Seasonic X-Series Go for Gold!

Seasonic PSU is 90% efficient, silent below 20% load


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COMPUTEX — Power supply efficiency is the latest craze, and the sheer number of 80 Plus-certified PSUs at Computex is a clear testament to that. Seasonic may have the most unique one, though.

The firm's new X-Series power supply series include 650W and 750W models, both of which have 80 Plus Gold certification. That means the unit reaches a 90% efficiency level when it's loaded to 50%. (Efficiency at 20% and 100% loads is a lesser but still impressive 87%.)

Even more interesting is the X-Series internal design, which looks surprisingly bare compared to traditional units crammed with heatsinks and capacitors. Seasonic wouldn't let us take pictures, but it uses a second circuit board stuck right up against the modular connectors at the back to reduce the number of wires inside the casing. Also, presumably, the high efficiency should mean the internal components generate less heat, which in turn requires less cooling.

Thanks to that design, Seasonic says the cooling fan inside an X-Series PSU just won't switch on until the unit reaches a 20% load. Now, the company also told us temperature will determine the fan speed, so the fan may not turn off in a particularly cramped or poorly ventilated system. Still, Seasonic designed the X-Series to be entirely passively cooled in a regular PC at sub-20% loads. And that's without massive heatsinks poking out the back.

Seasonic expects X-Series power supplies to be available at online retailers in late July or early August.

source

Sweet!

It's one thing when manufacturers claim they can hit 90% peak efficiency and market things that way, but it's a whole other when you can prove it.

I know who the manufacturer of my next PSU is.

my next psu too

Here 650W seasonic, good work but a bit hot.

Woot woot! It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

At this pace I'll never be able to build my new rig, constantly waiting for all the latest hot :banana::banana::banana::banana: to come out.:shakes:

The aesthetics of this unit look nice as well imo.

Not jumping out at you like that XFX psu, but still got some nice gold highlights.

I wish this unit to be as good as it is efficient. That would be a killer, honestly. What I don't understand, why would you make the ATX and 8pin cables modular?
I hope it's not just me, but I would love a 650W non-modular version of this beast

Wants!

With efficiency being the only downside to my several years old M12 this will be the perfect upgrade, especially considering the uptime due to crunching.

Not bad, but my Corsair HX850 is already on its way and on 230VAC that PSU already should (can) reach 90% efficency at typical load. :)

Silent at 20% ? But the PSU is going to be at more than 20% for 90% of the time. Hopefully that doesnt mean the fan is loud in this thing.

i want the 1100 watt enermax gold to come out :(

although this is awesome, i doubt corsair will be able to get gold certification rating i bet they are jealous

seasonic should make a 850 watt verision and they would have pretty good psu :D

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Originally Posted by Scubar

Silent at 20% ? But the PSU is going to be at more than 20% for 90% of the time. Hopefully that doesnt mean the fan is loud in this thing.

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150W idle... sounds about right.. so silent most the time :up:

great psu

love how seasonic make the atx + 12vmobo connector modular too :D

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Originally Posted by Jamesrt2004

love how seasonic make the atx + 12vmobo connector modular too :D

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I find it pointless because when are you ever NOT going to use the ATX connector? :shrug:

Im impressed that PSU makers are really pushing their design capabilities to conserve energy.

nVIdia and ATI take note!

they need to make a 1500w, so we have it silent entirely during idle even in extreme pcs.

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Originally Posted by Scubar

Silent at 20% ? But the PSU is going to be at more than 20% for 90% of the time. Hopefully that doesnt mean the fan is loud in this thing.

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The fan doesn't engage untill the PSU hits about 150W, I'm sure the guys at Seasonic are reasonable enough to not equip it with a "screamer" the rest of the way. This is probably their new top end, premium product after all.

Even so hope the prices are reasonable.:up:

Single 12V rail @ 62A on a 750W rated unit.
¦)

i wonder what the prices will be
seasonic has always priced their psus a bit above competitor's prices

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Originally Posted by K404

Im impressed that PSU makers are really pushing their design capabilities to conserve energy.

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We could have that way earlier, most of the tech they use is quite old. Not for nothing PSUs where the component with the highest margin. :p:

Nice, efficiency is always a plus, and at gold rates its too hard to ignore really.

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Originally Posted by largon

Single 12V rail @ 62A on a 750W rated unit.
¦)

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probably means the 3v and 5v rail are regulated off one big 12v rail. I heard it improved effeciency that way. Plus DC-DC conversion is 99% efficient itself.

