Introduction and Features

Another top performer from Corsair – If you are looking for a fully modular, high-quality PSU with 80 Plus Gold efficiency that is very quiet, then check out Corsair’s latest AX850!
Introduction

Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 PSU Review - Cases and Cooling 38

Corsair Memory continues to expand their PC power supply offering with the introduction of the Professional Series Gold line of power supplies, which currently include three models: the AX750, AX850 and AX1200.  All Corsair Professional Series Gold power supplies have been designed with performance, quality, reliability and energy-efficiency in mind.  The AX850 that we are reviewing today features Hybrid Silent Fan Control, all modular cables and is certified 80Plus Gold.  And the Professional Series Gold power supply units all come backed by a 7-year warranty and Corsair’s comprehensive technical support and customer service.

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Here is what Corsair has to say about their new Professional Series Gold AX850 power supply unit:  “The Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 power supply sets a new standard for performance, quality, reliability and energy-efficiency from a consumer PSU. With 90% or greater efficiency at 50% load, the Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 runs quieter, generates minimal excess heat, and saves you money every month due to lower energy bills, compared to lesser PSUs. The AX850 has earned the 80Plus® Gold seal of approval, which is your guarantee that you’re making the right choice for smart, efficient power delivery.

The Corsair AX850 power supply is built using premium-grade components, and utilizes state-of-the-art technology. It is built to the highest quality standards with one aim alone – to deliver the precise features and performance that enthusiasts demand. The Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 is rigorously tested at 100% load and an ambient temperature of 50°C, guaranteeing stability and reliability even in the most demanding, multi-core, multi-graphics card systems.

The Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 also features a fully modular cable design whereby all cables detach from the power supply. During installation, this gives you the flexibility of using only the cables you need for a clean, clutter-free system build. The low-profile cables also aid airflow through the chassis, helping to maximize the cooling performance of your system. The Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 is backed by an industry-leading 7-year warranty and comprehensive customer support via telephone, email, forum and the Tech Support Express helpdesk. If you require mission-critical stability, or you simply want the best 850W power supply available, the Professional Series Gold AX850 is the PSU for you. ”

Corsair AX850 PSU Key Features:

•    850 watts continuous power output (50°C)
•    70 Amp single +12V rail
•    80Plus Gold certified (≥90% efficiency at 50% load)
•    Ultra-quiet 120mm fan with Hybrid Silent Fan Control
•    ZVS technology
•    Independent 3.3V and 5V DC-to-DC converters
•    Premium quality components & double sided PCB
•    Fully modular cable system
•    Supports ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 standards
•    Universal AC input with Active PFC
•    Over-current, over-voltage, under-voltage and short circuit protection
•    Dimensions: 150mm (W) x 86mm (H) x 160mm (L)
•    7-Year warranty and legendary Corsair customer service

Testing Methodology

Establishing an accurate load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply.  PCPerspective’s power supply test bench can place a precise 2,000 watt DC load on the PSU under test.  Each power supply is tested under controlled, real-world conditions up to its maximum rated load (at 40ºC), using both 115 VAC and 240 VAC line voltage.  Our current suite of tests includes:

•    DC Load Regulation
•    DC Line Regulation
•    DC Cross-load (unbalanced load)
•    AC Ripple and Noise
•    Power Factor
•    Efficiency
•    Differential Temperature
•    Noise

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The Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850 power supply was evaluated on both features and performance.  A full range of equipment was used to test the power supply under controlled load conditions. 

•    (2) CSI3710A Programmable DC load (+3.3V and +5V outputs)
•    (4) CSI3711A Programmable DC load (+12V1, +12V2, +12V3, and +12V4)
•    (2) 200W Precision resistor load bank (+12V5 and +12V6)
•    Switchable precision resistor load bank (-12V and +5VSB)
•    Extech MultiMaster MM570 digital multimeter (Accuracy ±0.02%)
•    Extech 380803 Power Analyzer (Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale)
•    DS1M12 “StingRay” digital oscilloscope (20M S/s with 12 Bit ADC)
•    Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
•    Extech Model 407738 digital sound level meter (Accuracy ±1.5 dB)
•    Custom PC60 enclosure to simulate real-world operating conditions




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