Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart showing the efficiency of the AX860i at low loads and at loads equal to 20-110% of the PSU's maximum rated load.



For a discussion of these results, see the text at the end of the previous page.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the efficiency of the AX860i at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load that the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads that we dialed were 40, 60, 80, and 100 W (for PSUs with over 500 W of capacity). This is important for settings where the PC is in idle mode with power saving turned on.


Efficiency at low loads is superb, and the fan does remain inactive in every scenario, although we have a high ambient inside the hotbox. This PSU is well suited for high-end systems that manage to draw few Watts at idle.

Corsair Link Screenshots

Screenshots of the Corsair Link software follow. The order of the screenshots is the same as the order of the tests shown in the above table (low loads efficiency test #1 to test #4).

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX spec states that the 5VSB standby supply's efficiency should be as high as possible and recommends 50% or higher efficiency with 100 mA of load, 60% or higher with 250 mA of load, and 70% or higher with 1 A or more of load.
We will take four measurements: one at 100, 250, and 1000 mA, and one with the full load that the 5VSB rail can handle.


The 5VSB circuit registered high efficiency readings throughout the entire load range that was applied. The 80% mark was surpassed in the last two tests, and that is something we don't see every day on this rail.

Power Consumption in Idle & Standby

In the table below, you will find the power consumption and the voltage values of all rails (except -12V) when the PSU is in idle mode (powered on but without any load on its rails) and the power consumption when the PSU is in standby mode (without any load at 5VSB).


Vampire power is really low and makes the PSU comply with the stricter ErP Lot 6 2013 requirements that will go into effect in just a few months from now.

Fan RPM & Delta Temperature

The following chart illustrates the cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the delta difference between input and output temperature. The following results were obtained at 40°C - 45°C ambient.