Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, an 850-watt power supply that boasts an 80+ Gold certification. If you're building a high-performance gaming rig or a workstation that demands reliable and efficient power, this PSU might just be your golden ticket. We'll explore its key features, performance, and why it's a solid choice for powering your precious components. Let's get started!

Why Choose an 850W Gold-Rated PSU?

Before we get into the specifics of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, let's talk about why you might even need an 850W power supply with an 80+ Gold rating. The wattage is all about headroom. You need enough power to comfortably run all your components – CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals – without pushing the PSU to its limit. An 850W unit gives you plenty of breathing room, especially if you're rocking a high-end graphics card or plan to overclock your CPU. The 80+ Gold rating, on the other hand, is about efficiency. It means that the PSU is at least 87% efficient at 20% load, 90% efficient at 50% load, and 87% efficient at 100% load. This translates to less wasted energy, lower electricity bills, and less heat generated inside your case.

Choosing the right power supply is like choosing the heart for your computer. It's not just about providing enough power, but also about doing it efficiently and reliably. An 850W PSU with an 80+ Gold rating hits that sweet spot for many enthusiasts and gamers. It offers enough power for demanding components while ensuring that the power is delivered cleanly and efficiently, without turning your computer into a power-guzzling, heat-generating monster. This is especially important if you're investing in high-end components like a powerful graphics card or a fast processor, as these components can draw a significant amount of power, and a quality PSU will ensure they get the stable and clean power they need to perform optimally. Moreover, the efficiency of the PSU not only saves you money on your electricity bill but also contributes to the longevity of your components by reducing the amount of heat generated inside the system. In the long run, investing in a good quality PSU like the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is an investment in the overall health and performance of your computer.

EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ: Key Features

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is packed with features that make it a compelling choice for your next build:

• 80+ Gold Certified: As we discussed, this ensures high efficiency and lower operating costs.
• Fully Modular Design: This is a game-changer for cable management. You only plug in the cables you need, reducing clutter and improving airflow inside your case. A modular design not only makes your build look cleaner but also makes it easier to work with the components inside your case, especially when you need to upgrade or replace parts. The ability to remove unnecessary cables also improves airflow, which can lead to lower temperatures and better overall system stability.
• High-Quality Japanese Capacitors: Japanese capacitors are known for their reliability and longevity. They can withstand higher temperatures and provide more stable power delivery compared to cheaper alternatives. Using high-quality components like these is a testament to EVGA's commitment to quality and ensures that the PSU will last for years to come.
• Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan: The 135mm fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing, which is quieter and more durable than traditional sleeve bearings. This means you get excellent cooling performance without the annoying fan noise. The fluid dynamic bearing also contributes to the longevity of the fan, ensuring that it will continue to provide reliable cooling for years to come. This is especially important for a PSU, as it needs to be able to dissipate heat effectively to maintain stable power delivery.
• Comprehensive Protection Circuitry: 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 protections safeguard your components from potential damage due to power surges or other electrical issues. These protections are crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of your system, as they can prevent damage to your components in the event of a power surge or other electrical anomaly. Without these protections, a power surge could potentially fry your components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Performance and Benchmarks

While I don't have specific benchmark numbers to throw at you right now, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ consistently receives positive reviews for its performance. Users praise its stable voltage delivery, low ripple and noise, and quiet operation. These are all crucial factors for a reliable power supply. Stable voltage delivery ensures that your components receive the correct amount of power, preventing performance issues and potential damage. Low ripple and noise mean that the power is clean and free of interference, which can also improve performance and stability. Quiet operation is simply a bonus, as it allows you to focus on your gaming or work without being distracted by annoying fan noise.

In terms of real-world performance, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is more than capable of handling demanding gaming rigs with high-end graphics cards and overclocked CPUs. It provides ample power for even the most power-hungry components, ensuring that your system runs smoothly and reliably. The 80+ Gold certification also means that it does so efficiently, saving you money on your electricity bill and reducing the amount of heat generated inside your case. Overall, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a solid performer that delivers consistent and reliable power, making it a great choice for any high-performance build.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ:

Pros:

• High Efficiency: 80+ Gold certified for lower power consumption and reduced heat.
• Fully Modular: Simplifies cable management and improves airflow.
• Reliable Components: Japanese capacitors ensure long-term stability.
• Quiet Operation: Fluid dynamic bearing fan minimizes noise.
• Comprehensive Protection: Multiple protection circuits safeguard your components.

Cons:

• Price: Might be slightly more expensive than some competing 850W units (but you get what you pay for!).
• Availability: Depending on your region, it might be harder to find in stock.

While the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ may be slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, the added cost is justified by its superior performance, reliability, and features. The fully modular design, high-quality components, and quiet operation make it a pleasure to work with and ensure that it will last for years to come. The comprehensive protection circuits also provide peace of mind, knowing that your components are protected from potential damage. The potential difficulty in finding it in stock is a testament to its popularity and high demand, which is always a good sign. Overall, the pros of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ far outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious PC builder.

Who is the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ For?

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is an excellent choice for:

• Gamers: Powering high-end gaming rigs with demanding graphics cards.
• Content Creators: Supporting workstations used for video editing, 3D rendering, and other resource-intensive tasks.
• Overclockers: Providing stable and reliable power for overclocked CPUs and GPUs.
• Anyone Seeking a High-Quality PSU: If you simply want a reliable and efficient power supply for your build, this is a great option.

If you're building a gaming rig with a high-end graphics card, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is an ideal choice. It provides ample power for even the most power-hungry GPUs, ensuring that your system runs smoothly and reliably. Content creators who use their computers for video editing, 3D rendering, and other resource-intensive tasks will also benefit from the stable and reliable power delivery of this PSU. Overclockers who push their CPUs and GPUs to the limit need a power supply that can keep up, and the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is more than capable of handling the demands of overclocking. Even if you're not a gamer, content creator, or overclocker, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is still a great choice if you simply want a high-quality and reliable power supply for your build.

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: A popular and well-regarded 850W Gold PSU with similar features.
• Seasonic FOCUS GX-850: Another excellent 850W Gold PSU known for its high quality and reliability.
• be quiet! Straight Power 11 850W: A premium option with a focus on silent operation.

Each of these alternatives offers similar features and performance to the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, so it's worth doing some research and comparing prices to see which one best fits your needs and budget. The Corsair RM850x is a popular choice that offers excellent value for money. The Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 is known for its high quality and reliability, making it a great option for those who prioritize long-term stability. The be quiet! Straight Power 11 850W is a premium option that focuses on silent operation, making it ideal for those who want a quiet computing experience.

Final Verdict: Is the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ Worth It?

Overall, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a fantastic power supply that offers a great balance of performance, features, and value. Its 80+ Gold certification, fully modular design, high-quality components, and quiet operation make it a top contender in the 850W PSU category. If you're building a high-performance gaming rig or a workstation that demands reliable and efficient power, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is definitely worth considering.

So, is it worth it? Absolutely! You're getting a reliable, efficient, and feature-rich power supply that will keep your system running smoothly for years to come. Plus, the peace of mind knowing your components are protected is priceless. Happy building, guys!