Efficiency

Using the efficiency results from the previous page, we plotted a chart that shows the RM1000x's efficiency at low loads and loads equal to 20%-100% of the PSU's maximum-rated load.



This platform is incredibly efficient with low loads, beating out almost all Platinum units of similar capacity. Only the Platinum XFX XTS1000 based on a high-end Seasonic platform beat the RM1000x, and there are those other Gold-certified units that defied the efficiency of other Platinum PSUs at light loads. The RM1000x is a little behind its higher-end sibling with normal loads; however, it is still efficient enough overall, very close to top-notch Platinum platforms from Super Flower and Enhance Electronics.

Efficiency at Low Loads

The next tests measure the efficiency of the RM1000x 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.


The unit was completely silent in these tests even though ambient temperatures were within 34-36°C. Efficiency was also very high, and the RM1000x achieved a reading close to 80% with even the 40 W load, which is noteworthy for a 1 kW PSU.

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 is very efficient and exhibits excellent load regulation. We are usually more than satisfied if one of these readings exceeds 80%, but the RM1000x even managed a reading over 80% in the last two tests.

Power Consumption in Idle & Standby

In the table below, you will find the power consumption and 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).


The very low power consumption in standby is the main reason behind the 5VSB rail's increased efficiency.

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 38°C-45°C ambient.



A chart that shows the cooling fan's speed (RPMs) and its output noise follows. We measure the fan's noise from one 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 38°C-45°C ambient.



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



The RM1000x operates very quietly overall, especially at normal ambient temperatures. Similar to other identical CWT platforms in Corsair units we have tested thus far, semi-passive mode didn't last long because of how hard we push minor rails in the crossload tests. This testing pattern seems to drastically shorten the length a semi-passive operation. That said, such a load on the minor rails isn't realistic since most systems only utilize the minor rails lightly.