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
what you think guys? yesterday tried run some benchmarks not even last a 1minute
and btw in safe mode, i run DDU and after pc tries restart but that icon i spinning around 3-4mins and after got bluescreen, last screenshot
But I have been running my Vega 64 with Focus+ 550W for like a year now and encountered no issue at all so I would assume that it's not much of a deal.looks like a VRAM issue to me.
Got a 650W Gold running since 5 years in my machine and it does as on day 1. And this machine is more or less in 24/7 mode since years.
I recently purchased a 650W Focus for my son's machine. No problems and I don't expect any.
Nevertheless the cables are worth but they were 5 years ago. Looks as if seasonic also tries to save money. Something which did ruin a couple of companies since if once dissapointed you likely never get back to them for the simple reason that there's dozens of other brands. Means it's once-failed ==> NoGo. Vendors should better be aware of this fact.
What about GTX 980 Strix? Thinking about a new PSU and Focuses look interesting, and I'm not planning to upgrade my GPU yet.
Since when GPU emit their own power?
To be honest i am confused why only few specific gpus are affected and not many more.
Specifically the DFI Lanparty boards did not like that particular Seasonic based platform.
I've run a CoolerMaster 650W PSU (80+ bronze) @ nearly 100% load for a year (also during 35°C ambient temperature in summer) for a mining rig with 2 OC'ed 7970 GHz cards. Handled it well and is now running a X58 rig with an R9 290X and a 4.2 GHz 6 core. Good PSUs don't crap out when used in spec.
I've had a 550W Super Flower Platinum unit (one of the first lower power ones IIRC) die after about 5 months. Was covered under the retailer warranty in the EU (Gewährleistung). Got it replaced within 2 weeks and the second unit runs fine. It ran the same setup (OC'ed Core i7 860 and 7970 to R9 290X cards) for 2 years more and then a 12 core server setup.
Grossly over speccing the PSU is no solution to this. It just wastes money (on a first purchase and efficiency of the PSU at idle) and takes up resources.
i borrow from a friend another PSU, second day no issues, tested benchmarks, playing games so far so good, so my new PSU seasonic focus 750gold going for RMA 100% :/