Build Quality
As we already know the Seasonic PRIME PX-1600 ATX 3.0 1600W Platinum features a single 135mm fan design that is used in the same vein as 120mm fans in that these can provide for quiet cooling environments due to the ability to move a larger volume of air at slower speeds than a smaller diameter fan.
The 135mm fan is just about the largest diameter fan we are likely to see in ATX power supplies given the physical constraints of the form factor. While great for quiet computing environments the key criteria in our evaluation is whether or not the cooling solution is sufficient, not necessarily its sound output level or form factor, although we certainly listen for offending units.
External Build Quality
The exterior of the PRIME PX-1600 ATX3.0 is similar to what Seasonic has been doing with its PRIME line all along. The layout is traditional for a partially modular unit with an overhead fan in the ATX12v/EPS form factor. Cosmetically, the unit carries the PRIME branding in a mixture of grey/silver text accents and embossed accent designs. The branding is nice and a bit more subtle than we see with some other brand units. The modular interface is well labeled in the manner we see from many Seasonic units. Rounding things out, the unit has a durable black finish that is slightly textured. One side note, this is one very long power supply!
The PRIME PX-1600 ATX3.0 comes in at a total length of ~8.25 inches while the cables come in at a length of ~18″ to 30″ to the first, or only, connector. Additionally, the cables are an individually sleeved kind that is popular but tends to be a pain in our testing.
Internal Build Quality
Once we open the top of the PRIME PX-1600 ATX3.0, we see a familiar Seasonic platform as this platform is also used in the TX-1600 that was previously released (but not fully ATX 3.0 compatible) and it is jam-packed. The topology has a full-bridge resonant LLC primary with a synchronous rectification secondary and DC-DC VRMs for the minor rails.
The fan cooling this unit today is an FDB fan manufactured by Hong Hua and rated at 0.58A at 12v. It is paired with four different heatsinks. The heatsinks are also paired with thermal pads connecting certain power components (like the MOSFETs seen on the back of the PCB) to the housing as part of the overall cooling scheme. Lastly, the soldering is excellent on the main PCB.
The PRIME PX-1600 ATX3.0 input filtering begins in a sealed can that is soldered directly to the main PCB. What, exactly, is in that can is unknown. However, given the rest of the input filtering seen on the PCB, it should include a coil, some x capacitors, and some y capacitors. Moving along, we run into a pair of coils which are for the primary power components/APFC.
Following this we find a heatsink with bridge rectifiers and primary side power components. Speaking of this heatsink, the main input capacitors are right behind it and all three are provided by Nippon Chemi-con with a rating of 420v 820uF 105C. The main switching transistors receive their heatsink as well and they are right next to the main input capacitors.
The secondary side of this unit continues to look very crowded just like the primary side. Through the middle to the edge of the PCB, on the secondary side, we find the transformers along with a large heatsink that attaches to the PCB on the opposite side of the MOSFETs we saw earlier. Thus, these heatsinks are part of the cooling for the 12v MOSFETS.
Between these components and the modular PCB, we find the DC-DC VRMs housed on their own PCB (populated by Nippon Chemi-con solid capacitors). Around these PCBs, we find a few standard electrolytics provided by Nippon Chemi-con as well. The modular PCB construction looks very nice and there are more Nippon Chemi-con solid capacitors here as well as some FPCAP solid capacitors and some Nippon Chemi-con solid capacitors. Interestingly, all of the spots marked for capacitors are populated except for one.
Build Quality Summary
Today’s Seasonic PRIME PX-1600 ATX3.0 is the second power supply we have seen from Seasonic Proper and, while the last unit was well-built, this power supply is literally in another league when it comes to the build quality. The exterior is well done with attention paid to the branding of this unit as has been the case for several years now with the PRIME lineup of power supplies.
Bringing something new to the table today (relative to previous Seasonic units we have seen) is the inclusion of individually sleeved cables. These cables are relatively popular at the moment and do require a lot of work if you do them yourself or a lot of money if you go to the secondary market. So, for someone looking to pick up this unit they may very well be a big value add to the whole buying decision.
Moving to the interior of this unit does nothing less than continue to impress. While the unit does look very busy, the actual integration is top notch of top notches. The component selection is also excellent as we see Nippon Chemi-con standard and solid capacitors throughout along with a few FPCAP solid capacitors. On top of that, we see an FDB fan cooling this unit. All in all, the PRIME PX-1600 ATX 3.0 looks like an extremely high-end product in which Seasonic has invested significant resources from design to construction into. Let’s move on now to the load tests and see how this unit performs!