Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart that shows the HX1000i's efficiency at low loads and at loads equal to 20% -100% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



Efficiency at low loads was good, but not as high as the rest of the high-end Platinum- and Gold-certified competition. However, the HX1000i clearly took the lead with normal loads. This improved platform delivers excellent efficiency levels which easily clear Platinum requirements.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measured the HX1000i's efficiency at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum-rated load (the lowest load the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads we dialed were 40 W, 60 W, 80 W, 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 was good overall; however, we have seen Platinum (and some Gold) PSUs register better results in these tests, which, however, doesn't change the fact that the HX1000i is efficient with loads below even 100 W.

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 table above (low loads efficiency test #1 to test #4).



Corsair Link software readings were accurate enough with even low loads.

5VSB Efficiency

The ATX specification states that 5VSB standby supply 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, each, and one with the full load the 5VSB rail can handle.

The 5VSB rail was efficient enough; however, it didn't manage to crack the for this rail tough 80% mark. However, it did register one of the tightest load regulation readings we have ever seen on the 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).

Phantom power was kept very low, which is as expected from such a modern platform as this one.

Fan RPM, Delta Temperature & Output Noise

The cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the delta difference between input and output temperature are illustrated in the following chart. The following results were obtained at 36°C-46°C ambient.



A chart that shows the cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and the output noise follows. We measure the fan's noise from 1 meter away, inside a small custom-made anechoic chamber whose internals are completely covered in specialized soundproofing material (Be Quiet! Noise Absorber Kit). Background noise inside the anechoic chamber was below 20 dBA during testing, and the results were obtained with the PSU operating at 36°C-46°C ambient.



The following graph illustrates the fan's output noise throughout the PSU's entire operating range. The same conditions as in the above graph apply to our measurements, but the ambient temperature was in-between 28°C and 30°C.



A really silent operation throughout its entire load range is a crucial advantage of the HX1000i.

The following graph illustrates the fan's speed throughout the PSU's entire operating range. The ambient temperature was in-between 28°C and 30°C.



At under 30°C ambient, fan speed was kept low at even full load.