Seasonic
PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition
AUTHOR:Onie T.
TESTED BY:Lucas N.
Published:

The Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition is a 1600W, fully modular ATX 3.1 power supply with an additional hybrid fan mode. It is based on the same framework as the non-special edition model (SSR-1600TR (PRIME TX-1600)), with the primary difference being Noctua’s branding and fan integration. This includes a Noctua NF-A12x25 fan, renowned for its efficient cooling and low noise. The collaboration extends to the aesthetic, with the chassis and cables sporting Noctua’s signature brown color, along with various Noctua-branded accessories.

It complies with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards. Initially available for $569 USD on Amazon, it remains a sought-after collector’s item. Given its unique collaboration, outstanding ripple suppression, and high-quality cables, it is recommended for those who value a good power supply fully loaded with Noctua branding.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE GOOD

  • Voltage Ripple

    The PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition has exceptionally low voltage ripple, ranking among the lowest we have tested, which is even more impressive given its high wattage.

  • Design

    The power supply features a well-executed collaboration with Noctua, ensuring a cohesive design that prominently displays Noctua branding, even though it may remain unseen inside a PC case.

THE BAD

  • Price

    This special edition power supply comes at a steep price of at least $569 USD - assuming it is still available for purchase.

THE REST

  • Overall

    The PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition performed as expected for its class. It is recommended for those seeking Noctua’s signature design, low ripple noise, and highly flexible Noctua-colored cables.

LINKS
Where to buy*
Amazon

*This website uses affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may provide compensation to Linus Media Group.

Hardware
HardwareNotes

As with most Seasonic power supplies, this unit comes with a generous selection of accessories. Many of them, such as Velcro cable ties, a cable bag, a PSU bag, and a bag for the PSU tester, feature Noctua branding. A notable inclusion is the "Seasonic ATX 24-Pin 90° Adapter with PSU Tester Function," which is higher quality than most standard testers and can be beneficial for cable management.

The chassis is understandably large and heavy, with a top panel finished in Noctua brown. Cooling is handled by a Noctua 120 mm NF-A12x25 fan instead of the more common 135 mm variant. Our test technician even remarked that the fan “looks comically small within the chassis”. The unit supports an input voltage of 115-240V AC, but for the more typical range of 100-240V AC , its maximum power output is limited to 1300W. Because of this is a derating and abnormal range, we did not conduct our usual tests at 90V.

On the Seasonic specifications webpage it specifies that the Operating Temperature is 0°C to 50°C, though we cannot verify this through testing.

In the Box

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Front of the box.

Construction

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Power input side of the PSU.

Case Format
Cable Form
Colour
Colour Theme
Case Width
Case Height
Case Length
Case Effective Length
Mass
Fan & Cooling
Top of the PSU displaying the fan.

Top of the PSU displaying the fan.

Cooling Method
Fan Diameter
Specifications
Bottom of the PSU displaying the specifications.

Bottom of the PSU displaying the specifications.

ATX Version
80PLUS Rating
Cybenetics ETA
Cybenetics Lambda
Input Frequency Range
Input Voltage Range
Operating Temperature Range
Storage Temperature Range
Cables
1xMotherboard
24-pin Motherboard:
3xCPU / PCIe
4+4-pin CPU:
6xCPU / PCIe
6+2-pin PCIe:
2x12VHPWR / 12V-2x6
12V-2x6 (600W):
1xPeripheral / SATA
SATA (Right Angle):
SATA (Right Angle):
1xPeripheral / SATA
Molex:
Molex:
Molex:
4xPeripheral / SATA
SATA:
SATA:
SATA:
SATA:
Power Ratings
+12 V+5 V+3.3 V+5 Vsb-12 V
CURRENT133.3 A25 A25 A3 A0.5 A
WATTAGE1600 W125 W15 W6 W
1600 W

Please note that the above ratings are manufacturer advertised specifications.

Features & Software
Features & SoftwareNotes

The PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition includes a single hybrid fan mode, controlled by Seasonic's "Digital Hybrid Fan Control". It operates in three stages: Fanless Mode, Silent Mode, and Cooling Mode.

The power supply also includes standard protections and is backed by a 12-year warranty, typical for power supplies in this class.

Modes
Protections
Over Current Protection (OCP)
Over Power Protection (OPP)
Short Circuit Protection (SCP)
Over Temperature Protection (OTP)
Over Voltage Protection (OVP)
Under Voltage Protection (UVP)
Performance
PerformanceNotes

The PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition did not deliver great load regulation. Testing revealed a voltage drop of 242 mV on the 12V rail across the full load range. At maximum load, the power supply pushes 122 A through the cables, which may contribute to additional voltage drop.

However, its ripple performance was really good, measuring a peak-to-peak signal ripple of just 24 mV on the 12V rail, 14 mV on the 5V rail, and 18 mV on the 3.3V rail. 

During power excursion tests, the unit withstood all excursions but occasionally dipped below the 11.2V threshold. While not ideal, the voltage never dropped below 11V, making it unlikely to cause issues. This test subjects the power supply to 200% of its rated load for 0.1ms. Under full load, the 12V rail draws approximately 122A, whereas the 200% excursion test demands 258A. While such an extreme scenario would require multiple high-power GPUs simultaneously spiking, the unit barely reacted to the 100 ms excursion, suggesting excellent stability under realistic conditions.

Voltage Ripple
Load Regulation
Power Excursion

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Productivity & Efficiency
Productivity & EfficiencyNotes

The PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition holds an 80PLUS Titanium certification, achieving high efficiency at 115V for loads up to 30% load. This level of efficiency is typical for a power supply in this price range and category.

However, it falls slightly short of its efficiency claims around the 50% load mark. This is particularly relevant because, in a high-end desktop setup, the power supply may frequently operate at this load level. This is only slightly more notable here, as this may be where the power supply typically operates if it is being used for a high-end desktop.

During brownout tests, it maintained power for 13 ms at full load before shutting down but lasted 19 ms at 80% load. The lower the applied load, the longer the unit sustains its output. The power supply’s protections engaged reliably, shutting down at approximately 135% load. Over Power Protection activated at 139% of the rated load, with the 12V rail handling up to 185A, or 139% of its rating, ensuring safety in case of minor overdraw.

Efficiency
Brownout
Brownout/Hold-Up Duration 115 V 60 Hz 20°C
Over Current Protection (OCP)
Test Configuration
Video Overview
Test Bench
AC Source
Automated Test Software
DC Load Mainframe
Dual Channel Loads
Chroma 63610-80-20
Environmental Chamber
Microphone
Multimeter
ON/OFF Controller
Chroma 80613
Power Meter
SC/OVP Tester
Chroma 80612
Thermocouple Scanner
Noise Analyzer
Single Channel Loads
Chroma 63640-80-80

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