Often overlooked in favor of flashier components like GPUs or CPUs, a reliable PSU is the backbone of a stable system, ensuring consistent power delivery to keep your rig humming under pressure. GIGABYTE, a brand synonymous with gaming hardware, has thrown its hat into the PSU ring with the AORUS ELITE P850W GP-AE850PM PG5, an 80 PLUS Platinum-certified, fully modular power supply designed for modern gaming PCs and workstations. With support for Intel ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.0/5.1 standards, a sleek design, and a robust feature set, this PSU aims to compete with industry heavyweights like Corsair, Seasonic, and Thermaltake. But does it deliver the goods, or is it just another flashy contender in a crowded market?
GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W
The GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W arrives in a sleek, premium package that immediately screams “AORUS.” The box features the brand’s signature black and orange color scheme, with a glossy image of the PSU front and center. Key specifications, such as the 80 PLUS Platinum certification, PCIe 5.0/5.1 readiness, and a 10-year warranty, are prominently displayed, setting high expectations from the get-go. Inside, the PSU is nestled in thick foam padding, ensuring it arrives unscathed. The bundle includes:
The GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W PSU
A set of flat, fully modular cables (including a native 16-pin 12VHPWR connector for PCIe 5.0/5.1 GPUs)
A magnetic AORUS logo plate
A multilingual user manual
A power cord
Cable ties and Velcro straps for cable management
The GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W PSU itself is compact for an 850W unit, measuring just 140mm in length, making it compatible with a wide range of PC cases, including smaller ATX and micro-ATX builds. The black (or optional white ICE variant) finish is sleek, with a matte texture that resists fingerprints. The standout feature, however, is the detachable AORUS magnetic plate, which can be repositioned to display the logo in different orientations. The plate’s neon-colored, metallic sheen creates a striking visual effect, especially in cases with tempered glass panels. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that adds a layer of customization for enthusiasts who want their builds to stand out.
Specifications and Features – Before we get into performance, let’s break down the key specifications of the GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W:
Wattage: 850W
Efficiency: 80 PLUS Platinum (up to 92% efficiency at 50% load)
Form Factor: ATX
Modularity: Fully modular
Fan: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan with smart control
Compliance: Intel ATX 3.1, PCIe 5.0/5.1 ready
Connectors:
1x 24-pin ATX
2x 4+4-pin EPS12V
1x 16-pin 12VHPWR (PCIe 5.0/5.1, up to 600W)
4x 6+2-pin PCIe
8x SATA
3x Molex
Capacitors: 100% Japanese capacitors
Protections: OVP, OPP, SCP, UVP, OCP, OTP
Warranty: 10 years (region-dependent)
Dimensions: 150mm x 140mm x 86mm
Weight: Approximately 1.6kg
The AORUS ELITE P850W PSU is designed to handle modern, power-hungry components, with support for up to 200% power excursions (three times GPU power, two times total power) as mandated by Intel’s ATX 3.1 standard. This makes it future-proof for next-gen GPUs and CPUs that demand transient power spikes. The inclusion of a native 16-pin 12VHPWR connector is a significant nod to NVIDIA’s latest RTX 40-series GPUs and beyond, ensuring compatibility without the need for clunky adapters.
The 80 PLUS Platinum certification promises up to 92% efficiency at 50% load, reducing power waste, heat, and fan noise compared to Gold or Bronze-rated units. The use of 100% Japanese capacitors further enhances reliability, as these components are known for their durability and performance under high temperatures. The 120mm FDB fan, with its oil film shock absorption technology, aims to keep noise levels low while maintaining efficient cooling.
AORUS ELITE P850W: Design and Build Quality
The AORUS ELITE P850W is a visual and functional departure from GIGABYTE’s earlier PSU offerings, which faced criticism for issues like the infamous “exploding” GP-P850GM units. GIGABYTE seems to have learned from past mistakes, and the AORUS ELITE P850W feels like a premium product from the moment you pick it up. The chassis is sturdy, with clean lines and no sharp edges. The modular cable connectors are clearly labeled, making it easy to plug in only the cables you need.The flat cables are a welcome touch, as they’re easier to manage than traditional sleeved cables, especially in tight builds. The 12VHPWR cable is particularly well-executed, with a high-quality, native 16-pin connector that feels robust and secure. This is a critical feature for users upgrading to PCIe 5.0/5.1 GPUs, as it eliminates the need for adapters that can introduce compatibility issues or aesthetic clutter.
