Introduction

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



XFX's portfolio currently consists of three PSU lines. The most affordable is called TS and only includes non-modular units, the XTR belongs to the mid-level category and features fully modular low-to-mid capacity units, and the new XTS is their high-end line. The three members of the XTS family can, respectively, deliver 460 W, 520 W, or 1000 W, and the first two are also completely passive, which has them use no fan, while the third utilizes a hybrid fan mode where the fan doesn't spin up with light loads for a noiseless experience at those loads. All XTS units are manufactured by Seasonic, so we expect much in terms of performance.

This review will take a good look at the XTS-1000, XFX's current flagship PSU. The unit not only features 80 Plus Platinum efficiency as it is also fully modular, uses capacitors of high quality, a key component in a good PSU, and promises very high performance under all conditions. Since we have come across this platform many times before, we are pretty sure its performance will be on par with that of the high-end competition. The XTS-1000 even features a unique external design, which will make it appeal to many case modders, and it, contrary to Seasonic's retail implementations which utilize smaller 120 mm fans with ball-bearings for significantly more noise under similar operating conditions, actually uses a 135 mm FDB fan. This unit will hopefully also use a relaxed fan-speed profile to fully capitalize on the additional airflow its larger fan provides.

Specifications

Efficiency is Platinum and the platform can deliver its full power continuously at up to 50°C. A full set of protections has also been included, including the ever-crucial Over Temperature Protection (OCP) feature. Contrary to Seasonic's similar offerings, XFX decided to use a larger FDB fan in order to offer the same amount of airflow at a lower RPM, which obviously lowers noise output. FDB fans also last much longer compared to simple sleeve-bearing ones and even outlive ball-bearing fans.

The unit includes a semi-passive option you can turn off through a switch on the PSU's back, though you will have to access the internals of your system to do so. The XTS-1000 is pretty compact given its high capacity, which makes it a suitable option for cases with even a limited amount of room for a PSU. Mostly due to the complete absence of any native cables, its weight has been kept low too. XFX mentions that the unit is only compatible with the older ATX and EPS standards in the compliance section, but we know for a fact that the platform can easily meet the newest ATX v2.4 and EPS 2.92 standards.

The single +12V rail is powerful enough to easily support up to three or even four high-end VGAs. The minor rails can provide enough juice combined for a contemporary system, and the 5VSB rail is a little stronger than the average. As for the -12V rail: nobody cares about it anymore.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

As is the norm for a high-end unit with 1 kW capacity, XFX provides it with eight PCIe and two EPS connectors, and all of them are available at the same time. These connectors will allow you to build an incredibly strong PC if you the cash to do so. There are also more than enough SATA and 4-pin peripheral connectors to cover every normal user's needs. Overall cable length is good; however, we would like the peripheral connectors on a cable to be further apart. XFX was also smart enough to offer a shorter SATA and peripheral cable with only two connectors each. As suggested by the ATX specification, all connectors also use AWG18 gauges.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we don't have anything to comment on when it comes time to talk about this unit's power distribution.

Packaging

The box features a fancy design, and two close-ups on its front put a spotlight on the modular panel and nicely designed fan grill. The model number is given in pretty large font and right above it are a several icons for the Platinum efficiency, the Japanese caps, and the unit's Haswell and SLI compliance. A label also describes the unit's fully modular cabling design, a key marketing feature in PSUs today. Overall, the box is covered in marketing information, and unfortunately, a part of it is even confusing enough to be called misleading by some.


On one of two sides is a sticker with the unit's part and serial numbers, along with an icon for the five-year warranty. The other only holds the unit's model number.


A brief features list and a description of all available connectors can be found on the bottom of the package, along with the power specifications table. XFX unfortunately didn't provide any information on each cable's length.


A graph here describes the fan's operational curve in both semi-passive and normal mode. There is also a mention of the SolidLink technology - the DC-DC converters which generate the minor rails are, essentially, directly on the modular PCB in order to restrict energy losses on wires which transfer power. We have no idea what the EasyRail Technology they speak of entails and the description doesn't provide us with any solid information. The paragraph that talks about voltage regulation also states that this unit suffers no negative voltage drop on its rails, but there are several deviation percentages. To be frank, we weren't able to follow their thinking.


Several paragraphs on the rear of the box detail the unit's main features, and four of these features, the most interesting ones, are again highlighted in a photograph on the right.

Contents

The box is sturdy enough, and there is also a smaller box for the unit's bundle inside. At the base, packing foam is used, and the PSU is stored in bubble-wrap, so protection is good overall.


The accessories box is full of cables.


The bundle is poor for such a high-end PSU and doesn’t include any Velcro straps or zip ties. Owner of this unit will only find the essentials: an AC power cord, a set of bolts, and the user's manual. This is a great shame as XFX should at least include some zip ties and a pouch for all unused modular cables.