Epilogue
The NZXT C1500 is a weird model because it has the word “Platinum” in its description, while it is a Titanium-rated PSU in the sophisticated Cybenetics rating system. It uses an advanced semi-digital platform provided by Channel Well Technology, with the codename CTT. Other PSUs that use this platform are the XPG Cybercore II 1300, the MSI MEG Ai1000P PCIe5, and the MEG Ai1300P PCIe5. The C1500’s overall performance is high, losing only to more expensive PSUs from Seasonic, Super Flower, and Corsair. In one of my previous PSU reviews, somebody asked me to include the Corsair AX1600i in the graphs, although it is not an ATX v3.x compliant PSU, to check if it is still the performance king. With a look at the overall performance graph, you will find that this is still the case, but the difference from the newer platforms is smaller now because, among others, in my performance algorithm, ATX v3.x compliant PSUs get a half-point bonus (0.5).
The C1500 is highly efficient; it has smaller dimensions than the high-end 1600W power factories, it features a silent operation, and its price tag is well below 400 dollars, while the Seasonic and Super Flower 1600W offerings are close to $600 and $500, respectively, so the price gap is enormous. For reference, the AX1600i costs $610, and the HX1500i $400. Suppose NZXT manages to keep the C1500’s price at $370. In that case, it will have a significant advantage, allowing it to achieve a top performance per price ratio, which users seek even in the super high-end PSU category.
With a bit of tuning, the C1500 can become even better. For starters, it should be advertised as Titanium and not Platinum because its actual rating is the first, according to the Cybenetics efficiency standard, which is the most advanced. Secondly, I want a better 5VSB circuit. The current one is vastly outdated for such a high-end PSU. Moreover, the OCP and OPP triggering points should be set lower at high temperatures to provide adequate protection to the platform. Lastly, the APFC converter needs tuning for higher PF readings, primarily at 230V. This is an easy fix since a digital controller controls it so that it can be done through a firmware upgrade.
Overall, the C1500 is a fine PSU sold at a proper price. Given the quality parts it uses, the semi-digital platform, and the power levels it delivers, I don’t want to hear any complaints about its price. You must pay the corresponding price if you need such a strong, quality PSU. There are no shot-cuts there. Moreover, as I already mentioned, most competing offerings are way more expensive, so NZXT has a crucial advantage in the price section.
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.
- Delivered full power at 47°C
- High overall performance
- Good price (given its specs and performance)
- Efficient
- ATX v3.1 and PCIe 5.1 ready
- High build quality
- Fan Failure Protection
- Good transient response
- Within 1% load regulation at 12V, 5V, and 5VSB
- Good ripple suppression
- Long hold-up time
- Silent operation
- Low vampire power
- Dead low inrush currents
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- Magnetic Levitation fan
- Fully modular
- Many cables and connectors, including two high-power ones (12+4 pin, 600W)
- Long enough distance (150mm) between the peripheral connectors
- 12V OCP and OPP triggering points need to be set lower at high operating temperatures
- APFC converter needs tuning for higher PF readings at 230V
- Not efficient 5VSB rail
Excellent review , order the C1500 for my system , Amazon UK ,free shipping 40 dollars saved, for a final bill of 285 dollars !!
Great site though, thank you.
For the love of God, please lose the ad at the bottom of the page! It drives me INSANE and no other site I visit has it. Thank you.
Can you send me a screenshot? Also, we need ads to survive!
It’s not the ad itself, but it’s position on the page. The ads either side of your content are not distracting, but the space at the bottom of the page containing the ad that can be hidden, is a constant distraction and a pain in the arse! Anyway, maybe it’s just me.
NZXT C1500 vs Be Quiet! Pro 13 1600W? For future proof (Nvidia RTX 5XXX), less risk with connectors melting and overall performance?
Thanks a lot!
NZXT C1500 ATX v3.1 vs Seasonic PRIME PX-1600 ?
PX-1600
At £150 more for the Seasonic from Scan in the UK!
I just bought the NZXT C1500 based on your excellent review, currently using a Seasonic TX1000. Only upgraded in anticipation of upgrading to a Nvidia 5090. Thanks so much for your content Aris.
MEG Ai1300P vs. C1500
I will buy one of them and really need your opinion on this versus. I’ll be so glad if you reply this one.
Thanks.
C1500
So, I picked C1500 today. Thanks so much again!
Thanks for the thorough review. Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t see any EMI testing. Did you look at that?
I bought this one to replace my old Corsair RM1000X, but the +12v Rail reports to be 11.904 in BIOS and in Windows it’s between 11.904/11.808; More like 11.808 than 11.904 that is. The PCIe +12v Rails report around v12.060 with v11.883 under load. I wonder whether this is an issue with the power supply or some other component that could be giving me issues. Should I return the PSU?
Do not pay attention to what the mainboard’s sensors say, they are not accurate, at all.
I don’t understand one thing, why this C1500 platform called CTT has the same nomenclature as the platform mounted on XPG Cybercore II 1300 and MSI MEG Ai1000P PCIe5.
They are so different, starting from the double transformer of the 12v, passing through the number of capacitors on the primary, the different dc to dc stage, the different position of many components, the output connectors with only solid state capacitors for c1500 while there are electrolytic ones for the other two. On the other hand the CST platform of the Dark Power Pro 13 1600W is much more similar to the CTT.
the platform has several changes, requested by NZXT as I remember.
Thi is really a great PSU, CWT is always synonymous with trust and quality.
I saw on their site that they produce a 2000w psu with the acronym CTT, atx 3.1 pcie 5.1, 80+TITANIUM, with only one 12V-2×6 connector but there is no review or internal photo to see if the platform is further updated.
Can I say that the C1500 has a superior performance compared to the TF11550?
Yes
Hi,
Just a quick one, those Sunon Maglev fans, do they not have an issue operating vertically- as I read this somewhere.
Thanks
No they are just fine.