Introduction

We recently took a look at the SilverStone Strider Gold Evolution 1200W power supply and were quite pleased with the results of the unit and found it to be quite a solid power supply.

We were given the chance to also take a look at the 850W model so we hopped right on the opportunity to see if it represented the same value and performance offered by its bigger brother.

The ST85F-G Evolution offers a few less connectors and two-thirds of the power, but at a much cheaper price.

Read on to see if 850W model represents "the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and quality", just as SilverStone claims it to be.

Specifications, Availability and Pricing

DC output is very similar to that of the 1200W model. The unit is capable of 70A on the single 12V rail. The 3.3V is rated for 22A, while the 5V rail is rated for 25A. These have a combined total wattage of 150W. The 850W model still has the very weak -12V rail, which is rated for only 3.6W. It also has the beefy 5Vsb rail that is rated for 3.5A.

The ST85F-G Evolution shares the same feature summary as the rest of the Evolution series. It has full of protection features including over temperature protection, but the unit is not rated for 100% continuous output at 50C. It is instead rated for 100% continuous output at 40C. The power supply is fully modular and fully sleeved. The full modular design also allows for the use of SilverStone's PP05 short cable kit.

Antares Pro comes in with the cheapest price of $168.99. Alternatively you can find the unit for $169.99 at Directron. Hardcore Newegg fans will find the unit a tad more expensive, costing $195.82 after shipping. At about $170, the ST85F-G Evolution is one of the cheapest 80Plus Gold rated 850W models available. SilverStone backs the unit by a three year warranty.