peace of mind that the company are so confident in the design of these units.
The inner box is just plain black, but quite reflective. The power supply itself is protected inside a soft felt bag which is wedged between thick slabs of foam for shipping protection.
Seasonic fully load this box with a wealth of extras. You get a modular cable bag, resealable plastic wallet, regional specific power connector, two kinds of cable ties, a case badge, branded sticker, an installation guide, mounting screws and user manual.
The Seasonic power supply is a pure modular design. The cables are a mixture of sleeved (ATX, CPU and PCIe) and flat ribbon style (peripherals), for ease of routing.
Connectors
| Connector | Number of Connectors | Cable Lengths |
| Main Power (20/24 pins) | 1 | 1 x 610 mm |
| CPU (4/8 pins) | 2 | 2 x 650 mm |
| PCIe (6/8 Pins) | 8 | 4x 675 + 75 mm |
| SATA | 12 | 3 x 450 + 120 + 120 + 120 mm 1 x 350 +120 mm |
| Peripheral | 5 | 1 x 450 + 120 + 120 mm 1 x 350 +120 mm |
| Floppy | 1 | 1 x 101 mm |
As would be expected from a 1200+ watt power supply, there are plenty of cables in the box to fully support a wealth of system configurations. There are a total of eight 6+2 Pin PCIe connectors to support very high end Crossfire and SLi systems. Seasonic also supply dual 4+4 Pin ATX12V/EPS12V connectors to deliver power to two high end processors.
The Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum supply is a great looking power supply, but regular readers will notice that the fan grill section is missing the accented silver section which you can see HERE. The Titanium supply is therefore a little more dynamic looking.
The large fan is hidden behind the black grill, with the PRIME logo in the center. If you pay close attention you can see the ‘n' shaped black grill which can be removed to fit a shiny silver panel – for the Titanium units.
One side of the unit is home to a big cooling vent, with a power connector and switch at the side.
There is also a switch for Hybrid mode – allowing the fan to be disabled completely when the unit drops to a specific temperature threshold. Seasonic claim the Hybrid Fanless mode works up to:
- Approximately 50 % (±5 %) of system load at 25 °C.
- Approximately 30 % (±5 %) of system load at 40 °C.
Exactly the same modular connector layout as the 1000 Watt unit we reviewed last week. The main M/B connectors are indicated along the bottom of the panel – clearly labelled. The Peripheral/SATA/Molex connectors are visible in a bank of two and three along the top right side. On the other side are all the CPU and PCI-e connectors in a row of 1, 3 and 2 from top to bottom (6 in total).
| Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum Power Supply |
|||||
|
DC Output
|
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V |
-12V
|
+5Vsb
|
|
Max Output
|
25A
|
25A
|
100A |
0.3A
|
3A
|
| Total Power | 125W | 1200W | 3.6W | 15W | |
| 1200 Watts | |||||
This 1200W power supply can deliver a very potent 100A via the +12V rail. Plenty of power on hand for a powerful SLI and Crossfire configuration. The 1000W model from the same family we reviewed last week could deliver 83A via the +12V rail.
Seasonic are using a Hong Hua 135mm fan, Model number HA13525H12F-Z – the same model featured in the PRIME 1000W Platinum. This is a Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan selected for low noise characteristics. Regular readers may recall that the Seasonic Snow Silent 750W unit shipped with a smaller 120mm fan from the same company so its a good move that Seasonic are adopting larger fans.
Larger fans of similar quality are able to push more air at the same speeds, likely often spinning slower to reduce noise emissions. This fan is rated at around 150,000 hours at 25c.
Below - a High Resolution Gallery of the internal layout of the Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum
The overall build quality is very high, as we would expect from Seasonic. Soldering quality is stellar and there are several little heatsinks in key positions, to help deal with heat. Due to the high efficiency rating of this particular unit there really is no need to over populate the internals with an array of heatsinks.
Seasonic are using high grade 105c rated Japanese capacitors in both primary and secondary stages – always reassuring to see, if expected at this price point. The two primary capacitors are rated 400v 470uF, along with a bigger 400v 680uF model from the same family. This gives a total of 1150uF.
It is interesting to note that the 850 watt Titanium PRIME model (reviewed in August 2016 HERE) has actually a greater uF output than the 1000W Platinum model. The Titanium 850W model used a 650uF and a 450uF capacitor in the primary stage for a total output of 1100uF. The Platinum 1000W uses a 400v 450uF and a 400v 560uF capacitor for a total of 1010uF.
Seasonic do tend to greatly over specify their power supplies. We reviewed a Super Flower 1000W gold unit this month for instance and it was equipped with two 470uF capacitors for a total of 940uF.
