The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W prioritizes user experience over specification sheets, delivering exceptional acoustic performance and thermal stability through FSP's mature platform. This fully modular unit achieves dual Platinum certifications while maintaining remarkably low noise levels via semi-passive cooling. The native 90-degree 12V-2x6 connector demonstrates forward-thinking design, though budget-tier components like Elite capacitors raise longevity questions despite the 10-year warranty. At $140, it compels builders prioritizing silence and thermal management, while those demanding premium component quality should look elsewhere.
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be quiet! has carved a distinctive niche in the power supply market by elevating acoustic performance from afterthought to primary design criterion. While competitors chase efficiency percentages and component provenance, the German brand has built its reputation on a simple premise: power supplies should be heard as little as possible while maintaining reliable operation. This philosophy has resonated particularly strongly with users building media workstations, home theater PCs, and gaming systems, where noise pollution detracts from the overall experience.
The Power Zone 2 850W enters the upper end of the mainstream market with this acoustic-first philosophy firmly in place. be quiet! has partnered with FSP (Fortron-Source), one of the industry's most experienced OEMs, to create a unit that balances modern features with aggressive noise reduction. The result adheres to the Intel ATX 3.1 specification and achieves both 80 Plus Platinum and Cybenetics Platinum certifications, targeting builders who demand contemporary connectivity without compromising on silence.
The unit introduces semi-passive cooling to be quiet!'s power supply lineup, allowing the 140mm Pure Wings 3 fan to remain completely inactive during typical usage scenarios. Combined with a native 12V-2x6 connector featuring a thoughtful 90-degree angle for improved cable management, the Power Zone 2 appears positioned to address modern system requirements while maintaining the brand's characteristic focus on acoustic refinement. At approximately $140 on sale, however, the Power Zone 2 must navigate increasingly competitive waters. This pricing positions it against established competitors offering various combinations of premium components, extended warranties, and feature sets. The unit's reliance on FSP manufacturing and budget-oriented components raises questions about whether be quiet!'s acoustic expertise can overcome specification sheet compromises. Is it good enough to compete against our list of the best power supplies in the market? We take a closer look.
Specifications and Design
Swipe to scroll horizontally Power Specifications (Rated @ 50 °C) RAIL +3.3V +5V +12V +5Vsb -12V MAX OUTPUT 20A 20A 70.8A 3A 0.5A Row 2 - Cell 0 120W 120W 849.6W 15W 6W TOTAL 850W Row 3 - Cell 2 Row 3 - Cell 3 Row 3 - Cell 4 Row 3 - Cell 5 AC INPUT 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz Row 4 - Cell 2 Row 4 - Cell 3 Row 4 - Cell 4 Row 4 - Cell 5 MSRP $140 Row 5 - Cell 2 Row 5 - Cell 3 Row 5 - Cell 4 Row 5 - Cell 5
In the Box
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W arrives in a cardboard box that employs be quiet!'s characteristic all-black theme, with the front dominated by a high-quality image of the unit itself. Inside, foam inserts and a protective nylon pouch ensure the unit survives shipping intact.
The accessory bundle is almost stripped down to the bare essentials but includes minor thoughtful touches that elevate the unboxing experience. Beyond the mandatory mounting screws and AC power cable, be quiet! includes several disposable cable ties alongside two reusable cable straps that originally hold the included cables bundled together.
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