Epilogue
The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850W uses an upgraded Channel Well Technology GPX platform to meet the strict ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 requirements. It might not achieve groundbreaking performance, but it is not too far from strong entries in this category, which cost more. The main problem I believe MSI should deal with soon is the increased noise output, even at light loads, because the fan speed profile starts the fan above 1000 RPM. With a higher quality fan, operation at lower speeds wouldn’t be a problem, so MSI should use a higher quality fan, even if this slightly affects the product’s price. Most users won’t mind paying a few dollars more to get a better fan with an optimized fan speed profile, leading to silent operation at light and moderate loads.
Another thing that left an impression on me is the 12V-2×6 socket on the PSU’s modular panel, which, in fact, is a 12VHPWR one. Moreover, although the provided 12VHPWR cable has a 600W marking, it is set at 450W. I don’t mind that so much since a 600W setting for an 850W PSU would be an overkill, but users should have the correct information. All in all, MSI does a decent job in the PSU field thanks to its good cooperation with CWT, one of the best and largest PSU OEMs.
If you want ARGB lighting and lower noise output, with 5 dollars more, you can grab the Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 A3 850W, which I will review shortly. Till I do, you can read the Toughpower GF A3 1050W review instead! The MSI MPG A850G PCIE 5 also looks interesting, but I haven’t tested it yet.
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.
- Good price (given its specifications)
- Delivered full power at 47°C
- High enough overall efficiency
- ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 ready
- Low vampire power
- Tight enough load regulation
- Good ripple suppression
- Good soldering quality
- Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
- Fully modular
- 12+4 pin PCIe connector (450W)
- Compact dimensions (140mm depth)
- Ideal distance between the peripheral connectors (145-150mm)
- Five-year warranty
- 12V-2×6 marked socket on the modular board actually 12VHPWR
- Noisy operation
- I would like to see a higher-quality fan used
- Highly set OCP triggering point at 3.3V
- Low PF readings
- High inrush current at 230V
- Below 70% efficiency at 2% load
- Not efficient 5VSB rail
- The 3.3V rail failed in one of the transient response tests (not ATX v3.0 ones)
a650gl and a750gl share the same components? Or do they use worse components?
Equal quality normally, but of lower ratings.
Hey! I recently slapped together an 1100$ rig using the A750GL (7600x/7900GRE)
can I safely assume similar performance to the A850GL that I don’t have to worry about it? Or should I consider swapping?
I have 4.2 out of the box on a 5 volt line. Although this is within the norm, it is apparently configured this way. Isn’t it critical? There are no drawdowns under load.
Hi…please help me i’m so confused
Which one do you recommend??
MSI A850G – Thermaltake GF A3 850w – Corsair RM850e – Asus tuf 850w
I have a 4070ti super
Given that the GF A3 is not from CE-Link, I wouldn’t recommend it. The Corsair unit
“12V-2×6 socket on the PSU’s modular panel, which, in fact, is a 12VHPWR one” that’s not true…
In my sample it was true! Else I wouldn’t write it!
Found this review too late, Really disturbing experience with the fan noise on idle.
Idem.
Have you thought of replacing the fan? I’m thinking of replacing the fan with an Arctic P12 and connecting it to a fan header on my MOBO so I can control fan speeds but I’m not sure what RPM’s the fan normally runs at.
Never mind I found the graph depicting the speeds, good stuff hwbusters
Is there explanation and images for Fan Noise for 230V, like the explanation and images for 115V?
I am seeing only the overal table comparison (between different PSUs) for Average Fan Noisee for 230V AC Input.
Sorry, I only provide the fan noise map for 115V because, typically, it is the worst-case scenario. Noise at 230V is lower in most PSUs.
Thank you for your response.
If you can publish the charts and explanation for the results for the 230V, that will be very helpful for me.
I use 230V AC Input, and i use this PSU.
At the begining was everithing OK, but after three monhts my PC produce much more noise.
And this noise is produced during the PC start and continue in light CPU Usage (CPU Usage < 20% and CPU Temperature < 40 grad Celsius)
I can monitor the CPU FANS RPMs, but I am not able to monitor the RPMs for the PSU FAN.
Is somehow possible that the PSU Fans have maximum RPMs during PC start and in light CPU Usage? (Without any reason).
Thank you in advance for your your response.
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.
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
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
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!!
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.
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.
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, 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.