XFX Black Edition 850w ATX PSU
Introduction & Specs
Published: 12th October 2009 | Source: XFX | Price: £159 |
Introduction
THIS image is something most of us will have undoubtedly seen floating around the net for quite some time now. It caused quite a stir over on our forums, and undoubtedly other enthusiast forums all around the globe too. First shown off at Computex earlier this year and only fully confirmed for release a short while ago, XFX's first foray into the PSU market was obviously never going to be a quiet one.However, GPU manufacturers entering the PSU market is by no means a new thing. Back in June I had the opportunity of reviewing a 1200w unit from BFG which failed to impress due to poor performance and quality control issues. Furthermore, Sapphire Technology also recently announced their own PSU range which we already have their 1250w model in the labs for testing. Add to this the already well established list of PSU manufacturers such as OCZ, Corsair, Enermax, Be-Quiet..etc..etc..etc and any manufacturer wanting to muscle in on the power supply market is going to have a hard time finding their feet unless they've got something quite special.
XFX of course have pulled out the big guns and launched their first PSU as part of the "Black Edition" range which traditionally only encompassed their high-end pre-overclocked graphics cards. The 850w unit sports a green and black attire that will of course look right at home inside any PC kitted out with an XFX nVidia GPU or Motherboard, but let's start by checking out the specs to see if XFX have done their homework:
XFX 850W Black Edition Modular PSU (P1-850B-NLG9)
Designed specifically for the high performance gamer, the 850W Black Edition PSU supports multiple high-end graphics cards. Offering an array of unparalleled features, the 850W PSU delivers exceptional performance:
Benefits
• Specifically designd to support multiple, high-end graphic adapters
• Single, high-power +12V rail eliminates the problems associated with multiple +12V power distribution
• Industrial grade components insure high reliability and long life
• High efficiency not only helps protect the environment but also allows the XFX 850W PSU to run cool and quiet
• Combining both fixed and modular cables delivers superior performance and flexibility
KEY FEATURES
• 850W of continuous power at 50°C
• Tight voltage regulation (±3%)
• High efficiency operation up to 90% (80 Plus Silver)
• Single, high power +12V rail (up to 70A/840W)
• DC to DC voltage Regulator modules for +3.3V and +5V
• High quality Japanese brand capacitors (105°C)
• Solid polymer caps provide enhanced reliability and stability
• Quiet 135mm ball bearing fan provides superior cooling
• Supports multiple high-end graphic adapters (NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire Ready)
• Supports the latest ATX12V and EPS12V standards
• Active PFC with Universal AC input
• Detachable modular cables
• Energy Star 4.0 and RoHS compliant
• 5-Year Limited Warranty, subject to registration
Designed specifically for the high performance gamer, the 850W Black Edition PSU supports multiple high-end graphics cards. Offering an array of unparalleled features, the 850W PSU delivers exceptional performance:
Benefits
• Specifically designd to support multiple, high-end graphic adapters
• Single, high-power +12V rail eliminates the problems associated with multiple +12V power distribution
• Industrial grade components insure high reliability and long life
• High efficiency not only helps protect the environment but also allows the XFX 850W PSU to run cool and quiet
• Combining both fixed and modular cables delivers superior performance and flexibility
KEY FEATURES
• 850W of continuous power at 50°C
• Tight voltage regulation (±3%)
• High efficiency operation up to 90% (80 Plus Silver)
• Single, high power +12V rail (up to 70A/840W)
• DC to DC voltage Regulator modules for +3.3V and +5V
• High quality Japanese brand capacitors (105°C)
• Solid polymer caps provide enhanced reliability and stability
• Quiet 135mm ball bearing fan provides superior cooling
• Supports multiple high-end graphic adapters (NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire Ready)
• Supports the latest ATX12V and EPS12V standards
• Active PFC with Universal AC input
• Detachable modular cables
• Energy Star 4.0 and RoHS compliant
• 5-Year Limited Warranty, subject to registration
The Black Edition 850w boasts up to 90% efficiency with an 80PLUS Silver rating, a single 12v rail, Japanese 105°C capacitors, +3.3v/+5v DC-DC modules with solid state caps and a 135mm fan. Naturally support for multiple high-end graphics cards is also on the list, but we're not going to find out exactly how many PCI-E connectors are included until we take a closer look over the next few pages.
