A Closer Look – Interior
Corsair’s AX1200i power supply is built by the OEM Flextronics. As we mentioned in the introduction this platform utilises a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to manage the various components on the PSU. This differs to a typical PSU which is normally controlled with analogue signals and a supervisor IC.
The included fan is made by Yate Loon Electronics and is a 140mm unit with the model number D14BH-12.This fan is capable of up to 2800 RPM at 48.5 dBA with 140 CFM. Of course Corsair promise less than 25 dBA in their example fan speed graphs so expect their fan profile to throttle this fan somewhat.
The EMI transient filtering starts at the kettle lead input. This input uses a server grade EMI line filter with one x cap, two Y caps and a CM choke. Moving onto the PCB there is additional transient filtering componentry – three CM chokes, two X caps, two Y caps and an MOV.
To the right we find the PFC coils with the PFC MOSFETs and diodes slightly below that. The two main hold up capacitors are made by Panasonic and provide 470 uF, 450V and are rated for up to 105 degrees celsius operation.
The huge daughter board PCB that sits along the side with a fan input is the DSP. This has all the digital capabilities to control the power supply’s rails, the fan and the PFC operations.
Behind the modular PCB and 12 volt wires we find the interleaved LLC main transformers. The 5v PCB is located on the left next to the DSP. The -12v PCB is located directly next to it.
Over on the right we can see on separate vertical PCBs the 5vsb PCB and 3.3 volt PCB.
The AXi series are the PSU’s to get if you’re unfazed by the eye bulging price or simply want to say you bought the best. For the more rational among us there are PSU’s that can do the job just as well for substantially less.