Introduction

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



When it comes to PSUs, low noise output is to many just as significant as high performance and efficiency. Corsair's initial offering for those who put an emphasis on both was the RM line with PSUs that are incredibly quiet in even the toughest conditions. During Computex 2015, the new RMi line was introduced. It brings with it some major upgrades we will list in the table below. The new RMi units come in four versions with capacities ranging from 650 W to 1000 W. This means that the RM450 and RM550 are for the moment left without successors, which is probably due to the fact that Corsair is looking to keep both lines active.

All RMi PSUs are 80 PLUS Gold certified to avoid competing with Corsair's Platinum HXi units and feature a fully modular cabling design and a semi-passive operation. The major differences to previous RM units are the longer warranty of seven years, exclusive use of Japanese capacitors, a 50°C rating for continuous full-load delivery, the FDB fan, and an upgraded digital circuit with more functionality. All RMi units also provide the ability to monitor power in, out, efficiency, output voltages, and temperatures, all while allowing for the creation of a custom fan profile to match your needs. This is a major upgrade to the options previous RM PSUs offered through the Corsair Link software.

The strongest RMi member with 1 kW maximum power will be the main subject of today's review. Corsair states the unit to be optimized for high performance and very low noise output. Given our experience with the RM1000, which is among the quietest high-capacity PSUs we have ever tested, we have absolutely no reason not to take Corsair's claim seriously. We, after all, have the equipment to measure noise output levels darn accurately and will make a point of comparing the RM1000i to the older RM1000.

Specifications

Efficiency remained Gold; however, compared to the RM1000, the maximum temperature at which the PSU can deliver its full power continuously has been raised to 50°C, an increase of 10°C. The RM1000i also comes with all protections and an FDB fan, which will have the fan last longer than the riffle-bearing fan Corsair's RM units have. Corsair's semi-passive mode translates into zero noise output at light loads and the warranty is set at seven years, a long period that somewhat justifies the unit's $200 price tag.

In single +12V rail mode, the RM1000i can deliver more than 83 amperes at +12V, which easily meets the needs of a strong gaming system. At 150 W maximum combined power output, the minor rails are very strong as well, and while the 5VSB rail could afford to be a little stronger, 3A will cover most instances.

In multiple +12V rail mode, the RM1000i has eight rails with a 40A limit each. Definitely a high number of +12V rails, we believe it to be enough to cover any user who doesn't feel safe with single +12V rail PSUs. According to Corsair, each 8-pin modular connector has its own +12V rail in this mode, while the 6-pin connectors for SATA and Molex share another. The last +12V rail is for the two +12V leads on the 24-pin connector.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

There are enough PCIe and EPS connectors for a 1 kW PSU, and all of them are available at the same time. There are also a plethora of SATA and peripheral connectors to make sure anyone's needs are met. The RM1000i is among one of few PSUs to offer such a large number of peripheral connectors. Overall, the cables are long enough, and the distance between PCIe and SATA connectors is good. We would like to see the peripheral connectors spaced apart a little more since components that use these specific connectors are usually pretty far apart. The 24-pin ATX and PCIe connectors use 16AWG wires, the FDD adapters utilize 22AWG gauges, and all other connectors use 18AWG wires.

Since the ATX, EPS, and PCIe connectors have soldered-on capacitors to further suppress ripple, modders will have a hard time making their own cables. Corsair will also most likely not offer an individually sleeved cabling kit with these capacitors installed since such capacitors are expensive and won't look nice, which is the main reason behind utilizing cabling kits.

Packaging

Corsair introduced a new package design with the RMi series, one with yellow as its main color, which makes the box readily distinguishable (especially on a store shelf among other packages). On the front of the box is a quarter-shot of the PSU with its model description in large font near the bottom-right corner. The 80 PLUS Gold badge and seven year warranty icons are, strangely enough, really small and barely noticeable.


The sides depict the unit's most notable features. These include its 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, Japanese caps, Corsair Link software, and ability to switch between multiple and single +12V mode. On top is a graphical list of all available connectors with some useful information on cable length and connector count.


On the back are two graphs, one for the unit's efficiency and the other with the fan's noise-level curves, along with the power specifications table. Corsair also mentions how quiet the PSU is with light and moderate loads.

Contents

As per usual for a high-end Corsair product, the unit is completely surrounded by packing foam, which should keep it safe and sound even if it is handled roughly during transportation. The RM1000i has also been put into a nice cloth bag with Corsair's logo on it.


The bundle includes the user's manual common to all RMi units, a warranty leaflet, a set of fixing bolts, several zip-ties, the AC power cord, and a case badge. Corsair also provides a pouch you can put any unused modular cables into.