Exclusive: XFX Black Edition 850W Power Supply Preview

The XFX Black Edition 850W Under the Microscope

As we stated before; this isn’t a full review. Rather, this page will endeavor to give you a quick taste of the looks, outputs and even the OEM of the Black Edition 850W.


From looking at the preliminary specifications, there really isn’t anything to question since the output figures are exactly what we would expect of a modern high-end power supply. The single +12V rail is perfectly proportioned to power your most demanding hardware without having to worry about tripping an OCP circuit.


The packaging scheme that XFX uses is definitely unique with the front graphics closely reflecting their graphics cards’ overall design along with a predominantly black and green color scheme. Meanwhile, the interior box really is something to behold with the fan of the power supply peaking out from behind black cardboard flaps.


If you thought the packaging was unique, get a load of the power supply itself. We all know that some people may hate it while others (myself included) will give XFX a high five for creativity but one thing is certain: there is no other power supply on the market that looks quite like this. To be honest with you, pictures just don’t do its design elements or its amazing finish any justice. The green 135mm ADDA fan is definitely an eye-catcher as well.


As you can see, a number of cables are fixed in place (ATX, two PCI-E 6+2, 8-pin CPU & 4+4 pin CPU) while the rest make use of the modular interface. All of the cables are perfectly sleeved in a tightly-woven black mesh.


This is the part you have probably all been waiting for since without proper innards, a power supply is just an empty shell that may take out you hardware when it decides to blow its lid. Luckily, XFX chose one of the best OEMs in the business: Seasonic. To make matters even better, the Black Edition 850W is based upon one of the best Seasonic power supplies around right now: the M12D.


So there you have it; our quick preview of the new XFX 850W power supply. If initial impressions are anything to go by, this power supply may be one of the best available when it ends up going on sale sometime this month. Not only do it look absolutely stunning without being overly gaudy but it packs Seasonic underpinnings from a power supply that retails for $250 and more. Starting into such a competitive market is very much a sink or swim type of affair but judging from initial impressions, XFX seems to have everything it takes to be successful. Stay tuned for the full review in the coming weeks. Until then, we hope you appreciate this preview.