Introduction

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

We tested Corsair's flagship PSU, the AX1200i, in the past and were amazed by its overall performance and the features it packed. It was the first Platinum Corsair PSU and the first desktop PSU that used digital (DSP) control to provide the best possible voltage regulation, extra-low ripple, and sky-high efficiency. The AX1200i costs a significant amount of money, and most users don't need a 1.2 kW monster for their system which meant that Corsair had to find a way to bring the cutting-edge technology this unit utilizes to more affordable and smaller capacity units. Thankfully, Corsair managed to accomplish this task by packing all the exotic features of the AX1200i into their new AX860i and AX760i PSUs. Both of the aforementioned PSUs feature DSP control and can be connected to USB headers on the mainboard (or to a Corsair Link Commander that must be bought separately) through a provided cable that allows the user to monitor and control many of the PSU's functions through the Corsair Link software.

The only other desktop PSU to utilize DSP control is EVGA's SuperNOVA NEX1500 Classified 1500 W unit. It, however, only provides digital control for the +12V rail, while the Corsair AXi PSUs control all three major rails through DSP. This is a major difference since a complex digital circuit, which surely affects production costs, is required to control all three rails.

The fresh AX760i will be the star of this review. This PSU features Platinum efficiency, a fully modular cabling design, and a single +12V rail that can be configured into multiple +12V virtual rails with an adjustable OCP for each one of them through the Corsair Link software. The AX760i also features semi-fanless operation, since its fan doesn't operate at low loads, and a self-test switch on its rear side that helps you determine whether the unit functions properly before you proceed to install it into a system.

Specifications

The PSU is 80 Plus Platinum certified and its maximum operating temperature reaches, as ATX specifications recommend, 50°C. Its protection features even include OTP (Over Temperature Protection) which is, in our opinion, crucial in a PSU.

A 120 mm fan, equipped with double ball-bearings for increased longevity, handles cooling the unit. The PSU's dimensions are pretty compact, which ensures that it is compatible with most cases. Finally, the warranty is, like with all high-end Corsair PSUs, extra-long at seven years; a future buyer won't have to worry about another PSU for a very long time.


This is, normally, a single rail PSU, but its provided software allows you to set an OCP for each PCIe socket of the modular PCB. The +12V rail can deliver the full unit's power, something that is usually seen in PSUs utilizing DC-DC converters for the generation of the minor rails. Speaking of the minor rails: their maximum combined power is enough for a modern system's needs, and the same holds true for the 5VSB rail.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

Two EPS and six PCIe connectors are available at the same time. Corsair made the right choice by equipping this unit with six PCIe connectors since they make supporting up to three high-end VGAs possible. The PSU also has plenty of SATA and peripheral connectors. We normally only find as many available connectors on PSUs with more than 1000 W capacity.

The length of all cables is sufficient and won't cause any problems, even in a full tower chassis; however, the distance amongst peripheral connectors is small, and should, ideally, be 150 mm. The relativly short distance amongst SATA connectors may , on the other hand, come in handy since HDDs/SDDs are usually installed a short distances apart from each other.

The 24 pin ATX connector uses thicker 16AWG gauges for lower voltage drops, especially at high loads, while all other connectors, except for the FDD ones, use the standard 18AWG 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.

Packaging

The AX760i comes in a rather small package whose entire front is covered by a photo of its nicely designed fan grill that Corsair has, lately, used with most of their PSUs. In the bottom left corner is a list of the PSU's most interesting features, while two badges, for the Corsair Link software and the 80 Plus Platinum certification, are found in the opposite corner. The model number is given in a large, red/white font, and the series description is highlighted through a red background.


The most interesting bit on the bottom of the box is a description of all available cables/connectors that includes their length. We really do appreciate when a company provides such detailed information about its unit's cabling.


On this side, Corsair gives a compatibility list including the dimensions of the unit. It will, since its length is standard, easily fit into a normal chassis. Here, we also find an interesting table listing every Corsair PSU series, from low - to high-end. The AXi series does, as you can see, sit on top of their list, and is followed by their AX series.


The back of the package provides some interesting information about the product. In this case, you will find two graphs illustrating efficiency, and the fan-noise curve at various load levels. The fan-noise-curve graph nicely illustrates how the PSU operates in fanless mode at up to 20% load, and only afterwards does the fan engage to raise its speed according to the PSU's corresponding load. Some text on this side briefly explains what the advantages of DPS, a feature of this PSU, really are. According to Corsair, the most crucial advantage of DPS is a higher efficiency that leads to less energy/heat dissipation, which results in a quieter fan profile. A multilingual text also describes the Corsair Link software, and there is also a table detailing the DC output ratings of the AX760i.

Contents

The PSU is well protected by packing foam and comes in a velvet bag, which is a nice luxury-specific note. A large pouch holds all modular cables and the rest of the bundle.


The user manual is for all AXi PSUs. There is also a warranty-guide leaflet and a notice informing the user that he must download the Corsair Link software from Corsair's site since no software disc is included. This is mainly due to frequent updates to the Corsair Link software; Corsair wants to make sure that a buyer has the latest available version installed.

The modular cables are plenty, considering the capacity of the unit. All are fully sleeved, and the peripheral ones are also flatter for easier cable management and enhanced airflow. All wires are black, something that most modders will appreciate since black cables are easily concealed inside a chassis.


The Corsair Link USB dongle and the cable that connects it with the PSU. We would like Corsair to provide a normal USB adaptor, which would allow you to connect it to a common USB port and not a mainboard header.


You can monitor the voltage rails, input and output power, efficiency, fan RPM, and the internal temperature of the PSU through the Corsair Link software, which you can download off the Corsair site. You can also view the data your system's temperature sensors provide and the RPM of the fans you have installed (case fans, CPU fans etc.). Corsair Link also allows you to modify fan-speed profiles and set and configure the OCP for each one the PSU's 8-pin sockets on the PSU's modular panel. You can read through an overview of the Corsair Link software suite in our AX1200i review.