XFX have also included a 5yr warranty which should go down well with those of us who keep their hardware for longer than a few months before upgrading. However, do note that you need to register the product in order to take advantage of this, otherwise you'll be stuck with a fairly basic 1yr warranty and a dent in your forehead from the repeated *facepalm* should the PSU go belly up after this time.
| XFX Black Edition 850w Rail Layout | ||||||||||
| DC Output | +3.3V | +5V | +12V1 | +12V2 | +12V3 | +12V4 | +12V5 | +12V6 | -12V | +5VSB |
| 24A | 30A | 70A | - | - | - | - | - | 0.8A | 3A | |
| Max Power | 150W | 840W | 9.6W | 15W | ||||||
| 850W | ||||||||||
Power output is fairly common for an enthusiast orientated PSU with almost all of the 850W output being available on a single 12v rail should it be required. As XFX have already said, this eliminates any potential issue where a high current +12v device (such as a graphics card) could trip the OCP (Over Current Protection) on a PSU with say 6 rails rated at 20A each. Some urban myth surrounds this idea though, as most PSU's with 'multiple rails' tend to have each of the PCI-E connectors attached to different rails thereby avoiding this issue entirely.
Anyway, it's fair to say from the specs list at least that XFX have put together a PSU that should have most enthusiasts putting their hands in their pockets reaching for their..ahem...wallets right now. So let's press on with the rest of the review to see if it lives up to our expectations.
Most Recent Comments
We have heard nothing back from eitherside yet, I will try and get some information next week for you dude. All we know for now is it was a big concern, and XFX had decided to do their own testing with Seasonic the OEM manufacturer.
Well after wondering what to do regarding this PSU, I decided to contact XFX personally and this is the entire history from my conversation with one of there technicians, over the course of yesterday and today.
[ 7/11/2009 8:02:39 PM] I have read that when tested this power supply blew up and that it was a major issue for you at the time of the review and that you were looking into it! The review was read on overclock3d.net and has been discussed at length here hxxp://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?p=354173#post354173 Can someone please get back to me and let me know what has been done about the stability of this psu (to stop further potential problems) and if the problemthat caused the psu to blow up has now been rectified?
[SHAUN_T 9/11/2009 11:38:10 AM] Hi, thanks for your messages. Please note, it was the weekend when you posted your support ticket, therefore there were no technicians available to answer your question at the time. There have been many XFX PSUs sold recently and the customers have had no issues whatsoever, so there are no known faults or issues with the product. Have you tried installing it into your system? If you have any problems with it, please do let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.
[ 9/11/2009 1:28:23 PM] No I haven`t tried installing it in my system as yet because of the review I read, and i`m not sure whether or not to just rma it for a refund because, now I`m not sure if they deliberately overstressed the psu or not but they are claiming that the protection that`s supposed to be built into the psu to stop it blowing up or exploding only kicked in once and the 2nd time it blew up and they claim it happened to 2 out of 2 of the psu`s, can you do me a favour and read the review via the link I posted then report back to me what you make of it so I can have some sort of peace of mind and a genuine honest opinion from yourself. The review is located here hxxp://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?p=354173#post354173 Thank you
[SHAUN_T 9/11/2009 2:54:49 PM] Hi, thanks for your message. Like I said, there are no common faults/batch issues etc with the XFX PSUs, we have had many customers using them without a problem. I have scanned over the review vaguely but we cannot pass much comment as we do not know the system setup etc etc. Why they had these problems I do not know, but there isnt much more I can do than to assure you there are no problems with the PSUs. Kind regards, Shaun.
[ 9/11/2009 3:30:14 PM] So is it wrong to assume that you knew about this issue because they mentioned they had informed you (well not you personally) but XFX about this issue and that you knew about it, and that XFX were very concerned about this and were going to run some tests to verify there was no problem because you seem to be side stepping the issue completely instead of assuring me the units had been tested after that review and that those 2 out of 2 units must have had a fault. You have done nothing to ease my mind as you have clearly stated that there are no common faults with xfx psu`s, but how would you know if you hadn`t done some tests after that review quite clearly stated you had been informed and they had no response from xfx regarding the issue. Thanks for replying.
[SHAUN_T 10/11/2009 11:36:55 AM] Hi, thanks for your message. If there was an issue with the PSUs, for example, a batch issue they would have been recalled. Obviously, other users have had no issues with this product, and we have not had any support tickets complaining about anything. Therefore, as far as we know there are no problems with these PSUs. If you do not wish to use the PSU, it may be best for you to return it to your reseller whilst you only bought it 4 days ago. Kind regards, Shaun.
[ 10/11/2009 12:26:07 PM] I just figured if they did let you know then maybe you would have done your own tests to either substantiate there claims or prove them to be false, I haven`t made my mind up what I`m going to yet but I do appreciate your replies and you seem to have been fairly honest in your responses. Thank you.
[SHAUN_T 10/11/2009 12:27:23 PM] Hi, thanks for your message. No problem, we`re not here to lie to you, so if you do have anymore questions or encounter any problems in the future, please let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.
whilst they are not lying, they are doing what all media people are trained to and only put forward arguments they appear to answer the question but are actually sidestepping. I have to say it was very interesting to read their response.
