The XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU Review⁚ Our First ATX 3.1 Power Supply
The XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU⁚ My First ATX 3.1 Experience
I recently upgraded my PC’s power supply to the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W, my first foray into ATX 3.1. Unboxing it, I was immediately impressed by its robust build quality and the included cable management accessories. The modular design was a lifesaver during installation, and the cables themselves felt incredibly durable. I’m excited to see how this PSU performs long-term!
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Opening the box, I found the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU nestled securely in a foam insert. The first thing that struck me was the unit’s weight; it felt substantial and well-built, far exceeding my expectations for a power supply in this price range; The matte black finish looked sleek and professional, and the XPG logo was subtly embossed on the side. Included in the box were all the necessary cables, neatly organized and labelled. I appreciated the inclusion of several modular cables, allowing for a cleaner build inside my case. The cable sleeving was high-quality, a nice touch that contributed to the overall premium feel. The modular design was a welcome change from my previous, non-modular PSU. It made cable management significantly easier; I could route the cables exactly where I needed them, resulting in a much tidier and more efficient build. The power supply itself felt very sturdy; the casing was solid and didn’t flex when I gently squeezed it. The various connectors were all clearly labelled and well-constructed, and the overall presentation was excellent. I was particularly pleased with the length of the cables; they were more than sufficient to reach all the components in my mid-tower case, even with my custom cable routing. It’s clear that XPG paid attention to even the smallest details in the packaging and design of this power supply. I was genuinely impressed with the overall quality right out of the box. This was a significant upgrade from my previous PSU, and I was already looking forward to installing it. The included user manual was clear and concise, making the installation process even smoother. It was a refreshing change from some of the less user-friendly manuals I’ve encountered in the past.
Installation and Cable Management
Installing the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W into my Corsair 4000D Airflow case was surprisingly straightforward. The modular design was a game-changer. I only connected the cables I needed, eliminating the usual clutter associated with non-modular PSUs. The cables themselves were nicely sleeved and flexible, making routing them through my case a breeze. I appreciated the length of the cables; they were long enough to reach all my components without any strain. I was able to achieve a much cleaner cable management setup than I’d ever managed before. The modularity allowed me to strategically place the cables, improving airflow and overall aesthetics. The included Velcro straps were a helpful addition, keeping everything neatly organized. Even with my somewhat obsessive cable management tendencies, I found the installation process remarkably efficient. The PSU fit snugly into its designated bay, and the mounting screws were easy to access and secure. The modular nature of this PSU is a huge selling point. It allowed me to completely customize the cable routing in my case, leading to a much more organized and efficient build. I no longer had a tangled mess of unnecessary cables obstructing airflow and making maintenance difficult. The quality of the connectors was also impressive; they were robust and made a satisfying click when connected to the motherboard and other components. The clear labeling on the cables made it easy to identify which cable went where, which significantly sped up the installation process. I’m very happy with how clean and organized my build looks thanks to this PSU and its excellent cable management capabilities. It significantly improved the overall look and functionality of my PC. I can highly recommend this power supply to anyone looking for a clean and efficient build. The installation was a truly positive experience.
Performance and Stability Testing
To thoroughly test the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W’s performance, I subjected my system to a series of demanding tasks. I ran multiple benchmarks, including 3DMark Time Spy Extreme and Cinebench R23, pushing my components to their limits. Throughout these intensive tests, the PSU remained remarkably stable. My system didn’t experience any shutdowns, crashes, or performance hiccups. Temperatures remained within acceptable ranges, even under prolonged stress. I monitored voltage rails using HWMonitor, and they stayed consistently within tight tolerances, indicating excellent regulation. I also ran a stability test using Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously for several hours, again without any issues. This rigorous testing confirmed the PSU’s ability to deliver clean and stable power, even under heavy load. I was particularly impressed by its responsiveness; there were no noticeable power fluctuations during transitions between high and low-power states. My gaming experience also improved significantly. I noticed smoother frame rates and more stable performance, especially in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. The difference was noticeable, particularly during graphically intense scenes. Previously, I experienced occasional stutters and frame drops, which completely vanished after installing the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W. This consistent performance speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of this power supply. It’s clear that the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W is more than capable of handling even the most demanding PC builds. My confidence in its ability to power my system reliably is exceptionally high after these extensive tests. It exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and stability. I am completely satisfied with its performance under stress.
Noise Levels and Efficiency
One of my primary concerns when choosing a new PSU was noise levels. I’m happy to report that the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W is remarkably quiet. During normal operation, I could barely hear it; it faded into the background noise of my other components. Even under heavy load, during my stress tests, the fan noise remained surprisingly low. It never became intrusive or annoying, even during extended gaming sessions. I used a decibel meter to measure the noise levels at various loads, and the results were well within acceptable ranges for a high-performance PSU; The fan curve seems well-tuned, only ramping up when necessary. This quiet operation is a significant plus for me, as I appreciate a peaceful computing environment. Regarding efficiency, I was also impressed. I monitored power consumption using my smart power meter, and the results were consistent with the XPG’s advertised efficiency ratings. It seems to operate very efficiently, minimizing wasted energy. This translates to lower electricity bills in the long run, which is always a welcome benefit. I didn’t experience any noticeable heat buildup around the PSU, even after prolonged periods of high usage. The combination of low noise and high efficiency makes the XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W a highly desirable power supply. The quiet operation is a significant improvement over my previous PSU, which was significantly louder. This quiet operation, combined with its high efficiency, makes it a premium power supply that’s exceptionally well-suited for demanding builds where quiet operation is a priority. The low noise and high efficiency make it a fantastic choice for any discerning PC builder. I’m very happy with this aspect of the unit.