Introduction

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

Corsair has one of the most complete PSU portfolios around, and the best part is that it is constantly being added to with new models or updated versions of current ones. Corsair's top three PSU lines are the AXi, HXi, and RMi lines, and today, we are evaluating the RM650i, which, as its model number implies, has a capacity of 650W. The RMi line sits between the HXi and RMx lines, and its members feature a digital interface, which makes keeping track of voltages, power input and output, amperage, and fan speed possible. Users can even adjust the fan's profile since RMi PSUs utilize a PWM fan. However, the platform isn't digital as with Corsair's AXi PSUs since it uses the typical analog parts most PSUs contain. The only digital parts are in the interface that allows the PSU to communicate with the system. You can pick a RMx unit if you don't care about monitoring your PSU's functions since they are based on the same platform, but come without a digital interface and a different fan.



The RM650i is perfect for a strong gaming system because it can support two high-end VGAs with a power consumption of around 200 W each. It is Gold-certified and utilizes a new platform by Channel Well Technology (CWT) for top-notch performance in all areas. The performance gap between the older RM and newer RMi and RMx units is huge, which shows that Corsair is heading down the right path. Corsair has, moreover, increased the warranty to ten years to close the gap to EVGA's offerings. Such a long warranty looks like a gamble when it comes to PSUs since power quality and operating conditions can play a significant role; however, Corsair seems confident enough in their quality since the warranty has been increased for all AXi, HXi, RMi, and RMx units.

Specifications

Efficiency is 80 PLUS Gold certified and the PSU can deliver its full power continuously at up to 50°C. All necessary protection features are present, and the user can disable OCP on the +12V rails through the Corsair Link application in order to turn this PSU into one with a single +12V rail. The cooling fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing, which will make it last forever, especially since it won't run at all at light and moderate loads, which results in zero noise output.

The PSU's dimensions are normal for its capacity, and it weighs little. The warranty has recently been increased to ten years, which shows Corsair's confidence in the platform. The price is on the high side, but the digital interface and FDB fan aren't cheap. If you believe you can do without these two features, you can go with the Corsair RM650x instead to save some money.

The minor rails are pretty strong, and the same can be said of the +12V rail since it can deliver up to 54A. The 5VSB rail can provide up to 3A, making it a little stronger than is the norm.

Here are the unit's power specifications with multiple +12 V rails enabled. These are enabled by default.

Cables & Connectors

There are enough PCIe and peripheral connectors for a unit of this capacity, but the single EPS connector won't be enough for some mainboards that need an additional EPS or ATX12V connector.

The cables are long enough, but the distance between peripheral connectors is too small since there should at least be 13-15 cm in-between connectors to avoid any compatibility problems. Every connector except for the PCIe connectors use 18-gauge wires since the latter use thicker, 16-gauge wires for reduced voltage drops.

Power Distribution

According to Corsair, the RM650i has five +12V rails in multirail mode, and its OCP is set to 40A on each of its three 8-pin modular connectors. That same OCP trigger point is used for the 24-pin socket, and all 6-pin modular peripheral sockets also have a combined OCP of 40A. Given the PCIe and EPS connectors are fed by dedicated rails, power distribution is optimal.

Packaging

The box is quite large and at its front is a picture of the PSU with its modular panel exposed. The model description is given in large letters, and right above it are two icons for unit's efficiency and warranty. Although the icon mentions seven years, the warranty has recently been increased to ten years for all RMi, RMx, HXi, and AXi models.


All available connectors are shown on this side, along with their cable's length.


Some information about the Corsair Link software is provided on this side, and the unit's semi-passive mode and Gold-certified efficiency are also mentioned.


Here's a list of the unit's most notable features in three different languages.


On the rear are two graphs for the PSU's efficiency and the fan's noise curve. Another scheme describes the PSU's dimensions, and in the bottom-right corner is the power specifications table.