Corsair AX 1200w ATX PSU Review
Conclusion
Published: 25th June 2010 | Source: Corsair | Price: £264.99 |
Conclusion
Just when it looked like the rest of the PSU market was finally catching up to the highly acclaimed HX series, Corsair have come out with yet another PSU range that moves the bar even further out of their sight. Without any shadow of doubt the AX1200 is by far the best PSU that has come through OC3D's labs to date, and the very fact that Corsair designed the unit from the ground up makes that achievement a whole lot more meaningful.
Starting with the efficiency, the AX1200 lives up to its 80Plus Gold certification by providing up to 93% efficiency at 600-900w loads and around 90% efficiency at all other load levels. In fact, the AX1200 is pretty much tapping on the door of an 80PLUS Platinum certificate, which is very impressive indeed.
Then there's the ripple results....well more precisely, the lack of them. 22mV of ripple on the +12v rail when the load tester is pulling over 85A through it is simply awesome. No scratch that, it's phenomenal. Only when the PSU is pushed way beyond its rated output does the ripple on any of the rails start to budge, but even then we're only talking 25-30mV on the +3.3/5v rails and 42mV on the +12v rail which is better than most other PSU's can hope to get at ordinary load levels.
The only area for any improvement (and this is me being picky) is in the stability of the +3.3v and +5v rails. While both are more than acceptable with only 0.13v drop from idle to full load, I can't help but feel that with the AX being Corsair's new flagship model, these could have been made a little more solid. That said though, the stability of the all-important +12v rail is perfect. No massive over-volting at idle, no drooping below the +12.00 marker and solid results under cross-load and maximum load situations.
Did I also mention that it is capable of holding a 1522w load at 50°C and even peaking at 1600w for a minute or two? Yum.
At the end of the day the AX1200 is an all-round belter of a PSU. It's got the looks, the performance, the warranty and even the packaging. The price is at the high end of what I'd consider acceptable for any wattage PSU (£245 @ Scan), but you get what you pay for and this certainly rings true for the AX1200.
The Good
- Absolutely amazing ripple suppression.
- Extremely powerful +12v rail.
- Gold level efficiency only a whisker away from Platinum.
- Fully modular for those neat freaks.
- Lovely modular cables.
- Silent (as far as I could tell with 3000w of testing equipment in the background!).
- Shuts down safely when overloaded (which kicks in at over 1500w!).
- Well packaged.
- 7yr Warranty.
The Mediocre
- +3.3v and +5v rails could be a little tighter
The Bad
- Not a sausage.
In recognition of the AX1200's excellent all-round performance, I am pleased to award it our coveted "Best In Class" award for Power Supplies rated from 1000-1500w.
Thanks to Corsair for providing the AX1200 for review. Discuss in our forums.
Most Recent Comments
Wow. That is simply amazing!
oh btw you forgot a C in the title
oh btw you forgot a C in the title
Beast.
I was lucky enough to see the results prior to it going live.
It is truly epic. With a price-tag to match. Ouch.
But clearly if you want the best...
It is truly epic. With a price-tag to match. Ouch.
But clearly if you want the best...
I dont think its too bad, the aging HX1000w is still selling for £190, so for all that power and gold efficiency then I dont think its too bad. Just found it at scan for £246 now too.....
Am I the only one who finds 6 pcie connectors lacking? Corsair's own 850W unit has 6, which has 30% less power. Antec's 1200W has 8 and the OC edition has 12!
OMG look at the RIPPLE! (Or lack there-of). Awesome stuff! Me want!
How much!!?!?!???!????
Have you noticed any electronics noise?
And, well, to the danger of 100A, we don't need to say anything, do we?
And, well, to the danger of 100A, we don't need to say anything, do we?
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Originally Posted by name='Stefan Payne'
Have you noticed any electronics noise?
And, well, to the danger of 100A, we don't need to say anything, do we? |
As for the single 12v rail, I can see where you're coming from. However I've not heard of any cases where a failure of a single rail PSU was any more catastrophic than a multi-rail PSU. At the end of the day 1200w is 1200w. Even if its split cleverly by OCP, it still has the potential to go wrong. Unless a PSU is physically split (different transformers etc) then it's naive to assume multi-rail is safer.
I did also get a gut feeling that the AX1200 was safer than a lot of other units I've tested before. It handled overloading extremely well and shut down gracefully without me wincing and expecting a *bang*. That is just a gut feeling though.
