Antec Signature Titanium 1000W Power Supply Review

Antec Signature Titanium 1000W
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

Tom's Hardware Verdict

Besides great performance, high build quality, and unique looks, the Antec Signature Titanium 1000 also features a dead silent operation.

Pros

  • +

    Full power at 47 degrees Celsius

  • +

    Good performance

  • +

    Ultra-high efficiency levels

  • +

    Efficient 5VSB rail

  • +

    High build quality

  • +

    Silent operation

  • +

    Fully modular

Cons

  • -

    Expensive

  • -

    18AWG gauges on the EPS and PCIe connectors

  • -

    Not compatible with the alternative sleep mode

  • -

    Small distance between 4-pin Molex connectors

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Antec took Seasonic's high-end Prime Titanium platform and used it to revamp its Signature line. This means that the Signature Titanium 1000 achieves high performance in all areas, while at the same time, it features quiet operation, even with increased loads at high operating temperatures. Besides its Seasonic sibling, the similar capacity Prime Titanium model, a strong opponent is the Corsair AX1000, which also uses the same Seasonic platform.  

Antec's Signature line used to include some of the best power supplies money could buy. For more than a decade, Antec didn't update this line, so it is a pleasant surprise to see three new Signature models, with 1000W and 1300W capacities and 80 PLUS Platinum and Titanium efficiency levels. Moreover, the Signature Titanium 1000 that we will evaluate today has also been tested by Cybenetics achieving ETA-A+ and LAMBDA-A efficiency and noise certifications, respectively. 

Antec used Seasonic's high-end Prime Titanium platform for the Signature 1000, which is probably the best analog platform with performance that puts several semi-digital designs to shame. Besides quality parts, including an FDB fan and good Japanese caps, the Signature 1000 also features OC Link technology, which allows two Signature power supplies to operate in tandem, to power systems with increased energy needs. Although we are not fond of systems with two PSUs installed, mostly because of increased power consumption at light loads compared to single PSU systems, this is still a nice option to have. 

Specifications

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Manufacturer (OEM)

Seasonic

Max. DC Output

1000W

Efficiency

80 PLUS Titanium, ETA-A+ (91-94%)

Noise

LAMBDA-A (20-25 dB[A])

Modular

✓ (Fully)

Intel C6/C7 Power State Support

Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load)

0 - 40°C

Over Voltage Protection

Under Voltage Protection

Over Power Protection

Over Current (+12V) Protection

Over Temperature Protection

Short Circuit Protection

Surge Protection

Inrush Current Protection

Fan Failure Protection

No Load Operation

Cooling

135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA13525M12F-Z)

Semi-Passive Operation

✓ (selectable)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

150 x 85 x 170mm

Weight

2.18 kg (4.81 lb)

Form Factor

ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92

Warranty

10 Years

Power Specifications

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Rail3.3V5V12V5VSB-12V
Max. PowerAmps25258330.3
Watts125996153.6
Total Max. Power (W)1000

Cables and Connectors

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DescriptionCable CountConnector Count (Total)GaugeIn Cable Capacitors
ATX connector 20+4 pin (610mm)1118-22AWGNo
4+4 pin EPS12V (650mm)2218AWGNo
6+2 pin PCIe (750mm)4418AWGNo
6+2 pin PCIe (680mm+70mm) 2418AWGNo
SATA (400mm+115mm+115mm+115mm)2818AWGNo
SATA (350mm+150mm+150mm+150mm)1418AWGNo
SATA (300mm+150mm)1218AWGNo
4-pin Molex (450mm+120mm+120mm)1318AWGNo
4-pin Molex (350mm+120mm)1218AWGNo
FDD Adapter (105mm)1122AWGNo
4 pin Molex to SATA 3.3V Adapter (150mm+150mm)1218AWGNo
OC Link Cable (460mm)1124AWGNo
AC Power Cord (1400mm) - C13 coupler1116AWG-

As expected, there are two EPS connectors, while the number of PCIe connectors is increased. The cables are long enough, but no connector uses thicker, 16AWG gauges, which could offer lower voltage drops, especially at high loads. Moreover, the distance between the 4-pin Molex connectors is small. 

