Msi vs Be Quiet!: PC Power Supplies Compared by Specs
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This msi vs be quiet PC power supply comparison looks at two very different products. The MSI MAG 850W is a fully modular ATX power supply built for gaming systems. The Be Quiet! unit is actually a 0.45 m CPU power cable, not a power supply unit itself. You need to know this distinction before buying. One provides raw power conversion, while the other connects components. The main difference is function: one is a complete unit, the other is a single accessory.
Key differences
| Aspect | MSI MAG 850W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | Be Quiet! 0.45 m CPU Power Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | 850W Power Supply Unit | CPU Power Cable |
| Wattage | 850W | not listed |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Gold | not listed |
| Modularity | Fully Modular | not listed |
| ATX Version | ATX 3.1 | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose MSI MAG 850W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply if
- You need a complete power supply unit for your PC case.
- You want an 80+ Gold efficiency rating for better power conversion.
- You require a fully modular design for cleaner cable management.
Choose Be Quiet! 0.45 m CPU Power Cable if
- You already have a power supply and need a replacement CPU cable.
- You are looking for a specific 0.45 m length cable.
- You need a black cable to match your system aesthetics.
Verdict: The MSI MAG 850W is the correct choice if you are building or upgrading a PC and need a power supply unit. The Be Quiet! cable is only useful if you already have a PSU and need a specific connector replacement. They serve completely different roles in a computer build.
MSI vs Be Quiet! Spec Comparison
Core Function
The MSI MAG A850GL is a complete 850W power supply unit designed to power an entire gaming PC. It delivers main system voltage and handles GPU connections. The Be Quiet! BC060 is a 0.45 m CPU power cable. It is an accessory, not a power source. It connects a motherboard to an existing power supply. You cannot compare their wattage or efficiency because they serve entirely different roles in a build. One provides power; the other routes it.
Efficiency Rating
The MSI MAG A850GL carries an 80+ Gold efficiency rating. This means it converts at least 87% of AC input to DC output at typical loads. Lower heat and less wasted energy result from this standard. The Be Quiet! cable has no efficiency rating listed. Cables do not have efficiency ratings in the same way power supplies do. Their resistance is negligible. Only the MSI unit has a published efficiency standard that impacts your electricity bill and system heat.
ATX Version
The MSI MAG supports the ATX 3.1 standard. This version ensures compatibility with modern motherboards and power delivery requirements. It also aligns with PCIe 5.1 for next-gen graphics cards. The Be Quiet! cable does not list an ATX version. It is a generic 0.45 m cable. It likely fits standard ATX connectors, but it does not define a standard itself. The MSI unit offers a clear, modern specification for system integration.
Modularity
The MSI MAG is a fully modular power supply. You can detach all cables, which helps with airflow and cable management in your case. This reduces clutter significantly. The Be Quiet! cable is a single, fixed-length component. It is not modular in the sense of a detachable PSU. It is a permanent part of your cable chain. If you need flexibility, the MSI unit allows you to only plug in what you use.
Physical Size
The MSI MAG measures 12 inches long, 8.75 inches wide, and 4.92 inches high. It is a full-size ATX unit. The Be Quiet! cable is much smaller, measuring 9.06 inches in length, 3.54 inches wide, and 1.18 inches high. It weighs only 3 ounces. The cable takes up minimal space. The power supply requires a full bay in your case. You must have room for the larger MSI unit.
Which PSU fits your build needs
Gamers needing a complete 850W unit
The MSI MAG A850GL provides full power delivery for your system. It offers 850W of capacity and holds 80+ Gold efficiency. The fully modular design lets you manage cables cleanly. It supports ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards with a 12V-2x6 connector. This unit is built for modern gaming rigs that require stable voltage and high performance.
Users needing a specific CPU cable
The Be Quiet! BC060 is a 0.45 m CPU power cable. It is not a power supply unit. It measures 230 mm in length and weighs 3 ounces. This cable connects your CPU to an existing power source. Choose this only if you already have a PSU and need an additional or replacement cable for your motherboard.
Builders wanting a 10-year warranty
The MSI MAG A850GL includes a 10-year warranty for long-term peace of mind. It features a compact form factor measuring 12 inches in length. The unit delivers reliable power with 80+ Gold certification. This warranty covers the entire power supply unit. It is a practical choice for users who want durable hardware backed by a lengthy support period.
