MSI MPG A850GS PCIE5 ATX v3.1 PSU Review

Epilogue

The MSI MPG A850GS PCIE5 achieves a high enough overall performance score, but it is more expensive than most competing offerings. I expected more. Its average efficiency is not competitive for this price category’s standards, and the transient response at 3.3V is mediocre. Ripple suppression on the minor rails should also be better. On the other hand, load regulation is tight on all rails, the transient response is good on all rails but 3.3V, and the PSU has a dead silent operation. Moreover, its build quality is high, and the high PF readings at both voltage inputs and low inrush currents are strong advantages.

• Corsair RM850x ATX v3.1 PSU Review

The MPG A850GS is a pretty good PSU, but I am extra picky regarding protection features. In this unit, the 12V and minor rails OCP triggering points are close under normal and hot conditions, which can lead to problems under stressful conditions. Moreover, it would be nice if CWT added a fan protection feature, which, in my expert opinion, is an essential protection feature.

The performance leader in this category is the Corsair RM850x (ATX v3.1), which currently is sold for $124, so the price difference with MSI’s offering is significant, making the Corsair unit a one-way road. MSI is trying hard to compete with Corsair and the rest of the brands in this field, and they are doing a pretty good job so far, but the fact is that more work is required to reach the top of the charts, especially the price per performance ones.

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.