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Today we look at the new X-Series 1050W power supply from Seasonic, a refresh on the older model which was hot news back in 2012. This new model is a pure modular design with 80 Plus Gold Certification and has received a handful of upgrades for 2014.
The 2014 Seasonic X-Series 1,050 Watt XM2 power supply features an upgrade to the Hybrid Fan control circuit. It incorporates a new IC which controls the fan based on ‘Hysteresis’. It may be a confusing term for many, although we mentioned it in our review of the Seasonic Platinum 1200W model. For those interested this page on Wikipedia reads ‘Hysteresis is the dependence of the output of a system not only on its current input, but also on its history of past inputs. The dependence arises because the history affects the value of an internal state. To predict its future outputs, either its internal state or its history must be known.If a given input alternately increases and decreases, a typical mark of hysteresis is that the output forms a loop as in the figure.’
In layman’s terms, the new Hysteresis IC controller will reduce the ‘on/off’ cycle of the fan and further improve energy utilisation in Fanless and Silent modes.
The other major upgrade is the addition of a Dual Copper Conduction Bar on the PCB for optimised high current conduction – this will help enhance efficiency and performance.
Special Features –
- 80PLUS Gold Certified Super High Efficiency.
- Full Modular Cabling Design.
- Patented DC Connector Module with Integrated VRM [Voltage Regulator Module].
- DC to DC Converter Design.
- Seasonic Hybrid Silent Fan Control.
- Sanyo Denki San Ace Silent Fan.
- Conductive Polymer Aluminum Solid Capacitors.
- Highly Reliable 105℃ Japanese Brand Capacitors.
- Tight Voltage Regulation [±3%].
- Active Power Factor Correction [99% PF Typical].
- High +12V Output.
- High Current Gold Plated Terminals.
- Dual Sided PCB Layout.
- Ultra Ventilation [Honeycomb Structure].
- Multi-GPU Technologies Supported.
- All-in-One DC Cabling Design.
- Easy Swap Connector.
- Universal AC Input [Full Range].
- 5 Years Warranty.
Seasonic box artwork follows the same design ethic as previous years – although it is effective. As we mentioned before there is no mention on the front of the box of this being the new XM2 model, so we hope the channel has no stock left of the older model, otherwise it would be difficult to know what you are buying.
The power supply is protected within two thick slabs of foam. The user manual rests on top. All the accessories are stored beside the power supply.
Seasonic supply a regional specific power plug, user manual, cable ties and double sided pouch which contains all the modular cabling.
Seasonic also wrap the power supply inside a soft felt bag, as shown above.
Cables And Connectors:
(1) 24/20 Pin Main Power Connector
(1) 4/8 Pin ATX/12V/EPS12V Power Connector
(1) 8 Pin ATX/12V/EPS12V Power Connector
(8) 6/8 Pin PCI Express Connector
(2) 4 Pin Floppy Drive Power Connector
(8) 4 Pin Molex Peripheral Power Connector
(11) 15 Pin Serial ATA Connector
The cable quality is excellent, all fully sleeved and high grade 18AWG standard. They include 8 x PCI-E cables to ensure that even the most demanding SLI and Crossfire systems are supported.
This range of X-Series power supplies is finished with gold accenting on the sides and fan grill. The gold colour has received a mixed reception with our readership because it doesn't always match a colourscheme in a system build.
The fan is barely seen behind the gold grill, but we will take a closer unit at it, when we open the unit shortly.
One side of the power supply is fully vented to help air flow. At the side is a power switch and connector.
There are several rows for the modular connectors and Seasonic have labelled them clearly to aid with the build phase. There is a sticker on the right which indicates the dual switch operation of the fan – hybrid and normal. You should remove this sticker before installing the unit.
