SAMA Black 850W Power Supply - Fully Modular 80 Plus Gold Certified ATX 3.1 & PC vs CORSAIR SF850

Overview of SAMA Black 850W Power Supply and CORSAIR SF850

In this comparison, we are examining the SAMA Black 850W Power Supply and the CORSAIR SF850. The SAMA is priced at C$89.99, making it significantly more affordable than the CORSAIR, which comes in at C$279.99. While both power supplies are fully modular and offer certifications that assure efficiency, they cater to different usage scenarios and build requirements.

Design and Build Quality

The SAMA Black 850W Power Supply features a fully modular design that promotes streamlined cable management, allowing users to connect only the cables they need. This design not only enhances airflow but also keeps the build clean. In contrast, the CORSAIR SF850, while also fully modular, is designed in a compact SFX form factor, making it ideal for small-form-factor PCs. Both units utilise quality materials, but the SAMA focuses on a standard ATX size, while the CORSAIR is tailored for space-saving builds.

Power Output and Efficiency

The SAMA Black 850W offers a robust 850W output, achieving up to 91.15% efficiency at a 50% load due to its 80 PLUS Gold certification. On the other hand, the CORSAIR SF850 boasts an impressive 80 PLUS Platinum rating, which indicates a higher efficiency level, particularly under varying loads. While both power supplies provide excellent power delivery, the CORSAIR's platinum rating suggests it could save more energy and reduce heat output, especially during demanding tasks.

Compatibility and Standards

The SAMA power supply is designed to meet ATX 3.1 standards and includes native PCIe 5.1 ports, making it highly compatible with modern high-end GPUs, including the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 40 series. In comparison, the CORSAIR SF850 is ATX 3.0 compliant and supports PCIe Gen 5, making it future-proof for the latest graphics cards and ensuring it can handle transient power spikes effectively. Both units are suitable for high-performance setups, but the SAMA offers a slight edge in terms of immediate compatibility with newer GPU standards.

Cooling Mechanisms

For cooling, the SAMA Black 850W is equipped with a 120mm ECO fan featuring Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) technology, which operates at noise levels as low as 20dB-A. This ensures quiet operation, even under heavy loads. Conversely, the CORSAIR SF850 utilizes a 92mm PWM cooling fan, which also delivers efficient cooling while maintaining low noise levels. Both power supplies are designed to keep temperatures in check, but the larger fan in the SAMA could potentially provide better cooling performance for high-demand operations.

Component Quality and Warranty

The SAMA Black 850W is built with premium Japanese capacitors, ensuring stable power delivery and long-term reliability, which is further supported by a 5-year warranty. The CORSAIR SF850 also uses 105°C rated Japanese capacitors, enhancing its reliability and performance longevity. While both products utilise high-quality components, the longer warranty on the SAMA may offer additional peace of mind for users concerned about longevity and durability.

Price and Value Proposition

The SAMA Black 850W is priced at C$89.99, making it a highly attractive option for budget-conscious builders looking for a powerful, efficient power supply. In stark contrast, the CORSAIR SF850 is priced at C$279.99, reflecting its premium features such as the platinum certification and compact design. While the SAMA provides excellent value for a standard ATX build, the CORSAIR's higher price point may be justified for those needing a compact power supply with superior efficiency.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the SAMA Black 850W Power Supply and the CORSAIR SF850 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a cost-effective, powerful, and reliable power supply for a standard-sized build, the SAMA is an outstanding choice at C$89.99. However, if you require a compact unit that boasts exceptional efficiency and is future-proof for the latest hardware, the CORSAIR SF850 may be worth the investment at C$279.99. Assess your requirements carefully to determine which power supply aligns with your setup and expectations.