Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850: A Powerhouse for ITX Builds – ATX3.0 and 80 PLUS Platinum Certified

Phanteks has introduced a unique SFX-sized power supply offering high wattage and compliance with the ATX3.0 standard, ideal for ITX users seeking peak performance. This power supply is certified with 80 PLUS Platinum, ensuring an impressive 92% efficiency at 50% load. Additionally, it features a smart fan control that halts the fan under 30% load, ensuring a silent operation. The unit is built with Japanese capacitors and is backed by a 10-year warranty, signifying its consistent and dependable quality.

Specifications:

• Model: PH-P850PSF_02
• Power Rating: 850W
• Standard: Intel Form Factor ATX 12V v3.0
• Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Platinum
• Voltage Range: 100-240V
• Current Range: 12-6A
• Frequency Range: 50-60Hz
• Efficiency: 92%
• Fan Details: 92mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan
• Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 63.5 mm
• Safety Features: OCP, OVP, OPP, SCP, OTP, UVP
• Package Size: 310 x 180 x 115 mm
• UPC: 886523510116
• Warranty: 10 years

Cable Details:

• 1x ATX/MB 20+4 Pin (31cm)
• 1x CPU/EPS 4+4 Pin (42cm)
• 1x PCIe 12+4 Pin (12VHPWR) (25cm)
• 2x sets of 3 PCIe 6+2 Pin (25cm each)
• 1x with 2 SATA connectors (37cm)
• 1x with 4 SATA connectors (55cm)
• 1x with 3 SATA / 1 large 4-pin connector (55cm)

ATX3.0, 80 PLUS Platinum, SFX size | Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850 unboxing

With the advent of the ATX3.0 era, power supply standards have become more rigorous, particularly for compact SFX units. Amidst these stringent requirements, finding an SFX power supply exceeding 850W with both ATX3.0 and 80 PLUS Platinum certifications is a rarity. Phanteks addresses this gap with its REVOLT SFX 850, a boon for high-end ITX users.

The REVOLT SFX 850 stands out with its use of 105℃ Japanese electrolytic capacitors and achieves an impressive 92.73% efficiency at 50% load. It not only boasts 80 PLUS Platinum certification but also aligns with the ATX 3.0 standard. A notable feature is its native 12VHPWR connector, which can support graphics cards demanding up to 600W. The unit also incorporates a smart stop function, allowing the fan to cease operation under 30% load, thereby ensuring silent operation.

In terms of design, the REVOLT SFX 850 is fully modular, offering the flexibility to remove unnecessary wires. This feature is particularly beneficial for the constrained spaces of ITX cases. Phanteks enhances this adaptability by integrating extremely soft, flat cables, aiding in easier management and routing within the compact confines of ITX builds.

The REVOLT SFX 850 from Phanteks is a power supply unit conforming to the standard SFX dimensions, measuring 120 x 100 x 63.5 mm. This compact size makes it suitable for small form factor (SFX) cases. The unit is constructed with a black steel plate, giving it a robust and durable exterior.

For cooling, it employs a 92mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan, known for its quiet and efficient performance. A standout feature of the REVOLT SFX 850 is its smart stop functionality. This feature allows the fan to completely halt its operation when the load falls below 30%, effectively reducing noise and wear on the fan by avoiding unnecessary operation. This silent mode is automatically activated and deactivated based on the unit’s load, enhancing the user experience with quiet operation, particularly under low to moderate load conditions.

The REVOLT SFX 850 power supply from Phanteks features an innovative design with all its modular wires made from black, flat cables. These cables are notably softer than typical modular power cords, providing a comfortable and user-friendly experience, especially when installing in ITX cases. This flexibility is a significant advantage in managing cables within the confined spaces of such cases.

The length of the cables is tailored to the unique requirements of ITX cases. While shorter wires are highly beneficial in these compact environments, allowing for better space management and a neater setup, they also have their limitations. Their shorter length, while perfect for ITX cases, might not be sufficient for standard ATX cases. This is a key reason why an SFX power supply like the REVOLT SFX 850 might not be ideal for larger ATX cases.

Phanteks specifically recommends the REVOLT SFX 850 for use with their Phanteks Evolv Shift XT case, underscoring its suitability for small form factor builds.

