Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W has a fairly standard design for an SFX power supply. The fan intake has a metal grille, which is open to allow as much air as possible through this supply. Smaller power supplies definitely need good airflow to keep temperatures in control. Putting all those components so tightly packed together generates quite a bit of heat. The screws to open up the power supply are found on top. The outer four screws are to take the metal casing off, while the inner four screws keep the fan in place. To lend some variety to the design, the sides of the power supply have some indentations in the metal. The side also features the branding for the power supply. The design is simple and straightforward.
The Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W is an SFX sized power supply, meaning it is best suited for ITX builds. The small form factor means it can be fitted into a portable computer case. However, there is an ATX bracket included in the build so that you can install the Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W in cases that fit the more standard form factor. The dimensions for the SFX power supply come in at 100 mm in length, 125 mm in width, and 63.5 mm in height, which is common for this form factor. The modular cables will add a slight bit of length to the power supply when plugged in. Since this power supply is aimed at ITX cases, the cables themselves are shorter as well. With the smaller size comes a small fan, measuring at 92 mm.
On the side of the Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W, we find a honeycomb mesh, which provides enough rigidity and support to the power supply while allowing as much air as possible to flow through. The standard on and off rocker switch is found on the side of the power supply here beside a typical AC power input. Sometimes, if the power supply has the option for the fan to stay passive under minimal loads, there may be a switch here to control the option, but that is not the case on the Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W. Instead, the fan is always off when loads are under 40%.
The Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W is a modular power supply, meaning all the cables from the 24-pin motherboard to the lowly SATA connector can be connected or disconnected as needed. Obviously, some connectors are definitely going to be connected in most builds, like the 24-pin motherboard connector and the CPU ATX/EPS connection. Each of the connectors on the power supply are clearly labeled, providing an easy path to know where to plug in each cable.
There is also an ample number of each of the connectors, allowing for a wide array of components to be plugged in. Starting from the top, there are four 8-pin PCI Express or CPU connectors, and a 12VHPWR connector. The 12VHPWR is a newer connector for modern graphics cards. This power supply can deliver up to 450W over this connection. Next, there are three 6-pin SATA/Molex connectors for storage drives and other SATA/Molex-powered devices. Finally, the motherboard connector is divided up into two large blocks one above the other. Each of the connectors are well-grouped together, making it easy on cable management within the case. Overall, the Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W is well-built. The construction is clean and there are no large gaps where the metal pieces connect.
On the bottom of the power supply, we have a sticker supplying more detailed specifications. As with most power supplies, there are two main virtual rails. Up to 20A can be delivered via the +3.3V rail for a total of 66W, while the 20A on the +5V rail brings the output to 100W in this area. The total combined output for the +3.3V and +5V rail is 120W. In other words, your power allocation combination must fall within the limits of the listed specifications. Meanwhile, a single powerful +12V rail delivers up to 70.8A -- 849.6W -- to maximize power delivery flexibility compared to multiple rails. We have seen higher current allocations at the +3.3V and +5V rails at this power output, including recent units like the be quiet! Dark Power 13 and Thermaltake Toughpower GF3. That said, the power outputs in the +3.3V and 5V rails are within the norm, as most PSUs in this wattage range released in the last few years usually have them between 20A and 22A. This is because modern systems do not have a lot of need in this area.
The Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W is rated 80 Plus Gold rated in efficiency, which means that it is certified to be at least 87%, 90%, 87% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% load, respectively. Higher 80 Plus ratings at the time of the review include 80 Plus Platinum and Titanium.
The Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850W does not disappoint with the cables it provides. There is a large variety of cables provided to match the needs for whatever you may be building. The 20+4 pin motherboard, SATA, PCIe, EPS 8-pin, and the ATX/EPS 4+4 pin cables are primarily 18 AWG wires. The 12VHPWR cable is 16 AWG.
The following modular cables are included out of the box:
- 1x ATX 20+4 pin, 30.0 cm
- 1x ATX/EPS 4+4 pin, 45.0cm
- 1x EPS 8 pin, 45.0cm
- 1x 12VHPWR PCIe 12+4 pin, 40.0cm
- 2x PCIe 6+2 pin, 2 connectors each, 40.0cm to first connector, 12.0cm spacing thereafter.
- 2x SATA, 4 connectors each, 10.0cm to first connector, 15.0cm spacing thereafter
- 1x Molex, 4 Molex connectors, 10.0cm to first connector, 12.0cm spacing thereafter
The length of these cables is a bit short, but can be expected for an SFX power supply. The shorter cables are made for smaller cases where the cable runs do not have to be that long. All in all, it should be enough cabling for your ITX needs.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Minor Tests and Conclusion
