Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
Although we have covered tons of power supplies here at APH Networks, there are not many that comes in a white enclosure. The last time a PSU with a white power supply came across my desk was the PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 1200W in 2013, and that was a time when it was an OCZ brand. The latest power supply in the Corsair lineup has a depth of only 15.0cm, and is one of the shortest power supplies we have reviewed here in APH Networks. Most modular power supplies are longer than non-modular units by a centimeter or two, as the extra length is needed to accommodate its connector board at the back. We will take a look inside the PSU on the next page. For most ATX or eATX chassis, length should not be much of a problem, if at all. However, if you have a mATX or mITX case that takes standard power supplies, the shorter length will definitely serve as an advantage, especially considering the fact the CX750F RGB is fully modular.
From our view above, you can see the full branding is implemented on both sides, where you can spot Corsair's logo and CX750F RGB branding prominently placed. To make sure you will see the text right side up at all times, the orientation of it is different on both sides, so whatever side facing the user after installation will always be correct. Its classical SECC construction comes with angled edges to make it look more interesting and an integrated honeycomb fan grille guarding the primary and only cooling fan installed. The fan grille is cut out of the enclosure, so it is not exactly low resistance, but the honeycomb pattern should still be quite reasonable. The 120mm fan generates airflow by drawing air from the bottom of the power supply over its internal components to keep the temperatures in check. Exhaust heat is allowed to leave at the back of the power supply through the secondary honeycomb mesh opening. Meanwhile, four screws secure the power supply case together. A warranty seal extends over one edge of the power supply, so you cannot open the CX750F RGB 750W without voiding its 5-year warranty.
Starting from the back part of the power supply, we have the same familiar honeycomb mesh design as most PSUs with a bottom mounted fan. What you will find here is a horizontally aligned male connector for power input on the western edge along with an on/off switch and a button to toggle RGB lighting on the eastern edge. Holding down the button for about three seconds will cycle to the next lighting mode, while a short press will move to the next color. The PSU will remember the last setting. You will also find Corsair's logo here. The low resistance honeycomb mesh design is implemented to maximize airflow and minimize air resistance. This is done as heat needs to leave the power supply as easily and efficiently as possible, because the CX750F RGB 750W incorporates only one 120mm fan at the bottom. It is also implemented in a reasonably efficient manner as the power input connector and switch took up a relatively small amount of room at the back. As with all active PFC power supplies, the Corsair CX750F RGB 750W has an automatic full range 100V to 240V AC line voltage selection, so the user does not have to worry about manually selecting input voltage.
Like many power supplies we cover here at APH Networks, the CX750F RGB 750W is a fully modular power supply. This means all cables are completely detachable from the main unit. While it is somewhat questionable with regards to why this is necessary, since cables such as the ATX 24-pin and ATX 4-pin/EPS 8-pin have practically an 100% chance of being connected at all times, it may prove to be beneficial to an extent when building your computer initially.
The rear cable connection panel is done nicely. Corsair has also made the labels right side up in standard orientation. Similar connectors are grouped together and are laid out in a very logical manner. To ensure you know what is going on, they are all grouped and clearly labeled for minimal ambiguity. On the top left, we have a motherboard 24-pin split into two blocks next to each other. Next, there are four ATX/EPS 4+4 pin or PCI Express outputs. Along the bottom are three peripheral headers for Molex and SATA. Finally, there is an input for RGB LED lighting control. Incompatible outputs will not physically fit into each other, so Corsair has done a great job in this regard. This is a reasonable array of outputs in correspondence number of connectors on each modular cable, which should be sufficient for casual users and power enthusiasts alike.
The external build quality of Corsair's CX750F RGB 750W power supply is excellent as always; a good indication the company is serious about the product they are selling. We will take it apart in just a moment. Fit is done well with minimal panel gaps, and all edges are nicely finished off. The level of refinement with regards to the external build quality is right up there with all the other high-quality PSUs I have used in the past. As aforementioned, we will crack open the power supply to see what components are inside in the following section.
The voltage specification label is located on the outer panel of the Corsair CX750F RGB 750W. There are two main virtual rails. Up to 20A can be delivered via the +3.3V rail for a total of 66W; while the 20A on the +5V rail brings the output to 100W in this area. The total combined output for the +3.3V and +5V rail is 130W. In other words, your power allocation combination must fall within the limits of the listed specifications. Meanwhile, a single powerful +12V rail delivers up to 62.5A -- 750W -- to reduce operating overhead compared to multiple +12V rails. Overall, the combined power output for the whole Corsair CX750F RGB 750W is... well, 750W haha. Again, your power distribution in your system must fall within the limits provided -- it must not exceed 66W on the +3.3V rail, 100W on the +5V rail and 130W combined for both, 750W on the +12V rail, and 750W combined between the +12V and +3.3/+5V rails. It does sound a bit confusing to understand how this works at first, but generally speaking, this configuration allows very flexible power demands and should be sufficient to accommodate most users. I have seen higher power outputs in the +3.3V and 5V rails for lower output rated units, but the overall distribution is still reasonable for a 750W power supply.
The Corsair CX750F RGB 750W is 80 Plus Bronze certified, which means that it is certified to be at least 82%, 85%, 82% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% load, respectively. Higher certifications available for power supplies of this type include 80 Plus Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium at press time.
A total of eight modular power cables are included out of the box. All modular cables other than the ATX 20+4-pin cable are flat and easy to bend, making them extremely easy to work with. The ATX 20+4-pin cable is sleeved rather than flat. The thickness of the wires are not labeled.
The following modular cables are included out of the box:
- 1x ATX 20+4 pin, 61.0cm
- 2x ATX/EPS 4+4 pin, 65.0cm
- 2x PCIe 6+2 pin, 2 connectors each, 60.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 2x SATA, 4 connectors each, 45.5cm to first connector, 11.5cm spacing thereafter
- 1x Molex, 4 connectors, 45.0cm to first connector, 10.0cm spacing thereafter
To control the RGB fan function, there is a 50cm long iCUE RGB cable. A 30cm long iCUE RGB to ARGB adapter cable is also included.
These are specified measurements from the manufacturer. Most users should have no problems with Corsair's CX750F RGB 750W in modern cases. 50cm to the first connector is the general standard, and this power supply met or exceeded this recommendation in all counts with the exception of the Serial ATA and Molex cables. They are slightly short, but assuming you have a bottom power supply mount and your drives and accessories are located near the bottom, 40.0cm should be sufficient, although not ideal.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Minor Tests and Conclusion