I see my next psu, 62a single rail and modular with 90% efficency. :D

I just don't see why the 42 and 8 pin connectors would need to be modular.

higher efficiency=lower heat and vice versa. This is good.

shoop da woop!!! i love seasonic units, all of my builds that require less than 800 watts recieve seasonic psu's. never had a failure, always quite. they are doing great things.

correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't this seasonic's first single rail psu?

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Originally Posted by 570091D

shoop da woop!!! i love seasonic units, all of my builds that require less than 800 watts recieve seasonic psu's. never had a failure, always quite. they are doing great things.

correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't this seasonic's first single rail psu?

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But will it beat the Antec Signature? Hmmm.

Perkam

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Originally Posted by SparkyJJO

I find it pointless because when are you ever NOT going to use the ATX connector? :shrug:

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I'm powering a separate back-up rig of hard drives from a separate psu, that get plugged directly into my sata card on my server once a month when I backup the data. Then I move the backup drives off site. Ie: there's no cpu/mobo for the backup rig, so I don't need an atx cable.

That said, I'd only need a 300w with modular cables for that. And I'm only using two psu's as I dont think my main psu can handle all those drives as well as the server on its own.

Let's say it's possible... but unlikely!

I'd also love to be able to remove the 6 pin and 8 pin's off my current server psu, as it's not using a gfx card that needs them. The server of course needs an atx cable.

This post may not have been clear but gotta get back to work ;)

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Originally Posted by perkam

But will it beat the Antec Signature? Hmmm.

Perkam

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we'll have to wait for jonnyguru and the wolf to get a sample ;)

Uhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......seasonic come share my bed, they won't explode in the middle of the night, like Enermax did on me

The 2 systems i have build with seasonic just don't give a sound, and rolling like the sweetest love around........uhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

but can they be quieter then the enermax modu/pro 82+?

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Originally Posted by ILikeCosmosS

but can they be quieter then the enermax modu/pro 82+?

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90% effeciency, passive cooling at low loads, 140mm fan(?) I think we have a winner. Also enermax are working on a 90+ effciency PSU too.

OCZ's got their Z-series coming out soon too, and they're claiming an 80+ Gold 1kW. And looks like their PPC&C branch is playing with a new platform too.

It's seriously a great time to be shopping for a good PSU.

ocz z has about 90% efficiency at 20 50 and 100 % loads... and its internals are PPC&C... they worked in conjunction with PPC&C to make it and its coming out with lower silver options... each model comes in either standard or modular

this is all a culmination of several sources... so don't ask for one lol

i'm just interested in the Z's price as that looks awesome

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Originally Posted by orangekiwii

ocz z has about 90% efficiency at 20 50 and 100 % loads... and its internals are PPC&C... they worked in conjunction with PPC&C to make it and its coming out with lower silver options... each model comes in either standard or modular

this is all a culmination of several sources... so don't ask for one lol

i'm just interested in the Z's price as that looks awesome

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OCZ ditching FSP episilion for wintech? i hope they do ditch those FSP epislion units, they've been milking that horrid platform for way to long

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Originally Posted by Frisch

Uhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......seasonic come share my bed, they won't explode in the middle of the night, like Enermax did on me

The 2 systems i have build with seasonic just don't give a sound, and rolling like the sweetest love around........uhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

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im not going to ask :censored:

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Originally Posted by perkam

But will it beat the Antec Signature? Hmmm.

Perkam

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only time will tell, i'm willing to bet that the seasonic unit will be more expensive.

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Originally Posted by acidpython

(...) DC-DC conversion is 99% efficient itself.

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I think it's not more than 90-95%.
At least the DC-DC parts used on motherboard and VGA VRMs are 90% at max, and higher current ratings -> lower efficiency.

what a good looking psu, is there other pics , cables for example ?

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Originally Posted by noobzed

what a good looking psu, is there other pics , cables for example ?

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now that you say that, look at all of the connections this thing has!

Just to play devil's advocate, efficiency is being very overrated nowadays...Not that its not important but there are several overlooked aspects that are, in my opinion, more important for PC reliability, stability and longevity than 1-2% efficiency.

Very nice nonetheless ! Looking for fully fledged reviews.

Not bashing anything, I expect great results :)

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Originally Posted by Tonucci

Just to play devil's advocate, efficiency is being very overrated nowadays...