The AORUS magnetic plate is a unique selling point. It’s a small but clever addition that allows users to customize the PSU’s appearance based on their case’s orientation. The neon printing and metallic sheen give it a premium, almost cyberpunk vibe, which will appeal to gamers and modders alike. However, some may find the branding a bit too bold for minimalist builds.The 120mm FDB fan is another highlight. Unlike the double ball bearing fans used in older GIGABYTE PSUs, the FDB fan is quieter and more durable, with a smart control system that keeps it off at low loads (below 20%) for silent operation. This aligns with modern PSU trends, where silence is as important as performance for enthusiasts.
Performance Testing
To evaluate the GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W, we tested it in a high-end gaming rig with the following components:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
Motherboard: GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Elite WIFI7
RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600
Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
Cooling: 360mm AIO liquid cooler
Case: Phanteks NV7
This setup was chosen to push the PSU to its limits, simulating a real-world, high-performance gaming scenario. We conducted tests for efficiency, voltage regulation, ripple suppression, and noise levels, using a combination of synthetic benchmarks (AIDA64, Cinebench, FurMark) and real-world workloads (gaming, content creation).
Efficiency – The AORUS ELITE P850W lives up to its 80 PLUS Platinum certification. At 50% load (approximately 425W), we measured efficiency at 91.8%, just shy of the advertised 92%. At 20% load (170W), efficiency remained strong at 90.2%, and even at full load (850W), it held steady at 89.5%. These numbers are impressive, placing the PSU on par with competitors like the Corsair RM850x and Thermaltake Toughpower PF3. The high efficiency translates to lower power bills and reduced heat output, which is critical for maintaining system stability in demanding builds.Voltage RegulationVoltage stability is a key metric for any PSU, as fluctuations can damage components or cause system instability.AORUS ELITE P850W
The AORUS ELITE P850W delivered excellent results, with the +12V rail maintaining a tight ±1.5% regulation under all load conditions. The +5V and +3.3V rails were equally impressive, staying within ±2% of their nominal values. These results rival top-tier units from Seasonic and ASUS, indicating that GIGABYTE has prioritized quality in its internal design.Ripple SuppressionRipple and noise on the power rails can lead to long-term component wear, so low ripple is essential. The AORUS ELITE P850W performed admirably, with ripple on the +12V rail peaking at 25mV under full load—well below the ATX specification’s 120mV limit. The +5V and +3.3V rails showed even lower ripple, at 15mV and 12mV, respectively. These numbers are competitive with high-end PSUs, suggesting that GIGABYTE’s use of Japanese capacitors and robust filtering pays off.
Noise Levels – The 120mm FDB fan is a standout feature. At idle and low loads (up to 20%), the fan remains off, resulting in silent operation (0 dB). Under moderate loads (50%, or 425W), the fan spins at a low RPM, producing a barely audible 25 dB. Even at full load, noise levels peaked at 32 dB, which is quieter than many competing units, such as the ASUS ROG Thor 850W Platinum II (35 dB at full load). For silent PC enthusiasts, the AORUS ELITE P850W is a strong contender, though it’s not quite as whisper-quiet as some premium FDB-based units from Corsair or Be Quiet.
One of the PSU’s key selling points is its compliance with Intel’s ATX 3.1 standard, which requires support for up to 200% power excursions. This is critical for modern GPUs like the RTX 4090, which can draw massive transient power spikes. In our stress tests, the PSU handled a 600W spike on the 12VHPWR connector without issue, maintaining stable voltages and ripple suppression. This makes it a future-proof choice for next-gen hardware.
Installation and Cable Management
Installing the AORUS ELITE P850W was a breeze, thanks to its compact 140mm length and fully modular design. The flat cables are flexible yet sturdy, making them easy to route through tight spaces. The 12VHPWR cable, in particular, is a highlight, as its native 16-pin design eliminates the need for adapters, reducing clutter and potential failure points. The included cable ties and Velcro straps are a nice touch, ensuring a clean build.
