Cooler Master V850i Gold PSU Review

Epilogue

The Cooler Master V850i Gold is a high-performance PSU, which might be advertised as semi-digital, but analog controllers handle its primary functions. There is a digital interface that provides monitoring information and also allows you to set fan speed profiles according to your needs. So basically, only the fan’s circuit can be controlled. This is good since, in its standard mode, the V850i is not as quiet, but CM informed me that they will also take care of that. Since the fan’s speed is digitally controlled, it is easy to adjust it.

Although the overall performance is high, Cooler Master can push Chicony to make some changes to improve performance further. These changes could include better ATX v3.0 transient response at 12V, tighter load regulation at 3.3V, higher power factor readings, especially at 230V, and a shorter PWR_OK Inactive to DC Loss Delay. The platform’s build quality is high, partially justifying the increased price. Still, I would like to see digital controllers handling the primary side along with the 12V FETs for higher performance and better transient response. Digital controllers don’t come cheap, especially during the last years with the increased demand, so the unit’s price would easily go above 200 dollars if CM offered a true semi-digital platform, which is probably why they didn’t do it. They do advertise it, though, as semi-digital.

To check all alternative PSU offerings, read my Best ATX v3.0 PSUs article before investing in a new power supply. 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.