Power Supplies: Key Features
80 Plus Efficiency: Every Corsair power supply is certified by Plug Load Solutions to be at least
80% efficient at typical loads.
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.
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
Industrial Grade Components: The TX, HX and AX are all rated for continuous output power even at
operating temperatures as high as 50°C (122°F) and use capacitors rated at 105°C. This ensures
unwavering performance and durability.
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 it’s best to refer to the minimum system requirements
stated on your graphics card’s 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, it’s 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 I’ve 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 they’re
rated at, but only for a few seconds at a time.
Q: What is the significance of Corsair power supplies being rated at
50°C?
A: The internal operating temperature of a computer tends to be
between 40 and 45°C. 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 (25°C) may only be able to output
75% of that power when operating at 40°C and up!
“(The TX550M) is exceptionally good for a little
550 watt unit. It runs cool, it’s
incredibly stable, and it keeps ripple
and noise under half of ATX spec.
“(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
CX
GS
TX
TX-M
HX
AX
AX Platinum
AXi
Wattages
430, 500, 600, 750
600, 700, 800
650, 750, 850
550, 650, 750, 850
650, 750, 850, 1050
650, 750, 850, 1200
760, 860
760, 860, 1200
Yes
Yes
Yes (Fully)
Yes (Fully)
Yes (Fully)
Yes
Yes (excludes 1200)
Yes
Yes
Efficiency
Modular Cables
Fanless Mode
Yes
Cable Type
Sleeved
Sleeved
Sleeved
Sleeved with Flat
Modular Cables
Sleeved with Flat
Modular Cables
Combination of Sleeved
and Flat Cables
Combination of Sleeved
and Flat Cables
Combination of Sleeved
and Flat Cables
Temp Rating
30°C
40°C
50°C
50°C
50°C
50°C
50°C
50°C
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Industrial Grade
Components
Fan Diameter
120mm
140mm w/ LED
140mm
140mm
140mm
120mm (1200W has
140mm)
140mm
140mm
Warranty Period
3 years
3 years
5 years
5 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
7 years
Optimum
Application
Excellent alternative to
sub-standard, entrylevel PSU’s. Excellent
as a replacement
power supply or for
building a home office
computer.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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 enthusiast’s
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