KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Recently Seasonic updated their flagship PRIME Titanium and Platinum series of power supplies and today we take a look at another model in these ULTRA ranges – this time in an 850 watt capacity. Their expensive 1000W Ultra Titanium unit impressed us immensely, but is the cheaper 850W Platinum another unit you need to consider for a new system build?
It seems I am constantly singing the praises of Seasonic, but its impossible to actually find a bad unit in their portfolio. I don't think I could say that about any other manufacturer. Their recent pairing with Phanteks will be interesting to watch in 2018.
Its worth pointing out that Seasonic supply these review units from Amazon so they can't really be considered ‘golden reviewer samples'. They arrive at our doorstep in an immediately recognisable Amazon box we all know and love.
SSR-850PD (Ultra)
| Technical Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| 80PLUS® | Platinum | |
| Cybenetics Efficiency Level | TBA | |
| Cybenetics Noise Level | TBA | |
| Form Factor | Intel ATX 12 V | |
| Dimensions | 170 mm (W) x 150 mm (L) x 86 mm (H) | |
| Fan Information | Fan Size | 135 mm |
| Fan Control | Premium Hybrid Fan Control | |
| Fan Bearing | Fluid Dynamic Bearing | |
| Life Expectancy | 50,000 hours at 40 °C, 15 % – 65 % RH | |
| Cable Information | Modularity | Fully Modular |
| Cable type | Flat black cables | |
| Electrical Features | Operating Temperature | 0 – 50 °C (derating from 100 % to 80 % from 40 °C to 50 °C) |
| MTBF @ 25 °C, excl. fan | 150,000 hours | |
| AC Input | Full Range | |
| Protection | OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP | |
| Safety and Environmental | Safety and EMC | cTUVus, TUV, CB, CCC, BSMI, EAC, CE |
| Environmental Compliance | Energy Star, RoHS, WEEE, ErP Lot 6, REACH | |
| Warranty | 12 Years | |
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 boxes! Seasonic love them but my camera is not quite so keen on all the reflective surfaces. Its eye catching though.
The bundle is solid. Seasonic supply literature on the product, two kinds of cable tie, screws, sticker and a case badge. There is also a regional specific power cable supplied in the box which is not in the picture above.
Seasonic supply a mixture of sleeved (PCIe and CPU) and ribbon flat cables (peripherals) with this power supply. The quality is good.
Seasonic supply 6 PCIe power connectors over 3 cables, to cover Crossfire and SLI builds or for those who use a lot of graphics cards for other duties. I would like it if Seasonic could make their CPU cables a little longer than 650mm- for those people with some of the larger cases on the market.
The Seasonic Prime ULTRA Platinum 850W power supply is finished in simple black paint with silver accenting to reflect on the efficiency. Its a good move for many reasons, one being that its a colour neutral scheme to suit system builders focusing on a particular theme. The quality of finishing is first class as we would expect.
This is how we differentiate between Seasonic's Titanium and Platinum power supplies. The Titanium models have a lovely silver grill covering half of the black. Just plain black for this one.
One side of the power supply is home to the fully packed modular bay which is cleanly split into sections and labelled for ease of install.
The other side of the power supply is home to the power connector, switch and Hybrid mode switch. The rest is honeycomb vented to help ensure there is plenty of air flow.
This Hybrid mode allows 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.
Below we can see the specifications of the power supply. The Model number is SSR-850-PD ULTRA.
| Seasonic PRIME ULTRA Platinum 850W Power Supply (SSR-850-PD ULTRA) |
|||||
|
DC Output
|
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V |
-12V
|
+5Vsb
|
|
Max Output
|
20A
|
20A
|
70A |
0.3A
|
2.5A
|
| Total Power | 100W | 840W | 3.6W | 12.5W | |
| 850 Watts | |||||
This 1000W power supply can deliver 70A on the +12V rail. Plenty of power on hand for a powerful SLI and Crossfire configuration.
Seasonic are using a Hong Hua Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (FDB) (Model HA13525H12F-Z). This ‘H' model is rated to spin slightly faster than the ‘M' model used in the Ultra Titanium 1000W model (2,000 rpm v 1,800 rpm). This is likely partially related to the efficiency of the units.
Below - a High Resolution Gallery of the internal layout of the Seasonic ULTRA Platinum 850W
If the gallery above does not display then please whitelist us in your adblocker as they are known to interfere with our code.
Interestingly, we reviewed the Seasonic Prime 850W Platinum supply back in March 2017 HERE and we can see that in the older non ‘Ultra' version Seasonic were using two Japanese 105c 400V 330uF capacitors. This total of 660uf has been increased in the new version of the unit we are testing today. Seasonic have in fact increased the capacity of one of the primary capacitors to 470uF with a 330uF supporting it. This brings a total of 800uF to this new version (140uF more).
Soldering quality in the supply is first class and Seasonic are using brands such as Rubycon, Nichicon and Nippon Chemi Con on the boards. All good brands.
