Corsair validates PSU lineup for Haswell compatibility

Hardware

May 16, 2013

Intel’s Haswell launch is just a few weeks away and manufacturers and gamers are all gearing up for the event, which is set for 4 June 2013 right at the same time as Computex Taipei.

One of the new features Haswell boasts is a deeper sleep mode, where it can stay below 1w but still have a lot of circuitry active. We’ve seen how some manufacturers, like ASRock, are taking advantage of this but there’s a catch – many power supplies can’t deal with such low loads. Some of them will measure the difference between the voltage on the 12v, 3v and 5v rails and assume that everything’s shot to hell because the 12v rail loads are lower than what they’re supposed to be.

Some power supplies will then kick into safe mode and shut down. Others will require a power cycle and some may even continue on as if nothing happens, but may waste more energy because they can’t efficiently step down to such a low level.

Corsair, one manufacturer who relies on sales of power supplies to aid their bottom line, has announced which power supplies will be compatible with Intel’s Haswell processors right off the bat. Corsair’s manufacturers are typically FSP, CWT and Seasonic, although many of their designs aren’t stock reference units with labels stuck on.

Power Supply model	80 Plus Rating	Compatible Y/N	Comment
AX1200i	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX860i	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX760i	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX1200	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX860	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX760	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX750	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
AX650	Platinum	Yes	100% with sleep states
HX1050	Gold	Yes	100% with sleep states
HX850	Gold	Yes	100% with sleep states
HX750	Gold	Yes	100% with sleep states
HX650	Gold	Yes	100% with sleep states
TX850M	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
TX750M	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
TX650M	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
TX850	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
TX750	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
TX650	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
GS800	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
GS700	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
GS600	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
CX750M	Bronze	Yes	100% with sleep states
CX600M	Bronze	TBD	Validation pending
CX500M	Bronze	TBD	Validation pending
CX430M	Bronze	TBD	Validation pending
CX750	None	Yes	100% with sleep states
CX600	None	TBD	Validation pending
CX500	None	TBD	Validation pending
CX430	None	TBD	Validation pending
VS650	None	TBD	Validation pending
VS550	None	TBD	Validation pending
VS450	None	TBD	Validation pending
VS350	None	TBD	Validation pending

While Corsair does say that they’re busy with some of the other PSUs, a few omitted models may best be avoided. The GS500 isn’t listed here, even though it’s still relatively new to the market. Its a CWT unit similar to the CX lineup, but some optimisations done by Corsair may have put it out of the running.

Most of their lineup, however, has been replaced systematically and there are no old models left in stock. It looks like Corsair’s all ready for Haswell and many other PSU manufacturers will be announcing their compatibility lists over the coming weeks. Corsair says that previous products under the same family should also be compatible and will be keeping an updated list 0f compatible PSUs on their website after launch.

Intel’s Haswell is a refinement of Ivy Bridge with a revamped GPU and higher efficiency. It requires a new socket (LGA1150) and will be Intel’s fourth iteration of the Core architecture that debuted with the Core Duo first seen in laptops in 2006. It will be replacing Ivy Bridge products at the same price points and will be available soon after launch.