Corsair HX750i PSU review - Certification and Efficiency

by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 08/14/2014 03:00 PM [

] 11 comment(s)

Certification

Corsair offers this PSU as a Platinum 80+ product certified by the 80PLUS organization (the people that certify and test efficiency). We already explained a little what that literally means. But what does such a certification entail? Well, 80 Plus (trademarked 80 PLUS) is a voluntary certification program intended to promote efficient energy use in computer power supply units (PSUs). Launched in 2004 by Ecos Consulting, it certifies products that have more than 80% energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load, and a power factor of 0.9 or greater at 100% load. That is, such PSUs will waste 20% or less electric energy as heat at the specified load levels, Thus reducing electricity use and bills compared to less efficient PSUs. Sometimes, rebates are given for manufacturers who use 80 Plus-certified PSUs.

Well, we have standard, bronze, silver, gold, platinum and Titanium certifications. A PSU that is certified 80 PLUS Gold or 80 PLUS Platinum is far more efficient than a normal unit. BTW the specs have been updated just a notch I shortly noticed prior to releasing this review, have a peek:

80 Plus test type	115V internal non-redundant				230V internal redundant
Percentage of rated load	10%	20%	50%	100%	10%	20%	50%	100%
80 Plus		80%	80%	80%
80 Plus Bronze		82%	85%	82%		81%	85%	81%
80 Plus Silver		85%	88%	85%		85%	89%	85%
80 Plus Gold		87%	90%	87%		88%	92%	88%
80 Plus Platinum		90%	92%	89%		90%	94%	91%
80 Plus Titanium	90%	92%	94%	90%	90%	94%	96%	91%

The Corsair HX750i power supplies are certified by the 80PLUS organization to deliver a 94 energy efficiency at 50% load and still 94% efficiency when your PC idles (at 230Volts) .

Ultra Low Noise Design

Thanks to its high efficiency and low heat output the PSU is able to operate in a silent, fanless mode up to 40% of the rated
wattage (400W), allowing for the possibility of fanless gaming. The fan speed ramps slowly above 40% load, so even fully-loaded PCs can be powered quietly.

Low Ripple and Noise
Low ripple and noise equals high-quality power, allowing your performance-critical components, such as high-end graphics cards, to operate reliably for longer.

63 Amp Single +12V Rail
The PSU features a massive 63 Amp single +12V rail, making it the idea PSU for ultra-high end SLI and Crossfire gaming PCs based around multi-core CPUs.

Corsair LINK interface
Thanks to the DSP-based design, the Ax750i can be accessed using the Corsair Link interface. This server-inspired diagnostic tool can record and monitor real-time efficiency, power usage, and adjust fan profiles.

Fan Test Switch
The fan test switch on the PSU confirms that the fan is functional, providing a simple method of checking that the power supply is functioning correctly.

Fully Modular Cable System
The fully modular cable system provides total flexibility when building or upgrading your PC, since you use only the cables that you need. This reduced cable clutter also improves case airflow and cooling, and makes it much easier to build your high-end system and route cables.

Reliable
As with all HX PSUs, it is built with premium components, such as high-temp 105C capacitors, and is capable of continuous power delivery at a temperature rating of 50° C, ensuring maximum performance and reliability even in the most hot-running performance PCs.

Protected
The PSU features a comprehensive array of protection and safety features. This includes Over-Voltage Protection (OVP), and Over-Current Protection (OCP) on the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails, Over-Temperature Protection (OTP), and Short-Circuit Protection (SCP).

Press-release

Corsair, the most awarded PC power supply brand in the world, today announced its new HXi Series PC power supply, the latest evolution in the award-winning line of HX PSUs. Available in 750, 850, and 1000 watt models, the HXi Series PSU feature 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency, fully modular cables, near-silent operation, Japanese electrolytic capacitors, and Corsair software monitoring and customization. Akin to all Corsair PSUs, the HXi Series utilizes high-quality componentry to guarantee clean, stable, continuous power when needed most.

The ultra-efficient design found within the HXi Series generates minimal heat and runs exceptionally quiet, even when delivering high levels of power. The PSUs meet the stringent requirements for 80 PLUS Platinum certification by achieving greater than 92% energy efficiency - reducing both energy waste and the electrical bill. Built with specially selected low-noise capacitors and transformers, and a Zero-RPM Fan Mode (that only spins the PSU fan under the heaviest loads), the HXi Series PSU deliver ultra-low noise operation during common daily use. Within, a 140 mm fluid dynamic bearing fan runs quietly at all speeds for remarkably discreet operation and additional cooling.

Corsair Link software gives enthusiasts complete control over their HXi PSU. Real-time temperature, power usage, efficiency monitoring, and selectable single/multi rail mode straight from the desktop.

"When we launched the first PSUs in 2006, the HX Series redefined what a PC PSU should be, raising the bar for PSU quality and performance and making them a long-trusted favorite of PC enthusiasts," said Aaron Neal, product manager of PSUs at Corsair. "The new HXi PSUs build on that legacy with upgraded efficiency, fully modular cables, software monitoring, and some of the best voltage regulation, noise, and ripple specs in their class."

Specifications

80 PLUS Platinum efficiency
Fully modular DC cable set
100% Japanese electrolytic capacitors rated at 105°c
Zero-RPM fan mode for virtually silent operation at low and medium loads
Corsair Link support for monitoring efficiency, voltages, power output, temperature, and fan speed plus user customizable setting of rail modes and fan speed.
Fluid dynamic bearing fan
Continuous power rated at 50° Celsius
Models and MSRP USD pricing

HX750i 750 watt: $169.99 / £70 inc. VAT / €70 Exc. VAT
HX850i 850 watt: $189.99 / £145 inc VAT / €152 Exc.VAT
HX1000i 1000 watt: $229.99 / £160 inc VAT / €168 Exc. VAT

Also good to know, the HXi Series PSUs are backed by a seven-year warranty.

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