Corsair RX1200x SHIFT ATX 3.0 PSU Review

Power Efficiency Testing

As an 80+ Gold rated power supply, Corsair's RX1200x SHIFT was never going to reach the highest heights of our efficiency charts. That's where higher-end 80+ Platinum and Titanium rated PSUs go. That said, with efficiency levels of near or above 90%, it is hard not to be satisfied with the RX1200x SHIFT. Yes, more efficient PSUs are available, but these PSUs are often much more costly. That said, if you want the best of the best in terms of power efficiency, the Corsair RMx Shift series won't give you that. For that you will need to look at Corsair's AX series units.

Voltage Ripple Testing

Voltage ripple is an important aspect of PSU design. To put it simply, PSUs with low levels of voltage ripple are able to provide the voltages with should with minimal deviance. High levels of voltage ripple ensure a high level of system stability, which is great for overclockers and those who want to maximise their system's longevity.

At the top of our charts are Corsair's original 2014 RM1000 power supply, and we will say here that its relatively high levels of ripple aren't terrible, or anything to worry about. That said, it highlights how strong most modern PSU designs are when it comes to voltage ripple, and the Corsair RM1200x SHIFT is no exception. That said, the RM1200x SHIFT did exhibit higher levels of ripple than we expected at 100% loads, showing us ripple levels that we had not seen from Corsair since their original HX1000i. Even so, this is not in any way concerning, and this could be a sign that Corsair new side-mount cable design could benefit from some refinement. 

In terms of voltage ripple, Corsair's RM1200x SHIFT is a mixed bag, as its 20% load results are fantastic. It's just a shame that this does not scale up to 100% loads. Again, these ripple levels are noting to worry about. We've just been spoiled in recent years with other PSU designs. There was a time where many of Corsair's PSU cables featured in-line capacitors that dramatically reduced voltage ripple, but these designs have been phased out in recent years due to challenges in the semiconductor supply chain. When capacitors are more expensive and almost impossible to buy in large quantities, it makes sense that this had been an area where PSU manufacturers have cut back to keep prices down.