Are you in the market for a reliable and efficient power supply unit (PSU) for your gaming rig or workstation? Look no further! Today, we’re diving deep into the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, an 850-watt, gold-certified PSU that promises to deliver stable power and excellent performance. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its features and specifications to its performance and value. So, let’s get started, guys!

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first get your hands on the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, you'll immediately notice the quality of the packaging. EVGA takes pride in ensuring their products arrive safely. Inside the box, you'll find the PSU itself, neatly packed with all the necessary cables, a power cord, screws for installation, and a user manual. The PSU has a sleek, understated design with a black finish and minimal branding, making it a great fit for any build. The modular design is a huge plus, allowing you to use only the cables you need, which significantly improves cable management and airflow inside your case.

The build quality feels solid and robust. The weight of the unit gives you confidence that it's made with high-quality components. The connectors are sturdy and fit snugly, ensuring reliable connections. Overall, the initial impression is that this is a premium product designed to last. EVGA has a reputation for quality, and the SuperNOVA 850 GQ lives up to that standard right from the unboxing experience.

Features and Specifications

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is packed with features that make it a standout choice for power users. Here's a detailed look at what it offers:

• 80+ Gold Certified: Efficiency is key, and the 80+ Gold certification means this PSU operates at 90% efficiency or higher under typical loads. This not only saves you money on your electricity bill but also reduces heat output, which can help prolong the lifespan of your components.
• 850W Continuous Power: With 850 watts of continuous power, this PSU can handle high-end CPUs, multiple GPUs, and plenty of peripherals without breaking a sweat. Whether you're gaming, video editing, or running demanding applications, you'll have ample power to keep your system running smoothly.
• Fully Modular Design: The fully modular design is a game-changer for cable management. You only plug in the cables you need, reducing clutter and improving airflow. This makes building and maintaining your PC much easier.
• Japanese Capacitors: EVGA uses high-quality Japanese capacitors, known for their reliability and longevity. These capacitors ensure stable voltage delivery and help extend the life of the PSU.
• Active Power Factor Correction (PFC): Active PFC helps improve power efficiency and reduces harmonic distortion, making your system more stable and reliable.
• Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Under Voltage Protection (UVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), Over Temperature Protection (OTP): These comprehensive protection circuits safeguard your components from potential damage due to power surges, voltage fluctuations, and other electrical issues.
• 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan: The quiet 135mm fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing for smooth and silent operation. It automatically adjusts its speed based on the PSU's temperature, keeping things cool without generating excessive noise.
• 10-Year Warranty: EVGA stands behind their products with a generous 10-year warranty. This demonstrates their confidence in the quality and durability of the SuperNOVA 850 GQ.

Performance and Testing

Now, let's get to the juicy part: how does the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ perform in real-world scenarios? To evaluate its performance, we put it through a series of tests, including voltage regulation, ripple suppression, and efficiency measurements.

• Voltage Regulation: The PSU maintained stable voltage levels across all rails (3.3V, 5V, and 12V) under varying loads. Voltage fluctuations were minimal, ensuring consistent power delivery to the components.
• Ripple Suppression: Ripple refers to the AC noise present in the DC output of the PSU. Lower ripple values indicate cleaner power delivery. The SuperNOVA 850 GQ exhibited excellent ripple suppression, keeping the noise levels well within acceptable limits.
• Efficiency: In our efficiency tests, the PSU consistently met the 80+ Gold certification requirements, operating at around 90% efficiency at typical loads. This translates to less wasted energy and lower operating costs.
• Noise Levels: The 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan kept the PSU running cool and quiet. Even under heavy loads, the fan noise was barely audible, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive users.

Overall, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ delivered exceptional performance in our tests. It provided stable and clean power, maintained excellent voltage regulation, and operated quietly and efficiently. These results demonstrate that this PSU is capable of handling demanding workloads and high-end gaming setups.

Pros and Cons

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

Pros:

• High Efficiency: 80+ Gold certification ensures excellent energy efficiency.
• Fully Modular: Simplifies cable management and improves airflow.
• Stable Power Delivery: Provides consistent and reliable power to all components.
• Quiet Operation: The 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan keeps noise levels low.
• Comprehensive Protection: Includes multiple protection circuits to safeguard your components.
• Long Warranty: Backed by a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.

Cons:

• Price: It might be a bit more expensive compared to some other 850W PSUs, but the quality and features justify the cost.
• Availability: Depending on your region, it might be slightly harder to find in stock.

Who Is This For?

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, but it particularly shines for:

• Gamers: If you have a high-end gaming rig with a powerful CPU and GPU, this PSU can handle the demands of modern games without breaking a sweat.
• Content Creators: Video editors, graphic designers, and other content creators who rely on demanding applications will appreciate the stable and reliable power delivery.
• PC Enthusiasts: If you care about build quality, cable management, and overall system performance, the SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a great fit.
• Users Seeking Reliability: With its high-quality components, comprehensive protection circuits, and long warranty, this PSU is built to last.

Alternatives to Consider

If the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ doesn't quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternative PSUs 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 excellent performance, the Seasonic FOCUS GX-850 is a solid alternative.
• be quiet! Straight Power 11 850W: A premium PSU with a focus on silent operation and high efficiency.

Installation Tips

Installing the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is straightforward, but here are a few tips to make the process even smoother:

1. Plan Your Cable Management: Before you start, plan out how you're going to route your cables. This will make the installation process much easier and result in a cleaner build.
2. Use the Right Cables: Only use the cables that come with the PSU. Using cables from other PSUs can cause damage to your components.
3. Secure the PSU: Make sure the PSU is securely mounted in your case. Use the included screws to fasten it tightly.
4. Double-Check Connections: Before you power on your system, double-check all the cable connections to ensure they are properly seated.
5. Test the System: After installation, test your system to make sure everything is working correctly. Run a stress test to ensure the PSU can handle the load.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a top-tier power supply unit that delivers excellent performance, efficiency, and reliability. Its fully modular design, high-quality components, and comprehensive protection circuits make it a great choice for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts alike. While it may be slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, the quality and features justify the cost. If you're looking for a PSU that will provide stable and clean power for years to come, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is definitely worth considering. I hope this review helps you make the right decision for your next build. Happy gaming, folks!.