Corsair HX1000i 1000W Power Supply: features, specs and who it suits

The Corsair HX1000i is a 1000-watt ATX power supply from the HXi series. Corsair builds it around tight voltage control, a quiet fan and a fully modular cable set, with digital monitoring through Corsair Link. It's an older-generation design than the current ATX 3.x units, so it suits some builds better than others. Here is what the specs mean.

1000 watts of continuous power

Corsair describes the output as 1000 watts of continuous power delivery. That figure is the maximum the unit can supply, not what a PC pulls all the time. A system with a high-end processor and graphics card, or several drives and add-in cards, can use that capacity under load, while lighter builds will sit well below it. To size a power supply, add up the rated power of your components and leave some headroom.

80 PLUS Platinum efficiency

80 PLUS is a certification that tests how efficiently a power supply converts mains power into the voltages a PC needs. Platinum is one of the higher tiers and typically means efficiency of around 89 to 92 percent depending on load. Corsair says that this reduces excess heat. In general, a more efficient unit wastes less energy and gives the fan less heat to remove.

Zero RPM mode and fan bearing

At low loads, the HX1000i can run with its fan completely stopped. Corsair calls this ZeroRPM mode and says it gives outstanding noise reduction at low loads. The fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing, a design that typically runs smoothly and quietly and lasts well. Under heavier loads, the fan starts up as the unit warms.

Fully modular, low-profile cables

The cable set is fully modular, so you attach only what your build needs. Corsair uses flat black, low-profile cables, which are generally easier to bend and route than round sleeved cables and are helpful in tight cases. Use only the cables supplied with this model, as pin layouts differ between power supplies.

Digital control through Corsair Link

Corsair says Corsair Link digital support lets you monitor power supply performance, toggle single-rail or multi-rail mode and control fan speed from your desktop. Single-rail mode offers one large limit, and multi-rail mode divides the output into separately protected channels. Check the manual on which fits your hardware, and on whether the software supports your operating system.

Build quality and warranty

The description lists all Japanese 105°C capacitors, which are intended to give the stable behaviour and long life a PC needs. Corsair also lists a ten-year warranty. As always, read the warranty terms for what they cover.

Size

The listing gives dimensions as 3.4 x 7.0 x 5.9 inches and a weight of 1.0 lb. Those figures look more like packaging than the power supply itself, so confirm the unit's length in Corsair's specifications before fitting it to a compact case.

Who it suits

It suits builders who want a fully modular, high-efficiency 1000W unit with digital monitoring, for example in an older or existing build that is being upgraded. If you need the newer 12-volt high-power graphics card connector, check what cables this model supplies, as the listing doesn't mention ATX 3.0 or PCIe 5 support.

What to check before you buy

• Power need: add up your components' rated power and leave headroom.
• Graphics card connectors: confirm that the available cables match your card.
• Case fit: check the maximum power supply length your case supports.
• Software: confirm that the monitoring software works with your system.
• Warranty: read the terms of the ten-year warranty.
• Fitting: switch off and unplug the PC before swapping the power supply, and follow the manual.

The short version

• A 1000W fully modular digital ATX power supply from Corsair's HXi series.
• 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency and Japanese 105°C capacitors.
• ZeroRPM fan mode and a fluid dynamic bearing fan.
• Flat, low-profile cables and Corsair Link monitoring.
• Ten-year warranty; check connector needs for newer graphics cards.

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