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HXi vs HXi SHIFT: What's the Difference?

At Computex 2025, we announced the HXi SHIFT series of PSUs. These PSUs combine the high-wattage and smart features of the HXi PSUs with the side-mounted cable connections of the RMx SHIFT PSUs. They also feature a built-in iCUE LINK System Hub with the exact same capabilities of the regular System Hub.

This means the HXi SHIFT PSUs are the most comprehensive solution for cable management and power delivery. This page will explain all the differences between the HXi and the HXi SHIFT power supplies.

The SHIFT design was first in the RMx series back in 2023. Though it was a simple concept design where you need to relocate, hence the word “SHIFT”, all the PSU connectors to the side PSU from the front of the PSU, the execution is the tricky part because the PCB design inside the PSU needs to be redesigned from the ground up, without compromising the PSU’s electrical performance and power efficiency. This design not only allowed PC builders easy access to the cables but also simplified the PC building experience.

HXi vs HXi SHIFT Specs Compared

	CORSAIR HXi	CORSAIR HXi SHIFT
Power Output	1200W, 1500W	1000W, 1200W, 1500W
Color	Black	Black
Efficiency Certification	80 PLUS Gold	Cybenetics Platinum & 80 PLUS Platinum
ATX Version	3.1	3.1
Native 12V-2x6 Connector	No	Yes
12VHPWR / 12V-2x6 Cable	2x 8-pin to 12V-2x6 GPU Cable	2x 12V-2x6 GPU Cable (1500W)
Zero RPM Fan mode	Yes	Yes
iCUE LINK System Hub	No	Yes
Modular Cables	Yes (Full)	Yes (Full)
Position of Modular Connectors on PSU	Back	Side
Cable Type	Type 4	Type 5
Fan Size	140mm	140mm
Fan Bearing	Fluid Dynamic	Fluid Dynamic
Warranty	10 Years	10 Years

Integrated iCUE LINK System Hub

In order to take advantage of the iCUE LINK ecosystem, you need an iCUE LINK System Hub. Luckily, the HXi SHIFT has one of these built in, with the ports found on the rearside where traditional modular PSUs have their cables.

Now that the HXi SHIFT has inherited the side-mounted cable connections from the RMx SHIFT, we've put the integrated iCUE LINK System Hub here. This makes running the cables a lot easier and means you no longer need a System Hub on the back of the motherboard tray. All cables lead back to the PSU with the HXi SHIFT. This will result in the easiest and cleanest cable management.

Smart PSU Features

The “i” prefix in any of the CORSAIR product lineup indicates that the component is compatible with iCUE, meaning many of the product features are accessible or can be unlocked via iCUE software. The HXi and HXi SHIFT PSUs are both compatible with iCUE, which means they are digital, AKA smart PSUs. This means you can monitor various metrics like temperature, load, and fan speed via iCUE for both of these PSUs.

The HXi PSUs connect to iCUE via an external USB Type-C Connection

the HXi SHIFT PSUs connect to iCUE with the integrated iCUE LINK System Hub

Cable Connections

This is the primary difference between these PSUs. The HXi SHIFT PSUs use the side-mounted connections from the RMx SHIFT lineup, whereas the HXi PSUs have a traditional modular interface.

Native 12V-2x6 Connection

Since 12V-2x6 became the standard connector for the high-end GPUs from Nvidia, we've included a native 12V-2x6 connection on the new HXi SHIFT PSUs. The HXi PSUs do not have a native connection but can still power these GPUs with an included adapter cable.

HXi - Note the lack of a Native 12V-2x6 connection.

HXi SHIFT - Depending on the wattage, you'll get one or two native 12V-2x6 connections.

HXi

HXi SHIFT

Efficiency Certifications

Recently, we transitioned from 80 PLUS to Cybenetics certification on the HXi SHIFT series, aligning with industry standards and facilitating a more rigorous analysis of its PSUs. Cybenetics tests everything the 80 PLUS tests and more, from overall efficiency to vampire power and noise levels.

The HXi SHIFT is only Cybenetics certified, while the HXi is 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Platinum certified.