Performance (40% of the final score) - this is going to be a piece of cake to score. I require an average of 1% or better regulation in the hot box in order for no deductions here. This thing somehow managed to get under the 0.3% mark. Is that good? Let me ask you this... is breathing good? Is not being run over by a steamroller while listening to Cher Lloyd good? Is a having big mountain of money for a bed good? Of course it's good. And on this unit, the almost flawless regulation is only one of the ways it's awesome. No deductions will happen for the ripple, either, because that too is most definitely in the excellent range. The unit passed Gold efficiency as well, both cold and hot. No matter how you look at it, this thing's getting a 10.
Functionality (20% of the final score) - fully modular, has a semi-fanless mode you can select or defeat as desired, has plenty of modular cables. There's really nothing to nitpick here, either, is there? I smell another 10.
Value (20% of the final score) - this unit is pushing $249.99 over at Newegg right now. There are a couple places that have the unit for a buck or two cheaper, but people are most familiar with Newegg, so I'll use them to compare. Not a bad price. But you know what's a better price? The same thing in XFX clothes, at $219.99. Man, if it weren't for that, this would have gotten another perfect score. As is, I have to do an 8.5. Just because the XFX version is so much cheaper. A half point off for every ten bucks this unit is more expensive.
You know, I wonder... would the XFX version be able to become the first unit ever to clear a perfect score here at jonnyGURU.com? It's got a real chance, if it performs anything like this unit. Never thought I'd say that in my lifetime.
Build Quality (20% of the final score) - here, too, Seasonic has improved. I found no reasons at all to knock Seasonic this time. Soldering was flawless, and build quality was equally so. Welcome to the elite, Seasonic. 10.
Performance
10
Functionality
10
Value
8.5
Build Quality
10
Total Score
9.7
Summary
When I reviewed the Platinum 1kW unit, I asked how Seasonic was ever going to be able to top it. Now, I have my answer. They took everything that was awesome about that unit and added another 250 watts to it. Yeah, you could argue that the drop from Platinum to Gold efficiency is a big deal. But, you could also argue that the middling gains between Gold and Platinum are so darn small anyway you might as well just save the cash and go Gold. That's what I'm thinking, anyway. I'd rather pay $250 for this than go pay another hundred beans for another 2% efficiency. Any way you look at it, Seasonic is now the undisputed king of electrical stability with this unit. I haven't seen better, and I don't really expect to.
The Good:
First unit ever to throw down a 0% voltage regulation number on the 5V output.
Exceptionally stable regulation on all outputs.
Fully modular.
Easily passed efficiency certifications in both hot and cold tests.
Extremely low ripple.
The Bad:
Yeah, right. Like there's anything bad about this unit.
The Mediocre:
Costs a fair bit more money than the XFX take on the same platform.
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