Introduction

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

Although Corsair's top PSU series is the AX one, it didn't include a single member with Platinum efficiency until recently. In fact, Corsair didn't have a Platinum unit in their PSU products. They had to do something about it and enter the game again. Fortunately, they finally did so by releasing the successor of the legendary AX1200, the AX1200i, which isn't only 80 Plus Platinum certified, but also has some more aces up its sleeve that will help it prevail against the tough competition in the very demanding high-end category.

Surely the most interesting feature of the new AX1200i is the fact that it is the first desktop PSU to use digital (DSP) control to provide the best possible voltage regulation. Also, the DSP through the Corsair Link software provides many monitoring and performance customization features. To be more exact, the PSU, with the included cable, can be connected to a USB header of the motherboard (or to a Corsair Link Commander which must be bought separately) and the user can, through the provided software, monitor and control many functions of the PSU. In the following pages we are going to provide more details about the Corsair Link software.

Let's take a quick look at the most interesting features of the AX1200i before we skip to the main review. For starters, the PSU uses, besides Platinum efficiency, a fully modular cabling design and a single +12V rail. You can, nevertheless, set multiple +12V virtual rails and adjust the OCP to your needs through the Corsair Link software. The PSU also promises quiet operation at low loads since the thermally-controlled fan doesn't spin at low loads. Through the software you can also adjust the fan speed and make a profile that matches your taste. The unit is, finally, equipped with a self-test switch through which you can determine its functionality even before you install it into a system.

Specifications

Efficiency is Platinum and the PSU can deliver its full power continuously at up to 50°C ambient. Regarding the protection features, UVP (Under Voltage Protection) and OTP (Over Temperature Protection) are missing with the second being the most crucial for a PSU.
The fan uses ball bearings for increased life time. The unit's dimensions are quite large since its length reaches 20 cm. The unit is quite big, apparently 1200W of true power need a lot of space, the high-tech electronic circuits add to that. The warranty is extra-long at seven years and the price looks very high, but will most likely drop once the PSU hits the retail channels for good.


Without the use of the software features, there is only one +12V rail which can deliver more than 100 A of power. The minor rails are very strong with 180 W combined max power, while the 5VSB rail has sufficient power for a contemporary system.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

The AX1200i only has six PCIe connectors, same as the older AX1200, while the competition at this category usually provides eight. We would very much like to see two additional PCIe connectors in this unit, since it will, most likely, be used in high-end systems with multiple VGAs. Thankfully, the number of other connectors is more than enough for every system out there.
All cables are long enough and will not cause any problems even in very large cases, which are the natural home of such high capacity units. The distance among SATA connectors is short, but this will convenience most systems where the HDDs are installed in short distances between each other. Nevertheless, the same usually doesn't apply to other peripheral devices that utilize 4 pin Molex connectors - we would like to see at least 150 mm distance among connectors. Finally, the 24 pin ATX connector uses thicker 16 AWG gauges for lower voltage drops while all other connectors use the standard 18 AWG wires.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail we do not have anything to comment on about its power distribution, except that you can set OCP at each modular 8 pin socket through the provided software.