OC3D Review: XFX Black Edition 850w ATX PSU

[Freak]

As Jim said it only blew when pushed. I dont think with a 'normal' set up you would get it to go pop.

So i would very much doubt it will go bang.

But as you bough it on the internetz then you are able to send it back and get a full refund - as long as its in 14 (i think its 14) days.

But honestly I wouldnt bother.

 

[Ravenheart]

A lightning strike doesn't really come into the equation with the problems we highlighted. Any surge via your mains should be stopped by your house breakers (and if you have an expensive PC - I hope you've also got a surge protector too!). OCP/OPP can't save you here.

The only time that using the XFX PSU could _potentially_ be harmful to your PC is if you run it above 850w. So for example in 6 months if you decide to go Tri-SLI without thinking about the max output of your PSU, this is when you could be at risk.

The spec of my PC is below,

Case = Antec 300

Case fans = 2 120mm fans at the front of my case

Memory = Corsair 4gb XMS3 DDR3 1333 mhz ram

Motherboard = Gigabyte P55-UD3

CPU = Intel Core i7 860 @ 2.80 ghz

Graphics Card = NVIDIA gtx 275 896mb ram

Hard Disks = 120gb Seagata SATA/320gb Hitachi SATA II/1tb Hitachi SATA II

Optical Drives = Samsung DVD-Rom Drive and a Pioneer DVD-RW Drive both SATA

And I've got no plans on going tri-sli anytime in the next 6 months or even after that at the moment.

But what's driving me nuts is the fact that if I did want to I wouldn't be able to, or that's what I gathered when you said I may be at risk, because I would have thought if I wanted to I should have the option without having to worry about it blowing up on me lol.

How much wattage does my current spec take/need then?

P.S) This is the surge protector I have my PC connected to hxxp://img20.imageshack.us/img20/398/1002880x.jpg couldn't post this as an image because not allowed to post url's to other sites unless 15 posts have been made

 

[tinytomlogan]

That system will be fine on an 850w dude tbh, you wont be getting near 750w even on 100% tbh.

 

[Ravenheart]

So should I just keep it then? The only issue I have is if I wanted to go sli or even tri-sli in the future i'd be worried it would go bang.

Sooooo big question is do I keep it or rma it and get one that I know won't blow up on me now or in the future.

P.S) I just did the Power Supply Calculator here hxxp://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine and it reckons I'd only need 334 watts for all of the above, that can't be right surely! Unless you're supposed to double whatever it tells you?

 

[tinytomlogan]

Did you run the calculator at 100%?

Youd be suprised tbh dude, a 600w psu would probs be ok for your system atm.

Im not sure if you could rma without it being broken tbh, even then most places would be inclinedto send an identicle replacement.

The issue we had with the PSU's was they didnt cut out, so unless you are planning on building an insane gaming machine you should be fine. Later down the line if you decide to go SLI chances are youll change other parts anyways, I know I do *blush*

 

[Ravenheart]

Im not sure if you could rma without it being broken tbh, even then most places would be inclinedto send an identicle replacement.

I've been back and ran the calculator at 100% and it says Recommended PSU Wattage: 391 watts

I did have a ThermalTake 600 Watt PSU before this one and just upgraded it because of getting a new cpu/ram/mobo, the one in my current spec.

Can't say I'm thinking of building an insane gaming machine but as mentioned previously I should have the option to considering the price of the xfx psu!, the reason I spent so much on the psu as well (although I get your point about you changing your parts) is that I thought spend the money on a decent psu now so I don't have to in the future.

And the fact that I always sell on the parts I'm upgrading to put some money towards the upgrade, I sold the ThermalTake 600 watt psu for £47 before I bought the Corsair I had originally.

As for rma'ing, you are able to rma if you've had the psu less than 7 days and I've only had the xfx one for 1 day and not even put it in my machine yet.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Thats not rma thats just plain refund - distance selling rules and all

 

[Ravenheart]

That's true but try telling that to the companies components are bought off, I have to rma the bl**dy thing just to get a refund.

