Corsair AX1600i PSU Review

Voltage Ripple and Efficiency Testing

When testing new power supplies, we use our dedicated SunMoon test equipment, one of the most expensive (if not the most expensive) tools in the companies arsenal. Here we can see exactly how well a unit can function, looking at its efficiency and power stability, giving us an in-depth look at the performance of power supply than directly loading it up with high wattage hardware and seeing if it runs. 

In our video review (next page), Tom will show you this unit in operation, though please note that this piece of equipment is only rated to test power supplies at up to 1200W, making us unable to place the AX1600i under full load. Even so, we will be able to showcase the performance of this unit at these lower wattages to offer the best analysis we can with the tools we have available. 

Efficiency Tests 

Looking at this graph, it is clear that Corsair has moved to Gallium Nitride for a reason, with the AX1600i hitting the top of our chart with efficiency levels that exceed 94% at all times. This increase in efficiency is the kind of innovation that new materials can bring, making us excited to see Gallium Nitride be introduced into more SKUs moving forward.   

One other factor to consider here is the impact this increased efficiency can have on cryptocurrency miners, as every watt saved can increase their potential profit margins. Increases in efficiency also means an overall decrease in heat output, making this unit quiet under sustained loads using our test equipment. Sadly the AX1600i does test itself at 100% fan speeds upon bootup, though miners and some users may consider that a feature, even if we prefer to have a little more peace and quiet.  

Voltage Ripple Tests

Voltage ripple is something that is often underlooked by consumers, though it can best be described as the stability of specific voltages that the PSU delivers. A PSU with more ripple will see voltages vary a lot more, which in extreme cases can damage components or shorten their lifespan. Voltage ripple stability is one of the many reasons to buy a high-quality power supply and avoid anything that isn't 80+ rated. 

An important thing to note here is that one of the PSUs in this graph is "bad", even the RM1000 that sits at the base of this chart. This unit at the top of this graph should be considered the cream of the crop, though we certainly wouldn't like to see the ripple on anything new that is higher than the RM1000, given the advancements in power supplies over the past five years. 

In many aspects that AX1600i is not the best unit on this graph, with the Corsair RMi offering greater levels fo efficiency under 20% and 50% loads, though it must be remembered that the AX1600i is a much more powerful unit. The AX1600i may not be our chart-topper, this certainly isn't a bad showing from Corsair.