Corsair HX1000i Shift Crystal PSU Review

Meet the Corsair HX1000i Shift Crystal

Meet the Corsair HX1000i Shift Crystal

Corsair is daring to be different. Practically all PC power supplies are plain metal boxes. It’s all rather uninspiring. There’s a reason why most PC cases hide their PSUs under a shroud, or in a secondary chamber. People don’t want to see a plain black box, and that’s why the Corsair HX1000i Shift Crystal is special. It aims to be display-worthy. This PSU shows off its components, complete with white PCBs. You can see its inner workings, and it all looks premium.

This PSU arrived with two firsts. First, this is the first Corsair PSU to feature a transparent chassis. Second, it’s the first PSU to ship with Corsair’s PinProtect+ 12V-2×6 per-pin overcurrent protection technology.

Not a normal HX1000i Shift

Yes, this PSU uses the HX1000i Shift name, but this is more than just a HX1000i with a transparent case. That isn’t the only thing that has changed with Corsair’s new Crystal model. Alongside its three transparent sides, this PSU has an iCUE customisable RGB fan, an upgraded cable kit with individually sleeved cables, Corsair’s PinProtect+ 12V-2×6 technology, and a new 3D Y-pattern grille to improve airflow and lower PSU thermals.

Another change worth mentioning is that this PSU uses custom Corsair industrial-grade 105°C capacitors.

Crystal Clear

The clear sides of this PSU let users see the hardware inside, so they know exactly what they are buying. Premium white PCBs filled with components, including some large Corsair-branded capacitors.

iCUE Link Hub

Corsair’s HX1000i Shift Crystal includes a built-in iCUE LINK System Hub, which lets you easily configure other iCUE Link products without a dedicated hub and its 6-pin power cable. This hub has two channels that support daisy-chaining and can synchronise up to 24 iCUE Link components using Corsair’s iCUE software.

Note that the 140mm Magnetic Dome Bearing fan included with this PSU is RGB compatible through iCUE LINK. This allows users to control the fan’s colour, making the PSU more customisable.

Corsair PinProtect – 12V-2×6 Protection

The HX1000i Shift Crystal is the first Corsair power supply to feature “PinProtect+” technology, a per-pin overcurrent protection mechanism. This tech helps to prevent modern GPUs from being damaged by excessive heat buildup or current when using a 12V-2×6 power connector. If current stays out of spec too long, the power supply reduces output across the 12V-2×6 connector, shutting down your graphics card. If overcurrent continues after that, the PSU shuts down as a fail-safe.

This tech is built into the HX1000i Shift Crystal and requires no software or configuration to utilise. This feature runs continuously to protect your graphics card. Using Corsair iCUE, users can also monitor current distribution across the 12V-2×6 power cable and receive additional notifications when PinProtect+ activates. This PSU’s fan also turns red to further warn users.

PSU Cables

The Corsair HX1000i Shift Crystal ships with premium Corsair cables, which are individually sleeved and include cable combs.

Note that this PSU’s 12V-2×6 cable is angled on one end and straight on the other. This cable also uses the same premium sleeving as the others. Many PSU brands use different sleeving for this cable, much to our disgust. Thankfully, all of Corsair’s cables match.

Yes Corsair! Hide those ugly details!

I know, I know, regulations exist for a reason, and there are legitimate reasons why PSUs need to have information stickers on them. People need to know a PSU’s specifications just by looking at it. Releasing a PSU without these details would just be reckless. That said, it must be acknowledged that these stickers are ugly. There’s a reason why most PC builders hide their PSUs whenever possible.

Corsair has done something new here. They have hidden their PSU details under a flap that tries to match the rest of the PSU. It’s a subtle thing, and I appreciate the effort. Corsair wanted to make a good-looking CPU, and they didn’t want the rear of the PSU to look bad. Yes, the flappy cover is noticeable, but not as noticeable as the specifications it covers.

Ah yes, PSU specifications. Not to get on with things and forget this exists…

Pricing

Corsair’s HX1000i Shift Crystal will be available starting today for £249.99 in the UK, €289.90 in Europe, and $339.99 in the United States.