Tom's Hardware found the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6, an 850W unit, performs well and is put together well. It's fully modular, compact, and holds voltage steady, though reviewers took issue with the fan behavior and with efficiency at typical loads. A 10-year warranty backs it, and it works in high-end builds. The problem is the company it keeps: this class is crowded.
Full review
140mm length, one of the shortest ATX units
The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 stands out for its compact dimensions, measuring just 140mm in length, making it one of the shortest ATX Gold-certified power supplies on the market. Tom's Hardware credits the unit with "super-compact dimensions for an 850W unit and high build quality," while noting that the older 850 G3 still achieves notably higher performance. The fully modular cable system is a welcomed feature, reducing cable clutter and improving airflow. According to Newegg's specifications, the unit includes 100% Japanese capacitors, which EVGA claims ensure long-term reliability. However, the fan is a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) model, which, while quieter than traditional ball-bearing fans, still generates some noise under load, particularly at higher power draws. The unit's compact nature means it can fit in smaller cases, but this also limits the internal space for heat dissipation, which becomes apparent during sustained high-load scenarios.
The SuperNOVA G6 uses a full-bridge LLC resonant converter and DC-DC design, which Tom's Hardware reports contributes to tight voltage regulation and low ripple. The design also includes a new platform using improved materials and layout placement, which EVGA claims results in greater performance with extremely low ripple and noise. The unit is available in 650W, 750W, 850W, and 1000W variants, with the 850W model being the focus of this review. The inclusion of a 10-year warranty is a strong selling point, especially when compared to many competitors who offer only 3-5 years. The unit also features a sleep mode compatibility, which allows it to work with alternative sleep modes on motherboards. The physical design includes a 24-pin ATX connector, two 8-pin EPS connectors, six 6+2 PCIe connectors, nine SATA connectors, and four four-pin peripheral connectors, all of which are well-placed for easy cable management.
ECO mode stops the fan below 40 percent load
In reviewers' real-world testing, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 demonstrated solid performance under typical loads. Tom's Hardware measured a 90.415% peak at 40% load and 90.013% at 50% load with 115V input, which is in line with the 80 Plus Gold certification. Light loads are where it gives ground: Tom's Hardware measured 83.812% at 10% load and 72.209% at a 2% load, and concluded that efficiency "is on the low side for normal and light loads." This is a notable shortcoming, especially for users who run their systems primarily at low loads. Tom's Hardware found the hold-up time "very long" on this unit, with a power ok signal it judged accurate. Tom's Hardware recorded low inrush current with 115V input but flagged the 230V figures as high, "which could have been avoided with a larger NTC thermistor." The SuperNOVA G6 also passed all protection tests, including OVP, UVP, OCP, and OPP, with no issues noted during reviewers' testing. The fan speed profile was found to be somewhat aggressive at lower loads, which can be mitigated by enabling ECO mode.
The SuperNOVA 850 G6's performance under load was consistent with expectations. In Tom's Hardware's load testing the unit held stable voltages across all rails, with load regulation it called "tight enough here at 12V." The 12V rail showed particularly good regulation, with less than 2% deviation under load. However, the 5VSB rail is the weak spot: across Tom's Hardware's six standby tests it managed between 72.352% and 77.688%, and the reviewer wrote it "still isn't efficient enough for our liking." The unit's ability to maintain stable voltages under varying loads is a key strength, as it ensures that sensitive components like CPUs and GPUs receive consistent power. Geeknetic reports that ECO mode engages the thermal control system and stops the fan entirely for workloads below 40% of capacity.
Efficiency and Power Factor
The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 achieves 80 Plus Gold certification, peaking at 90.415% efficiency at 40% load with 115V input. This is a solid performance, though not as high as some of the newer 80 Plus Titanium-certified PSUs. Tom's Hardware measured the unit's efficiency at various load points, finding 90.013% at 50% load, 88.921% at 20% load and 83.812% at 10% load. Tom's Hardware measured the power factor at 0.99 at 100% load, which is considered good for an ATX PSU. The unit's power factor correction is active, which helps reduce energy waste and ensures compliance with energy efficiency standards. However, the efficiency at light loads is a significant concern, as many users may not be running their systems at full load consistently.
The SuperNOVA G6's efficiency at light loads is the real weak point, with measurements showing 83.812% at 10% load and 72.209% at a 2% load. This is significantly lower than what users might expect from a Gold-certified PSU. The 5VSB rail efficiency was also found to be subpar, topping out at 77.688% across Tom's Hardware's six standby tests. This can be a problem for users who leave their systems on for extended periods, as the PSU will be drawing more power than necessary. The unit's power factor correction is active, which helps reduce energy waste, but the overall efficiency at low loads remains a weak point. Tom's Hardware measured the unit's efficiency under full load at 86.815% with 115V input, which is acceptable for a Gold-certified PSU.
Noise and Thermal Performance
The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6's fan performance is a mixed bag. The unit features a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan, which is quieter than traditional ball-bearing fans, but still generates some noise under load. Tom's Hardware noted that the fan speed profile could be smoother, as it tends to ramp up quickly under load, which can be noticeable in quiet environments. However, the fan still spins at a noticeable level at 50% load, which may be a concern for users who prioritize silence. The unit's thermal performance was generally good, with temperatures staying within acceptable limits under normal conditions. The compact design, while beneficial for space constraints, can lead to higher internal temperatures under sustained high loads.
