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)
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.
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 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.