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CORSAIR HX1000i SHIFT CRYSTAL: the transparent PSU that monitors every single pin of the graphics card connector
From COMPUTEX 2025 prototype to retail product: 1000 W, transparent panels on three sides, an RGB fan and the new PinProtect+ protection, which measures the current on each of the six 12 V pins of the 12V-2×6 cable and shuts the GPU down if something goes wrong. It costs €289.90 and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Milpitas (California), 12 November 2026 – CORSAIR has introduced the HX1000i SHIFT CRYSTAL, the first power supply with active per-pin overcurrent protection on the graphics card’s 12V-2×6 connector, thanks to PinProtect+ technology. It also integrates an iCUE LINK System Hub that directly powers up to 24 iCUE LINK devices, and features transparent side panels, an RGB fan and custom Japanese capacitors.
It started as a prototype shown at COMPUTEX 2025: the response was so positive that CORSAIR decided to bring it to market. It is based on the HXi SHIFT platform, carries Cybenetics Platinum efficiency certification, is ATX 3.1 certified and PCIe 5.1 compliant, and is fully controlled from CORSAIR iCUE software.
PinProtect+: an eye on every GPU pin
The 12V-2×6 connector of the most powerful graphics cards carries a lot of current over few pins: if a cable is not fully seated, a single pin can overheat. PinProtect+ monitors each of the six 12 V pins in real time and shows the current of each one in iCUE.
If the current on a pin exceeds the threshold for longer than the set delay, iCUE sends an alert and the fan lighting turns red. If the abnormal current persists, PinProtect+ cuts power to the GPU, shutting it down to help reduce the risk of damage, while the fan goes to full speed. Short spikes that settle within the delay are simply logged in the event log.
Everything is adjustable in iCUE: the threshold ranges from 7 to 10 A (9.5 A by default), the delay from 10 to 180 seconds, and the PinProtect+ panel in the Cooling tab shows pin readings and the overcurrent event log. After a shutdown, on restart iCUE prompts you to check the two-tone connectors of the included 12V-2×6 cable: if the grey ends are visible, the cable is not fully inserted. PinProtect+ is an upgraded version of the PinProtect found in the RM1200e and can be disabled, although CORSAIR does not recommend it.
We previously covered CORSAIR’s 12V-2×6 protection with the RMe series (in Italian): CORSAIR RMe Platinum with ThermalProtect on the 12V-2×6.
Transparent on three sides, with an RGB fan
The transparent polycarbonate panels on three sides reveal the internal components, such as the custom capacitors rated up to 105 °C, turning the PSU into a showpiece of the build. The 140 mm fan with a magnetic dome bearing has customisable RGB lighting, which also shows the status of PinProtect+.
Built-in iCUE LINK and side-mounted connectors
The integrated iCUE LINK System Hub removes the need for a separate hub and its PCIe power cable: compatible iCUE LINK devices plug straight into the PSU. Its dual-channel design supports 12 devices per channel, up to 24 daisy-chained devices, detected automatically by iCUE, where fan speeds and lighting can be set for each device.
The side-mounted connectors give easy access to CORSAIR Type-5 cables, and the fully modular design lets you connect only the cables you need. Individually sleeved cables and low-profile cable combs keep the interior tidy.
Platinum efficiency and quiet operation
Overall efficiency reaches up to 91%. Being ATX 3.1 certified and PCIe 5.1 compliant, it handles power transients up to twice its rated power, useful for GPU power spikes. Zero RPM mode stops the fan at low to medium loads, and the 3D Y-pattern fan grille maximises airflow. With 1000 W of rated power, it is designed for high-end gaming PCs and power-hungry components.
Price and availability
The CORSAIR HX1000i SHIFT CRYSTAL is available now from authorised retailers and the CORSAIR online store, at a launch price of €289.90 in Europe (USD 339.99, £249.99), with a 10-year warranty. Official page: CORSAIR HX1000i SHIFT CRYSTAL.
Source: CORSAIR press release, 12 November 2026 and official CORSAIR images. All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners.
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