The cable configuration of the REVOLT SFX 850 includes:

• 1 ATX/MB 20+4 Pin connector (31cm)
• 1 CPU/EPS 4+4 Pin connector (42cm)
• 1 PCIe 12+4 Pin (12VHPWR) connector (25cm)
• 2 sets of 3 PCIe 6+2 Pin connectors (25cm each)
• 1 cable with 2 SATA connectors (37cm)
• 1 cable with 4 SATA connectors (55cm)
• 1 cable with 3 SATA and 1 large 4-pin connector (55cm)

This variety and specificity of cable lengths and types ensure that the REVOLT SFX 850 can efficiently meet the demands of various components while maintaining a clean and organized build within ITX cases.

The REVOLT SFX 850 power supply includes two specific cables designed for SATA connections, both of which are made with 18AWG wire, known for its robustness and reliability in power transmission. These cables are:

1. A cable featuring 2 SATA connectors, with a total length of 37cm.
2. Another cable that houses 4 SATA connectors, extending to a total length of 55cm.

The use of 18AWG wire for these SATA cables ensures that they are capable of handling the typical power requirements of SATA devices without compromising on flexibility or durability. The different lengths of 37cm and 55cm provide versatility in cable management, allowing for optimal organization and routing within the confined spaces of ITX cases. This attention to detail in cable design and specification underscores Phanteks’ commitment to catering to the unique needs of small form factor PC builds.

80PLUS Platinum Certification | REVOLT SFX 850 Stress Test

In this testing scenario, a rigorous approach is taken to evaluate the performance of a power supply under high-power operating conditions. The methodology involves the following key components:

1. OCCT Power Supply Test: This test is utilized to simulate a high-power operating environment. OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool) is a well-known utility in the PC enthusiast community, particularly for its ability to stress-test various components, including the power supply. By placing a high load on the power supply, OCCT can test its stability and endurance under demanding conditions.
2. HWiNFO64 for Recording Voltage and Power: Alongside the OCCT test, HWiNFO64 is used for monitoring and recording crucial data. HWiNFO64 is a comprehensive hardware analysis, monitoring, and reporting tool known for its accuracy and depth of information. In this context, it’s used to record the voltage and power outputs from the power supply, providing detailed insights into its performance metrics under load.
3. Thermal Imaging to Observe Heating Conditions: To complement the electronic monitoring, thermal imaging is employed to visually assess the heating conditions of the power supply during the test. Thermal imaging cameras can detect and display the heat emitted by various components, offering a visual representation of temperature distribution and hot spots. This is crucial for assessing the thermal efficiency and heat dissipation capabilities of the power supply.

By integrating these tools and methods, a comprehensive test is conducted to assess the power supply’s performance, stability, thermal efficiency, and overall reliability under high-load conditions. This approach provides a holistic view of how the power supply behaves and performs, ensuring that all critical aspects are thoroughly evaluated.

The test platform outlined provides a robust framework for evaluating the performance of the Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850 power supply under significant stress. Here’s an overview of the setup and the results from the test:

Test Platform Specifications:

1. Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K, a high-end CPU known for its demanding power requirements, especially under load.
2. Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E GAMING WIFI, a premium motherboard designed for high-performance gaming and overclocking.
3. Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4080 FE (Founders Edition), a top-tier graphics card with substantial power needs.
4. Memory: T-Force DELTA RGB DDR5-7200, 24GBx2, providing a high bandwidth and capacity, ideal for intensive tasks.
5. Operating System: Windows 11 PRO 21H2, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system.
6. Cooler: Lianli GA II TRINITY 360 Performance, a high-end cooling solution necessary for maintaining optimal temperatures for the high-performance CPU and GPU.
7. Power Supply: Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850, the focus of this test, designed for small form factor cases but being tested in a high-power scenario.

Test Methodology and Results:

• Test Tool: OCCT was used for a 30-minute power supply stress test.
• Power Consumption: The CPU and GPU together consumed about 563W (CPU at 253W and GPU at 310W).
• Power Supply Output: The power meter indicated a total output of 639W from the power supply.
• Voltage Stability: As per HWiNFO64 readings, the voltage outputs were quite stable:
• +12V Rail: 11.904V
• +5V Rail: 5.040V
• +3.3V (3VCC) Rail: 3.328V

Analysis:

The Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850 power supply demonstrated commendable performance under significant load. The voltage readings across the +12V, +5V, and +3.3V rails remained stable throughout the test, a crucial factor for system stability and component longevity. Despite the high demand from the processor and graphics card, the power supply maintained these stable voltages, showcasing its efficiency and robustness.

