Wednesday, November 21st 2018
Seasonic FOCUS PLUS PSUs Encounter GPU Compatibility Issues
It has been confirmed by Seasonic that their FOCUS PLUS power supplies are experiencing potential conflict with a select number of graphics cards. In regards to NVIDIA, the compatibility issue is currently limited to the ASUS GeForce GTX 970 STRIX. In limited instances, this particular graphics card can encounter a black screen under heavy load. Testing by Seasonic has determined that the issue is caused by higher than normal ripple when the GPU is heavily stressed. They also determined that solving the problem simply required using modified PCIe cables that feature enhanced shielding.
When it comes to AMD GPUs things are a bit more problematic. Both of AMD's Vega 56 and Vega 64 series of graphics cards with serial numbers before January 2018, can experience system shutdowns when paired with a FOCUS PLUS power supply. The issue is caused by higher than normal peak current being emitted by these graphics cards when under heavy load. This results in the power supply's internal protection safety being triggered. Considering Seasonic's popularity the fact these power supplies are encountering problems is likely going to be a hit to their brand image. At least they are stepping up to the plate having admitted to the problem while also investigating the root causes. They are also encouraging anyone that is encountering issues to contact them for assistance.
Source:
Seasonic
When it comes to AMD GPUs things are a bit more problematic. Both of AMD's Vega 56 and Vega 64 series of graphics cards with serial numbers before January 2018, can experience system shutdowns when paired with a FOCUS PLUS power supply. The issue is caused by higher than normal peak current being emitted by these graphics cards when under heavy load. This results in the power supply's internal protection safety being triggered. Considering Seasonic's popularity the fact these power supplies are encountering problems is likely going to be a hit to their brand image. At least they are stepping up to the plate having admitted to the problem while also investigating the root causes. They are also encouraging anyone that is encountering issues to contact them for assistance.
57 Comments on Seasonic FOCUS PLUS PSUs Encounter GPU Compatibility Issues
I just bought a Focus 850PX Platinum, so it would be good to know.
Edit: here is one of the threads with replies by the seasonic rep. Seems to cover a larger spectrum of seasonic PSU them I originally believed.
www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14869
Buy better units. The minimum I use for a system like that is 620W (funnily enough, the actual cheap seasonics for 45 bucks work great lol).
IDK, this is more interesting than I thought after reading the 750W issues.
Side note: I'm kinda surprised stuff like this hasn't been posted with Vegas across many psu manuf, b/c the amp draw is insane. I guess most people rightfully assume the PSU can't handle it and upgrade, though.
oddly enough, when i bought my most recent Focus +, the 750W cost less ,than the 650 & 550W. i found it weird, btu didnt complain. these PSU's are spectacular, some of the best ive ever owned... better than my EVGA G2
Also how is the fan acoustics of your unit ?
I’m going to assume people are running OCed CPUs and then the asus 970 has V bumped. What’s that gonna pull? Almost 400 on the 12V rail everything included? Most low wattage PSUs would be very unhappy. I’m not surprised overcurrent is tripping on the 550s. Ripple is maxing out b/c it’s overloaded. They’re rated wrong or are supremely defective.
Maybe it’s time they go back to normal ratings where 12V rail isn’t listed at 540 watts. That’s pretty scummy. Because, I have to bet that is indeed not the case.
This would never happen on an old unit. I’m running on an old 600W seasonic for all these years without issue. Budget shit doesn’t pay (even if the case is these are all defective).
Buy a well designed platform and they will take care of you for years and years to come.