One minor gripe is the lack of sleeved cables, which some premium PSUs offer for a more polished look. However, the flat cables are functional and less bulky, which is a fair trade-off for most users. The modular connectors are well-designed, with a satisfying click to ensure secure connections.
Aesthetics and Customization
The AORUS ELITE P850W is a visual treat for RGB enthusiasts and case modders. The magnetic AORUS plate is a unique feature that adds flair without being overly garish. The neon-colored logo with its metallic sheen catches the light beautifully, especially in cases with vertical PSU mounting. The black and white (ICE) variants cater to different build aesthetics, with the white version being particularly striking in minimalist or all-white setups.
However, the bold AORUS branding may not appeal to everyone. For users who prefer a stealthy, understated look, the magnetic plate can be removed, leaving a clean, matte black or white chassis. This flexibility is a thoughtful touch, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Reliability and Warranty
GIGABYTE’s past PSU missteps, particularly with the GP-P850GM, have left some consumers wary. However, the AORUS ELITE P850W appears to be a significant step forward. The use of 100% Japanese capacitors, a robust protection suite (OVP, OPP, SCP, UVP, OCP, OTP), and a 10-year warranty inspire confidence. The warranty duration is competitive with industry leaders like Corsair and Thermaltake, signaling GIGABYTE’s commitment to quality.
That said, some users on platforms like Reddit have expressed lingering concerns about GIGABYTE’s PSU reputation, citing the company’s poor response to the GP-P850GM issues. While the AORUS ELITE P850W has received positive feedback so far, with no reported failures in our testing or early user reviews, GIGABYTE will need to maintain a strong track record to fully rebuild trust.
Value and Competition
At an estimated MSRP of $150–$170 (depending on region and variant), the AORUS ELITE P850W is priced competitively in the 80 PLUS Platinum, 850W segment. It goes head-to-head with units like the Corsair RM850x ($149), Thermaltake Toughpower PF3 850W ($139), and ASUS ROG Thor 850W Platinum II ($189). Here’s how it stacks up:
Corsair RM850x: Offers similar efficiency and noise levels but lacks native PCIe 5.0/5.1 support, requiring an adapter for modern GPUs.
Thermaltake Toughpower PF3: Slightly cheaper and also ATX 3.1-compliant, but its fan is noisier under load.
ASUS ROG Thor 850W Platinum II: More expensive, with additional features like an OLED display, but noisier and less compact.
The AORUS ELITE P850W stands out for its compact size, native 12VHPWR connector, and unique magnetic plate. However, its price is on the higher end for an 850W Platinum unit, and some users may prefer the established reliability of Corsair or Seasonic.
GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W
Pros and Cons
Pros
80 PLUS Platinum efficiency (up to 92% at 50% load)
Fully modular design with flat cables
Native 16-pin 12VHPWR connector for PCIe 5.0/5.1 GPUs
Compact 140mm length
Quiet 120mm FDB fan with zero-RPM mode
Unique AORUS magnetic plate for customization
Excellent voltage regulation and ripple suppression
10-year warranty
100% Japanese capacitors for reliability
Cons
Slightly pricey compared to some competitors
Flat cables lack the premium look of sleeved cables
GIGABYTE’s past PSU reputation may deter some buyers
Bold branding may not suit minimalist builds
The GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W GP-AE850PM PG5 is a compelling addition to the high-end PSU market, blending modern features, robust performance, and a touch of aesthetic flair. Its 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency, ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.0/5.1 compliance, and compact design make it a future-proof choice for gamers and professionals building high-performance rigs. The native 12VHPWR connector is a standout feature, ensuring seamless compatibility with next-gen GPUs, while the quiet FDB fan and excellent power delivery solidify its credentials.
However, GIGABYTE’s past PSU controversies cast a shadow, and while the AORUS ELITE P850W appears to be a significant improvement, the brand will need to prove its reliability over time. At its price point, it faces stiff competition from established players like Corsair and Thermaltake, but its unique features and compact form factor give it an edge for enthusiasts who value customization and future-proofing.If you’re building a high-end gaming PC or workstation and want a PSU that combines efficiency, performance, and a dash of personality, the GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE P850W is a worthy contender. It’s not perfect, but it’s a strong step forward for GIGABYTE in the PSU market.
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