Antec CP-850

[ExcaliburMM]

I've been looking for a 700w+, 80+, modular PSU that was around or below 100$. Suffice to say my choices were very few, Corsair usually being too expensive though I'd love one, same deal with SeaSonic. A couple of Antec models fit the bill, the CP-850 being one of them.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371024

JohnnyGuru gave it a very nice review on his site, and my only concern right now are personal use vouches and the form factor itself. Since I'll be turning an old CRT TV into my next case, I won't need one of the very few cases which accept the form factor, so that's almost a non issue. In fact, my only major gripe thus far is that it isn't completely modular.

So I come here to ask the following:

Has anyone personally used one of these odd models, either the 850w or 1000w?

Any other reviews I should look at or information I should know?

Any other PSUs meeting my requirements I may not have considered?

 

[motsm]

I am using the CP-850, and aside from it being one of the quietest PSU's SPCR has ever tested, I think you have all of the information you need in the JohnnyGuru review. That is to say, it has absolutely jaw dropping performance, and it's priced more like it were a 600w unit.

You won't find another PSU of this quality and wattage at this price, end of story. So since form factor is a non issue there is really no need to pass on it.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

I wouldn't call 110$ pricing like a 600w but then again I always think PSUs are overpriced. Newegg just took it off free shipping too, but that's fine since I won't be buying for a bit anyway.

Thanks for the reply motsm.

 

[motsm]

I wouldn't call 110$ pricing like a 600w but then again I always think PSUs are overpriced. Newegg just took it off free shipping too, but that's fine since I won't be buying for a bit anyway.

Thanks for the reply motsm.

When you compare it to units in the same league of quality, I'd say it's quite competitive. :thumbsup:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139012
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207002
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817194030

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Corsair and SeaSonic overcharge (So does Antec in some cases.), or that has always been my opinion. Though I understand they are top tier brands, and just like with XFX/EVGA in GFX, there is a premium for their products. Still, I can't see paying 130$ for a premium 650w when I can get a good 600w for 90$.

Its like people who are willing to pay 50-75$ over MSRP for a 5850 - I'm not one of them.

Edit: When I compare it to other Antec units, I think they might be keeping their CPX prices low to encourage adaptation of it. Or that's the only reason I can think of thus far. If I was in the market for a case, a P193 / CP-850w combo with ~30$ off like Newegg has would be very tempting.

 

[motsm]

Corsair and SeaSonic overcharge (So does Antec in some cases.), or that has always been my opinion. Though I understand they are top tier brands, and just like with XFX/EVGA in GFX, there is a premium for their products. Still, I can't see paying 130$ for a premium 650w when I can get a good 600w for 90$.

I can agree somewhat that most of the premium PSU lines are overkill, as the hardware isn't going to know the difference between an Antec Signiture, or Antec Earth Watts. Good is more often than not just fine.

I do like the idea of having a PSU I can completely trust over the years, but the main reasons I grabbed the CP-850 are because it's so quiet, and such a bargain. All of the other quiet units I was looking at were either more expensive, or 600w for the same price and not nearly as good.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Yeah the quiet is going to be nice. I'm not one to care about noise but 3.5 years in, these 80CFM Yate Loons are starting to bother me a little.

If I decide to turn that CRT TV computer case into a real project and water cool it, its going to be nice to have a quiet PSU. The current plans call for everything, even the monitor, to be inside the TV. I imagine its going to be like building in a LAN-box type case when it all comes together.

 

[Damn Dirty Ape]

Just keep in mind that the cp-850 really only fits something like 3 antec models due to the size and form factor, it's their own design. Fits nothing else without a lot of modding.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Just keep in mind that the cp-850 really only fits something like 3 antec models due to the size and form factor, it's their own design. Fits nothing else without a lot of modding.

Since I'll be turning an old CRT TV into my next case, I won't need one of the very few cases which accept the form factor, so that's almost a non issue.