Introduction

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


DeepCool recently launched the PQ-M PSU series consisting of four models in capacities ranging from 650 W to 1000 W. All use a fully modular cable design and come with a 120 mm fluid dynamic bearing fan. Seasonic provides the platform, and it is based on the popular Focus Plus Gold model. There is a semi-passive mode for lower output at light loads, which can be deactivated with the switch next to the exhaust grille. The exterior design is also unique—some describe it as ugly—because of the weirdly patterned fan grille. The square holes are large, which benefits airflow, but also increases radiated EMI, and they don't significantly protect the fan from loose wires, or other objects.

The strongest member of the PQ-M family will do us the honors in this review. With 1000 W maximum power output, it can support any high-end graphics card money can get you today, including the NVIDIA RTX 3090 and AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT. Soon enough, the new generation of graphics cards will be available, which will use 12+4 pin PCIe connectors and require several significant PSU-specific changes. Nothing is set in stone until the new ATX specification rolls out, though.

Specifications

Photos

At the face of the box is a photo of the PSU with the model description and weird fan grille on top. On the back are more details about the PSU's specifications.


Protection inside the box is good, with foam spacers protecting the PSU.


The bundle includes fixing bolts, Velcro straps, a jump-start ATX connector, and two leaflets.


The fan grille is not restrictive, but I'm not too fond of its design, and it doesn't effectively protect the fan from loose wires. At the PSU's front, right next to the power switch, is a push-button for toggling on/off the semi-passive operation.


The power specifications label has been put on the bottom of the PSU. There is only a small sticker with DeepCool's logo on the sides.


The modular panel has eleven sockets.


160 mm isn't large for a 1000 W PSU, but there is much smaller. Take the 130 mm Super Flower Leadex V Pro 1000, for example.


Some more photos of the PSU from various angles. I just can't get used to this fan grille.

Cables and Connectors

The ATX cable is long, 620 mm at that, as are the EPS and PCIe cables. There are only three PCIe connectors, so this PSU is not suitable for mining applications or workstations, only gaming, as more than three PCIe connectors aren't needed.


There are many SATA connectors, but I would like to at least have four 4-pin Molex connectors. The distance between peripheral connectors is only 120 mm. Finally, there are no in-cable caps, and all connectors use 18AWG gauges.

Component Analysis

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



This is the Seasonic Focus Plus Gold platform, which counts several years in production, but still competes with most offerings. The build quality is good, and the parts Seasonic used are of good quality, including Japanese capacitors on the secondary side and an FDB fan by Hong Hua. The design is clean, but uses small heatsinks, which doesn't help keep noise output low.


The transient filter starts on the AC receptacle and continues on the main PCB. It does a decent job.


A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) handles voltage surges, while an NTC thermistor suppresses large inrush currents. A bypass relay supports the latter.


The bridge rectifiers are bolted to a dedicated heatsink. Combined, they can handle up to 30 A of current.


The APFC converter uses two Infineon FETs and a CREE boost diode. The bulk cap is by Rubycon and offers 820uF capacity. It is rated for 3,000 h at 105 °C, so its quality is topnotch.


The APFC controller is a Champion CM6500UNX.


The four main switching FETs are installed in a full-bridge topology, and an LLC resonant converter is used for higher efficiency. The resonant controller is a Champion CM6901T6X.


The main transformer is next to the resonant tank and capacitive parts of the LLC resonant converter.


Four Nexperia FETs regulate the +12 V rail. They are installed on the solder side of the main PCB. Small heatsinks above keep operating temperatures under control.


The electrolytic filtering caps are of good quality, and the same goes for the polymer caps.


Two DC-DC converters generate the minor rails. They use five Infineon FETs, and the PWM controller is an ANPEC APW7159C.


The supervisor controller is a Weltrend WT7527V.


The standby PWM controller is an EM8569C IC.


Several polymer and electrolytic caps at the face of the modular panel form an extra ripple-filtering layer.


Soldering quality is good.


The cooling fan is by Hong Hua, and its model number is HA1225H12F-Z. It uses a fluid dynamic bearing, so it will last for quite a while, as you won't be exposing it to high temperatures (above 40°C) for prolonged periods of time.

Test Setup