Introduction and Features
HX Series update with advanced features and excellent performance.
Introduction
(Courtesy of Corsair)
Corsair recently updated their HX Series power supplies which now include four models: the HX750, HX850, HX1000 and HX1200. The HX Series is targeted towards advanced users for use in gaming rigs, overclocking systems, and any PC that demands rock-solid stability. Corsair states the HX Series power supplies provide extremely tight voltage regulation, quiet operation, Platinum-level efficiency and come with a fully modular cable set. In addition, the HX Series power supplies are built with all Japanese 105°C capacitors and come backed by a 10-year warranty.
Note: Corsair offers essentially the same four models in their HXi Series, which also includes the Corsair Link digital interface for software based monitoring and control.
We will be taking a detailed look at the new HX Series 850W power supply in this review.
Corsair HX Series PSU Key Features:
• 750W, 850W, 1000W, and 1200W models
• Max power output at server-grade 50°C temperature rating
• 80 Plus Platinum efficiency certification
• 10-Year warranty
• ZeroRPM mode for fan-less operation at low loads
• Quiet 135mm cooling fan with FDB
• All capacitors are Japanese brand, 105°C rated
• Fully modular cable set
• Switch allows selecting either Single or Multiple Rail +12V outputs
• Complies with ATX12V v2.4 and EPS 2.92 standards
• 6th Generation Intel Core processor Ready
• Full suite of protection circuits: OVP, UVP, SCP, OPP and OTP
• Active PFC with full range AC input (100-240 VAC)
• MSRP for the HX850 is $159.99 USD
• MSRP for the HX850i with Corsair Link is $199.99 USD
Another advanced feature incorporated into all HX Series power supplies is a little switch on the front panel that allows selecting either Single or Multiple +12V rail outputs.
PSU reviews are immensely
PSU reviews are immensely boring.
While the number of
While the number of spectacular PSU failures has markedly decreased, reviews such as this excellent example are incredibly important when making purchasing decisions. Have a little respect for the work that Lee has put into this review.
Maybe reviewers could spice
Maybe reviewers could spice up the format by testing PSUs to the point of failure. I would like to see what it takes to physically destroy these things. Can one take a 850W PSU to 1000W? What happens if I short an active power cable? What happens to thermals without the fan active? Can I add a waterblock to it in a custom cooling loop? There are so many interesting questions.
Virtually all enthusiast
Virtually all enthusiast grade PSUs have built in safety circuits that are designed to protect the PSU from catastrophic failure. I have only had one PSU actually explode (fireball, sparks and smoke) during testing over the last fifteen years. Over Current protection or Over Power protection should shut the PSU down if too heavy a load is applied to a particular rail or the total output power is exceeded. Short circuit protection should shut it down if a short occurs on one of the outputs. And if the cooling fan fails, Over Temperature protection should shut the PSU down before it self destructs. Boring but safe!
And water-cooling a PSU is possible (although maybe not practical). I have done this in the past by attaching several custom made water blocks to the PSU's existing aluminum heat sinks. I chose a PSU that was designed to operate fanless, removed the cover and attached three custom water blocks. Use your imagination… 🙂
Maybe I missed it but I read
Maybe I missed it but I read through the review and didn’t see any info about what the 12v real switch actually does other then switching between single rail and multi rail mode.
Does this have any impact at all on the operation? Is effeciency affected? What kind of scenarios exist in which that feature is even useful? I can’t really think of one, although I’m not a die-hard PSU junkie.