By comparison the staggeringly expensive Cooler Master MasterWatt Maker 1200W MIJ unit which we recently reviewed (HERE) can deliver a total of 1450uF from both capacitors. One of the highest capacities we have seen.
Correctly testing power supplies is a complex procedure and KitGuru have configured a test bench which can deliver up to a 2,000 watt DC load.
We test ambient temperatures at 35c in our environment to greater reflect warmer internal chassis conditions.
We use combinations of the following hardware:
• SunMoon SM-268
• CSI3710A Programmable DC load (+3.3V and +5V outputs)
• CSI3711A Programmable DC load (+12V1, +12V2, +12V3, and +12V4)
• Extech Power Analyzer
• Extech MultiMaster MM570 digital multimeter
• Extech digital sound level meter
• Digital oscilloscope (20M S/s with 12 Bit ADC)
• Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA
|
DC Output Load Regulation
|
||||||||||
|
Combined DC Load |
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V
|
+5VSB
|
-12V | |||||
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A | V | |
|
120W
|
0.90
|
3.34
|
0.93
|
5.03
|
8.95
|
12.04
|
0.50
|
5.01
|
0.20
|
-12.03
|
|
240W
|
1.62
|
3.34
|
1.63
|
5.03
|
18.45
|
12.04
|
1.00
|
5.01
|
0.20
|
-12.03
|
| 600W |
3.00
|
3.33
|
3.11
|
5.03
|
46.78
|
12.03
|
1.50
|
5.00
|
0.30
|
-12.02
|
| 900W |
4.01
|
3.33
|
4.05
|
5.02
|
70.86
|
12.03
|
2.00
|
5.00
|
0.30
|
-12.02
|
|
1200W
|
5.02
|
3.33
|
5.20
|
5.02
|
94.57
|
12.03
|
2.50
|
5.00
|
0.30
|
-12.01
|
The load regulation of the Seasonic power supply is very strong, with all the rails holding within 1% of reference levels.
| Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum PSU | Maximum Load |
| 1345 Watts |
We managed to get another 145 watts from the power supply before the protection circuitry kicked in. The supply was undamaged and it was ready to fire up again when we dropped the load to a more realistic level. It could deliver 1,300 watts for sustained periods of time, without a problem.
Next we want to try Cross Loading. This basically means loads which are not balanced. If a PC for instance needs 500W on the +12V outputs but something like 30W via the combined 3.3V and +5V outputs then the voltage regulation can fluctuate badly.
| Cross Load Testing | +3.3V | +5V | +12V | -12V | +5VSB | |||||
| A | V | A | V | A | V | A | V | A | V | |
| 1190W | 4.0 | 3.34 | 3.0 | 5.03 | 88.0 | 11.97 | 0.2 | -12.03 | 0.50 | 5.02 |
| 240W | 19.0 | 3.32 | 22.0 | 5.01 | 2.5 | 12.04 | 0.2 | -12.01 | 0.50 | 5.01 |
The Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum PSU delivered great results without any discernible issues.
We then used an oscilloscope to measure AC ripple and noise present on the DC outputs. We set the oscilloscope time base to check for AC ripple at both high and low ends of the spectrum. ATX12V V2.2 specification for DC output ripple and noise is defined in the ATX 12V power supply design guide.
|
ATX12V Ver 2.2 Noise/Ripple Tolerance
|
|
|
Output
|
Ripple (mV p-p)
|
|
+3.3V
|
50
|
|
+5V
|
50
|
|
+12V1
|
120
|
|
+12V2
|
120
|
|
-12V
|
120
|
|
+5VSB
|
50
|
Obviously when measuring AC noise and ripple on the DC outputs the cleaner (less recorded) means we have a better end result. We measured this AC signal amplitude to see how closely the unit complied with the ATX standard.
| AC Ripple (mV p-p) | ||||
| DC Load | +3.3V | +5V | +12V | 5VSB |
| 100W | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 200W | 5 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| 400W | 5 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| 600W | 5 | 5 | 20 | 5 |
| 800W | 10 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 1000W | 10 | 5 | 25 | 10 |
| 1200W | 10 | 5 | 25 | 10 |
Ripple Suppression is excellent, peaking at 25mV on the +12V rail at full load. The +3.3V and +5V rails peak at 10mV and 5mV respectively.
|
Efficiency (%)
|
|
|
100W
|
89.5
|
|
200W
|
92.6
|
|
400W
|
93.7
|
|
600W
|
94.2
|
|
800W
|
93.8
|
| 1000W | 92.6 |
| 1200W | 91.6 |
The overall efficiency results are staggeringly high, peaking at 94.2% at close to 600W. This drops to 91.6% efficiency at full load, a very impressive result overall.
