Cooler Master has several PC-related products, primarily peripherals. But they have released a few main components, like the Cooler Master GP27U 4K 144Hz monitor we reviewed before and core PC components like power supplies. Today, let’s look at one of its latest ATX 3.0 PCIe 5.0 PSU designed for small form factor builds – the Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum PSU. This small but powerful supply can handle even the most powerful and best RTX 4090 gaming graphics cards currently available. It features the new 16-pin 12VHPWR connector and an efficiency rating of 80 Plus Platinum. It is even more efficient than MSI’s MEG A1000G PCIe5 PSU, which we checked out before. If you are in the market for an ATX 3.0 PCIe 5.0 ready SFX PSU, please continue reading below.
Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum Preview – Features and Specs
Just a heads up before we proceed, as I don’t want to waste any of our time. This article only previews or overviews the Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum PSU. We are only exploring its features, specifications, and several photos of the PSU. We don’t primarily review power supplies, as it requires special equipment and expertise to test them properly. There won’t be any comparative benchmark numbers or analysis in this article. With that out of the way, let’s proceed.
Cooler Master has several 80 Plus certified PSUs in its catalog. But most of them are full-sized ATX power supplies. There are only a few SFX PSUs and even fewer SFX PCIe 5.0-ready PSUs. Cooler Master has the V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 and V SFX Platinum series. Under the Platinum series, there are only two options: the V 1100 SFX Platinum, the one we have here, and the V 1300 SFX Platinum.
OEM Who?
Some may not know, but Cooler Master doesn’t make their PSUs. Like their monitors, they are outsourced from an OEM. This time, Cooler Master chose a company from Taiwan called Sysgration to make their V SFX Platinum PSUs. According to Cooler Master, the V SFX Platinum “is leading the industry as the first SFX unit to achieve 1300W, and includes top-tier features such as full compatibility with ATX 3.0 and both ITX and ATX cases, and new miniaturization technology that enhances thermal performance and increases power density”.
Although, I may disagree with their claims that the V SFX Platinum is compatible with ATX cases. The cables included in the packaging are very short for ATX cases. The V SFX Platinum PSUs can only be used with ITX cases, like the NR200P. Maybe you can use it with some ATX cases, provided that you use a longer third-party cable. But that falls under the realm of modding already.
Below is a specifications table of the power supply; after that, let’s look at the PSU itself and discuss its features.
Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum Specifications
| Model | MPZ-B001-SFAP-B |
|---|---|
| ATX Version | ATX3.0, SFX 12V Ver. 3.42 |
| Series | V SFX Series |
| 80 Plus | Platinum |
| Modular | Full Modular |
| Wattage | Above 750W |
| PFC | Active PFC |
| Input Voltage | 100-240V |
| Input Current | 14-6.5A |
| Input Frequency | 50-60Hz |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 100 x 125 x 63.5 mm |
| Fan Size | 92mm |
| Fan Bearing | FDB |
| Efficiency | ≥ 92% @ Typical Load |
| 80 PLUS Rating | 80 PLUS Platinum |
| ErP 2014 Lot 3 | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0-50°C |
| Power Good Signal | 100 - 150 ms |
| Hold Up Time | ≥ 16ms at 70% Load |
| MTBF | >100,000 Hours |
| Protections | OVP, OPP, SCP, OCP, UVP, OTP, Surge and Inrush Protection |
| Regulatory | TUV, cTUVus, CE, FCC, BSMI, CCC, EAC, UKCA |
| ATX 24 Pin Connectors | 1 (300mm) |
| EPS 4+4 Pin Connectors | 1 (450mm) |
| EPS 8 Pin Connector | 1 (450mm) |
| SATA Connectors | 8 (100+150+150+150mm) |
| Peripheral 4 Pin Connectors | 4 (100+120+120+120mm) |
| PCI-e 6+2 Pin Connectors | 3 (400mm) |
| 12VHPWR Connector | 1 (400mm) |
Packaging and Closer Look
The V 1100 SFX Platinum’s retail packaging is slightly smaller than regular ATX PSU packaging. At the front, you see a photo of the PSU and a label indicating that it is an ATX 3.0 PSU with PCIE 5.0 support. At the back, you can read some of its highlighted features. Additional information is printed on the sides of the box, including its specs, fan curve, and efficiency graphs.
