The XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU Review: Our First ATX 3.1 Power Supply

Cold Test Results (~25°C Ambient Temperature)

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts. For a thorough explanation of our testing methodology and more details on our equipment, please refer to our How We Test PSUs - 2014 Pipeline post.

The XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU surpasses the requirements set by the 80Plus Gold certification with impressive margins. When operating with a 115 VAC input, this PSU demonstrates an average nominal load efficiency of 90.9% across a range from 20% to 100% of its capacity, which further increases to 91.7% with a 230 VAC input. The efficiency peaks at a load slightly less than half its maximum capacity. Low load efficiency is excellent, notably superior to that of many other units with a similar power output.

The XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU does not have a "hybrid" fan mode - its fan is operational at all times. Even in ambient room temperature, the fan operates continuously but at very low speeds while the load is low, gradually increasing its speed as the load escalates beyond 500 Watts. This simplistic approach reduces the complexity of the design a little and the PSU virtually remains inaudible while the load is very low.