Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 vs Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024)

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

all judged against power supplies at a similar price

The Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024) scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 at 6.3/10.

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

The Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024) leads on efficiency and warranty.

The biggest difference is warranty, where the Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024) scores 10/10 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

Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024)

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024) is for builders who want a fully modular 850 W unit with a native 12V-2x6 cable for a current graphics card. It suits buyers who value a 10-year warranty and strong efficiency figures on 230V mains. It is a weaker fit for anyone who puts tight voltage regulation or a consistently quiet fan first.

Typically about £144.95 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 PCIE5Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024)
Quality and protections30%6/105/10
Efficiency20%6/108/10
Cabling and connectors20%8/107/10
Noise15%6/105/10
Warranty15%5/1010/10
Overall6.3/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecMSI MAG A850GL PCIE5Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024)
Rated output (W)850W rated output850 W
Efficiency rating (80 Plus or Cybenetics)80 PLUS Gold, up to 90%80 PLUS Gold
Form factor (ATX or SFX) and ATX 3.x / PCIe 5.x supportATXATX
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 12V-2x6 (native); 1x PCIe 12+4 pin (600W) per Hardware Busters; 3x PCIe 6+2 pin; 8x SATA; 3x Molex
Fan size and zero-fan mode120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan135 mm fluid dynamic bearing fan; semi-passive mode (selectable)
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 ›

Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024)

  • + 10-year warranty, praised by owners
  • + Cybenetics Platinum efficiency despite the Gold label
  • + Fully modular with native 12V-2x6 cable
  • − Loose 12V load regulation per Hardware Busters
  • − Fan curve complaints; spins up early for some owners
  • − Cables reported as bulky or short

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who put tight 12 V voltage regulation first
  • Builders who need a consistently silent fan at low load
  • Anyone with a compact case who needs long, flexible cables
Read the full Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 ATX 3 (2024) review ›

More comparisons

Compare all power supplies · Best power supplies