Solid Power From A Small PSU!
Review Summary
The Enermax Revolution D.F. 2 850W PSU is a decent option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient power supply. It’s compact yet powerful, making it a great fit for all PC setups. One of its coolest features is the self-cleaning fan, which keeps things running smoothly without making much noise. While it does a great job of maintaining voltage levels steady and running efficiently, some users might find the voltage ripple performance and thermal management to be just okay. Still, if you want a power supply that’s reliable, quiet, and efficient, the Enermax Revolution D.F. 2 850W is worth considering for your PC build.
Hours Tested: 9
Overall
-
Build Quality - 8/10
8/10
-
Value - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Performance - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Efficiency - 9/10
9/10
Pros
- Compact design
- High-quality components
- Innovative features
- Impressive efficiency
Cons
- Average voltage ripple performance
- Heat management concerns
- Lack of native 12VHPWR connector
Enermax has entered into the mid-capacity range with the Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W. Notably, PSUs competing for this specific market should be able to handle extreme conditions while overclocking high-performance PCs, such as those including the latest GPUs and processors. As I start my review of the Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W PSU, I will look closely at every aspect to see whether it meets the high demands tied to overclocking enthusiasts. Let’s dive further to find out!
Key Takeaways
- The Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W PSU is a standout choice, offering a blend of efficiency and reliability. With its compact design and peak power wattage output capability, it caters to new users.
- You should buy the Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W if you value reliability and outstanding features and seek a compact yet powerful PSU.
- You should not buy the Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W if you prioritize maximum stability during overclocking.
Here are the technical specifications:
| 80 PLUS EFFICIENCY | GOLD |
| MODULAR | Fully modular |
| CABLE TYPE | Black flat |
| TOTAL POWER (W) | 850 |
| INPUT VOLTAGE (V) | 100-240 |
| INPUT CURRENT (A) | 11-5.5 |
| INPUT FREQUENCY (HZ) | 47-63 |
| FAN SIZE (MM) | 120 |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE (°C) | 40 |
| MTBF (HOURS) | >100K |
| PROTECTION | OCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, OTP, SCP |
| DIMENSION (D X W X H), (MM) | 140 x 150 x 86 |
Here is the output data:
| +3.3V(A) | 20 |
| +5V(A) | 20 |
| +12V1(A) | 70.5 |
| -12V(A) | 0.3 |
| +5VSB(A) | 2.5 |
| COMBINED WATTAGE 12V (W) | 846 |
| COMBINED WATTAGE 3.3V + 5V(W) | 130 |
Packaging and Unboxing
The packaging of the Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W is simple and elegant. At the front side of the box, we can see the overall design of the PSU with the company’s logo at the top left and the model’s name at the bottom, along with the notable features mentioned. It includes a certification badge for the 80-plus gold rating, Japanese electrolytic capacitors, and a 100-240V sticker.
At the back of the box, we can see more detailed information related to the PSU. It emphasizes the dust-free rotation function, use of 100% Japanese electrolytic capacitors, and silent cooling with an FDB fan & semi-fanless technology. Adjacent to this are the technical specifications and the provided cables & connectors.
Upon opening the box, we can see that the PSU is covered with the perforated bubble cushioning wrap for safety concerns during transportation. Additionally, the cables are provided in a separate bag and an adapter cable for 12VHPWR.
Design
The PSU is painted in a black matte finish that feels adequate to the touch, and the fan is fixed at the top side with diagonal patterns. One side of the PSU displays the branding. Technically, it has a circuit design improvement to attain a peak power wattage output of 200%.
The PSU can reliably provide 1700W for a fraction of a second. In this day and age of powerful GPUs and CPUs, it is possible to see fluctuating power surges. Thus, seeing this is rather fascinating. It is worth mentioning that this feature significantly reduces the likelihood of power issues.
On the backside, we can see the power connector alongside the toggle switch button for powering it. On the bottom, a sticker showcases the output data. Furthermore, with its fully modular design, you can effortlessly attach only the required cables.
