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 dont know what they add or dont add, i just know one, monday i send that shit for RMA :/
To answer your question, yes it was about the FM series (550w pre-2019 build according to Seasonic) and certain Asus nvidia gtx 970 cards. Some people say there are issues with the FX as well in other wattage when used with the GTX1080ti but Ive yet to see anything significant (or a seasonic statement) to prove those remarks are legit.
Currently I have a RTX 2070 Super, no issues.
I have 2 of these PCIE connectors:
There's long been an argument about whether one can use 6 pin cables in lieu of 8 pin, with most arguing based upon the amperage rating of individual cables ... like most such postings, this is inaccurate.
"The 8-pin PCI-E connector has 3 12V and 3 ground wires. So, how can it deliver more power? The limit on the previous 6 pin connector was set to limit voltage sag, so that even at maximum voltage drop on a long PSU cable, the voltage at the card would remain satisfactory.
Under higher load, there is the risk that the voltage sag in the cables will be excessive and cause the voltage to drop out of spec under high load. The PSU regulates the voltage on its PCB, but under high load on long cables, this can be in spec, while the voltage at the end of cables is out of spec. The new connector provides a sense function, that allows the PSU to sense the voltage that is actually reaching the power circuits on the card, and a suitable designed PSU could regulate that voltage specifically. The 2 new pins are used for this sensing function.
The 8-pin connector adds 2 pins on the right of the 6 pin connector. The middle ground on the 6 pin (pin 5) is moved to 'top right' (pin 8). This allows the graphics card to sense if an 8 pin connector is used. If pin 8 is grounded, an 8 pin plug is used. If it's not-connected a 6-pin plug is used, and the card should operate in restricted power mode."
So what happens id you only use 2two of the three 8-pin connectors ? My thinking goes back to the 4+4 8-pin EPS connectors where you were supposed to plug in the 1st 4-pin for normal usage or moderate overclocking but both 4 pins if you were going extreme overclocking
The board power limit for the Asus TUF is 375 watts which matches the power configuration for this card w/ 2 x 150 for each 8 Pin + 75 for the card slot. The MSI card that TPU tests has three 8 pin connectors and yet it's board power limit is 350. Under Furmark, the MSI card hit 315 watts in average gaming, 385 in peak gaming and 425 in Furmark ,,,Asus TUFs numbers were 305, 372 and 405.
I have not see anyone who ran the MSI on just 2 connectors .... with MSI power limit at 350 (Asus 375), they should work fine with (2) 8 pin connectors. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble imagining that MSI (or Asus) would let the card run with only 2 cables connected.
The SSR-750 FX review is a but confusing in that, the pic below shows (2) 8 pin CPU PCI-E cables and (3) GPU PCI-E connectors
www.jonnyguru.com/wp-reviews/SeasonicFPG750/DSC_1400.jpg
The description says with (2) PCI
Two PCI-e cables come with the unit, also with built in capacitors.
One of the two CPU cables. Yep, you guessed it, there are in cable capacitors.
Now, historically, the CPU cables were called EPS and it was a bad idea to mismatch the cables.
Now on the image ...
The CPU connections are labeled "CPU / PCI-E
The GPU connections are labeled "GPU / PCI-E
The images show that all connector pin sockets are 4-4-6-6 sided over 6-6-6-4 same as the arrangement on GFX cards. So your PSU is equipped with the necessary connectors ... they just didn't give you the extra cable.
Seasonic is always very careful to make it so that you can't plug in anything wrong so if they label them PCI-E it's worth looking at ... but if you going to try to use one of the "CPU / PCI-E" cables for the missing "GPU / PCI-E" I'd still make sure a) you are not forcing it in b) the cable end at the GPU actually says PCI-E the number and order of 4 sides sockets and 6 sides sockets match and also the cable insulation colors match the GPU labels cables.