(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Internal Design The Acer Predator GX850 employs a 92mm Power Logic fan utilizing double ball bearing construction. Double ball bearing designs prioritize longevity and high temperature operation over acoustic performance, which makes them a very reasonable choice for compact high-power units with lengthy warranties. The fan has an extremely high maximum speed of 3500 RPM.
FSP Group serves as OEM, bringing decades of power supply expertise to Acer's first product. The platform appears derived from FSP's Dagger series with modifications for ATX 3.0 compliance. Internal layout showcases remarkably dense component placement, pushing boundaries of what fits within SFX dimensions while maintaining 850W capability. Build quality proves very good with no noteworthy manufacturing imperfections evident despite extremely compact design.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) The input filtering stage provides adequate protection with two Y capacitors, two X capacitors, and three filtering inductors. FSP splits filtering components between the main PCB and a daughterboard mounted behind the AC receptacle, optimizing space utilization. Two rectifying bridges sit sandwiched together without dedicated heatsinking, primarily relying on ambient airflow.
The APFC circuitry employs two Vishay G120N60E MOSFETs positioned on a compact heatsink, paired with two diodes on the main board. One inductor and three capacitors comprise passive components: one Nippon Chemi-Con 120μF unit and two Rubycon 150μF capacitors. This configuration provides sufficient energy storage for the power level while maintaining compact dimensions.
The primary stage employs two Infineon 8R310CE MOSFETs plus a reset MOSFET, forming Active Clamp Reset Forward topology. These mount to a small heatsink positioned adjacent to APFC capacitors. ACRF topology offers advantages in efficiency and component stress reduction compared to traditional forward converter designs, particularly relevant in high power density applications where thermal management proves challenging.
The secondary stage utilizes six Toshiba TPH1R306PL MOSFETs on the main PCB, generating the 12V rail through synchronous rectification. These are using the body of the PSU itself as a heatsink. Absence of advanced cooling for these components indicates high efficiency characteristics, as low resistance devices generate minimal heat even under full load. Separate DC to DC converter circuits derive 3.3V and 5V rails from primary 12V output, standard approach in modern PSU designs.
Capacitor selection demonstrates quality awareness. Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon, both premium Japanese manufacturers, supply all secondary side electrolytic capacitors. APAQ provides polymer capacitors, representing reputable Taiwanese manufacturer with solid reliability records. Acer's marketing emphasizes Japanese capacitors for optimal performance, though APAQ inclusion slightly contradicts this messaging. Nevertheless, APAQ produces quality parts that should perform reliably within specifications.
For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) The Acer Predator GX850 achieves average nominal load efficiency of 90.1% with 115 VAC input and 91.6% with 230 VAC input, measured across the standard load range. These results satisfy 80 Plus Gold certification requirements with 115 VAC input. With 230 VAC input, the unit should receive the identical Gold certification as efficiency matches standard requirements. The unit lacks Cybenetics or PPLP certifications at review time, which seems puzzling given the strong average efficiency figures that would likely earn favorable ratings. Efficiency peaks at approximately 50% load and maintains relative stability across most operational ranges. Low load efficiency proves good.
The fan remains inactive until load exceeds approximately 220 watts, providing silent operation during light usage. Fan speed increases in distinct steps rather than smooth curves. First transition occurs at 450 to 500 watts, rendering the unit audible. Second step at 700 watts brings clearly noticeable noise levels. This stepped behavior suggests fan curve relies solely on internal temperature sensors without much of environmental awareness.
During elevated ambient temperature testing, the Acer Predator GX850 exhibits measurable but not excessive efficiency degradation. Average nominal load efficiency drops to 88.2% with 115 VAC input and 89.6% with 230 VAC input. Signs of thermal stress appear when the unit is heavily loaded. For an SFX unit operating in confined spaces with limited airflow, this thermal performance can be defined as acceptable.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Fan behavior maintains the same stepped pattern as cold testing, as if entirely unaware of ambient conditions. However, the fan spins slightly faster at each step under elevated temperatures, making the unit somehow even louder than during ambient testing. Internal temperatures get high but remain within acceptable limits for a compact unit rated for 40°C operation.
The Acer Predator GX850 demonstrates good power quality performance. Maximum ripple measured 40 mV on the 12V rail, 28 mV on the 5V rail, and 26 mV on the 3.3V rail. All values sit well below ATX specification limits. The platform exhibits characteristic FSP behavior of slightly elevated ripple under very light loads. Voltage regulation measures solidly across all rails. The 12V rail exhibits 1.0% regulation, while 5V and 3.3V rails register 1.2% and 1.1% respectively. These figures represent good performance though they fall slightly short of sub 1% regulation that characterizes top tier units. For practical applications, the difference is inconsequential. Overall power quality remains very good across the operating range.
During our thorough assessment, we evaluate the essential protection features of every power supply unit we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP).