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Originally Posted by name='TH3 H4NGMAN'
Am I the only one who finds 6 pcie connectors lacking? Corsair's own 850W unit has 6, which has 30% less power. Antec's 1200W has 8 and the OC edition has 12!
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So maybe they want to prevent trying to power quad SLI reducing connectors to 6 though...@Jim
I worked as an elictician for a time, so my belly hurts a little (more) when I have to see those 100Amps...
Have you tested the short circuit protection?
As for electronics noise: I tested the Corsair AX1200 on my P4 testsystem (an old FSC D1520 with a 2GHz Celeron) and it had quite notacible electronics noise, haven't tested anything else, though...
@Kartoff
The problem is that the AX1200 hasn't enough modular connectors for more than 7 eight pin PCie connectors, 'cause they're shared with the EPS12V one...
I worked as an elictician for a time, so my belly hurts a little (more) when I have to see those 100Amps...
Have you tested the short circuit protection?
As for electronics noise: I tested the Corsair AX1200 on my P4 testsystem (an old FSC D1520 with a 2GHz Celeron) and it had quite notacible electronics noise, haven't tested anything else, though...
@Kartoff
The problem is that the AX1200 hasn't enough modular connectors for more than 7 eight pin PCie connectors, 'cause they're shared with the EPS12V one...
I think there are enough place to put 2 more connectors for PCIe so total number will be 8 but they put only 6 and a label
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Originally Posted by name='douglatins'
How much!!?!?!???!????
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The actual manufacturer of this unit is Flextronics. You know the guys that build videocards.
And what a unit it is. It's the first time since the Antec Signature 850 (a Delta built unit) that I am actually impressed. It looks well engineered, only good quality components used and VERY much attention and care to detail.
This is THE one PSU to have, one PSU to rule them all. Until someone makes a better one... lol.
I also like that they finally sorted out the Ultra patent on modular PSUs, and I see they are getting their license worth.
Anyone knows of another Flextronics PSU out there? Maybe a sister model? We need to keep an eye on this new platform, it's just TOO good.
And what a unit it is. It's the first time since the Antec Signature 850 (a Delta built unit) that I am actually impressed. It looks well engineered, only good quality components used and VERY much attention and care to detail.
This is THE one PSU to have, one PSU to rule them all. Until someone makes a better one... lol.
I also like that they finally sorted out the Ultra patent on modular PSUs, and I see they are getting their license worth.
Anyone knows of another Flextronics PSU out there? Maybe a sister model? We need to keep an eye on this new platform, it's just TOO good.
I've got the 1000W Corsair 1000HX its running my 920@4GHz and two GTX 480(sli) and 4 hard drives at full load the system draws around 700W and the power supply is cool and quiet I think Corsair are one of the best manufactures in the world and they give you a 5 year warranty I only would consider this new model if I add another gtx480 to my setup but be sure when it comes to power supplies Corsair are number one.
yer corsaor will be my next PSU but 850w
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Sihastru'
The actual manufacturer of this unit is Flextronics. You know the guys that build videocards.
And what a unit it is. It's the first time since the Antec Signature 850 (a Delta built unit) that I am actually impressed. It looks well engineered, only good quality components used and VERY much attention and care to detail. This is THE one PSU to have, one PSU to rule them all. Until someone makes a better one... lol. I also like that they finally sorted out the Ultra patent on modular PSUs, and I see they are getting their license worth. Anyone knows of another Flextronics PSU out there? Maybe a sister model? We need to keep an eye on this new platform, it's just TOO good. |
I just got me THIS Corsair AX1200 BEAUTY!!!
[/FONT]1 x Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition Gulftown 3.33GHz LGA 1366 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor
3 x ASUS ENGTX480/2DI/1536MD5 GeForce GTX 480 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express (3-way SLI)
1 x Western Digital VelociRaptor WD6000HLHX 600GB 10000 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s
2 x OCZ DDR3 16000 2000MHZ Triple Memory Module KITS (12 G
1 x ASUS RAMPAGE III Motherboard
1 x NVIDIA 3D VISION GLASSES KIT (AVATAR Bundle)
1 x Alienware OptXTM AW2310 3D LCD Monitor [FONT="Comic Sans MS"]120 HZ BABY
1 x Microsoft WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE 64-bit
AND MANY MORE GOODIES!!!!....
NOT TO MENTION THIS Corsair AX1200 BABY!!!
I do believe it will not let me down...
LET DA FRAGGIN BEGIN!!!
