Epilogue
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W is a highly efficient PSU, scoring Platinum in the Cybenetics ETA scheme. At the same time, it keeps its noise output low. Contrary to the 1000W model, this one achieved high efficiency at light loads and passed 70% efficiency with a 2% load. However, its APFC converter isn’t as good as that of the strongest unit of the line. Moreover, ripple suppression at 12V is not that good at high operating temperatures, which was also the case in the 1000W unit. The PSU’s average performance would notably improve with lower ripple at 12V under full load.
The build quality is good, the soldering quality is also good, and I am fine with the use of Elite capacitors since this brand is among the best alternatives to the typical Japanese capacitor makers. Thanks to the new Cybenetics capacitor performance database, we have actual data on this hot subject and will no longer base our conclusions on rumors spread on the internet.
I will soon add more tests regarding the PSU’s protection features, and EMC pre-compliance testing will return soon. I know I keep adding stuff to my reviews, and the day only has 24 hours, but thankfully, I have a bunch of competent engineers in the lab who help me with all testing.
Before investing in a new power supply, read my Best ATX v3.x PSUs article to check all alternative PSU offerings. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the product’s price. I get a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a difference for me, especially now that I am on my own, working exclusively for my media and not for someone else.
- Delivered full power at 45°C
- High build quality
- ATX v3.1 and PCIe CEM 5.1 compliant
- Efficient platform
- Silent operation
- Properly set 12V OCP
- Within 1% load regulation at 12V
- Good ripple suppression on the minor rails
- Good transient response on all rails (12V, 3.3V, 5VSB)
- Good transient response at 12V at high loads (ATX v3.1)
- Highly efficient 5VSB rail
- Low vampire power
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- 12+4-pin PCIe connector set at 600W
- Quality (Rifle bearing) fan
- Adequate distance between the peripheral connectors
- Increased ripple at 12V at 100% load @ 45°C
- Relatively loose load regulation at 3.3V
- Highly set OPP and OCP triggering points on the minor rails
- Increased inrush currents
- No fan failure protection
Hello Aris!
Trying to decide between this PSU and the Corsair Rm850x ATX 3.1 version – the Corsair allows manual fan rpm control, and my Lancool 207 case allows only downward fan orientation, would this be an issue for Power Zone 2 and make the fan start/stop intermittently since it has no manual control? Would you say the be quiet is the better pick overall since it has better Cybenetics ratings? Thanks for your reviews and hard work!
PowerZone 2 has better noise rating, I have this PSU I never hear it. The problem is I measured mine and it exceeds 160mm which is the size limit for the Lancool 207 that I want to get. Were you able to fit the PSU and route the cables through, do you use the 12v power connector that’s sensitive to bending? This is what I’m worried about.
I found some other comment about this PSU and Case combo but no mention about that nvidia problem cable.
I got the MSI MPG A850G instead because of better availability/price in my area. It is also 150x150mm, so more cable space than the others would have, but I think 160mm would still be manageable. I haven’t tried the 12v, but it could be concerning. The one included with the MSI is pretty stiff, and would probably have to bend even with the extra clearance. Maybe a more loose/flat cable would work better in this case.