Introduction

We would like to thank XPG for supplying the review sample.


I already evaluated the XPG Core Reactor with 750 W, so it is nigh time to take a look at the strongest member of the line. These units are based on a Channel Well Technology (CWT) platform and are not only 80 PLUS Gold certified, but also have Cybenetics efficiency and noise badges. To be more specific, the Core Reactor 850 W meets their ETA-A and LAMBDA-A- rating requirements, which means it is efficient and very quiet overall.

The Core Reactor 850 is fully modular, and XPG mentions that only high-quality parts are used inside, including Japanese capacitors and a fluid dynamic bearing fan. Moreover, it has enough connectors to power a truly high-end system, although I would advice against fully utilizing all available EPS and both PCIe cables featuring two PCIe connectors each at the same time.

A definite asset is its extremely shallow depth of only 140 mm. This is PSU downsizing at its best since you have 850 W of power in a compact enclosure that will easily fit into any ATX case. This will also make installation easier as it helps make up for the stiff modular cables.

Specifications

Photos

The box offers good protection, with packing foam surrounding the PSU.


The bundle includes the user's manual, a set of stickers, screws to mount the PSU to the chassis, and a pouch that stores all modular cables.


The external design is kind of boring, but this is a power supply, so there is no need for fancy looks.


Dimensions are compact, and for optimal airflow through the primary and part of the secondary side, the 120 mm fan is offset from the center. This keeps most of the airflow away from the VRMs, however.

Cables and Connectors

As expected for a high-end PSU with 850 W maximum power output, there are lots of cables and connectors. It is nice to see 16AWG gauges for lower voltage drops and no in-cable caps, but the ATX, EPS, and PCIe cables are not very flexible, so you won't have an easy time with cable management.


It is rare to see PSU cables with an adequate distance between peripheral connectors. Kudos to XPG for this!

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest a look at this article, which will help you understand the internals of a PSU better.



This is a new, highly capable platform from CWT with a high maximum capacity and quiet operation despite its increased power density, which usually calls for a noisy fan-speed profile. On the secondary side, we meet a half-bridge topology and an LLC resonant converter. In contrast, on the secondary side, a synchronous rectification scheme is used for +12 V. The minor rails are generated through a pair of voltage regulation modules (VRMs). Finally, the design is clean, and no power cables obstruct airflow.


The transient filter has all the necessary components.


The platform uses an MOV to suppress power surges, and there is also an NTC themistor-relay combo to lower inrush currents.


Two bridge rectifiers are installed in parallel.




The main switching FETs, provided by Vishay, are installed in a half-bridge topology. An LLC resonant converter helps in achieving higher efficiency.


The +12 V FETs are on a vertical board, which is connected to the main transformer through two thick and short cables to keep energy losses low.


Most of the filtering caps belong to good lines, and besides electrolytics, a lot of polymer caps are also used.


Both VRMs use the same ANPEC PWM controller.


A small board hosts a major part of the 5VSB regulation circuit.


Lots of polymer caps are installed at the face of the modular PCB.


The supervisor IC responsible for the majority of protection features is an IN1S313I-SAG.


Soldering quality is good.


Another Hong Hua fan. This manufacturer has firmly established itself in the PSU market. However, lately, I am not fully satisfied with their products since I have recently seen some Hong Hua fans with balancing and vibration issues, which increases noise output.