DID I FORGET to mention Microsoft WINDOWS 7 64-bIT
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='VTX1800C'
I just got me THIS Corsair AX1200 BEAUTY!!! [/FONT]1 x Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition Gulftown 3.33GHz LGA 1366 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor 3 x ASUS ENGTX480/2DI/1536MD5 GeForce GTX 480 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express (3-way SLI) 1 x Western Digital VelociRaptor WD6000HLHX 600GB 10000 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 2 x OCZ DDR3 16000 2000MHZ Triple Memory Module KITS (12 G 1 x ASUS RAMPAGE III Motherboard 1 x NVIDIA 3D VISION GLASSES KIT (AVATAR Bundle) 1 x Alienware OptXTM AW2310 3D LCD Monitor [FONT="Comic Sans MS"]120 HZ BABY 1 x Microsoft WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE 64-bit AND MORE MORE GOODIES!!!!.... NOT TO MENTION THIS Corsair AX1200 BABY!!! I do believe it will not let me down... LET DA FRAGGIN BEGIN!!! |
Regards
I do but is @ WORK.
I will bring it in because that is a great idea...
I believe accordign to all my research on GTX480 that I will consume between 800~900 Watts. The reason i say this is because the GTX480's will draw 300W on a full load (75W 6-pin, 150W 8-pin, 75W PCI-e slot), however, in a 3-way SLI configuration which is what I build, all 3 GTX480 GPU's will never perform at full load because they will devide the demanded load among their GPU's. Which by the way GTX480 3-way SLI (3 GPU's) is much faster and better than ATI HD 5970 CrossfireX (which is actually 4 HD 5870 GPU's). I could give you benchedmark results but you should reaserch on your on so I dont favor my system. I did a bunch of research to decide on the components I bought.
After spending all this $$$ into this High-End GAMING machine I really do not care about the electric bill, which I pay by the way.
I just got tired of playing the new games on 10 year old technology.
I will bring it in because that is a great idea...
I believe accordign to all my research on GTX480 that I will consume between 800~900 Watts. The reason i say this is because the GTX480's will draw 300W on a full load (75W 6-pin, 150W 8-pin, 75W PCI-e slot), however, in a 3-way SLI configuration which is what I build, all 3 GTX480 GPU's will never perform at full load because they will devide the demanded load among their GPU's. Which by the way GTX480 3-way SLI (3 GPU's) is much faster and better than ATI HD 5970 CrossfireX (which is actually 4 HD 5870 GPU's). I could give you benchedmark results but you should reaserch on your on so I dont favor my system. I did a bunch of research to decide on the components I bought.
After spending all this $$$ into this High-End GAMING machine I really do not care about the electric bill, which I pay by the way.
I just got tired of playing the new games on 10 year old technology.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='silenthill'
If you have a wattmeter could you please measure how much power your pc is consuming when it is in full load.
Regards |
I will bring it in because that is a great idea...
I believe accordign to all my research on GTX480 that I will consume between 800~900 Watts. The reason i say this is because the GTX480's will draw 300W on a full load (75W 6-pin, 150W 8-pin, 75W PCI-e slot), however, in a 3-way SLI configuration which is what I build, all 3 GTX480 GPU's will never perform at full load because they will devide the demanded load among their GPU's. Which by the way GTX480 3-way SLI (3 GPU's) is much faster and better than ATI HD 5970 CrossfireX (which is actually 4 HD 5870 GPU's). I could give you benchedmark results but you should reaserch on your on so I dont favor my system. I did a bunch of research to decide on the components I bought.
After spending all this $$$ into this High-End GAMING machine I really do not care about the electric bill, which I pay by the way.
I just got tired of playing the new games on 10 year old technology.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='VTX1800C'
I do but is @ WORK.
I will bring it in because that is a great idea... I believe accordign to all my research on GTX480 that I will consume between 800~900 Watts. The reason i say this is because the GTX480's will draw 300W on a full load (75W 6-pin, 150W 8-pin, 75W PCI-e slot), however, in a 3-way SLI configuration which is what I build, all 3 GTX480 GPU's will never perform at full load because they will devide the demanded load among their GPU's. Which by the way GTX480 3-way SLI (3 GPU's) is much faster and better than ATI HD 5970 CrossfireX (which is actually 4 HD 5870 GPU's). I could give you benchedmark results but you should reaserch on your on so I dont favor my system. I did a bunch of research to decide on the components I bought. After spending all this $$$ into this High-End GAMING machine I really do not care about the electric bill, which I pay by the way. I just got tired of playing the new games on 10 year old technology. |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='silenthill'
I’m just curious because I’ve got two GTX 480 and CORE I7 SYSTEM at full load it consumes around 700 watts my power supply is the 1000W Corsair 1000HXUK so if I add another GTX 480 would my power supply be capable of handling the load.