Which yeah technically is only a refund, but companies like to take the long way round (I guess) as it has to be rma'd first which is the point I was trying to make, even though technically it's not an rma because i'm returning it to the reseller not the manufacturer of the psu.

Thanks for your replies

 

[Ravenheart]

We have heard nothing back from eitherside yet, I will try and get some information next week for you dude. All we know for now is it was a big concern, and XFX had decided to do their own testing with Seasonic the OEM manufacturer.

Well after wondering what to do regarding this PSU, I decided to contact XFX personally and this is the entire history from my conversation with one of there technicians, over the course of yesterday and today.

[ 7/11/2009 8:02:39 PM] I have read that when tested this power supply blew up and that it was a major issue for you at the time of the review and that you were looking into it! The review was read on overclock3d.net and has been discussed at length here hxxp://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?p=354173#post354173 Can someone please get back to me and let me know what has been done about the stability of this psu (to stop further potential problems) and if the problemthat caused the psu to blow up has now been rectified?

[SHAUN_T 9/11/2009 11:38:10 AM] Hi, thanks for your messages. Please note, it was the weekend when you posted your support ticket, therefore there were no technicians available to answer your question at the time. There have been many XFX PSUs sold recently and the customers have had no issues whatsoever, so there are no known faults or issues with the product. Have you tried installing it into your system? If you have any problems with it, please do let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.

[ 9/11/2009 1:28:23 PM] No I haven`t tried installing it in my system as yet because of the review I read, and i`m not sure whether or not to just rma it for a refund because, now I`m not sure if they deliberately overstressed the psu or not but they are claiming that the protection that`s supposed to be built into the psu to stop it blowing up or exploding only kicked in once and the 2nd time it blew up and they claim it happened to 2 out of 2 of the psu`s, can you do me a favour and read the review via the link I posted then report back to me what you make of it so I can have some sort of peace of mind and a genuine honest opinion from yourself. The review is located here hxxp://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?p=354173#post354173 Thank you

[SHAUN_T 9/11/2009 2:54:49 PM] Hi, thanks for your message. Like I said, there are no common faults/batch issues etc with the XFX PSUs, we have had many customers using them without a problem. I have scanned over the review vaguely but we cannot pass much comment as we do not know the system setup etc etc. Why they had these problems I do not know, but there isnt much more I can do than to assure you there are no problems with the PSUs. Kind regards, Shaun.

[ 9/11/2009 3:30:14 PM] So is it wrong to assume that you knew about this issue because they mentioned they had informed you (well not you personally) but XFX about this issue and that you knew about it, and that XFX were very concerned about this and were going to run some tests to verify there was no problem because you seem to be side stepping the issue completely instead of assuring me the units had been tested after that review and that those 2 out of 2 units must have had a fault. You have done nothing to ease my mind as you have clearly stated that there are no common faults with xfx psu`s, but how would you know if you hadn`t done some tests after that review quite clearly stated you had been informed and they had no response from xfx regarding the issue. Thanks for replying.

[SHAUN_T 10/11/2009 11:36:55 AM] Hi, thanks for your message. If there was an issue with the PSUs, for example, a batch issue they would have been recalled. Obviously, other users have had no issues with this product, and we have not had any support tickets complaining about anything. Therefore, as far as we know there are no problems with these PSUs. If you do not wish to use the PSU, it may be best for you to return it to your reseller whilst you only bought it 4 days ago. Kind regards, Shaun.

[ 10/11/2009 12:26:07 PM] I just figured if they did let you know then maybe you would have done your own tests to either substantiate there claims or prove them to be false, I haven`t made my mind up what I`m going to yet but I do appreciate your replies and you seem to have been fairly honest in your responses. Thank you.

[SHAUN_T 10/11/2009 12:27:23 PM] Hi, thanks for your message. No problem, we`re not here to lie to you, so if you do have anymore questions or encounter any problems in the future, please let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.

