Lian Li SX0850P 850W ATX v3.1 PSU Review

Epilogue

Lian Li is making a strong push in the PSU market, working with new manufacturers to achieve high performance-to-price ratios, which are what most users are after. In this product, the SX0850P, the overall performance is high thanks to the tight load regulation, good transient response, increased hold-up time, and high average efficiency. On top of that, the PSU offers a quiet operation at loads up to 550W. The only downsides include the relatively low average efficiency in the 20-80W range and the increased vampire power at 230V. On top of that, ripple suppression on the minor rails could be lower, and the same goes for power factor readings at 230V, which could be higher.

The only reason I do not provide a recommendation badge for this product is that the protection features, and more specifically, the OCP triggering points on the minor rails, are not correctly configured. If this were the case, the SX0850P would easily get a recommendation award. Moreover, it would be ideal if a fan-failure protection feature were present. This is not as easy as it sounds on platforms that offer a semi-passive mode, but in my expert opinion, such a mode is unnecessary. On the contrary, it would be highly preferable to use PWM-controlled fans, spinning at low speeds under light loads to minimize bearing noise and keep operating temperatures under control.

Before investing in a new power supply, read my article on the Best ATX v3.x PSUs to compare all alternative PSU offerings. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the price of the product. I receive a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a significant difference for me, especially now that I am working independently, exclusively for my media, rather than for someone else.