The Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W ATX 3.1 + ATX12VO PSU Review: The Swiss Army Knife

Power Supply Quality

The electrical performance of the Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W PSU is excellent for its class, demonstrating strong voltage regulation across all outputs. The 12V rail maintains a tight regulation of just 0.7%, while the 5V and 3.3V lines are also well-regulated at 0.5% and 0.9% respectively. Ripple suppression is similarly impressive, with low values of 36 mV for the 12V line, 26 mV for the 5V line, and 24 mV for the 3.3V line. These figures are not setting any world records but they are impressive, even for the high tier that this unit is being marketed into.

During our thorough assessment, we evaluate the essential protection features of every power supply unit we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). The Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W PSU successfully passed all critical protection tests, confirming its effectiveness in safeguarding both the PSU and connected components. The unit displayed standard OCP settings for the 3.3V and 5V rails, activating at 122% and 126% respectively, which are typical for these specifications. The 12V rail’s OCP activation at 136% is slightly higher, aligning with the latest industry practices where manufacturers adjust protections to meet power excursion guidelines.

Conclusion

The Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W ATX 3.1 PSU stands out as a high-quality power supply unit that caters to the needs of top-tier systems. The unit combines functionality with a visually appealing design that complements any high-end PC build, boasting a sleek and understated design that exudes a premium feel. Its overall build quality is exceptional, featuring top-of-the-line active and passive components from renowned manufacturers such as Infineon, Rubycon, Nichicon, and Nippon Chemi-Con. The PSU is produced by Shenzhen Rui Sheng Yuan, an experienced OEM, and is backed by a substantial 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, despite its impressive 1.2 kW output, the unit has fewer connectors than expected, which could be a limiting factor for some users.

Thermally, the PlatiGemini 1200W PSU is well-balanced, managing to stay cool and quiet under typical operating conditions. The hybrid fan mode allows the unit to remain silent at low to moderate loads, with the fan starting only when necessary, which was observed at around 480 to 500 Watts in testing. This design keeps the PSU virtually inaudible for most usage scenarios. At higher loads, the fan ramps up its speed to manage the increased thermal output, maintaining safe operating temperatures even at maximum load. This effective thermal management ensures both acoustic comfort and reliable performance.

In terms of power quality, the PlatiGemini 1200W meets the stringent requirements of the 80Plus Platinum certification, demonstrating excellent efficiency and performance. The unit achieves an average nominal load efficiency of 91.0% at 115 VAC and 93.2% at 230 VAC during cold testing. Even under hot conditions, the efficiency remains commendable, with only a slight drop to 90.4% at 115 VAC and 92.5% at 230 VAC. The PSU also exhibits strong voltage regulation and low ripple values across all outputs, ensuring stable and clean power delivery. However, while the power quality is impressive, we should note that it also does not significantly outshine other top-tier products in the market.

Overall, the Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W ATX 3.1 PSU is priced at a premium $230, a high price but one aligning with other high-end models in the market. Its compliance with ATX 3.1 and ATX12VO standards, combined with a 10-year warranty and exceptional build quality, makes it a solid choice for demanding users, especially for those who dislike frequent upgrades. Although the limited number of connectors might be a drawback for some, the PSU’s outstanding performance, efficiency, and thermal management make it a viable option for those looking to build or upgrade a high-performance gaming or workstation PC.