Component Analysis

We strongly encourage you to have a look at our PSUs 101 article, which provides valuable information about PSUs and their operation, allowing you to better understand the components we're about to discuss.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
General Data-
Manufacturer (OEM)Seasonic
PCB TypeDouble Sided
Primary Side-
Transient Filter6x Y caps, 3x X caps, 2x CM chokes, 1x MOV, 1x Discharger IC
Inrush ProtectionNTC Thermistor (MF72 5D-20) & Relay
Bridge Rectifier(s)2x LVB2560 (600V, 25A @ 105°C)
APFC MOSFETs2x Infineon IPP60R099C7 (650V, 14A @ 100°C, 0.099Ohm)
APFC Boost Diode1x STPSC10H065D (650V, 10A @ 135°C)
Hold-up Cap(s)1x Rubycon (400V, 820uF, 3,000h @ 105°C, MXK) & 1x Rubycon (400V, 470uF, 2,000h @ 105°C, MXH)
Main Switchers4x Infineon IPP50R140CP (550V, 15A @ 100°C, 0.14 Ohm)

IC Drivers

2x Silicon Labs Si8230BD

APFC ControllerON Semiconductor NPC1654
Resonant ControllerChampion CM6901T2
TopologyPrimary side: Full-Bridge & LLC converter
Secondary side: Synchronous Rectification & DC-DC converters
Secondary Side-
+12V MOSFETs6x SiR638DP (40V, 100A @ 70°C, 0.88mOhm)
5V & 3.3VDC-DC Converters: no info
PWM Controllers: no info
Filtering Capacitors

Electrolytic: 4x Nippon Chemi-Con (4-10,000h @ 105°C, KY), 4x Nippon Chemi-Con (105°C, W), 1x Rubycon (3-6,000h @ 105°C, YXG), 1x Nippon Chemi-Con (4-10,000h @ 105°C, KYB), 1x Nippon Chemi-Con (1-5,000h @ 105°C, KZE), 1x Nippon Chemi-Con (5-6,000h @ 105°C, KZH)
Polymer: 24x FPCAP, 14x NIC

Supervisor ICWeltrend WT7527V (OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, PG )
Fan ModelHong Hua HA13525M12F-Z (135mm, 12V, 0.36A, Fluid DynamicBearing Fan)
5VSB Circuit-
Rectifiers

1x STMicroelectronics STF6N65K3 (650V, 3A @ 100°C, 1.3Ohm) & 1x M.C.C MBR1045ULPS SBR (45V, 10A)

Standby PWM ControllerLeadtrend LD7750R
-12V Circuit-
Buck ConverterLite-On LSP5523 (3A max output current )

This unit uses a Seasonic Prime platform, which is among the best money can get you today. The design is cutting edge for an analog platform, and the build quality is top-notch. Seasonic used quality parts to achieve high performance and increased reliability. Most filtering caps belong to good Japanese lines, and the Hong Hua FDB fan has proved its reliability so far, while at the same time, it doesn't notably increase the production cost. 

The first part of the transient filter is on a PCB that also holds the AC receptacle. This PCB is shielded to suppress EMI. The second part is located on the main PCB and includes an MOV, which handles voltage surges. 

Two powerful bridge rectifiers are used, capable of handling up to 50A of current. 

The APFC converter uses two Infineon FETs and a single boost diode. The APFC controller, an NPC1654 IC, is installed on a small vertical board, and it is covered by black tape. 

The four main FETs are arranged in a full-bridge topology. This is the best topology for achieving high-efficiency levels along with increased power output. As usual, an LLC resonant converter is also utilized for minimized energy losses. 

The FETs that generate the +12V rail are installed on the solder side of the PCB. The pair of heat sinks right above them helps in keeping their operating temperatures within the proper range. 

