INTRODUCTION

   With AMD, NVIDIA and even Intel working on their upcoming graphics cards (needless to say AMD and Intel are also working on upcoming motherboard chipsets) ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 power supply units are certain to rise in popularity sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, since right now both standards are mostly aimed at demanding users such as enthusiasts and professionals alike, we haven't seen that many affordable models in the market, at least not from the leading companies which is exactly why this is probably about to change. Earlier this year MSI unveiled their latest MAG GL line of ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 compliant power supply units and so today on my test bench i have their A850GL model.

   MSI is a world leader in gaming, content creation, business & productivity and AIoT solutions. Bolstered by its cutting-edge R&D capabilities and customer-driven innovation, MSI has a wide-ranging global presence spanning over 120 countries. Its comprehensive lineup of laptops, graphics cards, monitors, motherboards, desktops, peripherals, servers, IPCs, robotic appliances, and vehicle infotainment and telematics systems are globally acclaimed. Committed to advancing user experiences through the finest product quality, intuitive user interface and design aesthetics, MSI is a leading brand that shapes the future of technology.

   Currently the MAG GL line of ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 power supply units includes 2 output capacities (750/850W - not to be confused with the non PCIE 5.0 variants) both of which carry the 80 PLUS Gold certification (up to 90% electrical efficiency) along with active PFC and full bridge LLC topology (DC to DC design) for high performance. The new MAG A850GL PCIE5 model delivers a strong single +12V rail (70.5A) capable of outputting roughly 98% of the units’ total power output (746W) and a peak power output of no less than 972.1W (up to 1700W for 100ms according to ATX 3.0 specs – typically this is not something I can test however), secondary minor rails with a total output of 126W, compact size, low profile (flat) cables, 4 PCIe 6+2 pin connectors, single 16 pin 12VHPWR (600W - dual color for worry free installation) connector, 120mm FDB (fluid dynamic bearing) fan and an array of electrical protections including over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), over-power (OPP), over-temperature (OTP), short-circuit (SCP) and under-voltage (UVP). So, let's see whether or not the MAG A850GL is worth considering for your next power supply unit.