EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ: 850W Gold Power Supply

by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, an 850W power supply unit (PSU) that boasts an 80+ Gold certification. If you're building a high-performance gaming rig or a robust workstation, the PSU is the heart of your system. It needs to be reliable, efficient, and capable of delivering stable power to all your components. Let's explore what makes the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ a worthy contender for your next build.

Why Choose an 850W Gold PSU?

Before we delve into the specifics of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, let’s address why an 850W PSU with Gold certification is a sweet spot for many builders.

  • Power Requirements: An 850W PSU provides ample power for most high-end systems. This includes rigs with a high-end CPU (like an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9), a powerful GPU (such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT), multiple storage devices, and various peripherals. Having extra wattage headroom is always a good idea, allowing for future upgrades and preventing the PSU from running at its maximum capacity, which can reduce its lifespan.
  • 80+ Gold Certification: This certification guarantees that the PSU operates at a minimum efficiency of 87% at 50% load. Higher efficiency means less energy wasted as heat, which translates to lower electricity bills, quieter operation (as the fan doesn’t need to work as hard), and increased component longevity. Gold-rated PSUs strike a great balance between cost and efficiency, making them a popular choice for serious builders.

Key Features of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ comes packed with features designed to ensure stable power delivery, quiet operation, and long-term reliability. Let's break down the most important ones.

80+ Gold Certified

As mentioned earlier, the 80+ Gold certification is a hallmark of efficiency. The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ ensures that a significant portion of the power drawn from the wall is delivered to your components, minimizing waste and heat. This not only saves you money on your electricity bill but also helps in maintaining a cooler and quieter system. Efficiency is crucial, and with this PSU, you're getting a product that stands up to the mark.

Fully Modular Design

One of the standout features of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is its fully modular design. This means that every cable can be detached from the PSU, allowing you to use only the cables you need. This results in a cleaner build with improved airflow, as you won't have a mess of unused cables cluttering up your case. Cable management becomes a breeze, and a well-organized case not only looks better but also helps in keeping temperatures down. Plus, it makes upgrading or swapping components much easier down the line.

High-Quality Components

EVGA is known for using high-quality components in their PSUs, and the SuperNOVA 850 GQ is no exception. It features Japanese capacitors, which are renowned for their durability and reliability. These capacitors can withstand high temperatures and provide stable performance over the long term. The use of such premium components ensures that the PSU can handle the demands of a high-performance system without faltering.

Quiet Operation

Nobody wants a noisy PC, especially when you're trying to immerse yourself in a game or focus on work. The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is designed for quiet operation. It features a 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan that operates silently at low to moderate loads. The fan's intelligent control system adjusts the fan speed based on the PSU's temperature, ensuring optimal cooling without unnecessary noise. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a quiet computing experience.

Comprehensive Protection

Protecting your valuable components is paramount, and the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ comes with a suite of protection features. These include Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Under Voltage Protection (UVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), Over Temperature Protection (OTP), and Over Current Protection (OCP). These safeguards ensure that your system is protected from potential power-related issues, providing peace of mind and preventing costly damage.

10-Year Warranty

EVGA stands behind the quality and reliability of the SuperNOVA 850 GQ with a generous 10-year warranty. This warranty demonstrates EVGA's confidence in their product and provides you with long-term assurance. If anything goes wrong with the PSU during the warranty period, EVGA will repair or replace it, ensuring that you're covered for the long haul. This level of support is a testament to EVGA's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Setting Up the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ

Installing the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a straightforward process, especially with its fully modular design. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Preparation: Before you begin, make sure your system is powered off and unplugged from the wall. Open your computer case and locate the area where the PSU will be installed. Typically, this is at the bottom or top of the case.
  2. Removing the Old PSU (If Applicable): If you're replacing an existing PSU, disconnect all the cables from your motherboard, GPU, and storage devices. Unscrew the old PSU from the case and carefully remove it.
  3. Mounting the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ: Place the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ into the PSU bay and secure it with screws. Ensure that the PSU is oriented correctly, with the fan facing either up or down, depending on your case's design.
  4. Connecting the Cables: This is where the fully modular design shines. Connect only the cables you need for your system. Start with the 24-pin ATX cable to the motherboard, followed by the 4/8-pin EPS cable to the CPU. Then, connect the PCIe cables to your GPU and the SATA/Molex cables to your storage devices. Double-check that all connections are secure.
  5. Cable Management: Take advantage of the modular design to route the cables neatly. Use zip ties or Velcro straps to bundle the cables together and keep them out of the way of fans and other components. A clean cable management setup improves airflow and makes it easier to work inside your case in the future.
  6. Power On: Once everything is connected and tidied up, plug the power cord into the PSU and turn on the system. If everything is installed correctly, your computer should boot up without any issues.

Performance and Benchmarks

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ delivers solid performance across various benchmarks. Its stable voltage regulation ensures that your components receive consistent power, even under heavy loads. The PSU maintains its efficiency, staying within the 80+ Gold certification standards, which translates to lower energy consumption and reduced heat output. In real-world usage, this means your system will run reliably and efficiently, whether you're gaming, video editing, or running other demanding applications.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ:

Pros:

  • 80+ Gold Certified: High efficiency leads to lower energy costs and reduced heat.
  • Fully Modular Design: Simplifies cable management and improves airflow.
  • High-Quality Components: Japanese capacitors ensure long-term reliability.
  • Quiet Operation: 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan keeps noise levels low.
  • Comprehensive Protection: Multiple protection circuits safeguard your components.
  • 10-Year Warranty: Provides long-term peace of mind.

Cons:

  • Price: Can be slightly more expensive than some competing PSUs.
  • Availability: May be subject to availability issues depending on your region.

Alternatives to Consider

If the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Corsair RM850x: Another excellent 850W Gold-certified PSU with a fully modular design and quiet operation.
  • Seasonic FOCUS GX-850: Known for its high-quality components and stable performance.
  • Cooler Master V850 Gold V2: Offers a good balance of performance, features, and price.

Who Is This PSU For?

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is ideal for:

  • Gamers: Building a high-performance gaming rig with a powerful CPU and GPU.
  • Content Creators: Running demanding applications for video editing, graphic design, and 3D rendering.
  • PC Enthusiasts: Looking for a reliable and efficient PSU with a fully modular design for easy cable management.
  • Overclockers: Needing stable power delivery for overclocking components.

Final Verdict

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a top-tier PSU that delivers excellent performance, efficiency, and reliability. Its fully modular design, high-quality components, and quiet operation make it a standout choice for any high-end system build. While it may be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the 10-year warranty and comprehensive protection features provide long-term peace of mind. If you're looking for a PSU that can handle the demands of a power-hungry system and provide years of trouble-free operation, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is definitely worth considering. Power up and game on, guys!