Introduction

Corsair set a new standard when it comes to enthusiast grade power supplies when it launched the AX1200i digital ATX power supply. We took a look at the unit back in August and couldn't say enough good about the unit. It is easily one of the top three power supplies we have ever laid our hands on, but it comes with two drawbacks: it is expensive and delivers way more power than most will ever have a need for.

For those that go balls to the wall with quad GPUs and lots of overclocking, this isn't going to be an issue. Your average enthusiast with dual GPUs and a decent air cooler is left with technology that he would find incredibly useful, but out of his or her budget, mostly because of the cost associated with high wattage units.

Today Corsair is launching the AX860i and AX760i which should alleviate both of these issues. The two new power supplies bring the same digitally controlled power and 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency provided by the AX2100i, just at reduced wattages and prices. As with all power supplies in the new AXi line, the new units are also controllable, and can be monitored via the Corsair Link software.

We will be looking at the AX860i today, but you can expect all the same features and performance from both units.

Specifications, Availability and Pricing

The AX860i features a single 12V rail that is capable of delivering 99% of the rated output for the power supply. It is rated for 71.6A or 859.2W. Both 3.3V rails are rated for a strong 25A each with a combined maximum output of 125W. The 5VSB rail is rated for 3A or 15W. Combined maximum output for the AX860i is 860W.

Just because Corsair has brought the AXi series down to the mid-range market doesn't mean that they have cut any of the features. The power supply features a full set of protections including SCP, OVP, OCP, OPP and OTP. Furthermore, the OCP points are adjustable via the Corsair Link software for the PCI-E cable should you desire.

The unit features fully modular cabling. All peripheral cables are of the flat ribbon type while the rest are fully sleeved. The unit is rated for 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency and capable of 100% continuous output at 50C.

Corsair has an MSRP of $249.99 listed for the AX860i. This makes the AX860i the most expensive 800W-900W power supply available on the market, but you also have to figure in that none of the others are digitally controlled or able to be monitored in real-time from your PC. Figuring in the premium for that, it puts it right in line with the likes of the SeaSonic Platinum-860 and Enermax Platimax 850W. Corsair backs the AX86-i by a seven year warranty.