The new model is highlighted by the name ‘SS-1050XM2′. If you are buying this power supply make sure you check first that it is the newer XM2 model – Seasonic don't highlight this clearly on their box which makes matters more confusing. A simple, yet easily seen ‘XM2' sticker on the box would help.
| Seasonic X-Series 1050W XM2 | |||||
|
DC Output
|
+5V
|
+3.3V
|
+12V |
-12V
|
+5Vsb
|
|
Max Output
|
25A
|
25A
|
87A |
0.5A
|
3A
|
| Max Combined | 150W | 1044W | 6W | 15W | |
The only difference between this unit and the more powerful X-Series 1250W XM2, is the A delivery on the +12V. The 1250W unit can handle up to 104A, the 1050W model 87A.
Seasonic are using a San Ace 120 (Model 9s1212h403) fan (Sanyo Denki). This is a high grade 120x120x38mm model, which operates at 12V.
The Seasonic DC to DC convertor design is very clean with several rows of heatsinks separating the components. These may seem small, but with 80 Plus Gold Efficiency and the large overhead fan, there should be no ambient temperature problems.
The Seasonic X-Series 1050W XM2 incorporates high grade Japanese capacitors throughout. The Primary stage uses three quality Nippon Chemi Con capacitors rated for 105c operation @ 420V 330uF. We can also see the transient filtering with the Yunpen EMI filter. This continues to the main PCB with two coils, four Y capacitors, two X capacitors and an MOV.
The design of this unit replaces traditional wired connections with direct pin to port connections. This reduces the heat generated by the wiring which has the subsequent benefit of reducing lost power, ensuring improved voltage. The unit includes Total Power Protection (OPP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Current Protection (OCP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), and Over Temperature Protection (OTP).
On this page we present some high resolution images of the product taken with a Fuji XT1 and a Sigma SD1 camera. These will take much longer to open due to the dimensions, especially on slower connections. If you use these pictures on another site or publication, please credit Kitguru.net as the owner/source.
Additional technical assistance: Peter McFarland and Jeremy Price.
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. Due to public requests we have changed our temperature settings – previously we rated with ambient temperatures at 25C, we have increased ambient temperatures by 10c (to 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
• SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter (6-130dBa)
• Digital oscilloscope (20M S/s with 12 Bit ADC)
• Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA
We test the Seasonic X-Series 1050W XM2 power supply with the fan in the ‘normal’ state.
|
DC Output Load Regulation
|
||||||||||
|
Combined DC Load |
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V
|
+5VSB
|
-12V | |||||
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A | V | |
|
100W
|
1.56
|
3.37
|
1.76
|
5.04
|
6.64
|
12.16
|
0.50
|
5.02
|
0.20
|
-12.09
|
|
200W
|
3.12
|
3.37
|
3.51
|
5.03
|
13.51
|
12.15
|
1.00
|
5.02
|
0.20
|
-12.09
|
| 400W |
6.41
|
3.34
|
7.04
|
5.03
|
27.50
|
12.14
|
1.50
|
5.01
|
0.30
|
-12.08
|
| 600W |
9.81
|
3.33
|
10.78
|
5.02
|
41.70
|
12.12
|
2.00
|
5.00
|
0.30
|
-12.08
|
|
800W
|
13.26
|
3.33
|
14.54
|
5.01
|
56.40
|
12.10
|
2.50
|
4.98
|
0.50
|
-12.08
|
| 1050W | 16.55 | 3.33 | 15.77 | 5.01 | 74.00 | 12.08 | 3.00 | 4.97 | 0.60 | -12.07 |
Load regulation is fantastic with all the rails holding tight, within 2%.
| Seasonic X-Series 1050WXM2 |
Maximum Load |
| 1199W |
We managed to get another 149W 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.
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 | |
| 885W | 2.0 | 3.36 | 2.0 | 5.03 | 72.0 | 12.08 | 0.2 | -12.07 | 0.50 | 5.00 |
| 240W | 20.0 | 3.33 | 24.0 | 4.98 | 2.0 | 12.15 | 0.2 | -12.07 | 0.50 | 5.01 |
The Seasonic X-Series 1050WXM2 power supply delivered a great set of results in the demanding Cross load test, as shown above.
