Seasonic TX-1000 review | PC Gamer
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The best 1000W PSU right now.
(Image: © Future)
Our Verdict
Seasonic maintains its top spot with its excellent PSU platform, and with a stellar 12-year warranty you can be sure this PSU is built to last.
For
- High performance and silent operation
- High-quality components and top build quality
- Fully modular
- 12-year warranty
Against
- High OCP on all rails, especially the minor ones
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The Seasonic TX-1000 has top-notch build quality. Besides great soldering work, it also uses Japanese caps everywhere, including many polymer caps besides electrolytic ones and a fluid dynamic bearing fan. Seasonic engineers did their best to offer sky-high efficiency under all load regions and silent operation, at the same time, along with increased reliability.
Performance-wise, this PSU belongs to the top league since it achieves tight load regulation on all rails, it has terrific ripple suppression without using the annoying in-line caps, and its hold-up time is sky-high. On top of that, the 5VSB rail’s efficiency is high, and at light loads, the PSU achieves some of the highest efficiency readings we have seen.
So if you’re looking for the best PSU for gaming at 1000W, this is it.
Specifications
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(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)
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| Manufacturer (OEM) | Seasonic |
| Max. DC Output | 1000W |
| Efficiency | 80 PLUS Titanium, Cybenetics Titanium |
| Noise | Cybenetics A+ (15-20 dB[A]) |
| Modular | Yes (fully) |
| Intel C6/C7 Power State Support | Yes |
| Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load) | 0 — 50°C |
| Protections | OVP, UVP, OPP, OCP, OTP, SCP, surge |
| No Load Operation | No |
| Cooling | 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan |
| Semi-Passive Operation | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 150 x 85 x 175mm |
| Weight | 2. 1kg (4.63lb) |
| Form Factor | ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92 |
| Warranty | 12 Years |
| Price | $290 |
Seasonic hit the jackpot with its Prime platform, starting from Gold efficiency and going up to Titanium. Several high-impact brands have already included this platform into their portinos, including Asus (Rog Thor 1200W), Corsair (AX line), and Antec in its legendary Signature line.
If Seasonic could make more of these units, more brands would likely get in line to get them, despite their high prices. But the majority of buyers prefer low-efficiency and more affordable power supplies, unfortunately. Still, when an OEM is confident enough to provide a platform with a twelve-year warranty, you know that this a bullet-proof product.
Speaking of which, the build quality is top, and Seasonic used the best parts available to make this platform.
Japanese manufacturers provide all caps and the cooling fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing. Hong Hua, the maker of the fan, has proved so far to be a reliable manufacturer, and this is why it is popular in high-end PSUs.
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| Rail | 3.3V | 5V | 12V | 5VSB | -12V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Power (amps) | 25 | 25 | 100 | 3 | 0.3 |
| Max. Power (watts) | 125 | 125 | 996 | 15 | 3.6 |
The single 12V rail can deliver almost the unit’s full power alone, while the minor rails can go up to 125W, combined.
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| Cable | Amount included | In-cable caps |
|---|---|---|
| ATX Connector 20+4 pin | 1 | No |
| 4+4 pin EPS12V | 2 | No |
| 6+2 pin PCIe | 6 | No |
| SATA | 4 | No |
| 4-pin Molex (or adapter) | 3 | No |
| AC Power Cord | 1 | N/A |
A significant asset of the TX-1000 is that it has six PCIe connectors on dedicated cables.
You won’t have a problem powering energy-hungry graphics cards where the use of a single cable with two PCIe connectors should be avoided. The only thing missing now is a 12+4 PCIe connector, which will be added in the future revisions of this platform.
Performance
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(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)
The Seasonic Prime Titanium 1000 is the performance king in this wattage category.
Load regulation is tight on all rails and ripple suppression is good. The hold-up time is over 20ms, the power ok signal is accurate, and its hold-up time exceeds 16ms. The inrush current is at average to low levels.
Efficiency is sky-high in all load ranges, though we expected higher efficiency in the 5VSB rail, to be on par with the rest circuits on the PSU. Yet only the SilverStone Titanium unit manages to take the lead in this regard, and thankfully the TX-1000’s vampire power is low. The transient response is also good on all rails.
The OCP triggering point at 12V is correctly set, but it is too high on the other rails, especially at 5VSB, where ripple goes out of control when this rail is overloaded. The OPP is also high, but the platform can take the load. Nonetheless, it is not wise to overload your PSU for prolonged periods. You should get a stronger PSU if the current one cannot meet your power requirements.
Importantly, the TX-1000 is one of the quietest PSUs available in the market.
The high-efficiency levels help in that.
Final thoughts
(Image credit: Future)
Seasonic’s Prime platform still keeps the performance crown several years after its development. Given the new requirements of the ATX 3.0 specification, Seasonic will have to tune it and include 12+4 pin connectors, to make it compatible with the upcoming GPU generations. But thanks to its high performance and good transient response, this won’t be a magnificent headache, but it will require time and money, of course, since no change in a product is easy.
The TX-1000 easily copes with the competition and its sibling, the Corsair AX1000, was its main competitor but since the latter is pulled from the market, the TX-1000 remains alone at the top of the charts. If there were an alternative to this worth buying it would be the Super Flower Leadex Titanium 1000. But with the twelve-year warranty that Seasonic provides, there is no doubt that this platform is reliable, and its future buyers will have a long peace of mind.
SeaSonic TX-1000: Price Comparison
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Seasonic TX-1000
Seasonic maintains its top spot with its excellent PSU platform, and with a stellar 12-year warranty you can be sure this PSU is built to last.
Corsair AX1600i review | PC Gamer
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The PSU of choice for enthusiast GPUs of today and tomorrow.
(Image: © Future)
Our Verdict
There is no match for the Corsair AX1600i when it comes to overall performance at this capacity.
For
- Powerful with top performance in all sections
- High build quality
- Silent operation
- Software control
Against
- Super expensive
- Small distance between peripheral connectors
Why you can trust PC Gamer
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.
Find out more about how we test.
The AX1600i is the worthy successor of the legendary AX1500i. Both units are made by Flextronics, using cutting-edge technology, while offering the best performance that money can buy today thanks to their digital platform.
Besides being highly efficient, the AX1600i offers outstanding load regulation, excellent transient response, long hold-up time, and excellent ripple suppression. Despite its high capacity, it retains a quiet operation, thanks to the relaxed fan profile and a high-quality FDB fan. Finally, using the Corsair Link software, you’re able to choose between three fan modes: performance, balanced, and quiet, so every user will be able to set the PSU according to their needs.
You will pay a lot to get your hands on a Corsair AX1600i, but there is nothing else able to meet this PSU eye-to-eye when it comes to overall performance. Quite simply, it’s the best PSU for gaming .
Specifications
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(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)
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| Manufacturer (OEM) | Flextronics |
Max. DC Output |
1600W |
| Efficiency | 80 PLUS Titanium, Cybenetics Titanium |
| Noise | Cybenetics A (20-25 dB[A]) |
| Modular | Yes (fully) |
| Intel C6/C7 Power State Support | Yes |
| Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load) | 0 — 50°C |
| Protections | OVP, UVP, OPP, OCP, OTP, SCP, surge |
| No Load Operation | No |
| Cooling | 140mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan |
| Semi-Passive Operation | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 150 x 85 x 200mm |
| Weight | 2.6kg (5.73lb) |
| Form Factor | ATX12V v2. 4, EPS 2.92 |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Price | $500 |
The Corsair AX1600i is the first desktop PSU to use such a cutting-edge technology, which even several years after its release, very few PSUs utilize. In short, the AX1600i uses a totem-pole PFC converter, utilizing GAN MODFETs, which can offer up to 99% efficiency compared to the 96% efficiency levels that the most advanced conventional APFC converters can deliver.
Besides the totem-pole PFC, the AX1600i has two Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) to control its circuits. A single microcontroller (MCU) is the communications bridge between the system and the PSU, allowing users also to control some vital functions of the PSU (for example, the fan speed profile and the selection between multiple and single +12V rails, setting up the OCP limits, etc.) besides monitoring tasks. Up so far, only Wentai managed to push to the market a totem-pole PSU, but still cannot meet the AX1600i’s performance levels and reliability.
The totem-pole APFC requires a digital controller, and the AX1600i has two of these, to handle the APFC converter, the primary and secondary sides. The 12V rail is digitally controlled, while the minor rails and 5VSB use analog controller, to keep the cost and the design’s complexity in control. The build quality is top-notch, and the cooling fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing, for increased reliability. Given that this PSU is for extreme systems, Corsair could also use a double ball-bearing fan, which is more suitable, than FDB fans, for operation under high operating temperatures.
Some more details about the total-pole APFC that the AX1600i uses and why it offers increased efficiency: In a conventional APFC converter, when the conduction path is on, the signal has to pass through two low-speed diodes (of the bridge rectifiers) and one switch. When the conduction path is off, the signal passes from two low-speed diodes and a high-speed diode (SBR). In a totem-pole PFC, the signal passes through a MOSFET and a MODFET in both cases, so we theoretically have no voltage drops.
This is why totem-pole PFCs achieve up to 99% efficiency, while the most efficient APFC circuits top out around 96%.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Rail | 3.3V | 5V | 12V | 5VSB | -12V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Power (amps) | 30 | 30 | 133.33 | 3.5 | 0.8 |
| Max. Power (watts) | 180 | 180 | 1600 | 17.5 | 9.6 |
1600W max power at 12V mean that this PSU will handle everything you throw at it. The max combined power on the minor rails is also high, at 180W. Most PSUs nowadays are restricted to 100 to 120W on the minor rails.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Cable | Amount included | In-cable caps |
|---|---|---|
| ATX Connector 20+4 pin | 1 | Yes |
| 4+4 pin EPS12V | 2 | Yes |
| 6+2 pin PCIe | 8 | Yes |
| SATA | 5 | No |
| 4-pin Molex (or adapter) | 3 | No |
| AC Power Cord | 1 | N/A |
Plenty of cables and connectors are provided, but there is no 12+4 pin PCIe.
Hopefully, Corsair will keep the AX1600i on the market and make it compatible with ATX v3.0, adding also the new PCIe connector.
Performance
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(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)(Image credit: Future, Cybenetics)
Looking to performance, and load regulation is super-tight on all rails and ripple suppression is excellent.
The bulk caps have enough capacity to provide a long hold-up time, even when the PSU operates at full load, and the inrush currents are super-low.
Efficiency is high under both normal and light loads, especially the 5VSB rail. The AX1600i puts to shame all other platforms regarding average efficiency, thanks to its totem-pole APFC converter. The AX1500i was already a difficult opponent for the competition; the AX1600i is on a different level, not leaving any room for doubt about who is the performance king.
Transient response is excellent on all rails, especially the minor ones where the AX1600i smokes the competition. At 12V, only the Super Flower Leadex platform has a small lead, without using any digital circuits.
The digital platform allows for OCP adjustments at 12V. The minor rails are super strong, with OCP set at 130 to 136% of their nominal power levels, and the over power protection is at a normal level, allowing the PSU to deliver more than 1900W before shut down.
The high efficiency levels allow for a relaxed fan speed profile, which can be custom tuned through the iCUE software, making the AX1600i one of the quitest high-capacity PSUs.
Final thoughts
(Image credit: Future)
We hope that Corsair will be able to work things out with Flextronics and update the AX1600i to meet all new ATX v3.0 requirements. This won’t be as hard as in other analogue platforms, because through firmware changes the PSU’s performance and protection features can be adjusted, but it won’t be an easy task, too. Once the new GPUs come out, we will know for sure if the PCIe 5.0 connectors will be the new default or the legacy PCIe connector (6+2 pin) will get a life extension. Still, the fact is that eventually the PCIe 12+4 pin connectors will dominate the market, so all PSUs with 450W and more capacity should have them.
The Corsair AX1600i is the highest performance PSU available on today’s market, even several years after its release. Corsair did well to be the first to adopt GaN MODFETs and the totem-pole APFC converter in a desktop PSU and this gamble paid off.
If there were a PSU to get close, it’d be the Be quiet! Dark Power Pro 1500W, but Corsair takes the top spot here.
Corsair AX1600i: Price Comparison
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Corsair AX1600i
There is no match for the Corsair AX1600i when it comes to overall performance at this capacity.
From which manufacturer to choose to buy the Power supply? — i2HARD
1
1
First of all, these are those manufacturers who themselves are engaged in the development and production of power supplies, so to speak, the full production cycle. These are Enermax, SeaSonic, Super Flower, FSP, Delta Electronics.
The following companies also develop power supplies themselves, but do not have their own production, and use the services of OEM manufacturers. At the same time, they often make their own changes to the design of existing platforms, often for the better. This is Corsair, Be Quiet, SilverStone, EVGA .
Most often, models from these brands are assembled at CWT, HEC, SeaSonic, FSP factories.
Also, many companies assemble on OEM platforms, but in turn are technically involved in production, and can have a certain influence on the quality and choice of components: Fractal Design, Cougar, Deepcool, Thermaltake, CoolerMaster, Zalman, Gigabyte .
Trademarks — these companies can hardly be called power supply manufacturers, they mainly label and package ready-made models. These include Xilence, Aerocool, Hiper, and many other companies. Most often they are based on OEM platforms such as Andyson, Enhance, Channel Well, or such a noun as Huizhou Xin Hui Yuan Tech.
In the last couple of years, such well-known component manufacturers as MSI, ASUS, ADATA have been producing PSUs under their well-known brands. In general, interesting models, but it is still difficult to evaluate them — time will tell their reliability and quality.
2
0
There are a large number of power supplies on the market today. Not all power supply brands are direct manufacturers. Most of them order the manufacture of power supplies from OEM manufacturers, while using their logo on the product. This does not mean that such power supplies are worse than those who manufacture their own power supplies, it all depends on the specific model.
The most famous OEM manufacturers on the basis of which most PSUs are built are Super Flower, Seasonic, CWT, Enermax, FSP, Enhance. Of these, Super Flower and Seasonic produce power supplies under their own brand and this is one of the priority choices. Please note that power supplies from these manufacturers are more expensive than others and often have a more modern platform with all the main current and voltage protections. In addition, Super Flower serves as a platform for EVGA power supplies in most cases, and, for example, for ASUS — Seasonic.
If we talk about power supplies simpler, but at a decent level, then these are power supplies on the CWT platform. For example, Enermax, Deepcool, Corsair.
FSP produces both its own power supplies, among which there are strong budget models, and more expensive ones that can compete with flagships. In addition, Be Quiet power supplies are produced on the basis of FSP! At the same time, they use all FSP platforms depending on their cost, i.e. do not expect that in the budget PSU Be Quiet! everything will be as good as in expensive Be Quiet!
Cooler Master power supplies are built on the basis of the Enhance OEM, in general Cooler Master does not have one manufacturer in its stock, therefore, depending on the model, everything will vary significantly, starting from the manufacturer and ending with the components.
In order to determine the model and brand of the power supply, you can read our reviews on the website: i2Hard Reviews
In addition, there is a huge table with power supplies, which is sorted by face value and increasing priority.
Thus, you can choose a power supply according to your financial needs and with the highest priority (best in class).
Recommendations for PSU models
How to find out which power supply is in your computer — Start.RF
If you need to find information about the power supply of your desktop computer, then this article is for you. It does not matter for what purpose you need this information: for the sake of curiosity, to acquire a new one or something else. We have collected for you all possible options on how to find out information about the power supply — there are no other options. We hope you find this article useful and easy to read. If something is not clear, ask questions in the comments.
There are only a few ways to find out about your computer’s power supply.
Looking for receipts
Almost all people keep receipts for equipment for some time, we hope you are one of them. Look for checks and look at them for the name of the power supply.
Sometimes they write brief characteristics on the check.
Often, along with a check, the seller issues an invoice, a waybill. They also indicate the name of the product sold. Look for them.
See warranty card
If you don’t have your receipt, you may have kept the warranty card. See the name of the power supply in it. There you can read the name of the power supply, which almost always contains numbers indicating its power in watts.
Computer packaging
Many people keep the box of the computer and even of its components. Many stores require you to keep the packaging so as not to void your computer’s warranty.
If you still have the box, it may contain information about the power supply installed in the computer.
Power supply packaging
If the computer case did not come with a power supply, there may be a separate box from the power supply. You can also find information about your block there.
Opening the computer cover
If the documentation and boxes are not preserved, unscrew the two screws from the left cover of the system unit, move it back a little and open it (in some cases, you need to unscrew the screws from the top cover and lift it to gain access to the opening of the side covers ).
The power supply, usually adjacent to the rear wall, is located either at the top or bottom of the computer case when viewed from the open, left side of the case cover.
The power supply has a label indicating the name, rated power and output current in amperes for three voltage channels 3.3V, 5V and 12V.
Explanation of designations on the label of the power supply
- Model (technical name).
- Performance level class.
- Model (commercial name).
- Manufacturer.
- Power.
- Various current characteristics.
If there is no sticker on the power supply
You can try to dismantle the power supply and remove the casing from it, sometimes there is an inscription with the name on the power supply board.
We are looking for information about the order of the power supply in our «archives» shop office.
Software methods
Alas, software methods can only find out the voltage on the motherboard, which comes from the power supply.