SAMA P1200 Platinum PSU Review: Ultimate Power & Efficiency
▼ Summary
– The SAMA P1200 is a 1200-watt Platinum efficiency power supply that offers flagship-level performance at an accessible $190 MSRP.
– It features quality Japanese capacitors, proven topologies, and a compact 150mm form factor for reliable power delivery in various builds.
– The unit demonstrates exceptional efficiency, exceeding its 80 Plus Platinum certification with stable performance across all load conditions.
– It operates quietly with a hybrid fan mode and includes a comprehensive 10-year warranty, reflecting SAMA’s confidence in its reliability.
– Despite a limited number of PCIe connectors, the P1200 provides outstanding value with robust electrical performance and thermal management.
The SAMA P1200 Platinum power supply delivers flagship-level performance and exceptional efficiency without the premium price tag, making it a compelling choice for high-performance PC builds. This unit combines quality Japanese capacitors, a proven internal design, and outstanding thermal characteristics to provide reliable power delivery for demanding systems. With its compact 150mm form factor and comprehensive 10-year warranty, the P1200 stands out as a serious contender in the competitive 1200-watt market.
SAMA, established in 2003, has built a reputation for producing practical, well-engineered components that emphasize function over flashy aesthetics. The company’s power supply division reflects a focused approach to value engineering, prioritizing performance and reliability. The P1200 enters the market with an 80 Plus Platinum certification and an MSRP of $190, positioning it as an accessible yet high-performing option.
Inside the box, users will find the power supply protected by a reusable nylon pouch and foam inserts. The package includes essential mounting hardware, an AC power cable, and six cable management straps. The unit features a fully modular design with flat, ribbon-style cables that aid in clean builds and efficient airflow.
Externally, the P1200 sports a matte black finish that resists fingerprints and blends seamlessly into most builds. Its compact dimensions ensure broad compatibility with ATX cases. A 140mm Globe fan with a fluid dynamic bearing handles cooling, operating silently under light loads and ramping up gradually as needed.
Internally, the design utilizes a full-bridge LLC topology with Infineon MOSFETs and high-quality components from Japanese manufacturers Rubycon and Unicon. These choices contribute to the unit’s excellent electrical performance and long-term reliability. The layout is clean, with generously sized heatsinks promoting effective thermal dissipation.
During testing, the P1200 demonstrated impressive efficiency, exceeding its Platinum rating with averages of 91.7% at 115V and 93.2% at 230V under nominal loads. Even under high ambient temperatures, efficiency remained strong, dipping by only about 1%. Voltage regulation was tight across all rails, and ripple suppression was excellent, with maximum values of 42mV on the 12V rail.
The unit’s protection features, including OCP, OVP, OPP, and SCP, all functioned correctly and within safe parameters. The fan remains quiet through moderate loads, only becoming audible under heavy use or high temperatures. This balance of acoustic performance and cooling effectiveness makes the P1200 suitable for both performance and silence-oriented builds.
One minor limitation is the connector selection, which includes three 8-pin PCIe connectors alongside two modern 12V-2×6 connectors. While adequate for most configurations, extreme multi-GPU setups may find this restrictive. However, this is a small trade-off given the unit’s overall performance and value.
With its robust construction, efficient operation, and aggressive pricing, the SAMA P1200 represents a smart investment for enthusiasts and builders who prioritize electrical performance and reliability. It proves that high-end power delivery doesn’t require a high-end price, establishing SAMA as a brand worthy of attention in the power supply market.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)