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 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
| 200W | 10 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
| 400W | 10 | 15 | 20 | 15 |
| 600W | 15 | 15 | 25 | 15 |
| 800W | 15 | 15 | 30 | 20 |
| 1050W | 15 | 20 | 35 | 20 |
Ripple suppression is very good. All of the rails exhibit very low ripple and the +12v rail peaks at 35mV, well within the rated specifications.
|
Efficiency (%)
|
|
|
100W
|
85.3
|
|
200W
|
88.8
|
|
300W
|
89.9
|
|
500W
|
92.1
|
|
800W
|
91.7
|
| 1050W | 89.7 |
The overall efficiency results are excellent, peaking at 92.1% at 500W. This drops close to 90% efficiency at full load, a very solid result all round.
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
|
29.8
|
|
600W
|
31.6
|
| 800W | 33.1 |
| 1050W | 34.2 |
The Seasonic X-Series 1050W XM2 is generally a quiet power supply, almost silent until the fan starts spinning a little faster when 600W-650W is demanded. At full 1050W demand, the fan is spinning quite fast, but it is still relatively quiet, emitting around 34dBa of noise.
|
Temperature (c)
|
||
|
Intake
|
Exhaust
|
|
|
100W
|
35
|
38
|
|
200W
|
36
|
41
|
|
400W
|
38
|
46
|
|
650W
|
43
|
50
|
|
800W
|
45
|
54
|
| 1050W | 46 | 56 |
Temperatures are well controlled as the fan spins actively once load hits 750W load and beyond.
|
Maximum load
|
Efficiency
|
|
1199W
|
88.2
|
Pushing the power supply above its rated limits generates an efficiency level of around 88.2%. This is not a viable ‘real world’ situation, but its interesting nonetheless.
We had high hopes for the new Seasonic X-Series 1050W XM2 and we haven't been disappointed. This is a power supply designed to cater to the enthusiast gamer with an expensive Crossfire or SLI setup. The new 2014 model builds on the strengths of the older 2012 model, tweaks the appearance a little and adds some new features into the mix.
You are either going to love or hate the gold accenting on the X-Series – the artwork has changed a little on the side panels, but some readers on our Facebook page have mentioned that the gold does not fit in well with specific system colour schemes.
The fan controller has been upgraded in the new 2014 model, it has a new multi loop IC control incorporating Hysteresis to help prolong fan life. Dual copper bars are included with an reported extra 40% trace capacity which help it to handle higher current more efficiently.
The larger X-Series 1250W power supply blitzed our tests so we expected the 1050W version to perform well. Technically there is little, if anything to fault with this design – it produces high levels of efficiency with stable voltage regulation. It excelled in the intensive cross load test and handled a steady 74 amp load without a problem.
Ripple suppression is excellent, and +3.3V, +5V and +12V rails all fall well within rated industry tolerance specifications. +12V peaked at around 35mV which is an excellent result.
We also tested the Seasonic X-Series 1050W XM2 with two overclocked Nvidia Titan Black graphics cards, and a high end 4790k system, overclocked to 4.8ghz and it was rock solid over the course of several days intensive testing. The pure modular design will also ensure a neat and tidy build, especially with a windowed panel.
You will be able to pick up the new SS-1050XM2 power supply later this week in the United Kingdom for around the £170 inc vat mark. Just make sure you are buying the newer XM2 supply because we checked today and some UK stores are still selling the older model.
You can discuss on our Facebook page, over HERE.
Pros:
- quiet
- rock solid.
- fully modular.
- built to handle high end Crossfire and SLi systems.
- delivered almost 1,200 watts before shutting down.
Cons:
- The gold colour scheme seems to split opinion.
- an ‘XM2' sticker on the box would help the consumer.
Kitguru says: Seasonic strengthen their new range with the excellent 1050watt model. Considering what you get, the price is reasonably competitive too.
