Corsair HX1200i vs NZXT C1200 Gold
Efficiency, ATX compliance, 12V-2x6 support, Cybenetics rating, and 5-year total cost of ownership.
| Spec | Corsair HX1200i | NZXT C1200 Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1200W | 1200W |
| Efficiency Tier | platinum | gold |
| ATX Version | ATX 3.1 | ATX 3.1 |
| 12V-2x6 (RTX 5090 safe) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Modular | full | full |
| Cybenetics Rating | ETA-A+ | — |
| MSRP | $299 | $219 |
| Est. Annual Electricity Cost | $246/yr | $252/yr |
| 5-Year Total Cost (TCO) | $1529 | $1479 |
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Assuming 500W average draw, 8 hours/day gaming, and $0.15/kWh electricity:
NZXT C1200 Gold costs ~$1479 over 5 years (purchase + electricity), saving approximately $50 compared to Corsair HX1200i.
Note: Corsair HX1200i has higher efficiency but higher upfront cost. The TCO crossover depends on your electricity rate and usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more efficient — Corsair HX1200i or NZXT C1200 Gold?
Corsair HX1200i is rated 80+ Platinum (~89% efficient), making it more efficient than NZXT C1200 Gold (80+ Gold (~87% efficient)). Higher efficiency means less electricity waste as heat, lower operating costs, and better thermal performance.
Can Corsair HX1200i run an RTX 5090?
Corsair HX1200i includes a native 12V-2x6 cable and supports ATX 3.1 — it is compatible with the RTX 5090, provided the wattage (1200W) is sufficient for your full build.
Which has lower long-term cost?
At $0.15/kWh and 8 hours/day, NZXT C1200 Gold costs ~$1479 total over 5 years (purchase + electricity) vs ~$1529 for Corsair HX1200i — a difference of ~$50.