OCP activates at 144% on the 3.3V rail, 148% on the 5V rail, and 120% on the 12V rail. OPP triggers at 118% during hot testing. Protection circuit responses prove appropriate. The greatly relaxed limits on minor rails suggest their circuits carry some underrating margin.
The Acer Predator GX850 represents competent entry into the power supply market, leveraging FSP's considerable engineering expertise to deliver 850 watts in challenging SFX form factor. The unit demonstrates solid electrical performance with good efficiency, good ripple suppression, and appropriate voltage regulation. Component selection emphasizes quality with premium capacitors and reliable active components. Build quality proves very good with no manufacturing imperfections evident despite extremely compact and densely populated internal design.
Although the table configuration is conservative, it is more than appropriate for SFX applications. The flat ribbon cables reduce cable management challenges though the individually sleeved 12VHPWR cable stands apart aesthetically. The SFX to ATX mounting bracket expands compatibility to standard ATX chassis though cable lengths suit only compact installations. Component selection demonstrates quality awareness. Vishay and Infineon MOSFETs represent established names with proven track records. Rubycon and Nippon Chemi-Con APFC and secondary capacitors confirm commitment to reliability, though APAQ polymer capacitor inclusion contradicts marketing emphasis on exclusively Japanese components. Nevertheless, APAQ produces very high quality parts. The ACRF topology represents modern design reducing component stress. Component selection supports reliable long term operation convincingly.
Electrical performance easily satisfies expectations for an 80Plus Gold unit but without reaching exceptional territory. Cold testing efficiency of 90.1% with 115 VAC and 91.6% with 230 VAC comfortably exceeds Gold-level requirements. Hot testing reveals a calculable efficiency degradation to 88.2% and 89.6% respectively, with subtle thermal stress signs appearing only at maximum load. Figures remain within acceptable parameters for a unit rated at 40°C.
Thermal management proves adequate for specification compliance though acoustic performance suffers during sustained moderate to high loads. The 100mm form factor paired with a 92mm fan operating at extremely high maximum speed creates inherent cooling challenges. The fan remains inactive until approximately 220 watts load, contributing to excellent low-load acoustics. The stepped fan control approach produces distinct acoustic transitions rather than gradual changes. Loads exceeding 700 watts produce clearly noticeable noise levels. Under elevated ambient temperatures, the pattern persists with slightly elevated speeds throughout. Internal temperatures prove high under maximum load hot testing conditions but remain manageable. For a gaming system that will be pushing 40-60% load most of the time while gaming, the Predator GX850 will work like a charm.
For a first-generation PSU from a company without previous power supply market presence, Acer delivers a competent and fundamentally sound product through partnership with FSP. The unit succeeds in delivering substantial power density without compromising electrical performance quality, demonstrating good engineering execution throughout. Pricing at approximately $150 positions it competitively within the SFX market, though established alternatives occasionally offer similar specifications at slightly lower prices. The product serves buyers seeking brand ecosystem cohesion, those valuing FSP's proven platform design, or builders requiring reliable 850W output in SFX form. Value assessment depends on brand preferences, current market pricing, and willingness to accept audible cooling during moderate to heavy loads, though the unit represents a solid choice for its intended application.
Dr. E. Fylladitakis has been passionate about PCs since the 8088 era, beginning his PC gaming journey with classics like Metal Mutant and Battle Chess. Not long after, he built his first PC, a 486, and has been an enthusiast ever since. In the early 2000\u2019s, he delved deeply into overclocking Duron and Pentium 4 processors, liquid cooling, and phase-change cooling technologies. While he has an extensive and broad engineering education, Dr. Fylladitakis specializes in electrical and energy engineering, with numerous articles published in scientific journals, some contributing to novel cooling technologies and power electronics. He has been a hardware reviewer at AnandTech for nearly a decade. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys immersing himself in a good philosophy book and unwinding through PC games. ","collapsible":{"enabled":true,"maxHeight":250,"readMoreText":"Read more","readLessText":"Read less"}}), "https://slice.vanilla.futurecdn.net/13-4-20/js/authorBio.js"); } else { console.error('%c FTE ','background: #9306F9; color: #ffffff','no lazy slice hydration function available'); } E. Fylladitakis Contributing Editor Dr. E. Fylladitakis has been passionate about PCs since the 8088 era, beginning his PC gaming journey with classics like Metal Mutant and Battle Chess. Not long after, he built his first PC, a 486, and has been an enthusiast ever since. In the early 2000’s, he delved deeply into overclocking Duron and Pentium 4 processors, liquid cooling, and phase-change cooling technologies. While he has an extensive and broad engineering education, Dr. Fylladitakis specializes in electrical and energy engineering, with numerous articles published in scientific journals, some contributing to novel cooling technologies and power electronics. He has been a hardware reviewer at AnandTech for nearly a decade. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys immersing himself in a good philosophy book and unwinding through PC games.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/power-supplies/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/power-supplies/acer-predator-gx850-sfx-power-supply-review#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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