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To avoid any damage to your system I recomend that you do upgrade your PSU.
There are many out there from 1,200W-1,600W.
Any 1,200W PSU is enough to power 3 GTX480 GPU's + Intel i7 + any drives you have.
I chose Corsair AX 1,200W because of its QUALITY.
AND ITS EFFICIENCY @ LOWER LOADS (any load of maximun 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 80%) ITS AMAZING!!! = less power cosumption = less $$$ on electric bill.
BTW,
if you research the diference between 2-way SLI vs 3-way SLI the results are improved on many games/tests/graphics.
>ONLY DO UPGRADE to 3-way SLI (3 GTX-480) if you play games that demand the hardware power.<
I say this so you dont spend the xtra $$$ if you really dont need it.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='silenthill'
If you have a wattmeter could you please measure how much power your pc is consuming when it is in full load.
Regards |
3 GTX480 GPU's in 3-way SLI @ full load = 937 Watts x 0.89% efficiency = ~834 Watts (actual)
GPU Operating temperature @ full load = 96° C
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='VTX1800C'
Results in...
3 GTX480 GPU's in 3-way SLI @ full load = 937 Watts x 0.89% efficiency = ~834 Watts (actual) GPU Operating temperature @ full load = 96° C |
I can’t understand why Corsair didn’t go for 1500w especially with 4 SLI arriving and the huge power consumption of the new Nvidia GPUs.
Looks absolutely stunning! Very impressed with how Corsair has improved their PSU's over the years (I never used to be a fan but that's simply beautiful!)
The black wiring is something I wish more comapnies would do!
~Bex
The black wiring is something I wish more comapnies would do!
~Bex
Quote:
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Originally Posted by VTX1800C
Results in... 3 GTX480 GPU's in 3-way SLI @ full load = 937 Watts x 0.89% efficiency = ~834 Watts (actual) GPU Operating temperature @ full load = 96° C |
the reason im asking is that i can't find out what to buy, Corsair AX1200w ore the Silverstone Strider 1500w?
Are you planning to run 3 or 4 way sli? what are your needs?
Albeit the Silverstone provides more power the Corsair is more efficient
I would be looking at do you need all that or are you after it for bragging rights?
Albeit the Silverstone provides more power the Corsair is more efficient
I would be looking at do you need all that or are you after it for bragging rights?
im aware of that, thats why i ask, ill be running at 2560x1600 in games, photo edt. 3D work ect. and ill be overclocking my system, CPU @ 4400Mhz and the 480GTX im not sure yet, but they will be OC'ed, and i will also have my 480GTX's watercooled in an 2. loop.
im not that kind of type that need to be bragging, im 33 years old
i have kids and a wife hehe
im not that kind of type that need to be bragging, im 33 years old
i have kids and a wife heheThat explains it .
are you in North America or Europe?
If you are in North America AX1200 is on sale with MIR!
.are you in North America or Europe?
If you are in North America AX1200 is on sale with MIR!
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Originally Posted by AMD_PBz
That explains it .are you in North America or Europe? If you are in North America AX1200 is on sale with MIR! |
Well there's your answer Here in Canada $269 + tax or 259 after $20 MIR
Quote:
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Originally Posted by AMD_PBz
Well there's your answer Here in Canada $269 + tax or 259 after $20 MIR |
short term loss @ $269 by far
are the cables long enough to go behind the mobo in nzxt phantom (full tower)?
Possible to sleeve those cables individually? 
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Originally Posted by The Terrible Puddle
Possible to sleeve those cables individually? |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Zeals
They already have Corsair sleeving, which is really high quality, the only reason to change the sleeving is if you want to put UV ones. So don't bother |
Or am I wrong?
Enuff said, this will be going in my new build
The gold award from Jim and the fact its fully modular means i can sleeve all he cables i need without voiding the bloody 7 year warranty lol....friggin 7 years u gotta love a bit of that!
The gold award from Jim and the fact its fully modular means i can sleeve all he cables i need without voiding the bloody 7 year warranty lol....friggin 7 years u gotta love a bit of that!
Geez. That's a great PSU. I bet you could do quad 580s on that. Maybe a little OC, probably none though. 976W GPUs (4 x 244W) alone is crazy. I kinda want one now.
Awesome PSU and Review.
Being a 1200AX and 850AX owner i can honestly say this is one of the best items to get with a new system.. Think how stable and clean your power will be to help you get everything overclocked 
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