Corsair RM850i Fully Modular 850W Power Supply Review

A Detailed Look (Cont’d)

Corsair Link Monitoring and Control Software

The Corsair Link feature of the RM850i allows for a full suite of telemetry to be communicated from the PSU to the PC over USB or a Corsair Link Commander Unit (sold separately). After downloading and installing the free Corsair Link software (version 3.1.5570 or newer is required), you can monitor various performance variables, including power input and output, efficiency, fan speed, and internal temperature. You can also configure and customize some features, including selecting fan speed modes, select between single-rail or multi-rail modes for the +12V outputs, and apply selectable OCP trip points if desired.

Two interface cables are included with the RM850i: A Corsair Link USB cable, which allows connecting the PSU to an internal USB header on the PC’s motherboard, or alternately, the Digital Interface cable, which can be used to connect the PSU via a Corsair Link Commander.

By default, the RM850i has OCP (over current protection) enabled on all rails. Each 8-pin modular connector used for CPU power and PCIe power has a 40A OCP set on the +12V output. The 6-pin connectors for SATA and Molex +12V leads collectively have their own 40A OCP, as does the two +12V leads on the 24-pin ATX mobo connector. The OCP can be disabled within Link and a virtual switch can be toggled on or off to enable/disable multi +12V rails.

Note: Many other Corsair products also support the Link technology (memory modules, water cooling, case cooling fans and lighting subsystems, GPU Node for monitoring PCI-E current loads, etc.).

Under the Hood

Here are a few pictures showing the layout and components inside the RM850i power supply.  The RMi Series was custom designed by Corsair and manufactured by Channel Well Technologies (CWT), one of Corsair’s long standing OEM partners.

The following photo illustrates the main sections within the power supply and their functions.

(Courtesy of Corsair)

The Corsair RMi Series PSUs utilizes a modern full-bridge design with LLC resonant converter topology to minimize switching losses and help increase efficiency. Two DC-to-DC converters are used on the secondary to produce the +3.3V and +5V minor rails from the +12V main section.

All of the electrolytic capacitors used inside the RMi Series are high-quality Japanese made and rated for 105°C operation. The PSU incorporates two primary capacitors made by Nippon Chemi-Con rated for 470uF, 400V and 105°C. Solid polymer capacitors are used on the rear connector board and DC-to-DC converters. The overall component layout is clean, leaves room for good airflow and the soldering appears very good.