Designed for high-performance PC configurations, the CORSAIR HX1200i is a very high-quality and certified power supply.

With a continuous output of 1200 W, the CORSAIR HX1200i digital power supply is ready to meet the demanding power requirements of modern desktop systems. The HX1200i fully complies with the latest standards, including Intel ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1, ensuring high compatibility and reliability for next-generation CPUs and GPUs.

Performance and noise level

Cybenetics Platinum Certification

For a computer power supply unit (PSU), efficiency is one of the most important indicators. The CORSAIR HX1200i has achieved two prestigious certifications simultaneously, the first being the familiar 80 PLUS Platinum. This certification guarantees an energy conversion efficiency of up to 92% under real-world load conditions, helping to minimize power waste, generate less heat and operate cooler.

Next is the Cybenetics Platinum certification. This is a more modern and rigorous certification system compared to the older 80 PLUS. Specific measurement data shows that the CORSAIR HX1200i achieves Cybenetics Platinum efficiency at both 115V (89.650%) and 230V (91.473%) voltage levels. It can be said that for modern computer power supplies, if possible, you should look for products with Cybenetics certification. This will ensure the quality and performance of the power supply under more realistic conditions, especially with newer desktops.

Heat dissipation and noise level

During operation, the CORSAIR HX1200i is optimized for quietness, making it ideal for those who need a quiet environment to enhance concentration. The power supply is Cybenetics A certified for noise levels. This certification level is equivalent to an average noise level of only 15-20 dB(A), virtually silent during operation. CORSAIR also prints both the 80 PLUS Platinum and Cybenetics Platinum certifications on the HX1200i box. This demonstrates confidence in the power supply’s real-world performance and quietness, even exceeding the standard 80 PLUS rating.

CORSAIR uses the NR140P fan to cool the HX1200i power supply. This 140mm fan features Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB), offering superior durability and quieter operation compared to other bearing types. A semi-passive or Zero RPM mode allows the cooling fan to completely stop at low and medium loads. The fan only activates under heavy load or when temperatures reach a certain threshold. Tests have shown that fan noise only begins to exceed 25 dB(A) when the 12V line is loaded up to 895 W and exceeds 30 dB(A) when loaded up to 1000 W. The default fan configuration prioritizes maximum quietness during operation.

CORSAIR HX1200i component quality

Circuit structure and design

The CORSAIR HX1200i is manufactured by Channel Well Technology (CWT) – one of the leading OEM manufacturers in the power supply sector. For a high-end product sold under the renowned CORSAIR brand, the internal design of the HX1200i is not a pre-designed component from CWT. The HX1200i’s platform is manufactured by CWT but under the close supervision of CORSAIR’s engineering team. Even more special is that the CORSAIR HX1200i is a fully digital power supply, allowing it to be compatible with iCUE software.

With its digital platform, the HX1200i utilizes modern topology to achieve Platinum-level performance, coupled with precise control capabilities. The primary side of the HX1200i employs a digital topology, interleaved PFC (Interleaved Power Factor Correction), full-bridge and LLC (LLC resonant converter) converters. Meanwhile, the secondary side uses Synchronous Rectification (SR) technology for the +12V line and DC-DC converters for the auxiliary (+5V and +3.3V) lines.

In terms of circuit board design, the CORSAIR HX1200i uses a large PCB (power supply length up to 200 mm), allowing for a spacious component layout to optimize airflow. A highlight of the design is the use of two main transformers running in parallel, instead of just one large transformer. This solution aims to optimize the internal space of the power supply.

Component parts

The quality of internal components in CORSAIR power supplies is always given due attention. The high-end HX1200i is even more rigorous, with components carefully selected from large and reputable suppliers. The power supply is committed to using 100% Japanese 105°C capacitors. The main filter capacitor (Bulk Capacitor) is supplied by Nippon Chemi-Con, with a total capacitance of 1500µF (consisting of one 560µF capacitor and two 470µF capacitors). The secondary filter capacitor (Filtering Capacitor) is a combination of Nichicon and Rubycon, alongside solid capacitors from Nippon Chemi-Con and FPCAP.

