Introduction

We would like to thank Corsair for supplying the review sample.



Most users nowadays look for good performance along with a very silent operation, which is a really hard find in, especially, high-capacity PSUs. Corsair's response to the scarcity of silent units was the RM series which currently includes six members with capacities ranging from 450 W to 1000 W. We have already tested three RM units (650, 750, and 850 W models) which satisfied us with their performance and generally silent operation, although the 750 W and 850 W models had the cooling fan engage rather late, which increased internal temperatures. We already tested most RM units, so why not test the strongest one, Corsair obviously thought, so they sent us the RM1000 which, as its model number implies, has a capacity of 1 kW.

The RM1000 is Gold certified and has a fully modular cabling design, two features common to all RM units. Corsair also says it to be optimized for silence as its high efficiency and low-noise capacitors and transformers will eliminate coil-whine issues, a problem many modern high-performance platforms suffer from. Its fan also operates semi-passively and Corsair promises this PSU to be whisper-quiet even while being pushed hard. We will soon find out whether this holds true since we plan to push it beyond its limits during our evaluation tests. The RM1000 utilizes a single and powerful +12V rail and is currently prices very affordably for a PSU of its category, so it will easily do well in our price/performance ratio chart if it does well in our performance tests.

Specifications

All RM units feature Gold efficiency and are fully modular. They are also Haswell ready and have a full set of protection features. This unit's technical specifications are a bit odd as Corsair states its operating range to be 0°C-50°C while also stating this PSU to reliably deliver its full power continuously at up to 40°C. Companies usually state the maximum operational temperature at which the PSU can work under the worst possible conditions (e.g. full load) and avoid giving two maximum temperatures, one its operational temperature without any further details on the load and the other its true maximum temperature at which the full load can be delivered continuously. Corsair apparently tried to pull off a marketing gimmick that essentially backfired as it made things worse—we even found it misleading.

A 135 mm fan with a rifle bearing, which is essentially an enhanced version of a sleeve-bearing fan, keeps the unit cool, and our past experience has shown it to be incredibly quiet. The semi-passive operation also helps maintain low noise levels. The PSU's warranty is five years long, and given its features, its price looks good.


The single +12V rail can deliver more than 83 A, so it will easily handle a power hungry system with multiple VGAs. The minor rails are also powerful for a contemporary PC, and the 5VSB rail is powerful enough, although 3.5 A or more would have been nice to have.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

The RM1000, like most units of its capacity, has eight PCIe and two EPS connectors that are all available at the same time. It also features a great number of SATA and peripheral connectors, and all cables are pretty long. While the distance between SATA connectors is good, we would like the peripheral connectors to ideally be 13-15 cm apart from one another. While six of the 24-pin connector's wires are 18AWG, all other are 16AWG. All PCIe connectors, on the other hand, use 16AWG gauges while all others—except for the FDD adapter and, strangely enough, the EPS cables which use 20AWG wires—use the 18AWG standard.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail, we do not have anything to comment on when it comes time to describe its power distribution.

Packaging

The box is pretty large and most of the area on its face is covered by a close-up of the PSU's fan grill. Near the bottom-right corner are the model number, in very large font, and several badges for its five year warranty, Gold-certified efficiency, low noise output, and semi-passive operation.


On this side are the model number and the "ultra quiet" description Corsair uses in marketing these PSUs.


You will find a list of all available connectors and their cable length on this side. We really appreciate when companies include such information on their packaging.


On the rear are two graphs which show the unit's efficiency and its noise output throughout its entire load range. A paragraph in many languages also describes the RM1000's most important features, and its power specifications table can be found in the bottom-right corner.

Contents

The outer sleeving hides a plain but sturdy cardboard box with Corsair's logo on it. Packing foam protects the PSU well, and the unit also comes inside a plastic bag.


The bundle includes an outdated products guide, a user's manual, a warranty leaflet, several zip ties, a set of fixing bolts, the modular cables, and an AC power cord.


Corsair was kind enough to send us their optional Corsair Link cable to check on the corresponding software; however, its functionality is limited on non-digital platforms like this one as it only provides fan speed and +12V amperage readings without the option to adjust the fan profile.