Introduction

We would like to thank Chieftec for supplying the review sample.


I already reviewed the Polaris model with 750 W maximum power output, so when Chieftec offered me the 1050 W version, I was curious what more is on offer besides increased power output. The OEM remains High Power. To be more specific, Chieftec used the High Power HP1-H1050GD-F14C model as a base for the Polaris 1050 unit. This platform focuses on a high performance per dollar ratio rather than pure performance. On the 80 PLUS scale, the Polaris 1050 is rated as Gold, while Cybenetics gave it its Platinum efficiency and Cybenetics Standard S++ noise ratings, the latter of which denotes 30–35 dBA average noise output.

This is a fully modular PSU with enough connectors to deliver its power smoothly. Moreover, it uses a fluid dynamic bearing fan, which has the short warranty look odd. Most manufacturers provide at least five years, some even ten or twelve, as with the Seasonic Prime models, while Chieftec only offers two years for all their PSU models. At €125 including VAT, pricing is reasonable at least. The downside is that you won't find any Chieftec products in the US, which is a shame since the aggressive pricing schemes would make their products a good option for users in need of a strong power supply.

Specifications

Photos

The box is the same as for the 850 W and 1050 W models, and at its face is a photo of the PSU with its modular panel exposed, as well as two small badges for the Gold efficiency and fully modular cable design. The power specifications and connector count information are on the back of the box.


Protection inside the box is good, and it is always nice to find a pouch for the modular cables. Besides the necessary cables, the bundle includes the user's manual and fixing bolts. Zip ties or Velcro straps have not been included.


As with most PSUs, there is nothing innovative about the exterior design. However, what matters the most is what is inside.


On the two sides, we find "Polaris" stickers. The power specifications label is on the bottom of the unit.


The modular panel has eleven sockets, two for the 24-pin ATX connector, four for the peripheral cables, two for the EPS, and three for the PCIe cables. The EPS and PCIe sockets are not compatible, so you cannot connect an EPS cable to a PCIe socket or vice versa.


The fan grille does not restrict airflow. While the center badge is quite large, it won't restrict airflow significantly, either.

Cables and Connectors

The cables are long enough, and the EPS ones use thicker AWG16 gauges for lower voltage drops. The same goes for the PCIe cables up to the first connector. It would have been nice to see dedicated PCIe cables, but you could also just use one connector on each.


There are enough SATA and 4-pin Molex connectors, and there is no Berg connector or adapter, which is rarely used nowadays. I would like to see the peripheral connectors situated further apart, especially the 4-pin Molex ones.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest a look at this article, which will help you better understand the insides of a PSU.



Ideally, the modular panel would have been connected to the main PCB through bus bars instead of cables, for which energy losses are higher, especially under high loads. Moreover, these cables block airflow on the secondary side, reminding me of older designs. The heatsink on the primary side is quite large since it hosts the bridge rectifiers, most of the APFC converter's parts, and the main FETs. The heat sinks on the secondary side, on the other hand, are small since the +12 V FETs are installed on the PCB's solder side.


The transient/EMI filter stages have all the necessary parts, offering decent EMI suppression on incoming and outgoing emissions.


A metal oxide varistor (MOV) handles voltage surges, while an NTC thermistor and relay combination suppresses large inrush currents.


The bridge rectifiers are bolted to the primary heatsink, so they can handle up to 15 A each, at 100 °C.


The APFC converter uses two Infineon FETs and a single CREE boost diode that is quite strong. The bulk caps are by Nichicon, and their combined total capacity is 1360 uF.


The APFC controller is an Infineon ICE3PCS01G, so I expect good PF readings since Infineon ICs perform better than corresponding Champion ones in this section.


The main FETs are two Infineon IPA60R120P7s installed in a half-bridge topology. An LLC resonant converter is also used to boost efficiency. The resonant controller is the omnipresent Champion CM6901X.


The unit's main transformer is large enough to cope with the load.


The FETs regulating the +12 V rail are installed on the solder side of the main PCB. The heatsinks above them lower their operating temperatures.


Two DC-DC converters generate the minor rails. They use five Vishay FETs, and their joint PWM controller is an Anpec APW7159C.


Most electrolytic caps are by Teapo and belong to the cheap SC line, which I would avoid exposing to stressful conditions because of their short lifetime. If you operate the PSU at normal temperatures, these will last for quite a while, but the higher the operating temperatures, the shorter their lifespan. Besides electrolytic caps, I also found sixteen Teapo polymer caps.


The 5VSB circuit uses an IPS FET on its primary side and a 45R15C SBR on its secondary side. The standby PWM controller is a Si-Trend SI8016HSP8.

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The supervisor IC is a Weltrend WT2527RA, which provides all essential protection features. It is on the same board as the APFC controller.


The Teapo polymer caps on the modular board improve ripple suppression on all rails.


Soldering quality is good.


The cooling fan is by Globe Fan and uses a fluid dynamic bearing, so it is of good quality. The STC STC15W408AS looks to be the fan controller.

Test Setup