Epilogue
The Montech Century II 1200W achieves an impressive overall performance, especially considering its relatively low price of $ 130. Montech collaborated with a lesser-known OEM for the Century II line, Shenzhen Xinweiye Technology, which delivered a high-performing platform that doesn’t face the same challenges as the best performers in the 1200W category. Thanks to its efficient platform, which also provides tight load regulation, good ripple suppression, good transient response at normal loads, increased hold-up time and low leakage current, the Century II 1200W achieves a high overall performance score which makes it one of the best 1200W ATX v3.1 PSUs in terms of performance per price.
Kudos to Montech for offering this model in this highly competitive category. Users no longer have to spend a considerable amount to obtain a high-performance and high-wattage PSU that can handle an RTX 5090 and a power-hungry CPU.
Most of the things I would like to see improved are not significant, but I still need to mention them: lower inrush currents and higher power factor readings, mostly at 230V. Moreover, over 70% efficiency at 115V with a 2% load would be highly welcome. The matter that Montech needs to take into account is the unit’s protection features, where I noticed some unusual settings in the over current protection on the minor rails that need to be corrected accordingly. I pay great attention to protection features, and this is the primary reason I don’t provide a “recommended” badge for this unit. According to my policy, any unit that doesn’t have properly tuned protection features automatically loses that badge, regardless of its performance and/or other features.
A final note, the PSU’s average noise output is high, and I believe that the restricted fan grille plays a notable role in this. The exterior design might be appealing, to me at least, but Montech also has to consider the usability factor. A less restrictive fan grille would help increase the fan’s airflow and lower the average noise level. Currently, with an average noise output of over 30 dBA at 115V and close to that at 230V, you cannot call this PSU ideal for users wanting silent PC parts.
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- Good price at $130
- Delivered full power at 46°C
- Competitive overall performance
- High build quality
- ATX v3.1 and PCIe CEM 5.1 compliant
- Efficient platform (overall)
- Low vampire power
- Within 1% load regulation on all major rails
- Good ripple suppression
- Good transient response (normal loads)
- Increased hold-up time
- Low leakage current
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- 12+4-pin PCIe connector set at 600W
- Good FDB fan
- Compact dimensions (140mm depth)
- Minor rails OCP need adjustments
- Not quiet operation at moderate and high loads
- I would like to see a higher 12V rail level at 200% transient load
- Inrush currents on the high side (115V & 230V)
- No fan failure protection
- Below 70% efficiency at 2% and 115V input
- PF readings could be higher (115V & 230V)
Would you go for this one or the NZXT C1200 3.1?
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been waiting for this review forever haha. One question: for your note on the lack of protection feature “The matter that Montech needs to take into account is the unit’s protection features, where I noticed some unusual settings in the over current protection on the minor rails that need to be corrected accordingly.”, what type of users/use cases will need to pay attention to this and may potentially want to opt for a unit with better protection? Thanks.
I am afraid there is not much a user can do to avoid issues with not properly tuned protection features. There is no way to constantly monitor the PSU or avoid situations where a rail can be overloaded by a part malfunction, for instance. This is why I pay so much attention to protection features.
Thanks for the response. That is *slightly* concerning then haha. Would you have any insights regarding the Super Flower Leadex III 1000 Watt unit? It’s now this 1200W Montech unit for $130 or that 1000W Leadex III unit for $110 for me. $20 difference. Great deal on both. I know you did a review on the 1300W unit and that one also did not seem to have flying colors with it so I guess it’s time I pick my poison haha. Thanks.
Leadex units are made by SF itself, not from another OEM, so typically they are pretty good PSUs. About the protection features on this specific unit, not sure though until l check it.
Would you just err on the safe side and get a Corsair RM850x Shift then? It is also in the same price range for me. I was interested in these 1000W+ units because of their prices, but if neither the Montech Century II nor Super Flower Leadex III 1000W ATX 3.1 have solid protection features, I’d rather get a less wattage unit for better protection. I only have a 5070 Ti. Thanks.
Thank you for the reviews.