Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold vs SAMA G850 Power Supply - 850W Fully Modular 80 Plus Gold Certified ATX 3.1 & PCI

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the SAMA G850 Power Supply is significantly more affordable than the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold. Priced at £84.99, the SAMA offers a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable power supply. In contrast, the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold is priced at £134.56, making it a more premium choice. This price difference of £49.57 may influence buyers who are conscious of their spending while still seeking quality components for their PC builds.

Efficiency Ratings

Both power supplies boast an 80 PLUS Gold certification, indicating their high efficiency levels. The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold achieves 90% efficiency under typical loading, which helps in reducing power waste and heat generation during operation. Meanwhile, the SAMA G850 takes efficiency a step further, claiming up to 91.15% efficiency at typical load. This slight edge in efficiency can lead to lower energy costs over time, making the SAMA G850 a potentially more economical choice for power-conscious users.

Modularity and Cable Management

In terms of modularity, both products feature fully modular cable designs, which allow users to connect only the cables they need. This design enhances airflow and overall aesthetics within the PC case. The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold includes a variety of cables, such as ATX 24 Pin and PCI-e 6+2 Pin, providing versatility for different setups. On the other hand, the SAMA G850's modular setup is tailored for high-end builds, including a native 12V-2x6 connector that is specifically designed for the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 and 40 Series GPUs, making it an excellent choice for gamers and high-performance users.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling solutions in both models are designed to ensure efficiency and noise reduction. The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold features a 92mm fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan, which operates quietly and includes a semi-fanless mode under light loads. This can be particularly beneficial in builds where silent operation is desired. Conversely, the SAMA G850 is equipped with a larger 140mm ECO fan, also using fluid dynamic bearing technology, which promotes even quieter cooling and extended lifespan. The increased size of the fan on the SAMA G850 may contribute to better airflow and cooling performance during intense gaming sessions.

Build Quality and Components

Both power supplies are built with high-quality components, but they take different approaches. The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold boasts 100% Japanese capacitors, which are known for their reliability and longevity. This model comes with a generous 10-year warranty, offering peace of mind for long-term use. The SAMA G850 also utilises premium Japanese capacitors, ensuring durability and stability. However, it does not specify a warranty period, which could be a consideration for buyers focused on long-term investment.

Size and Form Factor

The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold is designed specifically for small form factor (SFF) mini-ITX cases, with compact dimensions of 100 x 125 x 63.5 mm. This makes it an ideal choice for users looking to build a compact system. In contrast, the SAMA G850 is slightly larger at 150 x 150 x 86 mm, which allows it to fit into standard ATX cases comfortably. While both products cater to different sizes, the choice will depend on the specific case requirements of the user's PC build.

Compatibility with Modern Standards

The SAMA G850 Power Supply is compliant with the latest standards, including ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1, which makes it particularly suitable for modern gaming builds that require cutting-edge power delivery. Its native 12V-2x6 connector is specifically designed for next-gen NVIDIA GPUs, enhancing its appeal for gamers. The Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold, while still compatible with most setups, does not highlight such modern compatibility features, which may be a consideration for those focused on future-proofing their builds.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold and the SAMA G850 Power Supply ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-efficiency, compact power supply and are willing to invest more for premium build quality and a long warranty, the Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold is an excellent choice. However, if budget is a primary concern and you want a power supply that meets modern standards with slightly better efficiency, the SAMA G850 offers a compelling alternative. Each has its strengths, making them suitable for different types of users and builds.