The ASUS ROG Strix 850G Aura delivers a robust build quality with its 1.5mm sheet metal construction and distinctive grille design that extends over the front with the fan. hwcooling.net noted its sturdy build and 135mm fan, which may offer enhanced cooling performance. The PSU features an 80 Plus Gold efficiency rating and provides sufficient power for high-end gaming setups, though its 180mm length may impact case compatibility. cybenetics highlighted the inclusion of individually sleeved cables and a 10-year warranty, though acknowledged potential challenges with cable management.
Full review
Physical dimensions and design
The ASUS ROG Strix 850G Aura stands out visually with its distinctive grille design that extends across the front of the unit and partially onto the side panels. The housing features heavily perforated sheet metal angled at right angles to the sides, creating a unique aesthetic that aligns with current trends. This design approach prioritizes sturdiness, with the construction using 1.5-millimeter sheet metal that provides robustness. The unit measures 180mm in length, making it one of the longer power supplies in testing, which affects compatibility with some cases but allows for more internal space. The grille's structure with thin walls between hexagonal cutouts suggests potential for improved cooling performance, particularly when combined with the included 135mm fan.
Cable management and connectivity
The power supply includes a comprehensive set of modular cables that are individually sleeved with a wrinkled rubber surface, making them easier to work with compared to conventional cables. These cables offer better adjustability for routing through tight spaces. The unit comes with a 20+4 pin ATX connector, two 4+4 pin EPS12V connectors, one 12+4 pin PCIe connector, and multiple PCIe 6+2 pin connectors. Additionally, there are SATA and Molex connectors included, though the exact quantities vary depending on the specific model variant. The cabling implementation allows for flexible installation and reduces cable clutter inside the case.
Cooling and noise performance
The unit features a 135mm double ball bearing fan that operates semi-passively up to half load, with the option to enable active cooling through a button on the rear panel. This allows users to select a 0 dB mode for quieter operation. The fan's performance is designed to balance cooling effectiveness with noise levels, though specific decibel measurements were not provided in the review materials. The grille design, with its perforated structure, is intended to enhance airflow while maintaining the unit's robust construction. The fan's ability to operate passively under light loads contributes to overall system quietness.
Electrical performance and efficiency
The power supply delivers an 80+ Gold efficiency rating, which indicates high energy conversion efficiency. Under full load conditions, the 12V rail supports 70.8A of continuous current, sufficient for high-end gaming builds with powerful processors and graphics cards. The unit includes a 16-pin 12VHPWR connector rated for 50A, designed to minimize transient resistance through large contact surfaces on individual pins. This design approach helps reduce internal temperatures during high-load scenarios. The power supply also features a 12V load regulation of 0.75% and maintains low ripple values across all rails, with 13.82mV for 12V and 7.00mV for 5V under full load conditions.
Build quality and materials
Construction quality is emphasized through the use of 1.5-millimeter sheet metal, which provides durability and structural integrity. The PCB design utilizes a high-density layout with notable components such as Toshin Kogyo capacitors in the primary section and Nichicon capacitors in the secondary section. These choices suggest a focus on performance and reliability. The internal components are arranged to maximize space utilization, with the PCB using the entire length of the unit. The overall build quality supports the unit's intended performance and longevity, though specific thermal performance metrics were not detailed in the review materials.
Modular cable advantages
The fully modular cable system provides significant advantages in terms of organization and aesthetics. The individual cables are designed with a soft rubber sheath that allows for easier routing and adjustment to fit specific case requirements. This modularity reduces cable clutter inside the case and allows for cleaner builds. The inclusion of multiple PCIe connectors, SATA connections, and Molex connectors ensures that the power supply can accommodate a wide range of components without requiring additional adapters or cables. The modular design also allows users to remove unused cables, reducing heat generation and improving airflow within the case.
Installation and user experience
Installation process is straightforward, though the modular cables can be somewhat fiddly due to their individual sleeving. The unit includes a manual that provides basic instructions, though it lacks detailed information on advanced features. Users can customize the appearance with included stickers and magnet pieces, which can be applied to the side panels for a personalized look. The zero decibel fan mode can be toggled via a button on the rear panel, allowing users to choose between quieter operation and active cooling. The unit's design accommodates both visible and hidden installations, though the aesthetic benefits are more apparent in cases where the power supply is visible.
Warranty and support
The power supply comes with a 10-year warranty, which indicates confidence in the product's reliability and longevity. This extended warranty period provides peace of mind for users who plan to use the power supply for an extended period. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and ensures that users have support if issues arise. The unit's design and component selection suggest that it is built to withstand demanding usage conditions, making the warranty period a reasonable assurance of product quality.
Strengths
- +Sturdy construction with 1.5mm sheet metal and reinforced grille design
- +Includes 135mm fan with potential for improved cooling due to grille structure
- +Features 80 Plus Gold efficiency rating
- +Provides ample space for components due to larger dimensions (180mm length)
Watch-outs
- −Larger dimensions may cause compatibility issues with some cases
- −Cable management may be challenging due to individually sleeved cables
How it compares
The ASUS ROG Strix 850G Aura offers a sturdy build and 135mm fan, but its larger dimensions make it incompatible with many cases, unlike the more compact Seasonic Focus GX-850. It's less efficient than the EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G7 and doesn't match the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 850W in noise control, though it provides better aesthetic appeal and more cable management options.
Rating sources
“It gives a very good first impression. The design of the housing is something that sets this Asus ROG Strix 850G Aura PSU apart from the rest.”
“it should last for quite some time and 850 watts will be a nice amount of power for most PC builds”
“i absolutely love it that's that's the bottom line um it is a bit pricey 150 pound but for that you know you get a beautiful looking aesthetic um you get amazing cables easy to manage”
Our 4.2 score is the average of the 3 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. 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.
