Introduction

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



Some things get better as time goes on, and Seasonic products are a solid example of this. Their techs obviously never go into stand-by mode, but constantly thrive to push analog circuits to their limits instead (they will hopefully start messing with digital circuits soon). Their latest addition is the Platinum 1200 W unit (Platinum-1200 or SS-1200XP3 in short) which, as it name implies, offers Platinum efficiency and topnotch performance because of its advanced platform and high quality components. The unit is based on the same platform as the one in our Cooler Master V1200 review. The latter topped our performance graph, so we expect this Seasonic unit to do the same.

The SS-1200XP3 uses a powerful +12V rail, features a fully-modular cabling design, and comes with a user-selectable semi-passive operation, which nullifies the cooling fan's noise output so long as the load is low. While almost all competitors in the category use 140 mm fans, which provides good airflow with as little noise output as possible, Seasonic instead decided to use a smaller 120 mm fan. The unit’s other characteristics include the exclusive use of Japanese electrolytic capacitors, which are more durable than Chinese caps, and with ten PCIe and two EPS connectors that are all available at the same time, a huge number of connectors. Seasonic wasn't as stringent as before with connectors in an attempt to attract those miners who still use normal PCs to extract crypto coins. We have also seen some incredibly strong PSUs hit the market recently because of the mining craze, but now that the trend has ebbed down, companies will most likely lose their seated interest in the high-capacity category. But incredibly strong high-end PSUs are also a company's pride as such units showcase technical knowledge nicely, so companies may keep on releasing such flagship models after all.

Specifications

This PSU can deliver its full power continuously at up to 50°C and is 80 Plus Platinum certified. As we expected from such a high-end PSU, it is Haswell ready and utilizes a fully modular cabling design. It is also equipped with all the necessary protection features and comes with a semi-passive operation you can deactivate via a switch for less noise output.

The unit uses a high quality Sanyo Denki fan. We should mention that the "S" in its model number doesn't denote the bearing type, but the Silent Fan series this fan belongs to. Another interesting point is its relatively small size compared to those of the competition. A 140mm fan would be a better choice in our opinion because the SS-1200XP3 is quite large and a larger fan produces less noise while producing the same amount of airflow. At seven years, the unit's warranty is also quite long, and its price looks fair.

The single +12V rail can deliver up to 100 A of power, so it will easily cover the needs of an extremely powerful system with multiple high-end VGAs. The minor rails are quite strong, too, while the 5VSB rail has a little more juice than normal. We, however, would like the latter to have at least 4 A maximum current output.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

Seasonic was very generous, providing a great amount of connectors, including ten PCIe and two EPS connectors that are all available at the same time. The similar CM V1200 may have two additional PCIe connectors but we think that ten are already more than enough for a 1.2 kW unit as only a handful of users will ask for more, especially now that mining with normal PCs isn't worth the trouble.

The cables are also long enough, and the distance between connectors is fine, with the SATA connectors a little closer to each other than the peripheral ones, which will be prove useful as you assemble your system. All connectors also use 18AWG wires, which is as the ATX spec recommends.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we do not have anything to comment on about its power distribution.

Packaging

Seasonic's flagship comes in a large box with a nice graphics design. On the front is a photograph of the unit, and the Platinum badge resides in the top-right corner. The capacity description is in the bottom-right corner, in small white fonts, almost as though Seasonic meant to hide it.


The unit's technical specifications and its power specifications table are on this side.


A shot of the modular side and the Platinum badge.


Next to the omnipresent Platinum badge are several icons for ErP compliance, Haswell compatibility, and the SLI certification.


Seasonic mentions the advantages of a Platinum-certified PSU on the back of the box, comparing it to the other 80 PLUS certifications. However, the company forgot to mention the Titanium efficiency certification, the most efficient certification currently available. Yet very few PSUs so far meet Titanium specifications, which are indeed very strict. Seasonic also provides a brief description of the unit's highlights. These include its tight voltage regulation, hybrid fan control, quality Sanyo Denki fan, DC-DC converters, which are installed directly to the modular board, and, the copper bus-bars that transfer power to the modular sockets, which greatly reduces energy losses.

Contents

The outer sleeve hides a sturdy cardboard box with Seasonic's logo on it. Inside the box is the PSU, fully protected by two sheets of packing foam and wrapped inside a luxurious velvet bag.


A nice and quite large pouch stores all modular cables.


The bundle is rich and includes the modular cables, a set of Velcro-straps with Seasonic's logo on them, several zip ties, a set of fixing bolts, a case badge, and an AC power cord.