The MOSFETs used in the HX1200i circuit design include 2 x Infineon IPW60R099P6 (APFC MOSFETs), 4 x Alpha & Omega AOTF29S50 for the main switcher. Meanwhile, the +12V MOSFETs are 8 x Vishay SiR626DP, arranged vertically on the PCB to save space and optimize heat dissipation. All components are controlled by a digital controller consisting of 2 x Texas Instruments UCD3138A, while the microcontroller (MCU) is a Microchip PIC32MM0064GPM036. The combination of the Microchip MCU and the Texas Instruments controllers not only helps the power supply achieve Platinum efficiency but also allows for real-time hardware monitoring and control, integrated with iCUE.

Design and modular cabling system

The CORSAIR HX1200i uses a fully modular cable design. This design allows users to only attach the necessary cables to the system, resulting in a neater setup and better airflow. The HX1200i uses Type 4 cables, but they are rigid braided and the 24-pin power cable is sleeved, so the cable management experience inside the case isn’t ideal. If CORSAIR had equipped it with the newer debossed cable design, the HX1200i would be much more perfect.

The included cables are sufficient for building a high-end desktop system with the latest high-performance components, such as Intel Raptor Lake CPUs, Core Ultra Series 2, AMD Ryzen 9000 Series, or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series and RTX 50 Series GPUs. In addition to the 24-pin ATX cable and two EPS12V 4+4 pin cables for the CPU, the CORSAIR HX1200i also includes four PCIe 6+2 pin (single-wire) cables, one 12V-2×6 cable, two SATA cables, two PATA cables and one USB Type-C cable for connecting iCUE to the USB header on the motherboard.

iCUE compatible, customizable

A key differentiating feature of the HX1200i compared to other high-end PSUs is its compatibility with iCUE software (iCUE Enabled) thanks to its digital design. You need to connect the power supply directly to the motherboard via the included USB-C cable, allowing the iCUE software to communicate with the HX1200i’s MCU. Once completed, you can monitor real-time PSU metrics (including input/output power consumption, voltage per line, temperature and fan speed).

In addition to monitoring parameters, the digital power supply platform also allows for customization of cooling fans. You can disable the default Zero RPM Mode, set a custom fan curve to your liking in iCUE to balance cooling efficiency and noise levels. The software also allows you to set alerts based on temperature thresholds for timely intervention.

The ability to switch between OCP (Single-Rail vs. Multi-Rail) in iCUE does not change the physical structure of the power lines. Essentially, the CORSAIR HX1200i remains a single-rail power supply, while the customizable OCP (OverCurrent Protection) function has a different meaning. By default, Multi-Rail OCP mode is enabled and the PSU’s MCU activates individual OCP points for each 12V socket on the PSU body. If a cable or component malfunctions and draws excessive current through a single socket, that individual OCP will shut down the PSU to protect the system. This is a safe mode and you should use it.

Conversely, if you enable the Single-Rail OCP option in iCUE, the software will instruct the MCU to disable all individual OCP points on each socket. At this point, the PSU will rely on only one main OCP point for the entire 12V line (maximum 100A). This option is for professional overclockers who intentionally pull a huge amount of power through a single cable in a short time to break overclocking records.

Conclude

The CORSAIR HX1200i (CP-9020281-NA) targets professional users and high-end desktop systems with demanding requirements. If you need absolute stability, low ripple, clean power, or the ability to customize OCP to your specific needs, the HX1200i easily meets those requirements. Furthermore, for those needing a quiet workspace to enhance concentration, the CORSAIR HX1200i remains an optimal choice. Note that the HX1200i has a cable length of 200 mm, so you will need a case that can accommodate it and ample space for comfortable cable management. Additionally, if possible, consider equipping your system with debossed Type 4 modular cables for a better experience.