Review: PSU NZXT C1200 Gold – 1200W Fully-Modular

The C1200 Gold is NZXT’s latest addition to the high-capacity PSU market, boasting compatibility with ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0. Equipped with a 600 W 12VHPWR connector, it can easily handle power-hungry components like the NVIDIA RTX 4090 at max power limit. The unit is built on Channel Well Technology’s (CWT) CSZ platform, which is well-known in the market and is used in other popular PSUs like Thermaltake GF3 and Montech Titan Gold lines.

It is crucial to ensure that any new PSU adheres to the ATX v3.0 spec and has 12VHPWR connectors to remain future-proof. It is unwise to invest in an outdated PSU, especially with the imminent need for 12+4 pin PCIe connectors for AMD GPUs in the future. Investing in a PSU is a long-term decision, and choosing a future-proof unit can save money and prevent the need for frequent replacements.

PSU NZXT C1200 Gold
PSU NZXT C1200 Gold photo: NZXT

Despite its high capacity, the NZXT C1200 Gold PSU has a compact form factor, measuring only 150 mm long. While this may impact airflow and noise output, the Cybenetics Standard+ noise rating suggests that noise levels are still acceptable. NZXT cautions that the unit can’t deliver full power continuously at temperatures above 50°C, but this is not a significant concern as running a PSU at such high temperatures can lead to failures. The suggested limit of PSU loads is 45-47°C.

The NZXT C1200 Gold PSU is a high-capacity unit that boasts impressive specs and features. It is built in collaboration with Channel Well Technology, and it is ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 ready, with a 600W 12VHPWR connector. The price tag of $260 seems reasonable, considering the product’s features, and it is on par with the Corsair RM1200 Shift.

The PSU has achieved a Gold efficiency rating in the Cybenetics test and a Standard+ noise rating. At only 150mm deep, it is a compact unit, making it easier to fit into smaller cases. Additionally, the PSU comes with a ten-year warranty, which is consistent with most competing offerings.

The NZXT C1200 Gold PSU is a powerful unit with a maximum power output of 1200W. It has several high-power connectors, including two EPS (2x cables), four PCIe 6+2 pin (2x cables), and one PCIe 12+4 pin (600W). Peripheral connectors include eight SATA (3x cables) and four 4-pin Molex (single cable). The semi-passive operation is selectable, and the unit is fully modular.

The PSU’s dimensions are 150 mm x 85 mm x 150 mm, and it weighs 1.77 kg (3.90 lb). It has a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA13525H12SF-Z) for cooling. The ATX/EPS cable length is 600/700mm, and the distance between SATA/4-pin Molex connectors is 150mm. In-cable capacitors are not present.

The NZXT C1200 Gold PSU is an excellent choice for those who need a high-capacity PSU that is efficient, compact, and comes with a ten-year warranty. The semi-passive operation and fully modular design make it a flexible unit that can adapt to various needs. The PSU’s Gold efficiency rating and Standard+ noise rating are impressive, and the price is reasonable for what it offers.PSU NZXT C1200 Gold

The NZXT C1200 Gold is a high-performance power supply unit that meets the latest ATX v3.0 specifications. Its 600W 12VHPWR connector allows it to support even the most powerful NVIDIA graphics cards available today, and it will also be compatible with upcoming GPUs. Despite achieving good efficiency levels, especially at lighter loads, its compact size of only 150mm may lead to suboptimal airflow. Additionally, the increased platform capacity and lack of proper heatsinks on its secondary side means that increased fan speed is required to deal with the heat generated, leading to an average noise output of over 35 dBA.

However, under normal operating temperatures and up to 600W loads, noise output is minimal, with the fan’s noise only exceeding 30 dBA when pushed above 880W. This means that as long as the PSU is not pushed hard, it should not cause any noise issues. The fan-speed profile with several modes of operation is a welcome feature. At high loads, other PC components, such as the CPU and GPU coolers, are likely to produce more noise than the PSU, unless they are cooled by a custom water-cooling solution.

NZXT C1200 Gold PSU specs:

OUTPUT CONNECTORS

  • 24-pin ATX power:1
  • 4+4-pin CPU power:1
  • 8-pin CPU Cable :1
  • 6+2-pin PCIe power :2
  • 16-pin (12+4) 12VHPWR PCIe Cable:1
  • SATA power :8
  • Peripherals :4

CABLE SPECS

  • 24-pin ATX power:600 mm, Nylon sleeving
  • 4+4-pin CPU power:700 mm, Nylon sleeving
  • 8-Pin CPU Power Cable:700mm, Nylon sleeving
  • 6+2-pin PCIe power:650 + 150 mm, Nylon sleeving
  • 16-Pin (12+4) 12VHPWR PCIe Cable:650mm, Nylon sleeving
  • SATA power:500 + 150 mm
  • Peripherals:500 + 150 mmNZXT C1200 Gold

GENERAL

  • Dimensions:150 x 150 x 86mm
  • Material(s):Steel, PCB and Plastic
  • Compliance Standard:ATX12V v3.0 / EPS12V v2.92
  • Regulation & Certification:cTUV-SUDus / CUL (UL60950/62368-1) / TUV / (EN60950/62368-1) / CB/ (IEC 950/62368-1) / CCC / CEC /BSMI / RCM / EAC / CE / LVD / UKCA
  • Warranty:10 years

DC OUTPUT RATING

  • +3.3V and +5V:22A (120W)
  • +12V:100A (1200W)
  • -12V:0.3A (3.6W)
  • 5Vsb:3A (15W)
  • Total:1200W