We take the issue of noise very seriously at KitGuru and this is why we have built a special home brew system as a reference point when we test noise levels of various components. Why do this? Well this means we can eliminate secondary noise pollution in the test room and concentrate on components we are testing. It also brings us slightly closer to industry standards, such as DIN 45635.
Today to test the Power Supply we have taken it into our acoustics room environment and have set our SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter (6-130dBa) one meter away from the unit. We have no other fans running so we can effectively measure just the noise from the unit itself.
As this can be a little confusing for people, here are various dBa ratings in with real world situations to help describe the various levels.
KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refrigerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 Player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
|
Noise (dBA)
|
|
|
100W
|
<28.0
|
|
200W
|
<28.0
|
|
400W
|
<28.0
|
|
600W
|
30.4
|
| 800W | 32.6 |
| 1000W | 34.4 |
| 1200W | 36.5 |
The Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum PSU is a quiet power supply and the fan only really becomes active once it hits around 750 watts load. Under most situations you would be hard pressed to even know it was on, especially as you are likely to be running a single case fan at the same time. The unit does not suffer from any coil whine.
|
Temperature (c)
|
||
|
Intake
|
Exhaust
|
|
|
100W
|
35
|
38
|
|
200W
|
36
|
40
|
|
400W
|
38
|
44
|
|
650W
|
43
|
50
|
|
800W
|
45
|
54
|
| 1000W | 47 | 59 |
| 1200W | 50 | 64 |
The fan doesn’t really spin much in the first 600-650 watts of power delivery. At higher demands the fan spins up to compensate for rising ambient temperatures. The overall results are very good.
|
Maximum load
|
Efficiency
|
|
1345W
|
90.7
|
Pushing the power supply above its rated limits generates an efficiency level of around 90.7%. Not a realistic situation to be running but interesting nonetheless.
The Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum is another fantastic power supply in their latest range of high capacity units. It is just as good as the 1000 watt model that we reviewed last week and will target the high end audience building a powerful gaming system.
It is true most gaming systems won't need a 1200 watt power supply, but ideally you want to be running between 40%-60% load to achieve the maximum efficiency levels. It is also worth pointing out that running a 600 watt power supply at 100% load will put a lot of strain on the capacitors and cause the fan to work very hard whereas you will be hitting that sweet spot on a PRIME 1200W close to maximum efficiency with much lower noise levels.
As we said last week, while efficiency is obviously down over the Titanium PRIME units that we reviewed last year, there is little to fault elsewhere. Seasonic haven’t skimped on the quality of the build, opting for high grade 105c rated Japanese components throughout. The fact they raised their warranty terms from 10 years to 12 years recently shows the faith they are putting into their products.
I spent quite a lot of time last year reviewing the PRIME Titanium grade units, so I do find the Platinum models a little less aesthetically pleasing. The Silver ‘n' shaped panel on the Titanium units really looks great, as it sets a fantastic contrast against the black paintwork. Seasonic are actually using the same chassis, but have replaced the silver sections with simple black grills.
Internally, Seasonic deliver in spades. Ripple suppression is top drawer, fan noise is very low and the power delivery is top drawer. We were able to hold 1,300 watts solid for hours without any issue. Over specifying power supplies has been a trademark of Seasonic for many years now and it hasn't changed. We did notice that the Titanium grade 850 Watt unit had almost the same primary stage capacitor delivery as this 1200 watt Platinum unit, so there is no doubt that extra levels of attention are going into the more expensive Titanium units. Seasonic don't con the end user, you get what you pay for.
The pure modular design will be welcomed by a large audience, and there are plenty of high grade cables to support a wide array of sophisticated system builds, including high draw SLI and Crossfire gaming rigs.
The Seasonic PRIME 1200W Platinum power supply is available from Overclockers UK for £244.99 inc vat HERE.
if you don't need all this power, then you can pick up the 1000W Platinum at Overclockers UK for £219.95 HERE. These are expensive power supplies to however they are noticeably cheaper than the Titanium PRIME counterparts.
If money is no object then we also do recommend the Seasonic PRIME Titanium 850W. It has huge power reserves and ultimate efficiency levels, but it is expensive at £229.99 inc vat HERE.
Discuss on our Facebook page, over HERE.
Pros:
- Superb Load regulation.
- High build quality.
- 105C Japanese capacitors used throughout.
- delivered 1345 watts.
- High quality cabling.
Cons:
- Expensive, although you get what you pay for.
- We miss the silver/chrome accented panels showcased on the Titanium models.
KitGuru says: The 1200W Seasonic PRIME Titanium power supply is technically fantastic and able to power any system on the market today. It is over specified and able to deliver more than 1340 watts before shutting down safely. No expense is spared internally and the class leading 12 year warranty is certainly reassuring.
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