Corsair RX1200x SHIFT ATX 3.0 PSU Review
A new SHIFT in PSU design
PSU design hasn’t changed much over the past decade. Yes, higher efficiency PSUs have become more common, and yes, we have just recieved the new ATX 3.0 standard and the new 12VHPWR (16-pin PCIe) connector, but most PSUs are still simple rectangular boxes that adhere to the age old ATX standards as closely as possible. This has left the PSU market with little room for innovation, and with little space for manufacturers to create something different. Today, Corsair has something different for you.Â
Meet the Corsair RMx SHIFT series
With their RMx SHIFT series, Corsair is turning traditional ATX PSU design on its head (or should we say its side?) by placing its module power outputs on the side of the unit, making it easier for PC builders to access their PSU’s modular cables and PC upgrades or reworks a lot simpler.Â
Most PSU designs route their cables in such a way that they are almost impossible to access in modern PC cases, except for those that lack a PSU shroud. Wit their SHIFTed design, Corsair makes PSU cables easily accessible behind your PC’s motherboard tray, making cable re-routing, adding, or replacing a much easier process. With many of our test rigs, we hate having to add or change power cables because it often requires PSU removal and a lengthy re-installation process. With the RMx SHIFT series, it is very easy to add or remove cables, and super easy to replace your cables with fancier braided versions should you wish to.Â
Comparability Problems
While Corsair’s RMx SHIFT series of power supplies have their perks, they also have their disadvantages. You will need to make sure that your case supports a PSU with this kind of power output configuration, as some case design will cover this area up with steel. If you case is like this, you will likely need to cut away this plate to enable support for the RMx SHIFT series, but that could harm the structural rigidity of your case, and if we are completely honest, there is little reason why you shouldn’t just opt for a standard PSU if your case does not support the RMx SHIFT series.Â
By diverging from ATX standards. Corsair’s RMx SHIFT series is not guaranteed to be compatible with all PC cases, but for cases that do support it, Corsair’s RMx SHIFT series will bless you with easy to access PSU modular cables. Â
PSU options and pricingÂ
Corsair’s RMx SHIFT series will be available in 750W, 850W, 100W and 1200W options. These PSUs will be available globally, and below you can see the pricing of Corsair’s RMx SHIFT series PSUs for most global regions.Â