Introduction

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



We recently reviewed the flagship unit of the fresh HXi line, and it managed to leave a pretty good impression on us. Today, we have its smaller brother on the test bench, and we expect it to perform just as well since it is based on the same platform with only a few component changes, which are due to its lower capacity. Like all HXi units, the HX750i is 80 Plus Platinum certified. The PSU also uses a fully modular cabling design, which will make installing it a breeze, and comes with a whisper quiet operation. Corsair has lately paid much attention to silently operating products, probably because they yearn to participate in such hard but profitable markets as the German one in which users put a big emphasis on keeping noise output as low as possible.

Another interesting feature of HXi units is their digital interface. It allows these units to talk with the Corsair Link software to provide crucial data about the PSU's operation. Not only does it monitor functionality as it also allows users to adjust fan speed and disable multi +12V-rail mode, turning this PSU into a single +12V unit instead. Most of you would probably want a fully digital PSU, like the AXi units where processors (MCUs) take the place of analog controllers for incredible efficiency, excellent ripple suppression, and a very tight load regulation. However, such an approach still costs much, so for the moment, a hybrid analog and digital design is used if manufacturers want to keep the final price of a product with some digital goodies under check, which restricts digital functionality to monitoring tasks. Such a design essentially consists of a polished analog platform and a digital interface which allows it to communicate with the outside world. We actually favor such an approach as long as the aforementioned digital interface doesn't affect the final price significantly. However, we will make a notable point of it when it does.

Specifications

This unit is Platinum certified and can deliver its full power continuously at up to an operating temperature of 50°C. The higher the operating temperature, the more the components are stressed. To separate really good PSUs from the rest, you will have to test such units by applying their maximum load at ambient temperature somewhere in-between 45°C -50°C. Not only should the unit survive as such PSUs should also perform as expected.

Corsair or, to be more precise, CWT who actually built this unit, provided it with a full set of protection features. The unit has also been equipped with a high-quality FDB fan to keep it cool. The latter not only operates silently, but lasts a very long time. The unit is a little larger than the standard, but every normal ATX chassis will still accommodate it without any problems. At seven years, the warranty is also incredibly long, and Corsair is known for their excellent support, while the asking price is a little higher than expected for even this product's feature set. Corsair will probably lower its price tag in the near future.

Although the table above lists the unit's power specifications in single +12V-rail mode, the HX750i is by default set to operate in multi +12V-rail mode. According to Corsair's reviewer guide, every HXi's +12V OCP is set to 40 A on each 8-pin PCIe or CPU power connector, and to 40 A on the 24-pin ATX connector. The 6-pin modular peripheral connectors are set to 40 A combined. The Corsair Link software also allows you to toogle the OCP on the 8-pin modular connectors on/off.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

There are a large number of available connectors, with the latter installed on long cables, so you won't have to worry about compatibility problems with even large full-tower cases. Corsair did pretty well; however, the distance between peripheral connectors should be larger since devices that use these connectors are usually installed further apart from one another (e.g.: case fans). The Corsair Link cables, on the hand, are incredibly long, so routing these properly won't be a problem. All connectors except for the floppy ones use 18AWG gauges.

Packaging

Like with most Corsair PSUs, the packaging is huge. On the front is a quarter shot of the unit, along with its model number and several icons. The latter stand for the seven-year warranty, zero-RPM fan-mode option (aka semi-passive operation), 80 Plus Platinum certification, and the PSU's silent operation.


This side includes a useful description of all connectors and their respective cable length. It is really nice to see companies include such information on the box.


Only the model number is depicted on this side.


Two graphs on the back show the efficiency and fan noise curves. There is also a table with the unit's power specifications, and some paragraphs have been devoted to the unit's most crucial features and the Corsair Link software.

Contents

The cardboard is sturdy enough to withstand abuse, and the PSU inside a cloth bag for that additional touch is also fully protected by packing foam; the HX750i is a pretty expensive high-end product after all.


The bundle includes a pouch for all unused modular cables, which will surely come in handy since there are a ton of cables, and most users won't use all of them. The other accessories are a case badge, an AC power cord, a set of screws for mounting the PSU, and several zip ties.


You will also get a user's manual and two leaflets, one for the warranty and another with some important safety information.