What the Crystal is
The Crystal takes Corsair's digital HXi platform and the side-mounted connector layout of the SHIFT line, then puts them in a see-through chassis. Corsair first showed the design as a prototype at Computex 2025. It showed the production model at Computex 2026. VideoCardz described it as aimed at display builds, where the PSU is visible through the case.
Key specifications:
- Standards: ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1, with Cybenetics Platinum certification.
- Connectors: One native 12V-2x6 connector, a 140 mm magnetic dome bearing fan, Zero RPM mode and iCUE software control. Tom's Hardware lists the modular cables as one 24-pin, two 4+4-pin EPS, three PCIe cables carrying four 6+2-pin connectors, a 600 W-rated 12V-2x6 cable, and two SATA and two Molex cables.
- Rails: 83.3 A on 12 V, 25 A each on 3.3 V and 5 V, and 3 A on 5VSB.
- Rating: Full output continuously at ambient temperatures up to 50°C, with a ten-year warranty.
- Size: Tom's Hardware lists 150 x 86 x 200 mm. Another review lists 150 x 87 x 200 mm and 2.00 kg.
- OEM: Channel Well Technology (CWT) builds the platform. Igor's Lab also names CWT as the contract manufacturer.
PinProtect+ and iCUE
The most practical addition is PinProtect+. When current exceeds a user-customizable threshold, the PSU cuts power to the 12V-2x6 connector, which stops power to the GPU. Corsair says the fan lighting turns red when that happens.
Tom's Hardware tested it. The reviewers drew 20 A through a single wire of the 12V-2x6 connector, and the PSU shut down instantly. That confirms the feature works. It does not show that every cable, GPU or fault scenario is covered. Igor's Lab titled its review around "More Caution with PinProtect+", and HWBusters said the protection settings need improvement. Treat the feature as a useful safeguard, not a guarantee.
The unit also integrates an iCUE LINK System Hub. iCUE can control fan speed, monitor power settings and switch between single- and multi-rail overcurrent protection. Corsair says the hub supports up to 24 devices. Per Corsair, those devices connect directly to the PSU, so a separate PCIe cable for the hub isn't needed. This only helps people already in Corsair's iCUE LINK ecosystem.
Efficiency, regulation and ripple
Tom's Hardware used its own lab for the tests below:
- Efficiency at 25°C: Averages of 92.1% at 230 VAC and 90.5% at 115 VAC. Peak efficiency was 93.6% at 230 V and 92.2% at 115 V, around 40% load. At full 1,000 W, efficiency was 91% and 88.5%.
- Efficiency at about 45°C: Averages of 91.7% at 230 V and 90.1% at 115 V, a drop of only 0.4 points.
- Regulation: The 12 V and 5 V rails varied by 1% and the 3.3 V rail by 0.7%. The reviewer called this good but short of the best digital platforms.
- Ripple: At maximum load the 12 V rail peaked at 48 mV, and the 5 V and 3.3 V rails both peaked at 26 mV. The ATX limits are 120 mV on 12 V and 50 mV on the minor rails.
- Protections: All protections triggered correctly. Hot OCP on 12 V tripped at 110 A. OPP shut the unit down at 1,300 W, or 130% of rated output.
Tom's Hardware's notes also cite a separate Cybenetics report. Its multi-load averages were 89.843% at 115 V and 91.222% at 230 V. That test uses a different method from the nominal-load figures above, so the two sets of numbers don't conflict.
Noise
Noise depends heavily on load and ambient temperature.
At room temperature the fan stays off up to 50% load, about 500 W. After that it is gentle: roughly 31.6 dB(A) at 500 W, about 33 at 700 W, under 37 at 900 W and about 39 at full load.
In the roughly 45°C hotbox the fan starts earlier, at about 400 W. It reaches 45.7 dB(A) at 900 W and 46.8 dB(A) at full output. Heatsinks hit 84°C (primary) and 89°C (secondary). Tom's Hardware calls that high but within what the platform can handle. A typical gaming PC in a normal room should rarely see this. A hot, cramped case under a sustained heavy load will.
Compromises
- Capacitors: Tom's Hardware identifies the parts as Elite-made and rebranded as Corsair. They are Taiwanese, rated for 105°C. The regular HX1000i SHIFT advertises Japanese capacitors. HWBusters likewise says the Crystal uses Corsair-branded Elite parts instead of the regular SHIFT's Chemi-Con and Rubycon units. Corsair describes its capacitors as custom-made to its specifications. Elite is a reputable maker, so this isn't a reliability verdict. The reviewer simply finds the parts an odd match for a model built to show its internals.
- Fan: The Crystal's fan is a rifle-bearing design with a magnetic shaft. The regular SHIFT uses a fluid dynamic bearing.
- Length and clearance: At 200 mm it is a long ATX unit, and the side connectors need free space beside it. Check your case's PSU length limit and side clearance before buying. Corsair's matching 4500X case is the obvious pairing.
- Bundle: The box holds an AC cord, four screws, some cable ties and a safety leaflet. There are no Velcro straps or extra accessories.
Price
Tom's Hardware said Corsair had not published a US price when the review went up. It cited $339.99 for the regular HX1000i SHIFT at Corsair's store. KitGuru quotes a UK price of £249.99 for the Crystal. Treat that as a retailer-region figure and check current listings before buying. I haven't confirmed a US price.
Verdict
If you want a showcase build, the Crystal's electrical results back up its looks. Efficiency, ripple and the 10-year warranty are strong. The caveats are the Taiwanese capacitors, the loud hot-and-heavy behavior, the 200 mm length and the side-clearance requirement. If your PSU sits in a hidden compartment, the glass is wasted and the regular HX1000i SHIFT makes more sense.