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Going from 80% (if not 70%) to 90% efficiency is pretty significant imo.
Just a bit sad it's probably going to be very expensive. Does anyone have any idea about pricing?

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Originally Posted by zalbard

Going from 80% (if not 70%) to 90% efficiency is pretty significant imo.
Just a bit sad it's probably going to be very expensive. Does anyone have any idea about pricing?

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Im talking about 85+% to 90%.

Impressive how marketing can sell stuff because its GOLD instead of silver or bronze. We are talking about 1-3% efficiency differences :up:

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Originally Posted by Tonucci

Im talking about 85+% to 90%.

Impressive how marketing can sell stuff because its GOLD instead of silver or bronze. We are talking about 1-3% efficiency differences :up:

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Well, Xtreme stuff has never been cheap. :D

if buying a new PSU, gold may be worth the extra markup, but i could not see any value in upgrading if your current psu is just fine. it will take years before your electric bill savings outweighs the cost

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Originally Posted by Manicdan

if buying a new PSU, gold may be worth the extra markup, but i could not see any value in upgrading if your current psu is just fine. it will take years before your electric bill savings outweighs the cost

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Yeah, totally agree.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tonucci

Just to play devil's advocate, efficiency is being very overrated nowadays...Not that its not important but there are several overlooked aspects that are, in my opinion, more important for PC reliability, stability and longevity than 1-2% efficiency.

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1-2%?
Not everyone has a highly efficient psu already.

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Originally Posted by naokaji

1-2%?
Not everyone has a highly efficient psu already.

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if your PSU came free with the computer case, you may need to upgrade
if your PSU advertises its watts as the absolute maximum, you may need to upgrade
if your PSU is worth between $75-150 and bought in the last year, this will probably not save you more than 5$ a month on your electric bill (but im betting closer to 1-2$ per month for average users)

The one place I never would go cheap is the PSU, it's the most important hardware you have in there.

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Originally Posted by SparkyJJO

I find it pointless because when are you ever NOT going to use the ATX connector? :shrug:

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If you are using multiple PSUs.

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Originally Posted by Salavat23

If you are using multiple PSUs.

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How are you going to get the PSU to start then?

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Originally Posted by Frodin

How are you going to get the PSU to start then?

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Short the wires right on the modular connection (or use a special plug). Saves the space by not having to do it on the cable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aerou

I wish this unit to be as good as it is efficient. That would be a killer, honestly. What I don't understand, why would you make the ATX and 8pin cables modular?
I hope it's not just me, but I would love a 650W non-modular version of this beast

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since modular cables dont hurt anything..why not?...i support a entire modular design....its easier to work with when it comes to cable management..of course u need these wires connected..but say u want to take ur psu out to clean it(dust etc)....u can EASILY disconnect the wires from the psu..remove it and ur cable management is still in play..dont have to remove anything else to take out the psu....its just easier and simple to work with..

^Modular cables do hurt.
The connector is like a small resistor. It just makes no sense, and no gain, to have everything modular - especially for the high current leads such as EPS12V and PCIe plugs. Antec got it about right on Signature line which have fixed ATX24, EPS12V (4+8pin) and 2× PCIe 8pin. Rest (4pin molex, SATA) are modular.

When is this PSU coming out??? I have been waiting for months! Anyone have info? :)

The first review out is out. In the review it is mentioned that this power supply should be on the egg very soon.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/...upply_review/1

Quote:

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Originally Posted by largon

^Modular cables do hurt.
The connector is like a small resistor. It just makes no sense, and no gain, to have everything modular - especially for the high current leads such as EPS12V and PCIe plugs. Antec got it about right on Signature line which have fixed ATX24, EPS12V (4+8pin) and 2× PCIe 8pin. Rest (4pin molex, SATA) are modular.

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Have you ever Individually sleeved a 24pin atx connector? If you have then Im sure you could see the benefit in being able to bring that cable along for the ride when you upgrade to your next powersupply. I rock a 600watt silverstone and now that I have tasted f100% modular I dont want to go back to anything else.

I dunno about you guys, but I think seasonic psu's rule, and would rather own a psu that is actually made by the retailer. 99% of the psu's are made by some other company who just rebadges them.

