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Final Analysis
A PSU that is designed and built in Japan surely attracts lots of attention. In this case, a $1000 price tag is also noteworthy. We expected no less than perfection from it, but were let down in several different areas.
Cooler Master's build quality is definitely top-notch. However, this doesn't seem to be enough since the performance levels our equipment measured don't match less expensive competitors. Murata isn't new to PSU manufacturing, but its engineers don't have any experience working with desktop power supplies. Apparently, Cooler Master's engineers weren't able to guide them properly. As a result, we end up with uninspiring results and dubious value.
We were really disappointed to see such a PSU failing in our transient response tests on the 3.3V rail. Forty Murata engineers worked for countless hours on this platform and none of them caught the problem we found?
Cooler Master dared to offer something extreme, suitable for enthusiasts flush with cash. The cooperation with Murata, one of the largest manufacturers of electronic parts, adds a new chapter to the desktop PSU segment. But if Murata wants to establish a name for itself, it needs to work on lower-priced products. There is no argument that a "Made in Japan" label attracts power users who recognize quality hardware. Most won't take a second look when they see the cost, though.
The right price for Cooler Master's MasterWatt Maker 1200 MIJ, would probably be between $400 and $500. The current price simply kills any comparison we make to other high-quality Titanium-class PSUs. For $1000, you could get two superior AX1500is and still have money leftover.
To be fair, the build quality of this MasterWatt Maker 1200 MIJ is among the best we've ever seen, and the platform's design is innovative, despite the lack of digital parts for controlling its main functions. Other advantages include silent operation, high efficiency, decent ripple suppression, and an accurate power-good signal.
On the other hand, besides a huge price tag, the 3.3V rail's bad transient response and oversized physical dimensions have to be considered cons. We were shocked to see such large voltage drops at 3.3V during the transient tests, and although this rail is only lightly used nowadays, it should still perform well, especially in ultra-high-end PSUs.
If you relish exclusivity, and a $1000 price tag doesn't scare your wallet, then put the MasterWatt Maker 1200 MIJ on your shopping list and brag to your friends about dropping a grand on the priciest desktop PSU available. The truth, however, is that you can spend half as much and get a better power supply. We would gladly pay a premium if Cooler Master had given us a fully digital platform that outperformed everything else. But that just wasn't the case.
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