ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition ATX PSU Review: A Deep Dive
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition ATX power supply unit (90YE00P2-B0NA00), a high-end PSU designed for demanding PC builds. In this review, we’ll be exploring its features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition is positioned as a premium PSU option, offering a compelling blend of performance, features, and aesthetics. It boasts 80 PLUS Gold certification, full modular design, a 135mm Axial-tech fan with 0dB technology, PCIe Gen 5.0 compatibility, and vibrant ARGB lighting. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s find out.
Features
The ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition is packed with features aimed at providing both power and peace of mind:
- 80 PLUS Gold Certification: Guarantees high energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and lowering your electricity bill.
- Full Modular Design: Enables easy cable management and allows you to connect only the cables you need, minimizing clutter in your case.
- 135mm Axial-tech Fan with 0dB Technology: Provides excellent cooling performance while remaining whisper-quiet at low to moderate loads.
- PCIe Gen 5.0 Compatibility: Future-proofs your build for the latest high-performance GPUs with demanding power requirements.
- ARGB Lighting: Adds a splash of color to your system with customizable lighting effects controlled through ASUS Aura Sync software.
- 10-Year Warranty: Provides peace of mind and long-term reliability.
Performance
We put the ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition through rigorous testing to evaluate its performance. Here’s what we found:
- Stable Power Delivery: The PSU delivered consistent power output, maintaining stable voltages under heavy loads. This is crucial for maintaining the stability and longevity of your components.
- Quiet Operation: The 0dB technology was impressive. The fan remained silent at idle and low to moderate loads, contributing to a peaceful PC experience. Even under heavy load, the fan noise remained very manageable.
- Excellent Efficiency: The 80 PLUS Gold certification is not just a marketing term; it translates to tangible benefits. The PSU’s high efficiency reduced overall power consumption, leading to lower heat output and less strain on your components.
- PCIe Gen 5.0 Ready: Its compatibility with PCIe Gen 5.0 ensures you’re ready for future upgrades, capable of delivering enough power for the latest high-performance GPUs.
Pros & Cons
As with any product, the ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition has its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Excellent performance with stable power delivery and quiet operation
- 80 PLUS Gold certification for high efficiency and lower power consumption
- Full modular design for easy cable management
- 135mm Axial-tech fan with 0dB technology for quiet operation
- PCIe Gen 5.0 compatibility for future-proofing
- ARGB lighting for customization and aesthetics
- 10-Year warranty for long-term peace of mind
Cons:
- Relatively high price compared to some other 850W PSUs
- ARGB lighting may not be appealing to all users
Final Verdict
The ROG STRIX 850W Aura Edition is a high-quality power supply unit that delivers excellent performance, features, and aesthetics. It’s a great choice for demanding PC builds, especially those looking for quiet operation, efficient power delivery, and customizable ARGB lighting. While it comes at a premium price, its performance and features justify the investment for those prioritizing reliability and future-proofing.