 

[Freak]

whilst they are not lying, they are doing what all media people are trained to and only put forward arguments they appear to answer the question but are actually sidestepping. I have to say it was very interesting to read their response.

Seems that they would rather have people blown up before doing anything - which includeds tests themselves.

 

[kimandsally]

I would not worry you will never reach the cut out point with your rig, safe as houses mate.

 

[Mul.]

Well after wondering what to do regarding this PSU, I decided to contact XFX personally and this is the entire history from my conversation with one of there technicians, over the course of yesterday and today.

[ 7/11/2009 8:02:39 PM] I have read that when tested this power supply blew up and that it was a major issue for you at the time of the review and that you were looking into it! The review was read on overclock3d.net and has been discussed at length here hxxp://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?p=354173#post354173 Can someone please get back to me and let me know what has been done about the stability of this psu (to stop further potential problems) and if the problemthat caused the psu to blow up has now been rectified?

[SHAUN_T 9/11/2009 11:38:10 AM] Hi, thanks for your messages. Please note, it was the weekend when you posted your support ticket, therefore there were no technicians available to answer your question at the time. There have been many XFX PSUs sold recently and the customers have had no issues whatsoever, so there are no known faults or issues with the product. Have you tried installing it into your system? If you have any problems with it, please do let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.

[ 9/11/2009 1:28:23 PM] No I haven`t tried installing it in my system as yet because of the review I read, and i`m not sure whether or not to just rma it for a refund because, now I`m not sure if they deliberately overstressed the psu or not but they are claiming that the protection that`s supposed to be built into the psu to stop it blowing up or exploding only kicked in once and the 2nd time it blew up and they claim it happened to 2 out of 2 of the psu`s, can you do me a favour and read the review via the link I posted then report back to me what you make of it so I can have some sort of peace of mind and a genuine honest opinion from yourself. The review is located here hxxp://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?p=354173#post354173 Thank you

[SHAUN_T 9/11/2009 2:54:49 PM] Hi, thanks for your message. Like I said, there are no common faults/batch issues etc with the XFX PSUs, we have had many customers using them without a problem. I have scanned over the review vaguely but we cannot pass much comment as we do not know the system setup etc etc. Why they had these problems I do not know, but there isnt much more I can do than to assure you there are no problems with the PSUs. Kind regards, Shaun.

[ 9/11/2009 3:30:14 PM] So is it wrong to assume that you knew about this issue because they mentioned they had informed you (well not you personally) but XFX about this issue and that you knew about it, and that XFX were very concerned about this and were going to run some tests to verify there was no problem because you seem to be side stepping the issue completely instead of assuring me the units had been tested after that review and that those 2 out of 2 units must have had a fault. You have done nothing to ease my mind as you have clearly stated that there are no common faults with xfx psu`s, but how would you know if you hadn`t done some tests after that review quite clearly stated you had been informed and they had no response from xfx regarding the issue. Thanks for replying.

[SHAUN_T 10/11/2009 11:36:55 AM] Hi, thanks for your message. If there was an issue with the PSUs, for example, a batch issue they would have been recalled. Obviously, other users have had no issues with this product, and we have not had any support tickets complaining about anything. Therefore, as far as we know there are no problems with these PSUs. If you do not wish to use the PSU, it may be best for you to return it to your reseller whilst you only bought it 4 days ago. Kind regards, Shaun.

[ 10/11/2009 12:26:07 PM] I just figured if they did let you know then maybe you would have done your own tests to either substantiate there claims or prove them to be false, I haven`t made my mind up what I`m going to yet but I do appreciate your replies and you seem to have been fairly honest in your responses. Thank you.

[SHAUN_T 10/11/2009 12:27:23 PM] Hi, thanks for your message. No problem, we`re not here to lie to you, so if you do have anymore questions or encounter any problems in the future, please let us know. Kind regards, Shaun.

