INTRODUCTION

   With graphics cards prices finally dropping to around MSRP ranges now is probably the time for people to upgrade their systems or even build new ones. Now, the benefits of having a good power supply unit in your system have been mentioned by me more times than i can possibly count during the almost 15 years I’ve been testing them but even so it seems that many people still place this specific hardware component last in their lists. This is clear from people who've gone out and bought the latest NVIDIA and AMD cards only to pair them with mediocre power supply units at best with rather disappointing results. Of course, not everyone can afford to spend that much on a new graphics card so if you're out in the market for a mid-tier model then the G12 GC-850 model by our friends over at Seasonic should easily cover your needs.

   Sea Sonic Electronics Co., Ltd was founded more than 40 years ago by engineers. Since its early beginnings the company has rigorously maintained its focus on the research, development and production of technologically advanced, high quality products. In 1981 Sea Sonic expanded into the production of PC power supplies to become one of the first manufacturers in this market. Soon after, the manufacturing of high quality and performance PC power supplies became the core identity of Sea Sonic.

   The G12 GC line of power supply units by Seasonic currently includes 550/650/750/850W output models all of which feature low-profile (slim/flat, minus the main MB connector) power cables hardwired onto the main unit (fixed) and sport the 80 PLUS Gold Certification (up to 90% electrical efficiency). The G12 GC-850 model also features a single strong +12V rail (70A) capable of delivering 98% of the units total rated output (840W), active PFC (up to 99%), peak power output of around 955W and a sleeve bearing 120mm fan with smart control. Seasonic covers their entire G12 GC line with a 5-year limited warranty and has equipped it with a substantial number of electrical protections including over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), short-circuit (SCP) and over-power (OPP).