Specs & Review: GAMDIAS Kratos M1-750W PSU

Amidst a saturated market brimming with choices, GAMDIAS strategically focuses on the gaming sector, skillfully navigating the delicate balance between cost-effectiveness and captivating design. Offering a wide array of PC power and cooling solutions, peripherals, and even furniture, GAMDIAS caters to the diverse requirements of the gaming community.

One product in the spotlight is the Kratos M1-750W PSU, aimed at the RGB-centric segment of the PC gaming market. While not positioned as a flagship product for elite competition, the M1-750W PSU signifies GAMDIAS’ foray into an arena where aesthetics take center stage. Delving into its intricacies reveals how GAMDIAS aims to blend cost and visual appeal, offering the Kratos M1-750W as an enticing option for users seeking a stylish PSU with RGB lighting without a hefty price tag.

The external design of the Kratos M1-750W is distinctive, even without its RGB lighting. GAMDIAS incorporates a triangular logo pattern on all sides of the chassis, creating a visually appealing product that adheres to ATX design guidelines. The non-modular nature of the PSU features flat, ribbon-like black wires and connectors, maintaining a sleek look.

While the Kratos M1-750W lacks semi-passive thermal profiles, it compensates with a unique approach to fan speed control. The PSU’s rear side hosts switches for cycling through lighting patterns and toggling the “silent mode,” which controls the fan speed based on temperature. The absence of semi-passive mode means the fan always spins, with the “silent mode” functioning as the default thermally-based fan speed control.

The Kratos M1-750W’s standout feature is its external design and RGB lighting. The LEDs, housed inside the fan’s hub, deliver powerful and crisp illumination, offering a plethora of customizable effects. Users can switch between internal and motherboard/external RGB control with a simple button press.

The cooling fan, manufactured by PowerYear, operates at a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. The PSU’s filtering stage is basic, featuring two Y capacitors, two X capacitors, and two filtering inductors. The absence of DC-to-DC circuitry on the secondary side is noteworthy, with the 3.3V and 5V lines regulated through a group regulation scheme. Despite concerns, Jun Fu capacitors prove to be reliable in this low-cost design.

However, the Kratos M1-750W exhibits fluctuations in minor lines under cross-loading, characteristic of group-regulated platforms. Voltage regulation remains passable, with a 2% deviation on the 3V and 12V lines, and 3.6% on the 5V line.

The PSU’s primary protections, including Over Current, Over Voltage, Over Power, and Short Circuit, engage effectively. Nevertheless, the OPP protection is set relatively high at around 120% of the rated capacity, potentially stressing the unit under high temperatures.

As we dissect the Kratos M1-750W further, it becomes evident that the balance between aesthetics and performance is a delicate one. The PSU’s average build quality places it in a category where many power supplies reside, catering to users with a keen eye for design but without compromising essential functionality.

Behind the Kratos M1-750W is the reputable OEM/ODM, Andyson, a well-known designer and manufacturer of PC PSUs. However, the unit relies on an older platform with only minor upgrades and outdated topologies. This aspect raises questions about its long-term viability and adaptability to evolving hardware standards. Potential buyers should weigh this factor against the allure of its RGB aesthetics.

While the capacitors may not bear the prestigious label of well-known Japanese brands, the unit’s reliance on Jun Fu capacitors shouldn’t be hastily dismissed. Contrary to concerns, Jun Fu is a reliable manufacturer, delivering components of better quality than typically expected in a low-cost design.

Cross-loading tests reveal the characteristic fluctuations in minor lines, a common trait of group-regulated platforms. Despite advancements in newer designs, the inherent limitations persist, posing potential challenges for modern systems that heavily rely on the 12V line.

Voltage regulation, while not flawless, is within acceptable limits with a 2% deviation on the 3V and 12V lines, and 3.6% on the 5V line. This suggests that the Kratos M1-750W is capable of delivering stable power within reasonable tolerances.

The PSU’s primary protections engage effectively, demonstrating GAMDIAS’ commitment to ensuring the safety and longevity of the unit. However, the Over Power Protection (OPP) set at around 120% of the rated capacity raises eyebrows, as it may subject the unit to unnecessary stress, particularly under high temperatures.

The GAMDIAS Kratos M1-750W PSU is a product of compromises, carefully balancing visual appeal with performance within a certain price range. While it may not cater to the demands of elite gaming competitions, it presents a viable option for users seeking a budget-friendly, RGB-equipped power supply. Potential buyers should consider the trade-offs, particularly the reliance on an older platform, when evaluating the Kratos M1-750W for their specific gaming setup.