A pair of VRMs handle the minor rails. Both are installed on the same board. 

Both electrolytic and polymer filtering caps are provided by Japanese manufacturers, with the majority of them belonging to good lines. 

The supervisor IC, a Weltrend WT7527V, is installed on the PCB shown above.

The parts of the 5VSB circuit are depicted on the photos above. 

Antec Signature Titanium 1000W small daughter-board

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

A small daughter-board holds the parts that regulate the -12V rail. 

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

At the face of the modular board, besides a notable number of polymer caps, we also find three electrolytic ones. 

The soldering quality is good enough, although in some regions the soldering jobs could be better (e.g., in the +12V FETs area).

The Hong Hua fans offer good performance at an affordable price tag, and this is why Seasonic prefers them. 

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Contributing Editor

Aris Mpitziopoulos is a Contributing Editor at Tom's Hardware US, covering PSUs.

  • refillable
    This is the first review I saw on the Seasonic titanum platform. Looks good on paper but I'd personally avoid it. Are you not extremely concerned about that sky-high OCP? I mean 117 A, that's huge! What if something went wrong? Wouldn't that instantly fry something? Shame Seasonic doesn't bother having multi-rail OCP on a 1000W unit. Something like the HX1000 I think is a better option with multi-rail OCP. I think 1000+ W PSUs without multi-rail OCP is just asking for trouble.

    I wonder why you don't seem to agree with this and instead give this thing an editor choice award.
    Reply
  • mdd1963
    Just in time for the upcoming Comet Lakes!
    Reply
  • Aris_Mp
    refillable said:
    This is the first review I saw on the Seasonic titanum platform. Looks good on paper but I'd personally avoid it. Are you not extremely concerned about that sky-high OCP? I mean 117 A, that's huge! What if something went wrong? Wouldn't that instantly fry something? Shame Seasonic doesn't bother having multi-rail OCP on a 1000W unit. Something like the HX1000 I think is a better option with multi-rail OCP. I think 1000+ W PSUs without multi-rail OCP is just asking for trouble.

    I wonder why you don't seem to agree with this and instead give this thing an editor choice award.

    The HX1000 also has a single +12V rail: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-hx1000-psu,5214.html
    Reply
  • refillable
    Aris_Mp said:
    The HX1000 also has a single +12V rail: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-hx1000-psu,5214.html
    No, it definitely has multi-rail OCP around 40A, a huge difference from 117A seen in this seasonic platform. You said that here:
    https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-hx1000-psu,5214-6.html
    Reply
  • javiindo
    It would be nice to precise the use case for each power supply. Because the power supply is recommended, but you don't indicate for what. For 1000W maybe a threadripper 3990X with two 2080 ti in SLI?
    Reply
  • waltc3
    refillable said:
    No, it definitely has multi-rail OCP around 40A, a huge difference from 117A seen in this seasonic platform. You said that here:
    https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-hx1000-psu,5214-6.html

    Yes, the Corsair HX-850 has a single/multi-rail hardware switch for either a single 72A 12v rail or else 7 40A rails...;) https://www.kitguru.net/components/power-supplies/zardon/corsair-hx850-platinum-2017-power-supply-review/3/
    Reply
  • emgarf
    Please consider providing power-off rail sequencing as well as power-on. Both are important.
    Reply
  • Aris_Mp
    refillable said:
    No, it definitely has multi-rail OCP around 40A, a huge difference from 117A seen in this seasonic platform. You said that here:
    https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-hx1000-psu,5214-6.html
    LOL my bad, totally missed that :)
    Reply
  • refillable
    Aris_Mp said:
    LOL my bad, totally missed that :)
    So, which one do you prefer? The HX seems to as quiet despite efficiency difference, so I don't think the Titanium efficiency matters. Plus, the HX is also cheaper here and in many other countries such as the US and Australia. I think the HX is a much better choice, or at least should be honourably mentioned.
    Reply