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Review: 80 Plus Silver Certified beast

XFX, the company famous for Radeon and Geforce graphics has decided to venture into the world of power supply units, and has launched its first PSU - the 850W Black Edition. As the name suggests, the PSU packs 850W and efficiency of over 85%, meaning that XFX is aiming at gamers and enthusiasts alike. The company made sure that their product isn't lacking in design or features, and decided on modular design, a quiet fan, Crossfire and SLI support with four PCI-E 6/8-pin connectors, and a strong 12V rail at 70A.

In case you've forgotten, the 80 PLUS certificate requires a power supply unit to provide >80% efficiency under 20%, 50% and 100% workloads. XFX 850W Black Edition is >85% efficient in all the aforementioned scenarios and proudly bears the 80 PLUS Silver certificate.

The PSU's full name is Black Edition 850W XFX Power Supply, Model: XPS-850W-BES, but we'll stick to the shorter Black 850W for convenience. 

Features and specs
            
* Tight voltage regulation (±3%)
* High efficiency operation up to 88% (80 Plus Silver)
* High quality Japanese brand capacitors (105°C)
* Tight voltage regulation (±3%)
* Single, high power +12V rail (up to 70A/840W)
* DC to DC voltage regulator modules for +3.3V/+5V
* Solid polymer caps provide enhanced reliability and stability
* Ultra quiet 135mm ball bearing fan provides superior cooling
* Supports multiple high-end graphic adapters (Crossfire & SLI)
* Supports the latest ATX12V and EPS12V standards
* Energy Star 4.0 and RoHS compliant
* Detachable modular cables
* Warranty, 5-Year subject to registration 

* Wattage Range                                850W
* DC Output Voltage Regulation              ±3%
* DC Output Quality (AC Ripple & Noise)  +12V@120mV, 
                                                      +5V@50mV, 
                                                      +3.3V@50mV, 
                                                      -12V@120mV, 
                                                      +5Vsb@50mV 
* Efficiency Range                               up to 88% 
* 80PLUS Certification                          Silver
* Maximum Operation Temperature       50°C 
* Industrial Grade Components             √ 
* High Quality Capacitors                     √ 
* Temperature Rating of Capacitors       105°C 
* Solid Polymer Capacitors                   √ 
* Quiet Cooling Fan                            135mm 
* +12V Output Rail Design                   Single Rail 
* Modular Cables                               √ 
* Fully Sleeve Cables                          √ 
* DC to DC Converters (+3.3V & +5V)  √ 
* Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)  √ 
* Protection                                      OVP,OPP,SCP 
* Safety Approval                              UL,CUL,CE,CB,FCC Class B,C-tick