Community discussions report potential coil whine and loud fan noise, with one user noting 46 dBA under load.
- Community discussions indicate that the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 Power Supply Unit gets significantly louder than expected under load, with one user describing it as sounding like a 'budget jet engine'.
- Community discussions reveal some users experienced coil whine with the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 Power Supply Unit, describing it as a 'squeaky toy inside your case'.
- The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 is praised for its stable wattage and future-proof compatibility with modern GPUs like the RTX 4090.
- Noise output = 46 dBA (at 85% stress load)
Those highly sensitive to noise may find this PSU disruptive, particularly under heavy load, though stable wattage is praised.
Who it suits
Works well if
- Users requiring 850W of power with modern standards like ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0
- Builders prioritising future-proofing for high-end GPUs
Think twice if
- Users who are highly sensitive to noise or require silent operation
The numbers that matter
- 850W power output
- 80 PLUS Gold certified
- ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 ready
- Marketplace rating of 4.7/5 from 846 ratings
- 7-year limited warranty stated
What the evidence says
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 850W |
| Certification | 80 PLUS Gold |
| ATX Standard | ATX 3.0 |
| PCIe 5.0 GPU Support | Yes (native 16-pin) |
| Fan Type | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Capacitors | 105°C |
| Protections | OCP, OVP, OP, OTP, SCP, UVP |
| Listing Warranty | 7 Year Limited |
| Community-reported Warranty | 10 years (manufacturer's warranty) |
| PSU Depth | 140 mm |
| 12VHPWR Connector Power Rating | 450 W (actual output, despite MSI stating 600W) |
| Noise Output | 46 dBA (at 85% stress load) |
| Fan Noise Complaint | Sounds like a 'budget jet engine' |
| Coil Whine Complaint | Squeaky toy inside your case |
Where buyers hesitate
Also, did you notice any coil whine or fan ramps under transient spikes with a high-end GPU?
Community discussions report potential coil whine and loud fan noise. Community discussions indicate that the fan noise can be described as a 'budget jet engine'. While the listing highlights stable performance and a 7-year warranty, community reports suggest noise issues. One user noted the fan reaching 46 dBA under load. Coil whine is also mentioned as a concern.
Nice write-up. Quick question: is this the A850GL or A750GL? The box in the pic says 750.
The product is the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 Power Supply Unit, though some confusion has arisen about the model number. A user on Reddit asked for clarification about whether the unit was an A850GL or A750GL, noting the box in a picture showed '750'. The listing explicitly names the product 'MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 Power Supply Unit'.
Is the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 a good PSU overall?
It offers strong core features like 850W, ATX 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 support, but noise complaints temper its overall 'goodness'. The PSU boasts 850W, 80 Plus Gold certification, ATX 3.0 compliance, and PCIe 5.0 support, suggesting it's well-equipped for modern systems. However, community reports of loud fan noise and potential coil whine detract from a universally positive assessment.
How straightforward is the installation of the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5?
The fully modular design and compact 140mm depth contribute to an easier PSU installation. The fully modular cable design is noted to make PSU installation easier. Its compact dimensions, specifically a depth of only 140mm, further aid in fitting it into various PC builds.
Why we judge it this way
The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 Power Supply Unit is presented as a capable component for modern PCs, featuring 850W of power, 80 Plus Gold certification, and crucial ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 support. These specifications are designed to meet the demands of high-end GPUs and CPUs, positioning it as a future-proof option. The listing also highlights a 120 mm FDB fan with dynamic fluid storage (fluid dynamic bearing), ensuring exceptional efficiency and durability. Additionally, 105°C capacitors ensure high stability under heavy loads. Furthermore, a LLC half-bridge with DC/DC converter and an active PFC design ensure a reliable output with comprehensive protection features including OCP, OVP, OP, OTP, SCP, and UVP. The MAG gaming power supply comes with a 7-year limited MSI warranty, providing a solid period of coverage.
However, community feedback surfaces significant concerns regarding noise. Multiple community reports mention the PSU becoming notably loud under load, with one user comparing the sound to a 'budget jet engine'. Another report quantifies the noise output at 46 dBA at 85% stress load, suggesting it may not be suitable for noise-sensitive builds. This directly addresses the user's question about fan ramps under transient spikes, indicating that such ramps can lead to audible noise levels that some users find disruptive. The stiffness and low quality of the cables have also been reported by several users, making them difficult to manage despite the fully modular format.
Coil whine is another recurring issue reported in community discussions. Descriptions like a 'squeaky toy inside your case' indicate an audible electrical noise that can be irritating. While the listing does not address noise levels or coil whine, these community-reported issues are critical considerations for potential buyers. The marketplace rating of 4.7/5 across 846 ratings indicates general satisfaction, but does not negate specific component-level complaints, especially for users sensitive to noise or those expecting premium cable quality.
Furthermore, a discrepancy has been noted regarding the 12VHPWR connector's power delivery. While MSI states it can feed up to 600W, a community report suggests it may only deliver 450W. This detail is important for users planning to heavily utilise the latest high-power GPUs, as it could impact performance or compatibility. Despite these drawbacks, the PSU is praised in community discussions for its stable wattage and future-proofing capabilities, particularly with modern GPUs like the RTX 4090. The warranty is also a point of note, with the listing stating 7 years, but one community source claims a 10-year manufacturer's warranty, suggesting a potential benefit for long-term reliability. The compact dimensions, with only 140mm depth, are also praised for making installation easier.
The strongest objection we found
Community discussions indicate that the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 Power Supply Unit gets significantly louder than expected under load, with one user describing it as sounding like a 'budget jet engine'.
What this page does not answer
- What is the best 850W PSU for a silent build?
- How to choose a power supply unit for a high-end gaming PC?
- Corsair RM850e Gold wins on better performing PSU at a lower cost
How this analysis was built
Analysis of the product listing's features and description, combined with user-reported issues and praises from community forums and video comments. The marketplace rating was also considered.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.co.uk. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.7 stars across 846 reviews. Analysis generated on 2026-11-02.
