Test Setup

All measurements are performed utilizing ten electronic loads (seven Array 3711A, 300W each, and three Array 3710A, 150W each), which are able to deliver over 2500W of load and are controlled by a custom made software. We also use a Picoscope 3424 oscilloscope, a CHY 502 thermometer, a Fluke 175 multimeter and an Instek GPM-8212 power meter. Furthermore, in our setup we have included a wooden box, which along with a heating element is used as a Hot Box. Finally, we have at our disposal four more oscilloscopes (Rigol 1052E and VS5042, Stingray DS1M12 and a second Picoscope 3424) and a CEM DT-8852 sound level meter. In this article you will find more details about our equipment and the review methodology we follow. Finally, if the manufacturer states that the maximum operating temperature of the test unit is only 40°C then we try to stay near this temperature, otherwise we crank up the heat inside the hotbox up to 45-50°C.

Voltage Regulation Charts

The following charts show the voltage values of the main rails, recorded over a range from 60W to the maximum specified load, and the deviation (in percent) for the same load range.

5VSB Regulation Chart

The following chart shows how the 5VSB rail deals with the load we throw at it.

Efficiency Chart

In this chart you will find the efficiency of the P10-PRO-850W at low loads and at loads equal to 20-100% of PSU’s maximum rated load.

Voltage Regulation and Efficiency Measurements

The first set of tests reveals the stability of voltage rails and the efficiency of the P10-PRO-850W. The applied load equals to (approximately) 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80% and 100%, of the maximum load that the PSU can handle. In addition, we conduct two more tests. In the first we stress the two minor rails (5V & 3.3V) with a high load, while the load at +12V is only 2A and in the second test we dial the maximum load that +12V can handle while load at minor rails is minimal.


The unit managed to deliver full power even at close to 50°C ambient, but the fan was working overtime in this case and produced lots of noise. We measured 47dBA at one meter distance in a room with around 30dBA ambient. This is very noisy especially for a Be Quiet product and we suspect this is the reason that this unit is rated only up to 40°C operating temperature. Also even at the 20% load test with 41.5°C ambient the fan could be clearly heard with the unit inside the hot box. However at normal ambient the unit features silent operation totally confirming Be Quiet's claims.
Efficiency was very high throughout all load levels and voltage regulation on all rails was very good (for our standards). Apparently Seasonic's platform is a solid performer and delivers top performance even at inferno-like operating temperatures.

Efficiency at Low Loads

In the next tests, we measure the efficiency of P10-PRO-850W at loads much lower than 20% of its maximum rated load (the lowest load that the 80 Plus Standard measures). The loads that we dial are 40, 60, 80 and 100W (for PSUs with over 500W capacity). This is important for scenarios in which a typical office PC is in idle with power saving turned on.


At low loads efficiency is good, for an 850W capacity unit and even with 40W load the reading stays well above 70%. The 80% mark is surpassed with 80W and higher loads.

5VSB Efficiency

ATX spec states that the 5VSB standby supply's efficiency should be as high as possible and recommends 50% or higher efficiency with 100mA load, 60% or higher with 250mA load and 70% or higher with 1A or more load.
We will take four measurements, three at 100 / 250 / 1000 mA and one with the full load that 5VSB rail can handle.


The 5VSB rail registered high efficiency especially in the first two tests where load is minimal. The two final tests show efficiency above 75% and although it is not the highest we have ever seen, that still is a good result.

Power Consumption in Idle & Standby

In the table below you will find the power consumption and the voltage values of all rails (except -12V), when the PSU is in idle mode (On but without any load at its rails) and the power consumption when the PSU is in standby (without any load at 5VSB).


Vampire power is low and will save you (and the environment) from unnecessary energy waste. With 0.26W the PSU passes the ErP Lot 6 2010 (and 2013) requirements with flying colors.