Additionally, the power consumption measured against the output indicates the power supply’s capability to handle high loads effectively, essential for systems with components like the Intel Core i9-13900K and NVIDIA RTX 4080 FE.

This test illustrates the REVOLT SFX 850’s suitability for high-performance, power-intensive setups, even in compact SFX form factors, providing a reliable power source for demanding gaming and professional applications.

The findings from the thermal imaging analysis during the OCCT stress test of the Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850 power supply are quite noteworthy, especially considering the typical constraints associated with SFX-sized power supplies. Here’s a summary of the key observations and their implications:

1. Thermal Performance: Despite the small form factor of the SFX power supply, which usually presents challenges in heat dissipation due to limited space for larger cooling components, the REVOLT SFX 850 exhibited exceptionally low temperatures. This performance is particularly impressive given the context of SFX power supplies generally having poorer heat dissipation compared to their larger ATX counterparts.
2. Comparison with ATX Power Supplies: The observation that the temperature of the REVOLT SFX 850 was lower than many ATX power supplies is significant. ATX power supplies typically have an advantage in thermal management due to their larger size, allowing for better airflow and larger cooling components. The fact that the REVOLT SFX 850 outperforms many of these in thermal efficiency speaks volumes about its design and build quality.
3. Silent Operation: The fan of the REVOLT SFX 850 running almost silently during the test is a testament to its efficient cooling system. Silent operation is a highly desired feature in power supplies, as it contributes to a quieter overall system, which is particularly beneficial in settings where noise levels are a concern.
4. High Conversion Efficiency: The key to the REVOLT SFX 850’s impressive thermal performance appears to be its high conversion efficiency. With an efficiency of around 92%, it produces less waste heat, which directly translates to lower operational temperatures. High efficiency not only means better thermal performance but also contributes to overall energy savings and prolonged component longevity due to reduced thermal stress.

In summary, the REVOLT SFX 850 stands out in the realm of SFX power supplies, not only meeting but exceeding expectations in terms of thermal management and efficiency. Its ability to maintain low temperatures and quiet operation under stress, while providing high conversion efficiency, makes it a formidable choice for users seeking a high-quality, compact power supply for their ITX builds or other setups where space and noise are critical considerations.

Summary

The Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850 power supply emerges as an exemplary choice in the SFX category, excelling in several key areas:

1. Certifications: Achieving both 80PLUS Platinum and ATX 3.0 certifications, the REVOLT SFX 850 demonstrates high efficiency and compliance with the latest power supply standards. These certifications indicate superior energy efficiency and compatibility with newer hardware technologies.
2. High-Power Support with 600W 12VHPWR Connector: This feature enables the power supply to support the latest NVIDIA 40 series graphics cards, which are known for their high power requirements. This compatibility is crucial for users looking to build high-end gaming or professional workstations.
3. Quality and Efficiency: The power supply’s high conversion rate results in lower power loss and heat generation, a significant factor in maintaining system stability and efficiency. The high-quality build further assures reliability and durability.
4. Cable Design: The use of soft, black flat wires is a thoughtful design choice, enhancing ease of use in ITX cases. These cables are easier to route through narrow spaces and offer greater flexibility, optimizing cable management in compact builds.
5. Wire Length Considerations: While the adjusted cable lengths are ideal for ITX cases, users looking to install the power supply in larger cases may need to consider the adequacy of wire lengths or opt for customized modular cables.
6. Quiet Fan Operation: The power supply’s fan remains remarkably quiet even at around 600W output, challenging the usual perception of SFX power supplies. Additionally, the inclusion of a smart stop switch, which is not common in SFX units, allows for manual control over the fan, beneficial for users concerned about heat dissipation in compact ITX cases.
7. Pricing and Warranty: Priced at 6290 yuan, the REVOLT SFX 850 offers value for its price, considering its high-end features and capabilities. The 10-year warranty provided by Phanteks reflects their confidence in the power supply’s stability and longevity.

Overall, the Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850 stands out as a high-end, efficient, and versatile SFX power supply, catering well to the needs of users looking for a reliable power solution in compact ITX builds, without compromising on performance or quality.

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Title: Phanteks REVOLT SFX 850: A Powerhouse for ITX Builds – ATX3.0 and 80 PLUS Platinum Certified