Epilogue
The NZXT C1200 achieves high performance and quiet operation under light and moderate loads. It might not achieve top performance in its category, like the C1000, but the performance difference from the top units in this category is not that high. Moreover, you must push the PSUa bove 1080W to enter the 35-40 dBA zone, where, most likely, other PC parts will already be loud, covering the PSU’s noise.
The load regulation is within 1% on all rails but 3.3V at 115V, ripple suppression is good, and transient response is good on the minor rails, with the 12V rail staying behind when the transient load is applied with the lightly loaded PSU (20%). Moreover, the PSU meets the ATX v3.1 transient response requirements, the hold-up time is close to 30ms, so it is extra-extended, the build quality is good, and the vampire power is low. The average efficiency is not as high as that of other similar offerings. Still, we should not forget that this is a Gold-certified unit, not a Platinum or higher-level one. The efficiency at light loads is average, while efficiency is high enough at super-light loads. The APFC converter needs tuning at 115V, while it has a decent performance at 230V. Usually, it is the other way around.
Currently, the C1200, its ATX v3.0 variant, can be found at a good price, given its performance, build quality, and specifications. I have explained everything you need to know about ATX v3.0 and v3.1 PSUs in the following article. There is no need to wait until the ATX v3.1 C1200 becomes available; you will be perfectly fine with the previous version. Apparently, NZXT waits till stock finishes to bring the new stuff!!
Before investing in a new power supply, read my Best ATX v3.x PSUs article to check all alternative PSU offerings. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the product’s price. I get a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a difference for me, especially now that I am on my own, working exclusively for my media and not for someone else.
- Fair price
- Delivered full power at 47°C
- ATX v3.1 and PCIe 5.1 ready
- High overall performance
- Efficient at super light-loads
- Efficient 5VSB rail
- Good build quality
- Conservatively set OCP and OPP triggering points
- Within 1% load regulation on all rails but 3.3V
- Good ripple suppression
- Super extended hold-up time
- Good transient response on the minor rails
- Quiet operation at up to 780W loads
- Low vampire power
- Low inrush currents
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- FDB fan
- Fully modular
- Many cables and connectors, including a high-power one (12+4 pin, 600W)
- Long enough distance (145mm) between the peripheral connectors
- I want to see a larger difference in OCP and OPP triggering points between hot and cold conditions
- 12V transient response when the PSU is at light loads needs improvement
- Efficiency at normal and light loads needs boosting
- APFC converter needs tuning for higher PF readings at 115V
- The 3.3V rail needs tighter load regulation
Hello,
My old 550W Seasonic Focus only has one 8pin connector and I am afraid to use a Y adapter to power a 250W TDP card even with a lower power target (or is that safe?). So the way I see it, I need a new power supply and unlike the underpowered Seasonic that I bought when availability was poor in early 2020 (Chinese ports were closed due to covid), I am looking for an option that is futureproof.
However I am also motivated to not let the price get out of hand. This power supply is currently on sale for 144.90€ here in Germany at Amazon.de. At first glance, it looks like a pretty good offer. Is that power supply a good option for the money? I am intruiged by the silent operation up until 600W since I hate loud fan noises.
Thanks for your feedback.
IT is an excellent price for this PSU.
Hi Aris and many thanks for all the great reviews and articles you brought us. It really enligthen the PSU side of PC building to me !
I’m about to buy a new PSU of around 1200W, but I do hesitate betwin this C1200 from NZXT and the Super Flower Leadex VII XG 1300W.
In your opinion, wich one should I choose ? The Leadex VII looks a bit better, but is it as safe the NZXT one ? On your review of the Leadex VII XG, you don’t precise if it has a Fan Failure Protection. Do you know if it does or not ?
Also, regarding the C1200, could you please explain in wich way it is bad that 12V transient response has a deviation above 1% ? Could it cause damage to the components, or instabilities to the system, like crashes ?
About transient response, I was also wondering why you only provide those results on 115V input ? Is it because it’s less of a problem with a 230V input ? or maybe just because the results are about the same with both voltages ?
Hi! I will get the SF unit between these two. Above 1% transient response at 12V means less stability at sudden high loads. The symptoms have to do with the tolerances of the system’s parts.
Transient response is similar at 115V/230V because it is handled by the PSU’s secondary side.
Ok, great, thank you your clear advices and explanations !
I will maybe ask you another question about the SF one on its review page (so that others could also find the answer)…
How important is TVS diode on the 5VSB circuit? Most Psu Doesnt have it, only VITA GM line and Nzxt c1200 (which im aware of). Or does the MOV already took care most of the input transients?
II’ve read several posts online about faulty PSUs that either broke after a few months or had very loud coil whine. These were the ATX 3.0 versions. Were these issues fixed in the ATX 3.1 version?
not a clue but I can tell you that coil whine doesn’t have to do with the PSU only, but it is a combination of system parts AND the PSU.
Thought I would share my findings.
Firstly thank you crmaris for the good review based on this I decided to get the NZXT C1200, retiring my Corsair AX1200 (it’s now more than 10 years old). I found that I am using less power now, around 0.5Amps or 115 Watt (@ 230V) less power now, I tested playing the same game for the same period and logging with my Fluke 367FC. I did find that the inrush current is a bit higher at 5.2A, vs the 4.7A my corsair had. But overall super happy.
For my next build, I’m going for a complete white build. Luckily, this psu comes in white, but i saw in a video from Der Bauer that the cables are very loosely connected to the psu. Was this also the case for your unit?
https://youtu.be/rjcoCbJoDYc?si=Kl8iYOIIdaQoJ8Gg&t=693
Could you als do a review of the Phanteks revolt 1200?
The difference between the original C1200 and ATX 3.1 version is not just limited to the 12V-2×6 connector. The new version also has one extra PCIe connector, which is good if you have a GPU with three PCIe connectors like the 7900 XTX from AIBs.
Are there any plans to test the be quiet! Straight Power 12 80+ Platinum?
Yes, but I don’t know when I will find the time for it.