CONCLUSION

   It was expected for Antec to release a model around the same power output as the old HCG-900W but what i didn't really expect was for that model to be almost identical to the HCG-750M which we reviewed roughly two weeks ago. Of course the 80 Plus Bronze efficiency certification along with the two high power +12V rails, the high quality components and the plethora of industrial grade protections featured in the HCG-750M are already quite impressive so even something simple as having 100W more is not a laughing matter since it can be the difference between a stable and an unstable rig not to mention that 100W can be used to power more power hungry graphics cards. That being said i would like to see something more with the HCG-850M perhaps a different chassis design, anything to show that this is the highest power model in the new line.

   No matter how much we tried and although the HCG-850M 850W PSU has been released for two weeks now we were unable to locate it inside the USA for purchase however inside the EU it currently retails for 143Euros (Purchase Directly from Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which again lands it inside a long list of similar output units. Still as we've stated numerous times in the past Antec is one of the very few PSU manufacturers (3 in total) from which we have never encountered a faulty unit to date and that coupled with their 5 years warranty is reason for us to put their solutions above many others. Moving back to the HCG-850M the extra 100W can go a long way in powering an demanding gaming rig but it's not really enough for us to award the HCG-850M with something more than the HCG-750M and so once again we are happy to award an Antec solution with our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Performance (Rail Stability)
- Almost Inaudible
- LED On/Off Switch
- 80 Plus Bronze Certified
- Future Proof

CONS

- Price (For Some)