Corsair AX850 Review

[HOOfan_1]

jonny is having a tough time getting back in the saddle

I keep thinking "OW is on vacation, how is he posting this?" I just now assume all reviews are done by OW.

So do you think some of what you didn't like about this unit are growing pains that will be ironed out in future revisions of the platform?

[Phaedrus2129]

I thought Andyson cloned the SeaSonic X platform, not the other way around.


Speaking of, how far is this from the original SeaSonic X750? What's changed?

[Hunter315]

I was a little disappointed with the voltage regulation in it considering how well its big brother did. Any idea what was causing its crazy little 5VSB ripple? I was pretty confused when i saw that.

Do you use the same power meters to measure AC power draw as O_W does? Whats the accuracy on them because +/-1% would have been enough to determine if it hit gold or not i think.

[HOOfan_1]

Originally Posted by Hunter315

I was a little disappointed with the voltage regulation in it considering how well its big brother did.

It doesn't have a bigger brother on the market yet. the AX1200 is a completely different OEM and a completely different platform.

[suquees]

The Corsair AX850 power supply comes in a box that is 15.5" long. That's 309MM!

I think the 15.5" length is some kind of monster package.

But no idea with 309mm ... maybe approximately 390mm? Right?



I've noticed that there are some letters screen on PCIe's and ATX's connector like "750AX/850AX ONLY", but I cannot clealy see them. If they are screened that way, I wonder how are their physical/electrical difference (between them and 1200AX.)

Look like a 14 AWG power cord has been shipped within the box, isn't it?
Nice to see that it is thicker than all Corsair HX Series. And a little surprise on 850W unit.



Thanx for nice review and nice pictures.

[MrWicked1968]

I probably missed the memo, but why wasn't Flextronics used as the OEM for this one?

[Henry Chinaski]

Originally Posted by MrWicked1968

I probably missed the memo, but why wasn't Flextronics used as the OEM for this one?

In my opinion, Corsair chose Flextronics for its new 1200W PSU because the 1200W "gold" unit from Seasonic was not ready. I understand that Corsair never considered the possibility of going to Flextronics for the rest of the AX line.

On the other hand, working with only one habitual OEM is extremely dangerous. Having two or three reliable suppliers it's highly recommended in all business. If Flextronic pass the test of the AX1200, it's possible that Corsair knock again at the Flextronics' door.

[jonnyGURU]

Originally Posted by Phaedrus2129

I thought Andyson cloned the SeaSonic X platform, not the other way around.

Try using the quote function so people know what you're talking about.

Andyson did copy Seasonic for their own X-Series, but the MT8 used LLC resonant mode and DC to DC for non-primary rails years before Seasonic ever did.

Get this: When we first launched the ES-800 and they were only available on the BFG Store, one of the first customers to put in an order was Seasonic. I knew what was up, but it wouldn't be right to cancel their order.

Originally Posted by Phaedrus2129

Speaking of, how far is this from the original SeaSonic X750? What's changed?

Only the basic topolgy seems to be the same... they're both LLC resonant topology, they both use the same supervisor IC, they have similar AC input filtering/transient stage and both use the relay on the inrush current thermistor... but that's about it. Even a lot of the layout is still different. I mean... the PCB is clearly completely different. Just look at the location of the +12V MOSFET's, for example.

[jonnyGURU]

Originally Posted by Hunter315

I was a little disappointed with the voltage regulation in it considering how well its big brother did.

I guess Flextronics just has a better way of doing DC to DC. But I'm not disappointed. I would be if the +12V didn't stay within 2% regulation, but I'm used to DC to DC regulation not being too great and within 3% is still very acceptable.

Originally Posted by Hunter315

Any idea what was causing its crazy little 5VSB ripple? I was pretty confused when i saw that.

No idea.

Originally Posted by Hunter315

Do you use the same power meters to measure AC power draw as O_W does? Whats the accuracy on them because +/-1% would have been enough to determine if it hit gold or not i think.

Actually, my meter is way more accurate than the Brand Meter. I use a lab quality Weibo meter.

Originally Posted by suquees

I think the 15.5" length is some kind of monster package.

But no idea with 309mm ... maybe approximately 390mm? Right?

Doh! I'll fix that now.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

Get this: When we first launched the ES-800 and they were only available on the BFG Store, one of the first customers to put in an order was Seasonic. I knew what was up, but it wouldn't be right to cancel their order.

The idea of using LLC Resonant topology in PC Power is nothing new, but doing it right at various wattages and with secondary side SR is a whole lot different. Seasonic did it right before releasing it, Andyson didn't.

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

Actually, my meter is way more accurate than the Brand Meter. I use a lab quality Weibo meter.

I think "lab quality" should be used to describe Yokogawa ones, though I'm quite satisfied with Weibo now.