XPG Core Reactor 850W Power Supply Review

The XPG Core Reactor with 850W capacity uses a modern and high-performance platform, which is provided by Channel Well Technology. Both its overall efficiency and output noise readings are at good levels, and this is shown by the corresponding Cybenetics certifications (ETA-A and LAMBDA-A-). Moreover, it is fully compatible with alternative sleep mode, and achieves higher than 70% efficiency with a 2% load. The Corsair RM850x delivers higher overall performance, though, and the same goes for the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G3. The main disadvantage for the Core Reactor 850W is the price since it is more expensive than the RM850x. Nonetheless, the latter is not fully compatible with the newest ATX spec, nor does it support the alternative sleep mode support or offer >70% efficiency with a 2% load. 

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Product Photos

XPG, ADATA's department addressing enthusiast users and gamers, enters the PSU market with the Core Reactor line. There are three members in this line, with 850W, 750W, and 650W max power. All are fully modular and 80 PLUS Gold certified. They are also certified by Cybenetics, rated as ETA-A for efficiency. 

When it comes to noise, the same organization rated the 650W and 750W models as LAMBDA-A, while the 850W unit has been certified as LAMBDA-A-. In today's review, we will take a look at the strongest member of the line, which is suitable for a powerful gaming system.

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Product Photos

Specifications

The sample that Cybenetics evaluated has lower than 30 dB(A) overall noise output, so it is LAMBDA-A- certified. In contrast, our sample is a bit over 30 dB(A), and it is rated as LAMBDA-Standard++ in the Cybenetics scale. Usually, there shouldn't be such significant differences, and this shows that CWT used a less relaxed fan profile in the newer production batches. 

Power Specifications

Cables & Connectors

There are lots of cables and connectors, including two EPS, six PCIe, and twelve SATA connectors. There are no in-cable caps, and the cables that have to deal with increased Amps use thicker gauges (16AWG). Finally, it is nice to see the peripheral connectors having ample distance among them.

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Cable Photos

Component Analysis

We strongly encourage you to have a look at our PSUs 101 article, which provides valuable information about PSUs and their operation, allowing you to better understand the components we're about to discuss.

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Overall Photos

The platform is provided by Channel Well Technology, which is also the OEM of the popular Corsair RMx and RM lines, which are the direct competitors of XPG's Core Reactor models. The design is modern and clean since all power transfers are conducted through the PCB, with the only exception of the short cables that connect the main transformer with the +12V board. Nonetheless, the super-compact dimensions of the PCB don't allow for enough space between the parts, which would be beneficial for the airflow. Moreover, there are no heat sinks on the secondary side, so at increased loads, the fan will have to provide enough airflow to cool down the DC-DC converters that generate the minor rails and the +12V board.

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Transient filter

The transient filter has all the necessary components to suppress incoming and outcoming EMI emissions. It is also equipped with a MOV, for protection against voltage surges. Finally, the PSU has an NTC thermistor and relay combo, to restrict high inrush currents. 

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Bridge rectifiers

The pair of bridge rectifiers is installed on a dedicated heat sink.

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APFC converter

The APFC converter uses two Vishay FETs and a single CREE boost diode, along with a Nippon Chemi Con bulk cap with enough capacity, to offer a longer than 17ms hold-up time. 

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Main FETs and primary transformer

The main FETs are arranged in a half-bridge topology. This PSU uses the newer CU6901V resonant controller, which allows for higher efficiency at super-light loads, because of its burst mode support (Champion calls it kick-mode). 

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12V FETs and VRMs

The +12V FETs are installed on a daughter-board, which is installed right beside the main transformer. The afore-mentioned daughter-board is connected to the main transformer through a pair of thick wires. 

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Filtering caps

All filtering caps, both electrolytic and polymer ones, are provided by Japanese manufacturers and belong to mid and higher-level lines. 

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5VSB Circuit

The 5VSB circuit's parts are depicted in the photos above. 

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Modular board front

The modular board hosts a large number of polymer caps. 

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Soldering quality

The soldering quality is good, as usually is the case with CWT's implementations. On this side of the PCB, we also find the supervisor IC, which is a N1S313I-SAG.

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Cooling fan

The cooling fan is by Hong Hua, and it uses a fluid dynamic bearing, which will last for quite long, while making less noise compared to units with double-ball bearings. 

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