With their new HXi units, Corsair decided to bring some digital features to the HX line. Although the latter employ analog circuits for their operation, they use an MCU (microcontroller), which not only acts as a digital bridge for the Corsair Link software as it also gives users the ability to control the fan's speed, or enable/disable multi-rail mode. I am pretty sure many of you would also like to see digital control like in the more expensive AXi units implemented, but such would apparently increase production cost significantly, seriously affecting the product's retail price. The HX1000i performed pretty well overall, achieving very high efficiency levels with, especially, normal loads. Ripple suppression was also very good and output noise was minimal, not only for a PSU of this capacity, but also in comparison to smaller units. The only thing I would like to see improved is the +12V rail's load regulation, which wasn't very tight. Such a class-leading PSU should stay within 1% on this rail, but the HX1000i only managed close to 2%. However, I should stress that 2% isn't bad, but it definitely isn't ideal either, especially for a PSU that belongs to the high-end category. CWT obviously meant to provide the unit with the highest possible efficiency, leading to cuts in +12V load regulation, which, however, also happens to be the most important rail of all.

To conclude, I think this unit's most crucial advantages are its good overall performance and very silent operation due to its quiet fan and incredibly relaxed fan profile. If you are very sensitive to noise and generally hate noisy components, this PSU is definitely for you, and the seven year warranty Corsair provides allows you to rest easy for a very long time. Corsair Link readings during my testing sessions were also very accurate, which is impressive for an embedded power-meter circuit. I have to admit I was left astonished by the accuracy of the power in/out and efficiency readings Corsair Link provided. Another advantage of the HX1000i, I am sure many users will find it fascinating.