Power Supplies: Key Features

80% efficient at typical loads.

Reviews
The CX430 proved to be a terrific entrylevel power supply. Hardware Secrets Equipped with multicolored LEDs and presented in a nice looking Chassis, the (GS-880) is based on a modern architecture and has strong performance across the board. - Hexus.net

80 Plus Efficiency: Every Corsair power supply is certified by Plug Load Solutions to be at least

Flat Cables make routing cables underneath the motherboard, behind the motherboard tray and behind drive bays easy, resulting in a tidy, airflow optimized build. Sleeved Cables give your build a neat and tidy appearance, compared to the non-sleeved, exposed multi-colored wires that some power supplies have. Modular Cables allow the user to only install the cables required for their particular build. Unused
cables do not have to be left hanging on the power supply. They can simply be removed.

Industrial Grade Components: The TX, HX and AX are all rated for continuous output power even at
operating temperatures as high as 50C (122F) and use capacitors rated at 105C. This ensures unwavering performance and durability. (The TX550M) is exceptionally good for a little 550 watt unit. It runs cool, its incredibly stable, and it keeps ripple and noise under half of ATX spec.

Fanless Mode on the GS and AX series provide silent operation at lower loads because the intake fan does not spin until a certain load or temperature are reached. Thermal Control changes fan speed based on the load on, and internal temperature of, the power supply. The power supply is virtually silent at low loads , while during heavier loads the fan speed gradually increases to help keep power supply and system temperatures low.

Power Supplies: Q&A

Q: What size PSU do I need? A: Typically, the graphics card consumes more power than anything else in a PC, so its best to refer to the minimum system requirements stated on your graphics cards packaging. There are also a number of power supply calculators on the web that can estimate how much power you need. Either of these methods will give you a good idea of what you need with plenty of overhead. And since a power supply only puts out as much power as demanded of it, its perfectly fine to have a power supply that is larger than what you need today, and ready for future upgrades. Q: My case requires a power supply with the fan pointed down. All of the pictures Ive seen of Corsair power supplies show the fan pointed up. Is this going to be compatible with my case? A: Power supplies really do not have a top or bottom. You can mount a Corsair power supply in your chassis in whatever direction necessary, as long as the intake fan is not obstructed. Q: What is the difference between continuous and peak output power? A: Corsair power supplies are all rated at continuous output. That means that a Corsair power supply can put out 100% of its capability 100% of the time, if necessary. Other power supplies may be rated at peak. These power supplies may be able to put out what theyre rated at, but only for a few seconds at a time. Q: What is the significance of Corsair power supplies being rated at 50C? A: The internal operating temperature of a computer tends to be between 40 and 45C. If a power supply is rated at, or any temperature below, the operating temperature of the PC, its ability to continuously output power decreases. One power supply that has its output rated at room temperature (25C) may only be able to output 75% of that power when operating at 40C and up!

(The TX750) looks fantastic with the stylish and durable matt paint, but the overall design implementation is first class. Kit Guru

For those looking at a 1000w+ PSU the Corsair HX1050 impresses in every aspect HardwareHeaven

The Corsair AX850 is probably the best 850W we have seen to date. -HardOCP

August 2012

Power Supplies: At A Glance

Series Wattages Efficiency Modular Cables Fanless Mode Cable Type Temp Rating Industrial Grade Components Fan Diameter Warranty Period Optimum Application
120mm 3 years Excellent alternative to sub-standard, entrylevel PSUs. Excellent as a replacement power supply or for building a home office computer. 140mm w/ LED 3 years For the performance gaming machine with custom lighting; updating to a GS power supply adds design accents while providing ample power for high-end graphics cards. Sleeved 30C Yes Sleeved 40C Sleeved 50C Yes 140mm 5 years Sleeved with Flat Modular Cables 50C Yes 140mm 5 years Yes Yes Yes Sleeved with Flat Modular Cables 50C Yes 140mm 7 years Yes (Fully) Yes (excludes 1200) Combination of Sleeved and Flat Cables 50C Yes 120mm (1200W has 140mm) 7 years Setting the standard for quality, the AX takes the best of everything and combines it with full cable modularity and a silent mode that prevents the fan from spinning and making any noise until loads exceed 20%. Yes (Fully) Yes Combination of Sleeved and Flat Cables 50C Yes 140mm 7 years Corsair set the standard for power supply quality with the AX power supply and now makes it more efficient. With Platinum efficiency, the new AX delivers power at 92% efficiency and higher. Yes (Fully) Yes Combination of Sleeved and Flat Cables 50C Yes 140mm 7 years The AXi is the first enthusiast power supply to feature DSP, which gives the unit unprecedented voltage regulation. The AXi also features 80 Plus Platinum efficiency and can be monitored via Corsair Link software.

CX
430, 500, 600, 750

GS
600, 700, 800

TX
650, 750, 850

TX-M
550, 650, 750, 850

HX
650, 750, 850, 1050

AX
650, 750, 850, 1200

AX Platinum
760, 860

AXi
760, 860, 1200

With build Modular cables Server quality with quality and are combined with higher efficiency, performance server quality the HX exceeds results typically components, truly every ATX found in server combining server specification and units, the TX grade has longevity that offers enthusiast performance with Corsair backs with a system builders an enthusiasts 7 year warranty. a superior power supply. alternative to mediocre power units.

The 80 PLUS performance specification requires computer power supplies to be 80% or greater energy efficient at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load with a true power factor of 0.9 or greater. This makes an 80 PLUS certified power supply substantially more efficient than typical power supplies, which are only required to be a minimum of 50% efficient at light loads, 60% efficient at typical loads and 70% efficient at full load. 80 Plus power supplies are at least 80% efficient at 20%, 50% and 100% loads. 80 Plus Bronze power supplies are at least 82% efficient at 20% and 100% loads, and 85% efficient at 50% load. 80 Plus Silver power supplies are at least 85% efficient at 20% and 100% loads, and 88% efficient at 50% load. 80 Plus Gold power supplies are at least 87% efficient at 20% and 100% loads, and 90% efficient at 50% load. 80 Plus Platinum power supplies are at least 89% efficient at 20% and 100% loads, and 92% efficient at 50% load. November 2012