Are you looking for a reliable and efficient power supply for your gaming rig or workstation? Let's dive deep into the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ, an 850W 80+ Gold certified power supply that promises excellent performance and quiet operation. In this comprehensive review, we'll cover everything from its features and specifications to its real-world performance and value to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're upgrading your current PSU or building a new system from scratch, understanding the capabilities of the SuperNOVA 850 GQ is crucial. We'll explore its build quality, the types of connectors it offers, and how it stacks up against the competition. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear picture of whether this power supply is the right fit for your needs. So, let's get started and uncover all the details about the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ!

Features and Specifications

The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ boasts a range of features designed to deliver stable and efficient power. First off, it's 80+ Gold certified, meaning it operates at around 90% efficiency under typical loads. This not only saves you money on your electricity bill but also reduces heat output, contributing to a cooler and quieter system. The fully modular design allows you to use only the cables you need, which helps in cable management and improves airflow inside your case. This is a huge plus for those who value a clean and organized build. The power supply also features a 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, known for its quiet operation and long lifespan. This ensures that your PSU stays cool without adding unnecessary noise to your system. Overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and short circuit protection are standard, safeguarding your components from potential damage. The SuperNOVA 850 GQ also supports NVIDIA SLI and AMD Crossfire configurations, making it a great choice for multi-GPU setups. Its continuous power output of 850W ensures that even high-end systems have enough juice to run smoothly. All these features combine to make the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ a solid and dependable power supply for a wide range of users.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to the design and build quality, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ doesn't disappoint. The unit features a sleek, black finish that will fit well in most PC builds. The fully modular design is a standout, allowing for easy cable management and a cleaner-looking interior. The connectors are well-labeled and easy to plug in, making the installation process straightforward. Internally, the SuperNOVA 850 GQ uses high-quality components, including Japanese capacitors, known for their reliability and longevity. The PCB (printed circuit board) is neatly organized, and the soldering quality is excellent, indicating careful manufacturing. The 135mm fan is a fluid dynamic bearing model, which is quieter and more durable than standard sleeve bearing fans. The overall construction feels solid and robust, giving you confidence in the unit's durability. EVGA also offers a generous warranty, reflecting their trust in the product's reliability. The attention to detail in both the internal and external design makes the SuperNOVA 850 GQ a premium power supply that's built to last. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a first-timer, you'll appreciate the thoughtful design and high-quality construction of this PSU.

Performance and Efficiency

Discussing the performance and efficiency of the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is crucial to understanding its true value. As an 80+ Gold certified power supply, it's designed to operate at high efficiency, typically around 90% at moderate loads. This means less energy is wasted as heat, which translates to lower electricity bills and a cooler running system. In real-world tests, the SuperNOVA 850 GQ performs admirably, delivering stable voltages across all rails. Voltage regulation is tight, meaning that the voltage supplied to your components remains consistent even under heavy loads. This is essential for maintaining the stability of your system, especially when overclocking. The ripple and noise levels are also well within acceptable limits, ensuring clean power delivery. The 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan keeps the unit cool without generating excessive noise, even during prolonged gaming sessions or demanding workloads. The power supply also handles transient loads well, meaning it can quickly respond to sudden changes in power demand. Overall, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ delivers excellent performance and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for powering your high-end system. Its ability to maintain stable voltages and minimize noise makes it a top contender in its class.

Noise Levels

The noise levels of a power supply are a crucial consideration for many PC builders, especially those aiming for a quiet system. The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is designed with this in mind, featuring a 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan known for its quiet operation. Under light to moderate loads, the fan spins at a low RPM, making the PSU virtually silent. Even under heavier loads, the fan noise remains minimal and is unlikely to be noticeable above other system components like CPU and GPU coolers. The fan's intelligent control system adjusts the fan speed based on the PSU's temperature, ensuring optimal cooling without unnecessary noise. This makes the SuperNOVA 850 GQ an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, such as home theaters or recording studios. Independent reviews and user feedback consistently praise the PSU's quiet operation, even when pushed to its limits. The combination of an efficient design and a high-quality fan makes the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ a top performer in terms of noise levels. If you value a silent computing experience, this power supply is definitely worth considering. Its quiet performance won't distract you from your games or work, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Pros and Cons

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

Pros:

• 80+ Gold Certified: High efficiency translates to lower electricity bills and less heat.
• Fully Modular Design: Simplifies cable management and improves airflow.
• High-Quality Components: Japanese capacitors ensure reliability and longevity.
• Quiet Operation: 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan keeps noise levels low.
• Stable Voltage Regulation: Delivers consistent power to your components.
• Multiple Protections: Overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuit protection safeguard your system.
• SLI and Crossfire Support: Compatible with multi-GPU setups.
• Generous Warranty: EVGA stands behind their product with a solid warranty.

Cons:

• Price: May be slightly more expensive than some competing models.
• Availability: Can sometimes be difficult to find in stock.

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, making the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ a compelling choice for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient power supply. While the price might be a bit higher than some alternatives, the superior build quality, quiet operation, and stable performance make it a worthwhile investment.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is an excellent power supply that offers a blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability. Its 80+ Gold certification ensures efficient operation, saving you money on your electricity bill and reducing heat output. The fully modular design makes cable management a breeze, and the high-quality components, including Japanese capacitors, guarantee long-term reliability. The quiet 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan keeps noise levels to a minimum, even under heavy loads. With stable voltage regulation and comprehensive protection features, the SuperNOVA 850 GQ provides peace of mind, knowing your components are safe and receiving clean, consistent power. While it may be slightly more expensive than some competing models, the overall value and performance make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you're building a high-end gaming rig, a workstation, or simply upgrading your current system, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ is a top contender that won't disappoint. Its combination of features, build quality, and performance make it a standout choice in its class. So, if you're in the market for a dependable and efficient 850W power supply, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 GQ should definitely be on your shortlist.