Corsair Blog

Of all the components needed to build a computer, an ordinary power supply can be the most overlooked. The new Corsair AX Series AX1200i Digital ATX power supply is far from ordinary. It defies this definition and in fact tosses it out the window. The new Corsair AX1200i is a revolutionary product in the computer industry and it will most certainly not be overlooked in any system.

The feature list for the AX1200i is impressive to say the least. It has most of the original features of the AX1200 but it also brings in some exciting new technology and features.

Feature List

• Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for delivering extremely clean, efficient power with real-time adjustments.
• Corsair Link™ Integration for monitoring and adjustment of performance, noise, and OCP settings.
• 80 PLUS® Platinum Efficiency for lower power usage and energy costs.
• Fanless operation at low loads, for outstanding noise reduiction.
• 140mm thermally controlled double-ball bearing fan spins up as needed.
• Fully Modular low profile cables for easy installation and less clutter.
• Engineered to meet maximum power output at a server-grade 50C temperature rating.
• Self-test switch to determine PSU functionality even before installation.

The AX1200i breaks new ground by being the first and only digitally controlled PSU in the industry. The AX1200i features advanced hybrid digital control which delivers exceptionally stable power over the whole load range and automatically compensates for DC output cable voltage drop ensuring tight DC output voltage regulation without the ripple/noise, transient response, and converter stability drawbacks associated with traditional output connector voltage sense schemes.

The AX1200i digital control scheme eliminates many external components necessary using analog controller solutions to offer an extremely small, high density, high reliability solution that allows incremental space to add extra power supply features including real time parameter monitoring and power supply control.The AX1200i hybrid digital platform features a proprietary advanced control architecture to allow best dynamic response. It is a true digital engine allowing superior on-the-fly performance optimization across the full operating range including boundary conditions while maintaining stable operation.

The AX1200i is fully modular and has a comprehensive flexible cabling system.

Another amazing feature of the AX1200i is Corsair Link compatibility and the graphical user interface. Corsair Link is the perfect complement to any system and provides the user complete control over their PC’s cooling, Link lighting, and the AX1200i PSU.

The Link based user interface allows users to communicate with and configure the AX1200i from a PC using a standard USB connection. The design tool enables the user to program the power supply and optimize end system performance, while carefully monitoring key power supply status parameters. The environment is intuitive and has been designed to be straight forward for users new to digital power command and control.

Here you can see the rear of the AX1200i. Notice the com port and the self-test switch. The self test switch will be a boon to anyone building or troubleshooting a system using a AX1200i. The comm port allows the AX1200i to communicate with Link via a USB connection to the motherboard. These are two more items unique to the AX1200i.

When discussing the AX1200i and Link I frequently run out of superlatives and I found myself looking for my thesaurus. So, I decided that screenshots were worth a thousand words each.

The AX1200i and Link form an unmatched combination. There is a dedicated Power tab for precise monitoring and control over your AX1200i PSU. Of course, this function is simplified by the 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency of the AX1200i.

There simply is no other product like Link and Link excels when combined with the AX1200i. Here’s a screenshot of the upcoming revised version of Link showing the Groups tab. Here the user can assemble monitoring and control parameters into groups for better organization, control, and monitoring.

The System tab shows a highly detailed overview of the system. This function is extremely customizable and allows a nearly infinite variety of combinations and customization to make every system a unique reflection of the user.

The AX1200i is designed to be extraordinarily quiet. The combination of 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency, the thermally controlled 140mm fan double ball-bearing fan, and the fanless operation at low loads all contribute to fantastically quiet operation.

The Corsair AX Series AX1200i has no rivals, no competitors, and is in a category all its own. There is no other PSU like it. The addition of Corsair Link elevates these distinctions even further. The level of control, function, and power in the AX1200i + Link combination is simply amazing.