Introduction and Features

Today Corsair unveils their latest product – the HX620W power supply! Yes, Corsair is now in the PC power supply business and we have an exclusive review for you with all the details.

Corsair Memory has an established reputation in the computer industry for producing some of the best PC memory available and with today’s new product launch they are expanding their product offerings to include PC power supplies.  With a focus on performance and reliability, Corsair’s new HX series was designed to deliver reliable, continuous, and efficient power to all critical system components.  The days of getting by with a generic power supply are behind us — modern PCs require a high-quality power supply for reliable operation.

 

Corsair HX620W Modular Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 35

 

Corsair developed the HX series for high-end computers, gaming PCs, audio/video workstations, and file server applications.  The HX series offers native support for dual graphics card configurations and supports the latest ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 standards.  And Corsair backs the new HX series with a 5-year warranty!

 

Corsair CMPSU-620HX PSU Key Features:

 

  • 620 watts continuous power output (up to 50°C)
  • ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 support
  • Triple +12V outputs (up to 50A combined +12V)
  • Ultra quiet 120mm variable speed fan
  • nVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire Ready
  • High-Efficiency (up to 84%)
  • Active PFC with Universal AC line input
  • Industrial grade capacitors (105°C rated) for longer life
  • Modular, ribbon-style peripheral device cables
  • Gold plated connectors
  • MTBF: 100,000 Hours
  • 5-Year warranty 

 

The Corsair HX620W power supply arrived securely packed between foam inserts inside an oversize, colorfully printed box.  The modular cables even come bundled inside a neat storage pouch.

 

Corsair HX620W Modular Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 36

 

In addition to the power supply and modular cables the packing box also contains a power cord, mounting screws, wire ties, Corsair case badge, and a printed User’s Manual.

 

Corsair HX620W Modular Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 37

 

The Corsair HX620W power supply was evaluated on both features and performance.  A full range of equipment was used to test the power supply under controlled load conditions.  In addition to measuring the power going in and coming out I looked at voltage regulation, electrical noise (AC ripple), sound level, efficiency and cost.  Here is a list of the equipment used during testing.

 

Corsair HX620W Modular Power Supply Review - Cases and Cooling 38

 

  • FLUKE 87-III True RMS digital multimeter (Accuracy +/- 0.05%)
  • WattsUp? Pro — digital wattmeter (Accuracy 3% of full scale)
  • Hitachi V-650F 60 MHz dual trace oscilloscope (Accuracy +/- 3%)
  • Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
  • FLUKE  52-II digital thermometer (Accuracy +/- 0.3ºC/0.5ºF)
  • Extech Model 407736 digital sound level meter (Accuracy +/- 1.5 dB)
  • AccuLab V1-10kg digital balance (Accuracy +/- 1g)
  • Homemade PSU load tester — selectable loads (up to 470W)
  • Seasonic PSU load tester (up to 137W)

 

Establishing a controlled load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply.  I built my own power supply load tester using 13 wire-wound, ceramic resistors of various sizes.  This unit can now place up to a 470 watt combined load onto the power supply being tested and includes independent +12V1 and +12V2 loads.  Different combinations of resistors can be switched in or out to select various loads.  In addition to my own load tester, I also used a load tester manufactured by Seasonic (75W and 137W loads).

 

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