The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 is an ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatible power supply, as its model number implies, with enough power to support a capable gaming system.
The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 will be included in my article on the best ATX v3.0 & PCIe 5.0 PSU picks.
MSI tries hard to enter the tough PSU market, and the MAG A850GL PCIE5 is one of the new models offering ATX v3.0 compatibility, meaning that it can deliver its full power twice for short periods (0.1ms). The PSU has a Gold certification by 80 PLUS, and Cybenetics has not tested it. The fully modular cable design will make the PSU installation easier, and the same is the case for its compact dimensions, with only 140mm depth. MSI states on the official site that the provided 12VHPWR connector is set at 600W, which is way too high for an 850W unit. In fact, the high power connector is not set so high, but at 450W, which still, according to the ATX spec, is too high.
Because of the PSU’s compact dimensions, the largest compatible fan is restricted to 120mm in diameter. To keep noise output low and increase reliability simultaneously, MSI asked CWT, this unit’s OEM, to use a fluid dynamic bearing fan. This type of bearing has an increased lifetime under normal operating conditions, and it is less noisy than double ball bearings. Still, the latter are more tolerant to high operating temperatures.
- Manufacturer (OEM): CWT (GPX platform)
- Max Power: 850W
- Cybenetics Efficiency: Not rated
- 80 Plus Efficiency: Gold
- Noise [115V]: Not rated
- Compliance: ATX v3.0, EPS 2.92
- Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load): 0 – 50°C
- Alternative Low Power Mode support: Yes
- Power 12V combined: 846W
- Number of 12V rails: 1
- Power 5V + 3.3v: 110W
- Power 5VSB: 12.5W
- Cooling: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (DF1202512FDHN)
- Semi-Passive Operation: ✗
- Modular Design: Yes (Fully)
- High Power Connectors: 2x EPS (2x cables), 4x PCIe 6+2 pin (2x cables), 1x PCIe 12+4 pin (450W)
- Peripheral Connectors: 8x SATA (2x cables), 4x 4-pin Molex (1x cable)
- ATX Cable Length: 600mm
- EPS Cable Length: 750mm
- 6+2 pin PCIe Cable Length: 600mm
- 12+4 pin PCIe Cable Length: 600mm
- Distance between SATA / 4-pin Molex: 150/145mm
- In-cable capacitors: No
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 mm x 85 mm x 140mm
- Weight: 1.45 kg (3.2 lb)
- Warranty: five years
- Street price (excluding VAT): $110
Power Specifications
| Rail | 3.3V | 5V | 12V | 5VSB | -12V | |
| Max. Power | Amps | 20 | 20 | 70.5 | 2.5 | 0.3 |
| Watts | 110 | 846 | 12.5 | 3.6 | ||
| Total Max. Power (W) | 850 | |||||
Hi, glad to find review of this one, thanks! If you were to choose between:
a/ Thermaltake GF A3 850W for 115 EUR
b/ MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 for 98 EUR
which one would you choose? The PC is i7-11700 + RX 6750 XT.
I would probably go for the GF A3 unit.
Thank you for the reply!
Well, I know this is problably the type of questions you really don’t like to answer, but I’ll be most probably changing 6750 XT to 7700 XT in the shopping list, hence budget for the PSU gets lower… What would be the cheapest 700W+ PSUs I could get and would still be decent? I would prefer semi-modular or modular.
Hi there, i have a question i know the anwser but i want to ask you, the A850 is very cheap now like under 100 Euros, and the SuperFlower 1000w XP is 180e. The construction, quality is very different? Should i go for the Super, or the A850 is enough? i have a system of 550W, and i will buy a new gpu from the 5000 series. Thank you!
The A850 if it covers your needs and you don’t need much Wattage. Now if you go for the 5080 or 5090, definitely the 1000W SF unit.
Hi, Thank you so much for your reviews – I appreicate the effort.
I’ve wanted to ask about something regarding CWT GPX based PSU’s in 120v Regions, According to Cultists PSU tier list, =>750W CWT GPX based units apparently have issues in 120v regions and whatnot?.
Regardless, Cultists’s list has not been updated in a while, And they do not have the A-GL in the tier listing, So i’d like you to ask you about it, Is theres any problems with CWT GPX based units in 120v regions and did you face any issues with the A850GL on the 120v rail in general?. Thanks.
This is the footnote in particular from Cultists power supply tier list
[2] High wattage (=>750W) CWT GPX based units have problems with failing burn-in test under sub 100VAC input, don’t use in countries with sub 115VAC mains (JonnyGURU).
https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/
This is with a 90V input at full load and high temperatures >40C. The PSU’s power spec table says 100-240V. It doesn’t say 90V, so you operate the PSU out of spec if you do that. I don’t agree with 90V testing, and this is why I restrict it to 100V.
MANY PSUs fail under the same scenario, not only the GPX platform.
Thank you for your response
Since 120v is within spec, It would be okay to use the A850GL and any CWT GPX based power supply in north america and 120v-based Regions, Right? it wouldn’t face any issues – just to confirm
I appreciate your input, thanks again for all the effort.
you won’t have any issues.
I know I am saying this for the fourth time – But thanks again.
Your reviews have been a huge ton of help for many people, Its really great to have someone as proffesional to review, help and interact with others like this.
And sorry for the slightly late response.
thank you!!
My hardware is: b450 aorus elite v2, ryzen5 5600x , rtx 3060ti. and I’m considering the msi Mag A850GL at 89USD, but I’m not sure if it’s a good option, or if it’s better to buy another one. Could you help me with your advice? thank you very much
For your system it is a good option.
Could i have a problem with the MAG A850GL? Is it possible that you have technical failures? Or is it of good quality? Would it work for me with an RTX4070? … sorry for so many questions and again thank you very much for your help
Podría tener algún problema con la MAG A850GL? Es posible que tenga fallas técnicas? O es de buena calidad? Me serviría con una RTX4070?… perdon por tantas preguntas y nuevamente muchas gracias por tu ayuda
Could you have a problem with the MAG A850GL? Is it possible that you have technical failures? Or is it of good quality? Would it work for me with an RTX4070? … sorry for so many questions and again thank you very much for your help
It will work fine. Why fail 🙂 It is a good PSU, no worries.