Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient Temperature)

Despite experiencing very high internal temperatures, the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold displays only subtle signs of thermal stress. Even under conditions of elevated ambient temperatures, the impact on performance is measurable but small. The efficiency reduction is modest, with only slight decreases observed across the nominal load range, and the losses remain relatively low even when operating at or near maximum capacity. This indicates that the components of the unit are handling the very high temperatures without issue.

Despite the small fan's best efforts, the internal temperatures of the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold can exceed 130°C when the unit is heavily loaded within a high-temperature testing environment. These temperatures are very near the PSU's thermal shutdown threshold, indicating that reaching this limit could be imminent under such conditions. In any case, operating this unit at such high temperatures for prolonged periods of time will severely reduce its lifespan.

The 92 mm cooling fan of the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold starts at a high speed and is immediately audible. The fan rapidly accelerates and reaches its maximum speed when the load is only at 50% capacity. Beyond this point, the fan can do no more to mitigate heat, which explains why the internal temperatures of the unit can reach such elevated levels. This design suggests that the V850 SFX Gold is not intended for use in extremely hot environments or under consistently heavy loads.

Cold Test Results (~25°C Ambient Temperature) Power Supply Quality & Conclusion
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  • ballsystemlord - Thursday, June 20, 2024 - link

    Those figures for hot box testing are some of the worst I've ever seen since I started reading AT. That being said, the PSU really does hold up well considering the thermal stress it must be under.

    But those capacitors are not going to last, Japanese or otherwise, if subjected to elevated temperature environment (e.g. many of glass paneled cases).
  • DanNeely - Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - link

    Yeah. high wattage SFX isn't an easy target, but the last 2 reviews show much better can be done. Kinda curious if the problem is smaller heat sinks or worse air flow. Whatever it was if it couldn't be fixed, Corsair should've bit the bullet with a faster and louder fan to keep thermals under control.
  • meacupla - Sunday, June 23, 2024 - link

    I have this, or one of its versions. It came with my pre-built gaming PC and it is very loud.
    The fan doesn't ramp down after the PSU warms up from a 400~500W load from gaming. IDK if my version is an older one (because I don't have the box), but I need to power cycle to get the fan noise to reset.

    I don't want to throw money at it to replace it. In the end, it's a gaming PC so I can live it being loud while gaming, but I would use a Corsair or Silverstone, given the choice.

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