Kingwin Absolute Platinum 550 W

[crmaris]

Kingwin's most recent Platinum PSU comes at only $99. Making it the most affordable choice out there if you want to power a typical system the green way, with little power wasted in the PSU. Thanks to a great component design we see record low power consumption, even at just 40W, which is important for systems that are lightly loaded all day.

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[mechtech]

more to add for the thumbs down

-not modular
-3 yr warranty
-no name fan?

Seasonic SS-560KM Active PFC F3, 560W ATX12V V2.3/...

only 5 bucks more with good fan, better warranty, and fully modular, minus platinum rating

 

[Vulpesveritas]

more to add for the thumbs down

-not modular
-3 yr warranty
-no name fan?

Seasonic SS-560KM Active PFC F3, 560W ATX12V V2.3/...

only 5 bucks more with good fan, better warranty, and fully modular, minus platinum rating

Actually that's 25$ more. for $5 less than that you have the modular version which got a great review as well; KINGWIN Lazer Platinum Series LZP-550 550W ATX 12V... http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Kingwin/LZP-550/8.html
Although it doesn't have the warranty of the seasonic sadly.

 

[crmaris]

more to add for the thumbs down

-not modular
-3 yr warranty
-no name fan?

Seasonic SS-560KM Active PFC F3, 560W ATX12V V2.3/...

only 5 bucks more with good fan, better warranty, and fully modular, minus platinum rating

The SS costs $25 more and has lower efficiency (not by much though).

Also the fan is of high quality just Kingwin chose not to expose its model number.

The 3 year warranty at this price range is not so unusual and the non modular design for some is not a con, especially for PSUs with low capacity thus small amount of cables.

 

[crmaris]

Actually that's 25$ more. for $5 less than that you have the modular version which got a great review as well; KINGWIN Lazer Platinum Series LZP-550 550W ATX 12V... http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Kingwin/LZP-550/8.html
Although it doesn't have the warranty of the seasonic sadly.

A great unit, the LZP-550, however at ultra low loads the AP-550 has higher efficiency. But for $20 more I would buy the first since I prefer modular PSUs.

 

[duneworld]

No mention of the semi fanless feature on the Kingwin website (that I could see) so thanks for informing us about that.

 

[m1dg3t]

Another great review crmaris! Look's like a great unit for a decent specced rig, the efficiency/build look's pretty damn good!

I notice in your review's that you always comment on the lack of an MOV are there ANY unit's you have tested with one? As i mentioned in another of your review's you can get a simple surge supressor (power strip) for like $10 - $15 I mean if something did happen and the MOV cooked you'd have to send in the PSU to get it replaced right? IIRC an MOV only take's the hit once, i could be wrong

Thanks

 

[crmaris]

nope you are right but most users out there run their PSUs without UPS or a surge suppressor, so the manufacturers ought to install MOVs in the transient filtering stage.

It is better to send the PSU for RMA rather than the whole system. However don't think that MOVs are so easy to break, depending on their type/model of course they can absorb large spikes without breaking down.

For me the best option is to use a PSU along with a good UPS, especially in countries with unstable power grid (like Greece for example) or in areas with severe weather conditions (thunders)

Finally most units from respectable manufacturers have MOVs installed. As far as I can remember only FSP in most of their implementations (however they claim that one of their custom made control ICs is able to supress spikes but can't really confirm/test this) and Super Flower units don't use MOVs.

 

[WarEagleAU]

Lovely review as always. Loving the new graphics for editors choice, recommended, etc.