Corsair PSU AX1600i 80 Plus

Introduction

Corsair is a well-respected name in the PC industry and they continue to offer a complete line of products for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals alike.  Today we are taking a detailed look at Corsair’s latest flagship power supply, the AX1600i Digital ATX power supply unit. This is the most technologically advanced power supply we have reviewed to date. Over time, we often grow numb to marketing terms like “most technologically advanced”, “state-of-the-art”, “ultra-stable”, “super-high efficiency”, etc., but in the case of the AX1600i Digital PSU, we have seen these claims come to life before our eyes.

1,600 Watts: 133.3 Amps on the +12V outputs!

The AX1600i Digital power supply is capable of delivering up to 1,600 watts of continuous DC power (133.3 Amps on the +12V rails) and is 80 Plus Titanium certified for super-high efficiency. If that’s not impressive enough, the PSU can do it while operating on 115 VAC mains and with an ambient temperature up to 50°C (internal case temperature). This beast was made for multiple power-hungry graphic adapters and overclocked CPUs.

The AX1600i is a digital power supply, which provides two distinct advantages. First, it incorporates Digital Signal Processing (DSP) on both the primary and secondary sides, which allows the PSU to deliver extremely tight voltage regulation over a wide range of loads. And second, the AX1600i features the digital Corsair Link, which enables the PSU to be connected to the PC’s motherboard (via USB) for real-time monitoring (efficiency, voltage regulation, and power usage) and control (over-current protection and fan speed profiles).

Quiet operation with a semi-fanless mode (zero-rpm fan mode up to ~40% load) might not be at the top of your feature list when shopping for a 1,600 watt PSU, but the AX1600i is up to the challenge.

(Courtesy of Corsair)

Corsair AX1600i Digital ATX PSU Key Features:

•    Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for extremely clean and efficient power
•    Corsair Link Interface for monitoring and adjusting performance
•    1,600 watts continuous power output (50°C)
•    Dedicated single +12V rail (133.3A) with user-configurable virtual rails
•    80 Plus Titanium certified, delivering up to 94% efficiency
•    Ultra-low noise 140mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan
•    Silent, Zero RPM mode up to ~40% load (~640W)
•    Self-test switch to verify power supply functionality
•    Premium components (GaN transistors and all Japanese made capacitors)
•    Fully modular cable system
•    Conforms to ATX12V v2.4 and EPS 2.92 standards
•    Universal AC input (100-240V) with Active PFC
•    Safety Protections: OCP, OVP, UVP, SCP, OTP, and OPP
•    Dimensions: 150mm (W) x 86mm (H) x 200mm (L)
•    10-Year warranty and legendary Corsair customer service
•    $449.99 USD

Please continue reading our review of the AX1600i Digital PSU !!!

The AXi Series occupies the top-tier in Corsair’s power supply lineup.

Here is what Corsair has to say about their new flagship AX1600i Digital ATX power supply unit:

“The AXi Series is CORSAIR’s flag-ship line of power supplies, designed for use in ultra-high performance PCs. It’s the first line of desktop PC power supplies controlled by digital signal processors for amazing efficiency without compromising electrical performance. If you’re looking for a power supply for your next dream system, this is the one.

The AX1600i is CORSAIR’s most efficient and powerful PSU ever. With incredible features like 80 Plus Titanium efficiency, up to 1600 watts of clean power output capacity, 100% all 105°C rated Japanese capacitors, a full software suite for monitoring and control, and world class electrical performance, it’s more than the best PSU in its class – it’s the ONLY PSU in its class.

The circuit in a modern PSU that generates the most heat is the PFC circuit, especially at lower mains voltages. CORSAIR’s new AX1600i 1600W power supply uses a bridgeless totem-pole PFC circuit utilizing GaN power FETs from Transphorm. This is quite an improvement over AX1500i’s already advanced bridgeless, 2-phase interleaved PFC circuit. While the AX1500i’s interleaved PFC circuit is around 93% efficient, the Transphorm GaN totem-pole PFC circuit is 99% efficient AND takes up less space on the PCB. By replacing standard silicon transistors with cutting edge Totem-pole GaN models, we were able to crank up the efficiency, boost heat dissipation, and improve overall reliability of the AX1600i all while shrinking it 20mm in length from the AX1500i’s size, despite being able to output 100W more power.

Best in class voltage regulation means your GPU and motherboard voltage regulation modules don’t have to work as hard, which reduces heat and stress on your critical PC components. Reduced electrical noise means that the power being delivered is clean and reliable, and our efficiency is way higher than required by the 80 Plus Titanium spec – it’s so high, they don’t even have a spec for it yet. That’s the kind of quality that has been in CORSAIR power supplies from day one.

A level of quiet previously unheard of, literally: There’s no fan speed quieter than “off”, which is why CORSAIR’s Zero RPM mode was invented. The AX1600i doesn’t even spin up its fan at low and medium loads. And when it does, the 140mm fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan is PWM controlled to keep it running slow and quiet. And while many power supplies claim to use fluid dynamic bearings in their fans, the reality is that many of these bearings are modified sleeve bearings or a form of rifle bearing. While FDB fans also use rifling to circulate lubrication, the rifling is on the inside and outside of the bearing, as well as on the spindle. This ensures proper distribution of lubrication throughout the bearing and MTBF greater than 100K hours.

Complete control: CORSAIR LINK has been offering full software monitoring and control of your power supply for longer than anybody. Want to monitor real-time efficiency? Voltage regulation? Want to change your fan speed or individual over-current protection points on each connector? The AX1600i offers unmatched control and monitoring through CORSAIR LINK software.

Unbeatable reliability: With higher end components like GaN transistors and 100% 105°C Japanese capacitors, as well as the FDB fan, you’ll be able to rely on the AX1600i for your builds for years to come. And our 10-year warranty gives you peace of mind."