The DeepCool PX850G 850W PSU Review: Less Than Quiet, More Than Capable

Power Supply Quality

The electrical performance of the DeepCool PX850G 850W PSU stands out in its class, showcasing exemplary voltage regulation and ripple suppression. The 12V rail maintains a tight 1.2% variance, with even more precise performance on the 3.3V and 5V rails. Ripple suppression is where this unit shines brightly, with maximum values recorded at 20 mV for the 12V line, 18 mV for the 5V line, and 16 mV for the 3.3V line, ensuring that the PSU provides consistently clean power across diverse load conditions. These figures outclass many top-tier products that cost multiple times as much as the PX850G does.

During our routine evaluation, we examine the fundamental protection features of all power supply units we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). The DeepCool PX850G 850W PSU passed all key protection tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in safeguarding against scenarios that might endanger the PSU or attached components. It exhibited slightly loosely calibrated Over Current Protection (OCP) for the 3.3V and 5V rails, activating at 130% for both, which is high but not to the point we would consider it to be a major concern. The 12V rail's OCP activation at 126% aligns well with expectations for an ATX 3.0 compliant PSU, ensuring robust protection while not being oversensitive to power excursions.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of power supply units, the DeepCool PX850G 850W PSU distinguishes itself as an appealing choice for users aiming for a fusion of performance, quality, and reasonable cost. DeepCool's approach with the PX850G centers on leveraging high-quality components and reliable designs, intending on balancing every performance aspect with a touch of unique aesthetics. Although the design notion was sound, the PX850G could be much more balanced in most ways.

Electrical performance is where the PX850G undoubtedly excels. In particular, the power quality of the PSU is splendid, outclassing many top-tier products that come with much heftier price tags. On the other hand, the energy conversion efficiency of the PX850G could be a little better, as the unit barely met the 80Plus Gold compliance requirements. It does have exceptional low load efficiency but its average nominal load efficiency is a tad lower than that of most comparable products.

Constructed by Channel-Well Technologies (CWT), a venerable OEM recognized for their excellence in the mid to high-range PSU sector, the PX850G boasts exceptional build quality. This confidence is likely behind the offering of a solid 10-year warranty. Opting for a 135 mm fan and significant heatsink dimensions, the design meticulously addresses cooling and thermal efficiency. The PSU's thermal management adeptly keeps temperatures in check, with the very low internal temperature readings substantiating the longevity and reliability of the PX850G. However, the noise levels under heavy loads also mark the PX850G's most significant drawback. While the unit performs quietly under lower demands, the sound becomes much more pronounced as the load intensifies, which may not align with all users' preferences for a quiet operation.

The $113 retail price of the PX850G strikes a middle ground, presenting a fair proposition when considering its ATX 3.0 compliance, superior build quality, good overall performance, and the assurance of a decade-long warranty. Despite the potential concern over noise at high loads that can drive a portion of potential buyers away, the DeepCool PX850G 850W PSU represents a reasonable choice for enthusiasts who do not overly stress their hardware and want a product blending great electrical performance, quality, and a sensible price with the assurance of compatibility with forthcoming hardware.