Frankly I am not surprised that XFX haven't received many customer complaints or particularly high fairlure rates. The Power Supply Unit should function up to and including the rated power output. Jim's testing has proven however that once pushed past it's limits the overvoltage protection is nigh on non existant and so the Black Edition 850W reacted in this way.

For a start, I can only think of a small list of typical system configurations that would even push a PSU to 850W let alone higher and so chances are (at this point in time) even those with the upper end systems aren't suffering from any problems. This however does change as time goes by. By nature, a PSU like any electronic device will degrade over time and in theory that threshold at which this unit will go bang will lower accordingly. Even if I'm being pedantic because the rate of degradation could be argued to be low, it's the principle of it. Would you expect a £160 unit to be capable of shutting itself down before it causes itself or other components damage? Based on Jim's testing it seems as though it cannot.

Whether your system commands 850W and over is irrelevent. If the unit cannot save itself once pushed too far, why settle for it? I don't for a moment find this acceptable.

 

[RSC08]

(...)

Whether your system commands 850W and over is irrelevent. If the unit cannot save itself once pushed too far, why settle for it? I don't for a moment find this acceptable.

Those were my thoughts exactly. A PSU with this kind of price tag should not have this kind of failure. It's intolerable. That's why I returned my XFX 850w (without even using it once) and brought home a Corsair HX-750.

 

[kimandsally]

Those were my thoughts exactly. A PSU with this kind of price tag should not have this kind of failure. It's intolerable. That's why I returned my XFX 850w (without even using it once) and brought home a Corsair HX-750.

TBH I think you did the right thing, I love my HX850

 

[tonschk]

I dont like the green fan , and the PSU case look strange ugly , and to be honest the modular feature is not necessary because I have a case with holes to hide the cables at the back of the mobo tray , this is the reason I bought my lovely PC Power & Cooling 910W

 

[zak4994]

I dont like the green fan , and the PSU case look strange ugly , and to be honest the modular feature is not necessary because I have a case with holes to hide the cables at the back of the mobo tray , this is the reason I bought my lovely PC Power & Cooling 910W

They are your own preferences mate.

I for one love the green fan, the PSU case and would love a modular PSU!

 

[alexhull24]

I think XFX are clearly denying the issue until enough genuine end-users have or complain about this problem, which could be a while.

It's a shame, as the PSU appears to be very good except for that, and the styling is different, and would undoubtedly sell well in the enthusiast market.

What would be best for XFX at this point would be for them to acknowledge the issue and offer customers an RMA for a revised model (if indeed one has been made) if they wish. This would save their reputation (in this new field to them) somewhat, and perhaps they will produce some more good quality PSUs in the future, instead of being forced out the market for a small issue. More competition is usually a good thing for us customers.

As it stands, I feel like the company is burying their head in the sand somewhat and sidestepping the issue as already said. This is pretty much what I would expect from a big company of their type, but they have an opportunity to now prove us wrong.

I do feel that the tech support chap was being honest though. As far as he knows there probably never was an issue brought to his attention, and he was just doing his job (correctly!).

All in all, I wouldn't buy one until this is addressed or recognised, as it gives me little faith in the brand, or indeed the RMA procedure (vital with PSUs in my experience). Swap it for a Corsair and you won't be disappointed (and I say that after having two fail on me, but that's a different story).

 

[Apercus]

XFX Black Edition 850w ATX PSU test review

Thank you TTL/OC3D,
can't say it enough. This was a very important review for me and I suspect many others who were considering purchasing this PSU. While I'm disappointed about the fail. I'd much rather discover it this way. I hope XFX will take a long look in the mirror and decide to resolve this matter. Although, judging by their correspondence it doesn't look hopeful. Thanks again for this piece Tom and for all you do to keep us all informed.

Apercus out!!

 

[alienware]

Holy four years late Batman.

 

[Apercus]

XFX review

Hehehe, I'm not listed as a noob for nothing Yeah I know, but I was shopping for a PSU poised to buy the XFX, and linked to this review. Had to give Tom his props you know 