Opening the box, you’ll be greeted with additional reading materials (a quick installation guide and user guide) and the PSU, including the accessories. As you can see from the photo above, the V 1100 SFX PSU is cradled by a thick foam padding and is put inside a clothes bag. All the cables and accessories are placed in a separate pouch.
Cables and Accessories
The package includes several cable ties, screws, and an ATX bracket. Also included is a power cable and the primary cables of the power supply.
Here’s a better view of the included cables. Note that these cables are short (see specs table above) and are only good for a mini ITX build. The cables are too short for an ATX case, even a small ATX case. I can’t even use the cable on the BC1 V2 because several of the cables are too short, even for an OpenBench Table.
Most cables included with the V 1100 SFX Platinum PSU are the usual cables you see on any other PSU. However, the 16-pin 12VHPWR cable is only available in ATX 3.0 PCIE 5.0-ready PSUs. On top of that, the included 12VHPWR cable in the V 1100 SFX Platinum has a 90-degree angle.
According to Cooler Master, the cable features an advanced thermal structure, and is “highly flexible.” It also has 25% thicker materials and four springs, offering double the contact points. I’m not exactly sure what they mean by “25% thicker”, but I am guessing it has 25% thicker metal material inside the 16-pin connector.
The V 1100 SFX Platinum PSU
The Cooler Master V 1100M SFX Platinum PSU features a small and compact body. Although, I don’t know why Cooler Master decided to make the connectors protrude from the case. I don’t mind extending the case so the connectors would be recessed.
Although this is an 1100W PSU, the number of connectivity options for the peripherals is quite limited. There are only five (5) 8-pin power connectors, and one will go to the CPU. And only three (3) 6-pin connectors for HDD or SATA exist. However, I think the connectivity options are sufficient for a mini ITX build. The fewer the cables, the better for an ITX build.
Something is missing in this PSU. Do you know what’s missing based on the photos above? Well, it doesn’t have a power switch! That’s one of the downsides of this PSU, and it is definitely going to affect the decision of some potential buyers.
Also, there’s no fan control option since the PSU controls the 92mm fan. Given its size and power output, this PSU is expected to run hot, thus requiring an active cooling solution. By the way, this PSU features a Fan Failure Protection. If the fan stops spinning or doesn’t turn/start, the PSU will stop or won’t start.
Under the Hood
There are several key features inside the V 1100 SFX Platinum PSU. It features a flat copper wiring on the DC-DC choke and a flat transformer piling. It also features an aluminum plate dissipation structure on the full-bridge LLC. According to Cooler Master, advanced manufacturing processes were involved to enhance the overall miniaturization of the PSU.
Overall, I think the build quality is excellent and performs as expected. However, due to its size and power output, it needs sufficient (cool) air to keep the components running within specs. I have no doubt the PSU can handle even the fastest current GPU, the GeForce RTX 4090.
However, this PSU is built for a very specific niche. I am much more comfortable using a full-sized ATX power supply for heavy use, especially prolonged heavy workloads.
When I was using the PSU, I did not encounter or observe any abnormal behavior or issues. It was working fine and as expected. However, AnandTech and HWBusters did point out some weaknesses or limitations of the PSU. These two media outlets have properly tested Cooler Master’s PSU on their reviews.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t warrant a “must buy or must have” award. But at the same time, it’s not a bad product that should be avoided at all costs. However, the Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum is a niche product that caters to a specific build setup.
Pricing and Availability
The Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum power supply comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $279.99. Cooler Master is also offering a 10-year warranty for the said power supply. Since this PSU has been in the market for quite some time, prices may have adjusted by now. For the latest pricing and availability, kindly follow the links below.
Where to buy: (#ad)
Cooler Master V 1100 SFX Platinum is available on Amazon here.