Seems that they would rather have people blown up before doing anything - which includeds tests themselves.
Seems that they would rather have people blown up before doing anything - which includeds tests themselves.
I would not worry you will never reach the cut out point with your rig, safe as houses mate.
Hi, thanks for your message. No problem, we`re not here to lie to you, so if you do have anymore questions or encounter any problems in the future, please let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.
Frankly I am not surprised that XFX haven't received many customer complaints or particularly high fairlure rates. The Power Supply Unit should function up to and including the rated power output. Jim's testing has proven however that once pushed past it's limits the overvoltage protection is nigh on non existant and so the Black Edition 850W reacted in this way.
For a start, I can only think of a small list of typical system configurations that would even push a PSU to 850W let alone higher and so chances are (at this point in time) even those with the upper end systems aren't suffering from any problems. This however does change as time goes by. By nature, a PSU like any electronic device will degrade over time and in theory that threshold at which this unit will go bang will lower accordingly. Even if I'm being pedantic because the rate of degradation could be argued to be low, it's the principle of it. Would you expect a £160 unit to be capable of shutting itself down before it causes itself or other components damage? Based on Jim's testing it seems as though it cannot.
Whether your system commands 850W and over is irrelevent. If the unit cannot save itself once pushed too far, why settle for it? I don't for a moment find this acceptable.
(...)
Whether your system commands 850W and over is irrelevent. If the unit cannot save itself once pushed too far, why settle for it? I don't for a moment find this acceptable.
Those were my thoughts exactly. A PSU with this kind of price tag should not have this kind of failure. It's intolerable. That's why I returned my XFX 850w (without even using it once) and brought home a Corsair HX-750.
Those were my thoughts exactly. A PSU with this kind of price tag should not have this kind of failure. It's intolerable. That's why I returned my XFX 850w (without even using it once) and brought home a Corsair HX-750.
TBH I think you did the right thing, I love my HX850
I dont like the green fan , and the PSU case look strange ugly , and to be honest the modular feature is not necessary because I have a case with holes to hide the cables at the back of the mobo tray , this is the reason I bought my lovely PC Power & Cooling 910W
I dont like the green fan , and the PSU case look strange ugly , and to be honest the modular feature is not necessary because I have a case with holes to hide the cables at the back of the mobo tray , this is the reason I bought my lovely PC Power & Cooling 910W
They are your own preferences mate. :p
I for one love the green fan, the PSU case and would love a modular PSU!
I think XFX are clearly denying the issue until enough genuine end-users have or complain about this problem, which could be a while.
It's a shame, as the PSU appears to be very good except for that, and the styling is different, and would undoubtedly sell well in the enthusiast market.
What would be best for XFX at this point would be for them to acknowledge the issue and offer customers an RMA for a revised model (if indeed one has been made) if they wish. This would save their reputation (in this new field to them) somewhat, and perhaps they will produce some more good quality PSUs in the future, instead of being forced out the market for a small issue. More competition is usually a good thing for us customers.
As it stands, I feel like the company is burying their head in the sand somewhat and sidestepping the issue as already said. This is pretty much what I would expect from a big company of their type, but they have an opportunity to now prove us wrong.
I do feel that the tech support chap was being honest though. As far as he knows there probably never was an issue brought to his attention, and he was just doing his job (correctly!).
All in all, I wouldn't buy one until this is addressed or recognised, as it gives me little faith in the brand, or indeed the RMA procedure (vital with PSUs in my experience). Swap it for a Corsair and you won't be disappointed (and I say that after having two fail on me, but that's a different story).
It's a shame, as the PSU appears to be very good except for that, and the styling is different, and would undoubtedly sell well in the enthusiast market.
What would be best for XFX at this point would be for them to acknowledge the issue and offer customers an RMA for a revised model (if indeed one has been made) if they wish. This would save their reputation (in this new field to them) somewhat, and perhaps they will produce some more good quality PSUs in the future, instead of being forced out the market for a small issue. More competition is usually a good thing for us customers.
As it stands, I feel like the company is burying their head in the sand somewhat and sidestepping the issue as already said. This is pretty much what I would expect from a big company of their type, but they have an opportunity to now prove us wrong.
I do feel that the tech support chap was being honest though. As far as he knows there probably never was an issue brought to his attention, and he was just doing his job (correctly!).
All in all, I wouldn't buy one until this is addressed or recognised, as it gives me little faith in the brand, or indeed the RMA procedure (vital with PSUs in my experience). Swap it for a Corsair and you won't be disappointed (and I say that after having two fail on me, but that's a different story).
CSS Valid
Which yeah technically is only a refund, but companies like to take the long way round (I guess) as it has to be rma'd first which is the point I was trying to make, even though technically it's not an rma because i'm returning it to the reseller not the manufacturer of the psu.
Thanks for your replies