SAMA P1000 ATX 3.1 PSU Review – 1kW platinum power at a competitive price

1 - Introduction and technical data 2 - Unboxing, asccessory and cables 3 - Teardown, components, fan and protection circuits 4 - Cybenetics methods and equipment 5 - Performance and test results 6 - Operating noise 7 - Efficiency and power consumption 8 - Summary and conclusion

Performance analysis based on the Cybenetics measurement data

For this test, I have again deliberately dispensed with the otherwise very extensive chart galleries in order to present the results more clearly and at the same time speed up the publication of further network division tests. The really relevant measured values were specifically filtered out and evaluated so that the reader can concentrate directly on what is technically decisive without any detours. This approach leads more quickly to the core of the evaluation and also facilitates later comparisons with other power supply units, as the focus is on the most meaningful parameters.

Efficiency and power factor

Efficiency describes the ratio of power input to power output and shows how efficiently a power supply unit converts electrical energy. According to Cybenetics, the SAMA P1000 achieves ETA Platinum certification and also bears the 80 Plus Platinum seal. With an average efficiency of 92.50 percent at 230 volts, the device clearly operates in the range of high-quality Platinum models and well above typical mid-range Gold devices. The efficiency remains stable across the entire load range, which both reduces heat development and relieves the fan. The measured power factor of 0.955 confirms the clean work of the active PFC stage, which effectively reduces reactive power and puts less strain on the power grid.

Ripple and voltage stability

Ripple refers to the residual AC voltage components on the DC rails. Low values increase the service life of connected hardware and improve signal stability. At 23.86 mV on 12 volts, 18.17 mV on 5 volts and 21.95 mV on 3.3 volts, the SAMA P1000 is well below the ATX limits. The voltage regulation remains extremely stable at 0.68 percent on the 12 volt rail and a maximum of 1.17 percent on the secondary rails. This demonstrates precise regulation that reliably compensates for load changes and minimizes fluctuations. Systems with a high proportion of GPUs in particular benefit from this, as modern graphics cards can react very sensitively to unstable voltages.

Transient response

The transient response describes how the power supply reacts to rapid load changes, such as those that occur in milliseconds with modern graphics cards. With a hard 200 percent load jump, the voltage drops to 11.30 volts and thus remains within the ATX specifications. Although absolute high-end models achieve even smaller drops here, the SAMA P1000 shows a stable and predictable response in its price class. The power supply has sufficient reserves to absorb typical transients without causing instability in the system.

Hold-up time and signal timings

The hold-up time shows how long a power supply unit can continue to deliver a stable output voltage after a brief power interruption. The SAMA P1000 achieves 21.00 milliseconds and is therefore above the required minimum value. This prevents unexpected restarts or data loss in the event of power fluctuations. The power good signal is standard-compliant with 19.90 milliseconds when switching off and 1.10 milliseconds delay when the voltage drops. This ensures that boot and shutdown processes are carried out safely and dirty signals are reliably avoided.

Inrush current

The inrush current results from the rapid charging of the primary capacitors when switching on. The power supply unit uses an NTC thermistor in combination with a relay, which effectively reduces the current peak. The measured values confirm a non-critical behavior, which relieves both standard household fuses and safety edges. The dimensioning of the bulk capacitors is well chosen so that the inrush current remains within the standard range.

Protective circuits

The power supply has all the essential protection mechanisms such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage and undervoltage protection, overload protection, overtemperature protection, short-circuit protection and surge protection. According to the test protocol, all protective functions respond reliably and are dimensioned in line with practical requirements. The overload protection threshold provides sufficient reserves for short peak loads without reaching dangerous levels. The only minor point of criticism is the lack of fan failure detection, although this case is still indirectly intercepted by the overtemperature protection.

Overall assessment of the measurement results

Overall, the SAMA P1000 shows a strong technical performance, which is above the usual level of its price class in many areas. The high efficiency with Platinum certification, the very low ripple values and the stable voltage regulation speak for a well thought-out platform. The transient response meets the requirements of modern ATX 3.1 systems, the hold-up time is comfortable and the signal timings are precisely tuned. The protection circuits cover all relevant scenarios. This places the SAMA P1000 at the upper end of the mid-range and brings its electrical performance closer to some significantly more expensive premium devices.