In terms of thermal performance, the SuperNOVA 850 G6 was able to maintain stable temperatures under typical loads, and it delivers full power at a 47 degrees Celsius ambient. The unit's heat dissipation is adequate for most applications, but users running high-end systems may notice increased temperatures. The fan's performance under load was consistent with expectations, though it can be a bit aggressive at lower loads. The ECO mode was found to be effective in reducing fan noise, but the unit still generates some noise at moderate loads. The fan's ability to maintain quiet operation at low loads is a strong point, especially for users who prioritize a quiet system.
Protection Features and Safety
The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of protection features, including OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection), Dual OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), and OTP (Over Temperature Protection). These protections are designed to ensure the safety of both the PSU and the connected system. The hardware OPP is designed to trip at 135% max wattage as a last resort to protect the system, but the SuperNOVA G6 also features firmware OPP to anticipate harmful load behavior 5-10% sooner by shutting off the power supply when over-power conditions persist longer than 1ms. This is a significant safety feature, especially for users who may be overclocking or running demanding applications. The unit also includes a self-test feature, which allows users to verify the PSU's functionality without connecting it to a system. The self-test feature, which is part of the EVGA Detection Tool, is a useful tool for troubleshooting and verifying the PSU's functionality.
The SuperNOVA G6's protection features were thoroughly tested by Tom's Hardware, and all tests passed without issues. The unit's ability to handle overcurrent conditions was particularly impressive, with no signs of failure even under sustained overloads. The firmware OPP was found to be effective in preventing damage from prolonged overloads, which is a critical feature for users who may be pushing their systems to the limit.
Peaks at 90.4 percent efficiency on 115V
Reviewers consistently praised the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 for its compact design and fully modular cable system. Tom's Hardware lists compact dimensions among the unit's strengths, which is a significant advantage for users with compact builds. The fully modular design reduces cable clutter and improves airflow, which is a key benefit for users who prioritize a clean build. The unit's ability to maintain stable voltages under load was also a strong point, with tight regulation at 12V. The inclusion of a 10-year warranty is a significant advantage, especially when compared to many competitors who offer only 3-5 years. The unit's efficiency at typical loads was also noted as a positive, with Tom's Hardware measuring a 90.415% peak at 40% load on 115V.
The SuperNOVA G6's build quality and attention to detail were also highlighted by reviewers. The use of 100% Japanese capacitors, which EVGA claims ensure long-term reliability, was noted as a positive. The unit's compact design, while beneficial for space constraints, can lead to higher internal temperatures under sustained high loads.
Only 83.8 percent efficient at 10 percent load
Despite its strengths, the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 has several notable shortcomings. The most significant issue is its efficiency at light loads: Tom's Hardware measured 83.812% at 10% load and 72.209% at a 2% load, and called efficiency "on the low side" for normal and light loads. This is a major drawback for users who run their systems primarily at low loads, as the PSU will be drawing more power than necessary. The fan speed profile is another concern, as it tends to ramp up quickly under load, which can be noticeable in quiet environments. The high inrush current with 230V input is also a concern, as it can cause issues with some sensitive systems. The unit's ability to maintain stable voltages under varying loads is a key strength, but the efficiency at light loads remains a significant weakness.
Another major shortcoming is the unit's performance under light loads, where it fails to meet expectations. The 850W model showed 83.812% efficiency at 10% load, which is significantly lower than what users might expect from a Gold-certified PSU. The 5VSB rail efficiency was also found to be poor, topping out at 77.688% in Tom's Hardware's standby tests. The fan speed profile was also noted as being somewhat aggressive at lower loads, which can be a concern for users who prioritize silence.
A 10-year warranty beats most 3 to 5-year rivals
The EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G6 is best suited for users who prioritize a compact design and fully modular cable system. It's ideal for users with smaller cases or those who want to reduce cable clutter and improve airflow. The unit's ability to maintain stable voltages under load makes it suitable for mid-range to high-end systems. Users who value a 10-year warranty will also find the SuperNOVA G6 appealing, as this is a significant advantage over many competitors. The ECO mode is particularly beneficial for users who want to minimize fan noise during low to medium loads. However, users who primarily run their systems at low loads will find the unit's efficiency at those loads to be a significant drawback. The SuperNOVA G6 is also a good choice for users who want a reliable PSU with comprehensive protection features, but those who are looking for maximum efficiency at light loads should consider alternatives.
This PSU is ideal for users who need a reliable, compact, and modular solution for their PC builds. It's particularly well-suited for users with smaller cases or those who want to reduce cable clutter and improve airflow. The inclusion of a 10-year warranty is a significant advantage, especially for users who want long-term reliability.
Strengths
- +Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
- +Good build quality
- +Tight load regulation at 12V
- +Efficient at super-light loads
- +Long hold-up time
- +Low inrush current with 115V
- +Not noisy at normal operating conditions
- +Fully modular
- +Loads of connectors
- +Compatible with alternative sleep mode
- +Compact dimensions
- +10-year warranty
Watch-outs
- −Fan speed profile could be smoother
- −Efficiency at normal and light loads could be higher
- −High inrush current with 230V
- −Not so efficient 5VSB rail
Rating sources
“Esta fuente de alimentación se ha rediseñado para ofrecer un ruido y ondulación muy bajos a la vez que ofrece un gran rendimiento.”
“at this price it's not highly competitive now again this doesn't affect the internal components and how good the power slide is going to be overall”
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
