Packaging

The AX1500i is enormous, so its package is quite large. An photograph of the unit and the model number occupy the front. A series of icons describe the seven year warranty, its semi-passive fan mode, Corsair Link functionality, and 80 Plus Titanium certification. Since Titanium efficiency is noteworthy, Corsair should use a larger Titanium badge to draw more attention to the efficiency certification.


Only the model number is depicted on this side.


A multilingual compatibility list can be found here. The list also includes the unit's dimensions, so you can check to see whether your case can support the unit.


More information on the product and its features are given on the back of the box. Two graphs provide efficiency and fan-speed curves, and the power specifications table is near the bottom-right corner. Corsair also provides some information on Zero RPM Fan mode, which, with 25°C ambient, is active at up to 30% load. There is also a very brief introduction to the Corsair Link feature.

Contents

Inside the box, the unit is protected by sheets of packing foam and is stored in a luxury cloth bag with Corsair's logo on it. We didn't expect anything less with such an expensive high-end product.


A nylon pouch contains the many modular cables. The rest of the bundle includes several zip ties, a set of fixing bolts, a case badge, and a heavy duty C19 power cord (with a US-type plug for our sample).


There is also a user's manual, a warranty guide, and a green piece of paper to inform you that you must download the latest version of the Corsair Link software from Corsair's site.

Exterior

A sticker informs owners that the fan will not spin up at low loads, which is to reassure users that everything is fine with their brand-new PSU even though the fan doesn't spin up right off the bat.


The on/off switch at the front is really small for such a monstrous PSU. It also doesn't interfere with the AC current because it hasn't been placed in series with the live wire. It is simply a standby switch. Next to it resides the large C20 inlet.


We find decals with the model number on both sides. The specifications label is on the bottom of the unit.


The fully modular panel's many sockets are numbered, which allows you to readily identify them apart in the Corsair Link suite. A self-test button to check whether the PSU is working properly is in the top-left corner. Its LED should light up green while the fan spins up once you press the button. Make sure to contact Corsair customer service if the LED lights up red and the fan doesn't spin up. The USB Comm and I2C ports are in the same area. You will only use the l2C port if you use a Corsair Link Commander.


The PSU doesn't use normal screws to keep its owners from messing with the internal componentry. The void warranty sticker is another such measure.


225 mm long, it is currently one of the largest desktop PSUs available. Even its 140 mm fan looks small inside of the enclosure. With parallel curves following the fan grill's lines, the fan grill and top feature Corsair's characteristic design.


All cables are stealth (everything is black) and flat (aka ribbonned).


Although ATX, EPS, and PCIe cables use thick 16AWG gauges for lower voltage drops and less resistance with high loads, they are still flexible enough to be managed well. Given the number of cables, everything that makes cable routing easier is most welcome.


Cable quality is pretty good. Corsair sells individually sleeved kits if you want more; however, they don't come cheap.