Review

The Corsair RM850x is a standout power supply unit (PSU) tailored for high-performance gaming systems and demanding computing tasks. With its 850 W capacity and 80 PLUS Gold rating, this fully modular PSU combines efficiency, comprehensive safety features, and near-silent operation, all while promising reliability with a 10-year warranty. This review delves into the technical merits and practical performance of this power supply, offering insight into why it remains a favored choice among enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Corsair RM850x delivers up to 850 W of continuous power, optimized for the latest processors and graphics cards. It includes several protection features: Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Under Voltage Protection (UVP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Over Temperature Protection (OTP) (TechPowerUp). The PSU's 80 PLUS Gold certification, combined with an Active Power Factor Correction of 0.99, ensures that it maintains high efficiency, often reaching up to 91% under optimal conditions (TechPowerUp).

The inclusion of a magnetic levitation fan highlights Corsair's dedication to durability and quiet operation. This advanced fan technology provides the longevity emblematic of double ball-bearings while maintaining sound levels akin to fluid dynamic bearings (TechPowerUp). When operating below 40% load, the PSU's Zero RPM mode ensures the fan remains stationary, adding to its silent operational profile (PC Perspective).

Performance and Benchmark Insights

The performance of the Corsair RM850x resonates with the needs of modern computing systems, prepped to support high-demand components like AMD's and Intel's taxing CPUs, and respects enthusiast-grade GPUs such as the RTX 3080 and RX 6900 XT (TechPowerUp). It provides excellent voltage regulation (within ±2% deviation) and lower levels of AC ripple, even when pushed to its performance limits (PC Perspective).

Competing energetically in the saturated 850 W market, the Corsair RM850x holds its ground admirably against other top-tier contenders like the EVGA SuperNOVA and the Thermaltake ToughPower GF1. It scores competitively high, just managing to stay within arm's reach of leads in efficiency and quiet operation. The fully modular design offers flexibility and allows for neat cable management, ideal for enhancing airflow within PC cases (TechPowerUp).

Design and Usability

For those seeking aesthetic variance, the Corsair RM850x is available in both standard black and a striking white edition. Both iterations sport a robust and sleek design, ensuring alignment with various PC build themes while providing a compact fit in standard ATX cases. Furthermore, its modular cables, complete with in-line capacitors, are designed to maximize ripple suppression, augmenting stability metrics across connected components (Tom's Hardware).

Final Thoughts

The Corsair RM850x represents a balance of power, efficiency, and reliability, making it ideally suited for demanding gaming and workstation applications. Its high efficiency, quiet operation, robust build quality, and extensive warranty make it a formidable contender against any competition within its class. While the price may be a point of contention for some, the features and performance benefits it offers justify the investment for those seeking a seasoned PSU for high-performance builds (TechPowerUp).