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We always expect Corsair Professional Series Gold power supplies to perform well and the AX850 has not failed to meet the grade, yet again. The top of the range AX1200 is the best power supply on the market right now, but it comes with a price tag high enough to cause palpatations.
The AX850, while identical in finish to the AX1200 is physically much smaller and has a different connector layout and design. They both are quite stunning to look at, we love the understated design and simple aesthetic appeal.
Inside, the design is as good as you will find at this price point, with independent DC output boards, double sided PCB and zero voltage switching helping to raise efficiency and improve thermal performance. Our test results show just how good the thermal performance and efficiency are. Over 90% efficiency throughout the whole range is a result that Corsair should be immensely pleased with.
Acoustically, the unit is the top of its class, with a hybrid fan system which means that at low loads, it turns itself off to create no noise. We can actually see a media based enthusiast audience buying this unit for a low powered media system just to utilise the silence. If they ever need to upgrade, then this will assuredly handle whatever is required, for years to come.
We tested the system in a real world environment with a 980X clocked to 4.5ghz on water with two Powercolor HD 5870 PCS+ cards in Crossfire X and it performed without a problem, often able to keep the fan spinning low, at around 22 dBa.
Pricing in the UK is going to be around the £150 price point which we feel is great value for money, with a 7 year warranty this is surely going to last a potential customer a very long time indeed, so we consider it a worthwhile long term investment. This would be our first choice PSU under £200 and I can't give it a higher recommendation than that.
KitGuru says: It seems Corsair can do no wrong lately, and if they keep producing quality power supplies like the AX850 and AX1200 then they will quickly earn a massive following.
These Corsair PSUs really are leading the way. Nice temperature results too. I used to read reviews with PSUs outputting over 50c.
that is great. the pricing is good too £90 less than the 1200W.
Corsair really do deliver such great products. this is an ideal next purchase for a buddy of mine who is building a high spec gaming rig with a GTX480 in it.
Excellent review, seems to be a killer product all round. Price isnt bad considering. I know PCpower used to charge 300 quid for their 1200W and over 200 for a 850/900w
Man this site is active, every day one or two reviews on it !
The fan in that seems pretty much the best you could use. great job by Corsair and they deserve to be getting a good rep in this market. Box art is brilliant.!
Well this is sweet. bit more than I like to pay, I got an enermax last year for 100, still working great 🙂
Im really glad this unit came out. the AX1200 was a great showcase of technical ability, but it was so expensive, I think only people who have dual GTX480s would buy it.
This seems much more valid for todays market, and while its 150, its ‘affordable’, If you think about it, this should last 3 years easy even with new hardware, so its a long term investment. I wish a video card I would buy now for 150 would still be a good option in 3 years..
Yeah, always stuns me when people build a great gaming system then buy a no name 800w brand for 35 quid in their local store. Then bitch when the system crashes every 5 minutes.
This is my next PSU, without question. should last me to 2014 🙂
Brilliant review. cross loading results are superb.
Been waiting on this one for a bit now 🙂 hasnt disappointed.
I need a new PSU, but do you think they will release one at £80 🙂 ?
Excellent, most excellent. Now I just need to rob a bank.
These designs are so efficient and its really setting them apart. Enermax should have an answer soon however.
Corsair are having such a great year. them and MSI seem top of the field.
150 is out of my price point. normally. I might try and make an exception this time, funds permitting. I need something I can rely on to last me for years also
Another kick ass product from the Corsair group. They really are pumping them out lately. efficiency is great.
over 90 percent efficiency is impressive shit. Would save quite a bit of money with this over the year, Once I convince my wife that is why I need it however,
Another top review KG. I think this is going to sell very well for corsair. I hope they bring out a 650W model and can get it under £100
Seems this range is breaking all records in the PSU industry. How many more models are they going to make, or is it just two ?
Excellent product from a company who seem to be really putting a lot of resources into delivering the best possible units to market.
Very impressive testing results. much better value than the 1200 unit in the same family
The hybrid fan feature is great as it should mean the psu fan stays silent when you’re not gaming or folding or something like that. More psus should do this!