Cable & Connectors
The modular bay of the PSU is satisfactory, as the distance between them is adequate. Moreover, all the cables are black-finished and of sufficient quality. As the PSU doesn’t come up with a native 12VHPWR connector. Enermax has provided us with a 60cm adapter cable that features two 8-pin PCIe connections on the PSU side and one 12VHPWR connector on the GPU side.
Here is the list of all the cables and connectors that are provided with the PSU, along with their quantity and length.
| Cable Type | Quantity | Length |
| Motherboard 24 (20+4) pin | 1 | 1x 65cm |
| CPU 4+4 Pin | 2 | 1 x 65/15cm |
| PCIe 6+2 pin | 6 | 3 x 65/15cm |
| 12VHPWR Adapter 12+4 pin (Optional) | 1 | 1 x 60cm |
| SATA | 6 | 2 x 50/15/15cm |
| 1x SATA + 2x 4P Molex | 2+4 | 2 x 50/15/15cm |
| FDD | 1 | 1 x 10cm |
Fan
The fan size of this PSU is 135mm and has a fluid dynamic bearing. It is a self-cleaning fan that aids in upstanding unexpected power surges. It further incorporates dust-free rotation technology that helps reliably deliver power to your system. To illustrate, this self-cleaning technology allows the PSU fan to sweep away any dust accumulating on the fan blades while it powers up.
Moreover, it has industrial-grade dual-ball bearings that minimize friction and help achieve better stability for the PSU. This approach makes the PSU last longer and makes your system work better. With the Enermax Semi-Fanless technology, the fan will stay completely off until the load goes beyond 20% or the temperature goes too high so that you can enjoy complete silence at a minimal load. However, it is a bit audible when working with heavy loads.
Teardown & Component Analysis
Enermax, just like the previous model that I reviewed, shifted towards a platform that is a bit different from what other competitors have been using in their PSUS. The platform has a half-bridge LLC resonant converter and DC-DC topology, which is recognized for its capability to maintain stable voltage regulation while achieving high output efficiency. While this approach may seem unconventional, Enermax maintains a reputation for using decent quality components, resulting in acceptable performance at a relatively lower cost than competitors.
It includes decent Japanese capacitors from Toshin Kogyo. Additionally, the PSU incorporates heavy-duty industrial-grade protections such as OCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, OCP, and SCP.
It features 12V MOSFETs soldered on the top of the PCB with a small heatsink, a temperature sensor directly mounted on the 12V MOSFET’s heatsink, a robust transformer with large solder tabs to minimize losses, and a MOV for protection against power surges.
The decision to leave empty spaces alongside the transformer where additional MOSFETs could have been placed seems to have been driven by a cost-saving strategy. Despite the potential to accommodate 3 to 4 more MOSFETs, they were left abandoned, likely to reduce manufacturing expenses. This choice might have been influenced by the PSU’s capacity, which is 850W.
However, it’s worth noting that having MOSFETs present in these areas would have facilitated a more even distribution of heat. Nonetheless, the absence of MOSFETs raises some heat-up concerns about using this PSU at its maximum voltage. However, PCs typically use 50 to 60% of PSU capacity. So, there won’t be any significant issues.
PSU Load Testing
12V & Minor Voltage Rails Regulation
Putting the 12V rail to loads ranging from 20% to 100%, alongside a consistent 25W load on the minor rails (5V and 3.3V), provides a thorough evaluation of PSU performance. This methodology recognizes the significant role of the 12V rail in powering intensive components like the CPU and GPU, necessitating different stress levels. In contrast, the minor rails, which cater to less power-demanding components like HDDs, SSDs, and RAM, maintain a steady load throughout the evaluation.
| Load in % | 12V | 5V | 3.3V |
| 20% | 11.95V | 5.11V | 3.37V |
| 50% | 11.90V | 5.11V | 3.37V |
| 70% | 11.87V | 5.11V | 3.37V |
| 90% | 11.83V | 5.11V | 3.37V |
| 100% | 11.82V | 5.11V | 3.37V |
The 12V voltage regulation showcases tight control across the board. Enermax’s selection of a competent platform for its D.F.2 PSU lineup appears to be a strategic choice, especially considering its compatibility with ATX3.0 standards.
