Introduction

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



Seasonic's R&D engineers really do have a hard job since it is up to them to improve already incredibly well-performing platforms, and thus far, they have done so with great success. Although many believe analog circuits to be at the end of their line, with digital circuits now at the forefront, platforms such as Seasonic's fresh XP3 prove that analog components are still more than viable, and their reliability over the long haul is a given. While digital control for PSUs hasn't mature yet, it does look incredibly promising. Its biggest disadvantage is its increased production cost, which significantly affects the final price of such products.

Seasonic's current top offerings in the Platinum category are the SS-1200XP3 and SS-1050XP3. We reviewed the first of the above a while ago, and now, the time has come to evaluate the smaller of the two; that is, if you can call a PSU with more than 1 kW output small. With the exception of capacity, all other specifications are the same, including the fully modular cabling design, optional semi-passive operation, and seven year warranty. Even the enclosure is the same, which makes both units identical in size. One can only distinguish between the two by taking a look at the specifications sticker with the model number and power specification. The larger Platinum unit also has two additional PCIe connectors, but eight are enough for a 1050 W unit. Given our experience with the SS-1200XP3, our expectations for the SS-1050XP3 are very high because it is based on the same platform with some minor component changes.

Specifications

The unit comes with the by now "usual" high-end specifications for a Platinum Seasonic unit - Platinum efficiency, an operating temperature of up to 50°C at which it can continuously deliver its full load, and a full set of protection features. The only component that doesn't fit in all to well with the rest is the cooling fan, since it is small and doesn't have a Fluid Dynamic Bearing, a norm for such a high-end PSU. We don't understand Seasonic's obsession with 120 mm fans, but think it is nigh time they move on to larger and quieter solutions. Seasonic obviously wouldn't offer a semi-passive operation if noise output were of no concern, so the question of why they wouldn't equip the unit with a more suitable fan definitely remains.

This PSU is larger than normal since Seasonic used the 1.2 kW's PCB and enclosure, and at seven years, the warranty is pretty long. Currently, only EVGA offers an even longer warranty period. Given this is a unit with high-end specifications, its price is decent. Titanium units may already be available, but to the average user, Platinum and many high-end Gold-certified units are still pretty expensive.



The +12V rail can almost deliver the unit's full power alone, which is the norm for high-end PSUs that use DC-DC converters to generate the minor rails. Speaking of the latter, their maximum combined power output is enough for a contemporary system, and the 5VSB rail is also powerful enough.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

Compared to its 1.2 kW sibling, the SS-1050XP3 only has eight instead of ten PCIe connectors; however, eight will suffice. There are a ton of SATA and more than enough peripheral connectors. All cables are also long enough to provide for a trouble-free installation into even full-tower cases, while the distance between connectors is also good. As you can glean from the table above, the distance between peripheral connectors is longer than the distance between SATA connectors since drives the latter supplies with power are usually installed closer to one another. All connectors use 18AWG connectors.

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

Packaging

The package, identical to the one the 1.2 kW Platinum unit comes in, obviously looks familiar. Seasonic's logo resides in the top-left corner, while the Platinum badge is in the top-right corner. The capacity description, in very small font, as though Seasonic meant to hide it, can be found in the bottom-right corner.


The technical and power specifications tables are on this side.


A quarter shot of the PSU and the Platinum badge.


On top, three icons on the right depict the SLI, ErP Lot 6 2013, and Haswell-ready certifications. There is also a QR code right below these.


The back sports a comparison of all 80 Plus certification levels, though it doesn't include the Titanium certification. Several paragraphs also describe this platform's most crucial features in some depth, like its DC-DC converters, the dual copper bars, and its hybrid fan operation. There is also a mention of its tight voltage regulation and the Sanyo Denki fan, which, however, doesn't exploit a Fluid Dynamic Bearing even though such a fan is the norm for the high-end.

Contents

The package's sleeving hides a sturdy cardboard box with Seasonic's logo on it. Two thick foam pieces inside the package surround the PSU inside a luxurious velvet bag.


The bundle is pretty rich and includes a pouch for the modular cables, several Velcro straps, a case badge, some zip ties, a set of fixing bolts, and an AC power cord. A user's manual common to all Platinum Seasonic units has also been included.