Epilogue
Like the rest of the family’s models, the Corsair HX1500i Shift is expensive at $450, $50 more than the 1200W model. In my opinion, the price gap between the 1200W and 1500W models is too close, given that with 50 dollars more, you also get 300W more. The extra iCUE Link hardware is the primary driver of the higher production cost. Performance-wise, the HX1500i Shift didn’t impress me, although it is not far from the high-end models in this category. But the fact is that the competition is stiff, and in most cases it also costs less (but it doesn’t have the embedded iCUE Link). Whether any of the HXi Shift models is good for you, depends on the rest of the hardware that you have in your system. If you have several iCUE Link devices, then it makes sense, or if you plan to dive deep into the iCUE Link ecosystem. Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense to pay for extra hardware that you won’t utilize.
For me, the iCUE Link is an exciting technology, but its main issue is the increased cost of all compatible devices. It is great to have a single cable connecting so many devices, transferring data and power, but when you need an arm and a leg to buy these devices, the whole concept doesn’t look so exciting. Corsair should lower its prices if it wants to remain in the game and make the iCUE Link ecosystem more popular with users.
The HX1500i Shift offers decent overall performance, but its high price notably lowers its performance-per-price ratio. The primary asset of this unit, which sets it apart from the crowd, is the integrated iCUE Link hub.
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- Delivered full power at 46°C
- ATX v3.1 and PCIe CEM 5.1 compliant
- Cybenetics Platinum rated
- Good parts used
- Highly efficient 5VSB rail
- Silent operation
- Within 1% load regulation
- Good ripple suppression on the primary rails
- Good transient response (normal loads)
- Extended hold-up time
- (Dead) low inrush currents
- Low vampire power
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- Fan failure protection
- FDB fan
- 12+2-pin PCIe connector set at 600W
- Integrated iCUE LINK System Hub
- Expensive
- Protection features need adjustments (OCP and OPP)
- Mediocre transient response at 12V (high loads)
- Increased EMI emissions in my sample
- Not so high efficiency at normal and light loads (compared to similar spec units)
- Low PF readings at 230V
