Epilogue
The DeepCool PN850M ATX v3.1 uses a tested CWT platform, with codename GPX, which has a bit lower overall performance compared to the omnipresent CSZ platform used by many ATX v3.x compatible PSUs nowadays. At the time of the review, I couldn’t spot this PSU on Amazon; I only found it in another much smaller shop at a pretty stiff price (130 dollars). Given its overall performance, the PN850M has to be sold at a notably lower price tag to have a competitive performance-per-price ratio. Indeed, ATX v3.1 PSUs are expensive since they use modified platforms that can withstand 200% transient loads for ultra-short periods, but you can still find models that are close to the 100-dollar price tag. The Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 850 goes for 105 dollars, and it uses a high-performance HKC platform, while the MSI MPG A850G PCIE5 costs $110, using CWT’s CSZ platform.
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Although the PN850M doesn’t achieve top performance, its transient response at 12V at high transient loads, which the ATX v3.x and PCIe CEM 5.1 specify, is high, as shown in the above graph (right one). An extended warranty covers the product, so you will be covered if something bad happens to the not-so-high-quality fan by Martech. I would prefer to see a Hong Hua fan used instead, or even better, a Globe Fan, but this would further increase the price tag. Lastly, this is a genuine ATX v3.1 unit, also having a 12V-2×6 header on its modular board, which is not necessary though for ATX v3.1 compliance, from what I can figure out after numerous hours reading this spec. The corresponding cable is set at 450W, while the ATX spec dictates 300W for 850W and 750W PSUs, but I won’t stand at this since most brands ignore Intel’s guidelines on that.
What DeepCool and CWT should do in this platform is remove the completely unnecessary 12V rail, which can also kill this specific PSU if shorted. We tried two samples, and both died during the 12V Short Circuit Protection evaluation 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.
Other 850W ATX v3.x PSU reviews:
- Montech Titan Gold 850W PSU Review
- MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 ATX v3.1 PSU Review
- XPG Core Reactor II 850W PSU Review
- Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 850W PSU Review
- XPG KYBER 850W ATX v3.1 PSU Review
- Delivered full power at 47°C
- ATX v3.1 and PCie 5.1 ready
- 12V-2×6 connector (450W)
- Good 12V transient response at high loads
- Decent build quality
- Long hold-up time
- Conservatively set protection features
- Efficient at normal loads
- Tight load regulation
- Low inrush currents
- Low vampire power at 115V
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- Fully modular
- 10-year warranty
- Not impressive overall performance
- Not so efficient at light and super-light loads
- Low power factor readings
- Over 35 dBA average noise output
- The cooling fan’s quality is so-so
- Mediocre transient response at 12V (normal loads, with capacitance)
- 5VSB rail is not so efficient
- No SCP at -12V
- Short distance between the peripheral connectors (120mm)
