HX620



The close-up above reveals we will be exmanining a power supply based on a multi-rail design. While this is not my favorite topic it's important we distiunguish between what is avialable and what certain guidelines dictate the manufacturer follow. For many years a 20-pin ATX power connector was all that was adequate to power any system, that is until the Pentium processors began demanding more current. Intel's solution was to introduce an additional 2x2-pin power adapter also known as the P4 power adpater. Next came PCIx bus and slot which required four additional pins transforming the 20-pin connector into a 24-pin connector supplying an additional 75W for the new bus and cards which ran off the PCIx slot. The evolution or mutation continued transforming the P4 to an 4x4-pin configuration to feed the voracious hunger of Intel's ever deepening pipelined beasts. The reasoning behind multi-rail designs are wrought with contradictions. However we cannot fault the manfacturrer for following guidelines and so we introduce what is certainly one of the finer executions of that design.



Corsair micro is widely known as the world's leader in desktop performance memory. While there are a multitude of other companies, many of which provide high quality products, Corsair has been very consistent in their role as a supplier of the worlds very best high performance memory. Products released over the years such as the TwinX, XMS, XMS Pro, Xpert and now Dominator Series of memory, all innovative, contributed a great deal to the industry while providing consumers with several options at the fastest speeds. Memory has certainly been Corsair's forte', however; they've also released several water-cooling systems which have been well accepted and perform on par with companies specializing in that field. Corsair's most recent divergence from the memory market has produced two new power supplies, the CMPSU-520HX, CMPSU-620HX both are modular, ergonomic and available internationally. As in the photo above, we test the HX620 which arrived in typical Corsair fashion, secure packaging.



Corsair has never suffered in the presentation department and they go to great length to ensure their products look as good as they perform. This they make evident on the box, since it is the first thing you see and for those whom dismiss "packaging" per se as superfluous, it's most likely because the company did their job correctly. It's usually not until you receive a damaged product you begin to ponder how securely it might, or should be boxed. PSU's are heavy and most arrive in thin bubble wrap and a tight fitted albeit thin cardboard box, which is fine if “double boxed” correctly. Corsair uses a thick form-fitted foam enclosure to secure the unit in place for travel. It costs more to do this, but it's less costly then an unhappy customer. In the photo below the top portion of the foam has been removed.



In the box is an 18AWG power cord which is adequate for maximum current draw. Cables are neatly tucked away in a sturdy pouch with Velcro fastening. It's a bit much for me but given the type of cables included, this is a nice storage place.



Cables provided are svelte in appearance and relatively flat, although not necessarily the type which would impede airflow through the case. While I'm not an advocate of modular cables these are the most ergonomic I've seen.



The cables connectors are especially unique accommodating their "flat" design. Much less cumbersome then any others I've used. And for those of you whom have tried to connect or disconnect modular cables inside your case, you know how difficult that can be.



I am not an advocate of modular cable designs as they introduce unnecessary points of resistance where oxidation can occur and repeated use of the plastic connectors leaves them prone to failure. Many Reviewers would disagree claiming the level of resistance is so minimal as to be inconsequential. I won't debate the subject here except to say; above 700W I wouldn't want designs featuring modular cables. Where the HX620 is concerned I am impressed with the cable system Corsair chose. It's unique, svelte, unobtrusive and most definitely User-friendly.



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