PSU Efficiency
The efficiency of a PSU is crucial as it correlates directly with wasted energy in Watts and heat. High wasted wattage figures can significantly increase electricity bills, while excessive heat can gradually decrease the lifespan of crucial internal components, mainly capacitors.
| Load in % | Power Factor | Efficiency |
| 20% | 0.928 | 91.99% |
| 50% | 0.975 | 93.44% |
| 70% | 0.984 | 92.59% |
| 90% | 0.987 | 91.54% |
| 100% | 0.989 | 90.15% |
This PSU’s efficiency is truly remarkable. Casecom has invested significant effort in optimizing the efficiency of its ATX 3.0-compliant PSUs, resulting in a platform that easily meets gold standards in terms of efficiency.
Voltage Ripple Performance
This test will assess the PSU’s performance under minor and extreme overclocking conditions. Superior voltage ripple performance indicates a PSU is built with top-tier components. PSUs produce output voltages in DC (Direct Current). Ideally, this DC signal should have an absolute frequency of 0 (zero) mV. Still, due to its generation from various steps originating from an AC source signal, there’s inevitably some presence of an AC voltage signal, known as Voltage Ripple. Elevated voltage ripples can notably diminish the lifespan of electrolytic capacitors, posing challenges and potentially leading to frequent system crashes, particularly when overclocking.
| Load in % | Voltage Ripple |
| 20% | 16mV |
| 50% | 18mV |
| 70% | 21mV |
| 90% | 24mV |
| 100% | 24mV |
The voltage ripple performance of the Enermax Revolution D.F.2 850W is average. This might raise concerns for users aiming to achieve extreme and stable overclocking. However, despite this drawback, the PSU still offers a competitive price-to-performance ratio.
Compact Yet Powerful!
Temperatures
Regarding temperature performance, the Enermax Revolution D.F. 2 850 PSU performed a bit concerning across various aspects. The maximum exhaust temperature recorded was 42.3°C. On the other hand, at the connectors’ side, the highest temperature reached 38.1°C. Lastly, I recorded a temperature of 48.9°C at the hottest point within the unit.
Should You Buy it?
Buy it if
✅You value reliability and outstanding features: The Enermax Revolution D.F. 2 850 PSU offers cutting-edge features, including self-cleaning fan technology and semi-fanless operation, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
✅You seek a compact yet powerful PSU: With its small form factor and peak power wattage output capability, the Revolution D.F. 2 850W is ideal for users looking for decent performance without sacrificing space.
Don’t Buy it if
❌You prioritize maximum stability during overclocking: While the Revolution D.F. 2 850 performs admirably in most aspects, its average voltage ripple performance can concern users aiming for extreme overclocking scenarios where stability is crucial.
Final Verdict
The Enermax Revolution D.F. 2 850W PSU can be a solid choice for new users coming into the gaming market. Its compact size makes it fit effortlessly into any system without compromising any space. Moreover, features like the self-cleaning fan and semi-fanless operation ensure your PC stays cool and quiet even during intense gaming sessions. Under the hood, you’ll find adequate quality components like Japanese electrolytic capacitors.
Our tests confirmed tight voltage regulation and impressive efficiency, which are all essential for running your PC smoothly. However, it might not be perfect in every aspect. For instance, voltage ripple performance and thermal management could be better. Having said that, considering its overall performance and value for money, they are a minor hindrance in the grand scheme of things. Therefore, if you want a PSU that ticks all the boxes for reliability and efficiency, the Enermax Revolution D.F. 2 850W can be a perfect fit for you.
Coming Next: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W Review
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[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]
Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions.
When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.
Skills:
- 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
- Majored in Software Engineering
- Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
- Specialized in IoT Solutions
- PC Enthusiast & PC Modder
In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.
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