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 run 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
We test in a single +12V configuration.
|
DC Output Load Regulation
|
||||||||||
|
Combined DC Load |
+3.3V
|
+5V
|
+12V
|
+5VSB
|
-12V | |||||
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A
|
V
|
A | V | |
|
85W
|
0.95
|
3.34
|
0.92
|
5.03
|
6.00
|
12.03
|
0.50
|
5.01
|
0.20 | -12.03 |
|
170W
|
1.70
|
3.33
|
1.67
|
5.03
|
12.35
|
12.03
|
1.00
|
5.01
|
0.20 | -12.04 |
|
425W
|
3.00
|
3.33
|
3.05
|
5.02
|
32.20
|
12.02
|
1.50
|
5.01
|
0.30 | -12.03 |
| 640W | 4.05 | 3.32 | 4.05 | 5.02 | 49.00 | 12.01 | 2.00 | 5.00 | 0.30 | -12.04 |
|
850W
|
5.00
|
3.32
|
5.23
|
5.03
|
65.52
|
12.00
|
2.50
|
5.00
|
0.50 | -12.03 |
Load regulation is excellent with all rails exhibiting very minor fluctuation under load.
| Seasonic PRIME Ultra Platinum 850W |
Maximum Load |
| 1030W |
We managed to get the power supply to deliver 1030W before it would shut down, delivering around 180W more than rated specifications.
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 | |
| 760W | 1.0 | 3.34 | 1.0 | 5.04 | 60.0 | 12.00 | 0.2 | -12.01 | 0.50 | 5.00 |
| 165W | 15.0 | 3.32 | 18.0 | 5.02 | 2.0 | 12.03 | 0.2 | -12.01 | 0.50 | 5.00 |
The power supply dealt with the demanding cross load test very well exhibiting little fluctuation. It was tasked with 60A on the +12V rail and it held at 12.00V. The other rails delivered excellent results also.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| 225W | 5 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| 450W | 5 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| 675W | 5 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| 850W | 5 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
Noise suppression results are top drawer with both +3.3V and +5V rails hitting a maximum of 5mV at full load. The +12V Rail hits a maximum of 20mV under full load.
|
Efficiency (%)
|
|
|
100W
|
89.44
|
|
225W
|
91.82
|
|
450W
|
94.23
|
|
675W
|
92.37
|
| 850W | 91.52 |
Efficiency is extremely impressive, peaking at just over 94 percent at 50 percent load. This drops to around 91.5 percent at full load.
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 Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2 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
|
|
225W
|
<28.0
|
|
450W
|
30.5
|
|
675W
|
33.7
|
| 850W | 35.4 |
The large fan spins relatively slowly under most load conditions, it is only in the last 200 watts of rated power output that it spins up and can be audible. It is a quiet 850 watt power supply and rates highly in regards to low levels of noise emission.
|
Temperature (c)
|
||
|
Intake
|
Exhaust
|
|
|
100W
|
37
|
39
|
|
225W
|
38
|
41
|
|
450W
|
40
|
48
|
|
675W
|
45
|
53
|
|
850W
|
47
|
59
|
The high levels of efficiency of this unit help reduce expelled heat. At full load we measured a +12c variable.
|
Maximum load
|
Efficiency
|
|
1030 watts
|
90.6
|
At 1030 watts, the efficiency level measures 90.6%. Not a practical situation to be running 24/7, but worth noting.
Our Seasonic Prime ULTRA Platinum sample shipped direct from Amazon in Europe. Seasonic are keen to point out that while other companies may indeed be shipping ‘golden samples' – they are confident enough to just get Amazon to ship retail products to reviewers.
First impressions are, as expected, positive. Seasonic finish their power supplies to a very high standard and the paint work is resistant to scratches. The bundle is extensive, and includes a raft of cable ties, along with a sticker and badge for a case.
Internally there are some changes over the earlier Non-‘Ultra' version of this unit. As detailed on our testing page earlier in the review, Seasonic have upgraded the primary stage capacitors which now means that in a pinch, this 850watt unit is actually capable of delivering over 1000 watts of power. 1030 watts in our particular case, before shutdown would occur.
Load regulation and noise suppression characteristics are also a little better than the previous iteration.
Ripple suppression and overall efficiency are both stellar, and technically the unit didn't exhibit any problems during our week long series of tests. Its a power supply that is clearly going to last a long time, across a handful of potential system upgrades and changes. The industry leading 12 year warranty would verify that Seasonic are standing confident behind their latest designs.
Getting UK pricing seems tricky right now but we see no reason why the pricing on this newer model would be more than the current price on the current non Ultra version – which is £189.95 on Overclockers UK HERE.
If I was being pedantic, I would ask Seasonic to increase the length of the CPU cables to allow system builders using the biggest chassis on the market a little more headroom. I would like to see less sleeved cables in future revisions, as the flatter cables are easier to route and hide in a new system build.
If you already own a Seasonic Prime Platinum 850W unit I see no reason to abandon your current model as it is a great power supply. For those in the market today looking for a killer 850 Watt high efficiency unit, then make sure you get the ULTRA version, even if you have to wait a few weeks for heightened availability in the UK.
Scan will be listing stock on this page for the new ULTRA range. Coming soon!
Pros:
- 12 year warranty.
- technically bulletproof.
- fully modular.
- 105 Japanese caps.
- excellent load regulation.
Cons:
- a few longer cables wouldn't hurt.
Kitguru says: The new Seasonic Prime Ultra Platinum 850W supply takes an already great design and with some minor tweaks, its been improved further. A fantastic purchase for an enthusiast user who wants the best power backed by an industry leading 12 year warranty.
