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MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 vs NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against power supplies at a similar price

The NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 scores 6.7/10 overall, ahead of the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 at 6.3/10.

The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 leads on quality and protections and cabling and connectors.

The NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 leads on efficiency, noise and warranty.

The biggest difference is warranty, where the NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 scores 9/10 to the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5's 5/10.

MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5

MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 suits builders putting together a modern gaming PC who want a fully modular 850W Gold supply with a native 16-pin cable. It fits those who value cable management, quiet running under load and PCIe 5 support. It is less suited to always-on machines that idle at very low loads.

Typically about £89.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1

NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1

6.7/10verdict: good, not the best

The NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 is an 850 W fully modular power supply for single-GPU builds. It suits buyers who want a native 12V-2x6 cable and a quiet fan at low and moderate loads. The 10-year warranty adds reassurance for a unit meant to stay in a case for a long time.

Typically about £110.74 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightMSI MAG A850GL PCIE5NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1
Quality and protections30%6/105/10
Efficiency20%6/107/10
Cabling and connectors20%8/107/10
Noise15%6/107/10
Warranty15%5/109/10
Overall6.3/106.7/10

Specifications

SpecMSI MAG A850GL PCIE5NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1
Rated output (W)850W rated output850 W
Efficiency rating (80 Plus or Cybenetics)80 PLUS Gold, up to 90%80 PLUS Gold and Cybenetics Gold; measured at 115 V: 85.8% at 10% load, 89.5% at 20%, 91.7% at 50%, 89.2% at 100%
Form factor (ATX or SFX) and ATX 3.x / PCIe 5.x supportATXATX 3.1, 150 x 86 x 160 mm
Modular cabling (fully, semi or non-modular)Yes, full modularFully modular
Graphics card connectors (12V-2x6 / 12VHPWR and PCIe 8-pin count)1 x PCI-E 5.0 16-pin rated 600W, 4 x PCI-E 6+2 pin, 8 x SATA, 4 x peripheral (Molex), 1 x FDD, 2 x EPS 4+4, 1 x ATX 24-pin1x 16-pin 12V-2x6 (rated up to 600 W per NZXT) and 3x 8-pin (6+2) PCIe
Fan size and zero-fan mode120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan135 mm fluid dynamic bearing, PWM, 2,300 RPM ±10%, maximum noise 44.5 dBA, Zero RPM mode; silent below 50% load
Warranty (years)not listed10 years

Strengths and weaknesses

MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5

  • + Native 600W 16-pin cable included
  • + Fully modular with plenty of PCIe and SATA connectors
  • + Six listed protections on a CWT GPX platform
  • − Efficiency reported below 70% at 2% load
  • − 3.3V OCP trigger set too high, per Hardware Busters
  • − Some owners report fan noise or faults after months

Skip it if:

  • Buyers building an always-on PC that idles at very low load.
  • Anyone fitting a small case who wants flexible, easy-to-route flat cables.
  • Buyers who want the strictest overcurrent protection on the 3.3V rail.
Read the full MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 review ›

NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1

  • + 10-year warranty
  • + Fully modular with native 12V-2x6 cable
  • + Fan stays off below 50% load
  • − Only three 8-pin PCIe connectors
  • − Maximum noise rated at 44.5 dBA
  • − Efficiency drops to 85.8% at 10% load

Skip it if:

  • Builders running several GPUs that need more than three 8-pin PCIe connectors
  • Buyers who want Platinum-level efficiency at very low load
  • Anyone who needs published ripple and regulation data before buying
Read the full NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 review ›

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