1200W PSU Roundup 2014

Conclusion

Update 04/12/14: Please note that we originally reported the EVGA SuperNova P2 1200W and Seasonic Platinum Series 1200W as reaching noise levels of 48.6 and 42.9 dB(A) in the 500W load test, respectively. We have since realised that these results were incorrect, and in fact the EVGA PSU remained at just 18.8 dB(A) during this test while the Seasonic reached 21.7 dB(A). We sincerely apologise for these inadvertently misleading errors, and have updated the appropriate graph, reviews, scores and conclusion in line with the new data. Please note that in light of this new data we now consider the EVGA SuperNova P2 1200W to be deserving of our Premium Grade award.

As you can see from the scores, and like we said in the introduction, there are no bad products in this part of the market – you simply cannot buy a shoddy 1,200 watt PSU, which is a relief. Nonetheless, there are clear differences in the details and if you’re going to be spending upwards of £200 on a PSU, you probably want to be sure you get the right one. That means sufficiently long cables, quiet operation and perhaps some nice extra features.



Antec deserves a nod for its OC Link feature, enabling you to tie two 1,300W PSUs together, but (extremely) few people are likely to need this. Even so, at £200, it's easy to recommend. Other competitors do offer more connectors and longer cables, but the HCP-1300 is still more than adequate in both areas, and delivers 50-100W more power than every other PSU on test too.

Similarly, Be Quiet!’s OC Key feature is nice, but we wonder how many people will switch from multi- to single-rail operation and back on a regular basis. The option to control case fans by the PSU’s temperature makes more sense, at least. However, as an 80 Plus Gold rated model, its performance falls just a bit short of the Platinum competition, which at its overly high price point makes it hard to recommend. Chieftec’s 80 Plus Gold model might as well be 80 Plus Platinum; it’s a great PSU for an outstanding price, but its cable lengths are all on the low side – not ideal for this class of PSU. However, if you can source one and have a (relatively) small case, this could well be a great bargain.



Cooler Master’s V1200 is another solid buy. Its ripple is a bit higher than we would like to see, but ultimately the figures won't be of any concern unless you're into extreme overclocking. It also offers plenty of connectors and very long cables, and is whisper quiet too. As such, it's definitely award-worthy, but remember the Antec HCP-1300 offers more power and even lower ripple for the same price. The Seasonic model is another solid all-rounder, but its price tag is higher than some PSUs which are even better, which is enough for us to hold out on a recommendation in the face of some very stiff competition.

That leaves three clear contenders for top spot, Corsair’s Professional Series AX1200i, the Super Flower Leadex Platinum 1200W and the EVGA SuperNova P2 1200W. The former is one of the most innovative models you can currently get, leaving almost nothing to be desired, but it is anything but cheap. That may not be your first concern if you’re shopping in this segment, but both the EVGA and Super Flower offerings are really hard to beat given their outstanding value and performance. They're actually both built on the same Leadex platform, so it's not surprising to see such similarity between them. The Super Flower's insanely low ripple technically gives it the higher score, but both would make a fine first choice if money is a factor. If not, get the AX1200i, even if just for the fun of tuning your PSU to run to perfection.