I currently have a corsair tx750w, and think it's a piece of junk compared to my old seasonic M12 600watt psu. It's fan is a lot louder, and when idling, it makes annoying tick from the fan. My first tx750w died within the first 5 minutes of booting up my pc.. just in the bios. Their quality control sucks.

Seasonic psu are 100% quality! But they are kinda pricey now a days.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Diverge

I dunno about you guys, but I think seasonic psu's rule, and would rather own a psu that is actually made by the retailer. 99% of the psu's are made by some other company who just rebadges them.

I currently have a corsair tx750w, and think it's a piece of junk compared to my old seasonic M12 600watt psu. It's fan is a lot louder, and when idling, it makes annoying tick from the fan. My first tx750w died within the first 5 minutes of booting up my pc.. just in the bios. Their quality control sucks.

Seasonic psu are 100% quality! But they are kinda pricey now a days.

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That can go both ways, really. While it can be said that certain platforms are better than others, it's ultimately the company slapping their brand on it that has the final say on what gets sold, and they have to decide how important they consider their image and reputation.

Point in case - Corsair just took the blame for a problem on a CWT problem. But in other instances, Corsair's versions of certain platforms show themselves superior to other companies attempts.

I just wonder when the PCP&C version of this will come out to replace the current, but admittedly aging, Silencer 750 platform. Since PCP&C is using the Seasonic M12D platform in their Silencer 910, just seems logical that PCP&C would get this platform out as quickly as possible to refresh that segment of their lineup.

Of course, given how this unit is constructed, this may be the unit that gets PCP&C to move off the 80mm fan, otherwise, I just don't see how the platform can be easily and readily adapted to an 80mm fan for cooling.

This PSU looks/sounds amazing - will seriously think about getting one when they are out in the UK...

Currently using an Enermax Noisetaker 600W, but it seems to have gotten progressively louder over the years, and the fact that it is not modular makes cable routing a nightmare!

Su

there are just the 2 of them worth considering:Seasonic and Enermax.
rest of the story is as Diverge pointed out.

SeaSonic X650 Gold 650W USD$179.99 w/ free shipping


SeaSonic X750 Gold 750W USD$199.99 w/ free shipping


Up at New Egg, though not available

Seasonic says it will be available End this week as quoted from OCP

Damn, that's pricey... might have to settle for the 650W.

100 more watts is well worth the 20 extra bucks. ;)

In US$ yeah, but both the prices and the delta will be more in GB£.... :(

$200 is too much imo.

The Seasonic M12D 850W can be had for around $150 these days. Is 2-3% more efficiency worth a 25% higher price?

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Originally Posted by xenolith

$200 is too much imo.

The Seasonic M12D 850W can be had for around $150 these days. Is 2-3% more efficiency worth a 25% higher price?

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is that really all the difference between them?

i am soooo out of the PSU loop, i'm still coming to terms with single rail 12v. Last time i bought one, multi-rail was all the rage. Never made sense though...


are these 2 seasonic psu's considered the best? and could they power 2x 5870s?

i know it's kinda off topic, sorry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by b0bd0le

is that really all the difference between them?

i am soooo out of the PSU loop, i'm still coming to terms with single rail 12v. Last time i bought one, multi-rail was all the rage. Never made sense though...


are these 2 seasonic psu's considered the best? and could they power 2x 5870s?

i know it's kinda off topic, sorry

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The seasonic psu's just released are the best for their wattage from a technical standpoint. Corsair's 750 is more reputable because of how long its been out and the warranty service, but it too is made by seasonic.

Either PSU should power 2 5870's admirably.

The old 750 TX from Corsair is not made by seasonic but CWT. Same goes for their newer 750 from the HX series...;)

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Originally Posted by Dante80

The old 750 TX from Corsair is not made by seasonic but CWT. Same goes for their newer 750 from the HX series...;)

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Ah, I stand corrected. I was mistaken. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by MirageSys

The seasonic psu's just released are the best for their wattage from a technical standpoint. Corsair's 750 is more reputable because of how long its been out and the warranty service, but it too is made by seasonic.

Either PSU should power 2 5870's admirably.

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you stand once again corrected :
the Enermax Revolution line shares---> "... the best for their wattage from a technical standpoint"...with the seasonic line of psus

That's what I get for speaking in absolutes! And I thought I was keeping up with power supplies T_T.

review @ jonnyGURU.com
this is beast :)

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Originally Posted by illidan

review @ jonnyGURU.com
this is beast :)

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another rare 10 performance rating from the wolf :up: