Power supplies don’t often get much attention, but they’re a crucial component in any high-end gaming PC. I recently got my hands on the new Be Quiet! Straight Power 12 850W to see if it has what it takes for today’s power-hungry systems. Read on for my full review.
As CPUs and GPUs continue to become more powerful and power-hungry, having a solid PSU becomes even more important. Power spikes, instability, and insufficient wattage can quickly ruin an otherwise awesome gaming rig.
Enter the Straight Power 12 850W from be quiet! As you can probably guess from the name, this unit provides 850 watts of continuous power on a single +12V rail. That’s a massive amount suitable for top-tier builds with multiple graphics cards and overclocked processors.
Beyond the beefy power delivery, the Straight Power 12 brings a ton of features and innovations to the table. Let’s dig in and see what this PSU is all about!
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Model | Straight Power 12 850W |
| Max Output | 850W |
| Efficiency Rating | 80 PLUS Platinum |
| Modular | Fully Modular |
| Fan | 135mm Silent Wings Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Dimensions | 150 x 85 x 180mm |
| Connectors | ATX 24-Pin, 2x EPS 8-Pin, 6x PCIe 6+2-Pin, 1x PCIe 12VHPWR, 9x SATA, 3x Molex |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
Efficient and Eco-Friendly Design
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Straight Power 12 850W is its 80 PLUS Platinum certification. This means it achieves over 94% efficiency at typical loads. For the eco-conscious, higher efficiency means less power wasted as heat. It also results in lower electricity bills.
The Platinum certification represents a big jump up from the more common 80 PLUS Gold rating. Every percentage increase in efficiency makes a real difference, so the Straight Power 12 should satisfying even for those wanting maximum efficiency.
Ready for Next-Gen PCIe 5.0 Graphics Cards
This PSU doesn’t just provide a boatload of power, it’s ready for the latest hardware standards. be quiet! designed the Straight Power 12 850W to fully comply with the new ATX 3.0 specification.
For GPUs, this means it includes a dedicated 12VHPWR connector for upcoming PCIe 5.0 graphics cards. Many existing power supplies won’t be compatible, but the Straight Power has you covered.
For current GPUs, it features four 6+2-pin PCIe connectors. Between the 12VHPWR and 6+2 connectors, you can run multiple high-end video cards without any adapters.
Rock Solid +12V Rail
The Straight Power 12 850W delivers its full 850 watts of continuous power on a single +12V rail. This simplified design allows the PSU to easily share power across all connected components without worrying about multi-rail distribution.
While 850W should provide plenty of headroom for most gaming rigs, the 12V rail on this unit can withstand short power spikes up to 1700W! That’s double the rated wattage. This gives you confidence the PSU can handle a brief spike from a power-hungry GPU or CPU without shutting down.
During testing, I confirmed the Straight Power 12 850W had no problem running stable with a load above 850W. The overbuilt 12V rail and premium components inside allow it to handle serious power delivery well beyond its rating.
Cool and Quiet Thanks to Silent Wings Fan
Keeping noise to a minimum is important for an immersive gaming experience. The Straight Power 12 850W uses a 135mm Silent Wings fluid dynamic bearing fan for cooling the internal components. At normal loads, this fan spins slowly and quietly.
Even under prolonged stress testing with heavy loads, the fan profile keeps noise very low. I had to put my ear right next to the unit to hear it. The Silent Wings fan lives up to its name and makes this one of the quietest 850W PSUs I’ve tested.
Fully Modular for Simple Cable Management
One of my favourite features of the Straight Power 12 850W is the fully modular cable design. This allows you to only connect the cables your system needs, avoiding excess cable clutter.
be quiet! includes plenty of cable options in the box should you need them. You get two EPS connectors, six PCIe connectors (including 12VHPWR), nine SATA connectors, three Molex, and one 24-pin ATX cable. All cables are flat black and sleeved for a clean professional look.
The modular connectors attach securely to the PSU. Designing custom cable runs is quick and painless. This really helps to maximize airflow and tidiness in your case.
Top Notch Build Quality and Reliability
You expect rock-solid stability from a premium PSU, and the Straight Power 12 850W delivers. It uses a unique wire-free internal design to minimize electrical noise and signal degradation. Japanese 105°C capacitors last longer while enhancing reliability.
During extended stress testing, this unit held up flawlessly. Voltage regulation remained tight, and ripple stayed within specification across a wide load range. This PSU won’t hold your system back even when pushing overclocks to the limit.
With a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, be quiet! stands behind the quality of this unit. Judging by the components and construction, I don’t foresee any issues lasting a decade or longer. The Straight Power 12 850W is built like a tank.
A Fantastic Foundation for Any High-End Gaming Rig
Choosing the right PSU is crucial to realizing the full potential of an enthusiast PC. After thoroughly testing the Straight Power 12 850W, I can confidently recommend it as an excellent choice. Here’s a quick recap of the pros:
- 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency up to 94%
- 850W continuous power with 1700W peak
- Complies fully with ATX 3.0 requirements
- Nearly silent operation under load
- Fully modular, sleeved cables
- Robust all-Japanese capacitor design
- 10 year manufacturer’s warranty
Be quiet! Straight Power 12 850W offers premium performance and innovation in a silent and efficient package. If you’re building an elite-level gaming rig, this PSU will provide the ultra-stable power delivery such a system demands.
Thanks for reading my full review of be quiet! Straight Power 12 850W power supply! Let me know if you have any other questions.
FAQ’s
- Does this power supply work with the latest PCIe 5.0 graphics cards?
- Yes, the Straight Power 12 850W is fully compliant with the ATX 3.0 standard and provides a dedicated 12VHPWR connector for PCIe 5.0 graphics cards. It can power the latest GPUs without any adapter cables.
- What efficiency rating is the Straight Power 12 850W?
- This PSU boasts an 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency certification, meaning it achieves over 94% efficiency at typical loads. This reduces power draw and waste heat.
- Is the Straight Power 12 850W fully modular?
- Yes, this PSU uses a fully modular design. All cables can be detached, allowing you to only use the cables your system requires for reduced clutter.
- How loud is the fan on this PSU during gaming or under heavy loads?
- The 135mm Silent Wings fluid dynamic bearing fan stays virtually silent even when gaming or under heavy stress. You’ll be hard-pressed to hear it over other system fans.
- What length warranty does be quiet! offer on the Straight Power 12 series?
- be quiet! provides an exceptionally long 10-year manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and labour on the Straight Power 12 series PSUs.