The products compared
MSI MAG 850W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Best for: modern gaming PCs with ATX 3.1
- Wattage
- 850W
- Efficiency Rating
- 80+ Gold
- Modularity
- Fully Modular
- ATX Version
- ATX 3.1
- PCIe Connector Type
- 12V-2x6
- Warranty
- 10 Year
View on Amazon: MSI MAG 850W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply Affiliate link
This MSI power supply delivers 850W of power with 80+ Gold efficiency. It supports ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards, featuring a 12V-2x6 connector for modern GPUs. The fully modular design helps manage cable clutter. It measures 12 inches long and includes a 10-year warranty. This unit suits gamers needing reliable, high-performance power for current hardware.
Pros
- 850W output capacity
- 80+ Gold efficiency rating
- ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 support
- 12V-2x6 connector included
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- 12-inch length may not fit small cases
- No app or software control mentioned
- Fully modular requires managing separate cables
Good fit if
- You need a 12V-2x6 connector for new GPUs
- You want 80+ Gold efficiency for lower heat
- You prefer fully modular cables for clean builds
Skip if
- You have a small form factor case with limited depth
- You need software monitoring or control features
- You require a non-modular or semi-modular design
Verdict: MSI MAG A850GL 850W ATX 3.1 fits gamers building with modern GPUs that need the 12V-2x6 connector and value a long warranty.
Be Quiet! 0.45 m CPU Power Cable
Best for: Short CPU power connections
- Dimensions
- 9.06 × 3.54 × 1.18 inches
- Weight
- 3 ounces
View on Amazon: Be Quiet! 0.45 m CPU Power Cable Affiliate link
This is a Be Quiet! CPU power cable, model BC060. It measures 0.45 meters in length. The cable is black and weighs 3 ounces. Its dimensions are 230 mm by 86 mm by 25 mm. You need this if your motherboard requires a specific CPU power connector. It provides reliable performance for your build. The compact size helps with cable management.
Pros
- 0.45 m length for flexible routing
- Black color for clean aesthetics
- Lightweight at 3 ounces
- Compact dimensions for tight cases
Cons
- Short 0.45 m length limits placement options
- Single cable, not a full power supply unit
- Fixed length, not adjustable
Good fit if
- You need a short CPU power cable
- You want a black cable for aesthetics
- Your case has limited space for routing
Skip if
- You need a longer cable than 0.45 m
- You are looking for a complete power supply
- You prefer a different cable color
Verdict: Be Quiet BC060 CPU Cable is a compact, short cable for specific motherboard connections. It suits builders who need precise, short routing in tight cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MSI MAG 850W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | Be Quiet! 0.45 m CPU Power Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 850W | not stated |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Gold | not stated |
| Modularity | Fully Modular | not stated |
| ATX Version | ATX 3.1 | not stated |
| PCIe Connector Type | 12V-2x6 | not stated |
| Warranty | 10 Year | not stated |
| Form Factor | Compact | not stated |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.1 | not stated |
| Recommended Use | Gaming | not stated |
| Connector | 12V-2x6 Connector | not stated |
| Dimensions | 12 × 8.75 × 4.92 inches | 9.06 × 3.54 × 1.18 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 3 ounces |
| Size | 850W (PCIE 5) | 230 mm x 86 mm x 25 mm |
| Color | not stated | Black |
| Model | not stated | BC060 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the MSI MAG 850W compatible with modern graphics cards?
Yes, this unit supports the latest GPU standards. It features ATX 3.1 compliance and PCIe 5.1 support. The included 12V-2x6 connector allows direct connection to new cards without adapters. This makes it ideal for gaming PCs that require stable power delivery for high-end components.
What efficiency rating does the MSI power supply have?
The MSI MAG 850W holds an 80 Plus Gold certification. This rating indicates high energy efficiency during operation. You will see less wasted heat and lower electricity usage compared to standard units. It is a reliable choice for users who want to optimize their system's power consumption.
Does the Be Quiet cable fit standard motherboard CPU connectors?
The Be Quiet BC060 is a 0.45 m CPU power cable designed for specific connections. It helps builders manage tight routing in compact cases. The short length prevents clutter and improves airflow. It is not a power supply but an accessory for precise cable management.
Is the MSI MAG fully modular?
Yes, the MSI MAG 850W is fully modular. You can detach all cables from the unit itself. This feature reduces cable clutter inside your case. It also makes installation easier by allowing you to only connect the cables your specific build requires.
What are the dimensions of the Be Quiet cable?
The Be Quiet BC060 measures 230 mm in length. Its physical package dimensions are 9.06 inches long, 3.54 inches wide, and 1.18 inches high. It weighs 3 ounces. These compact specs make it easy to store and route in small form factor builds.
Which unit is better for a complete PC build?
The MSI MAG 850W is the better choice for powering a full system. It delivers 850W of capacity and supports ATX 3.1 standards. The Be Quiet unit is only a cable. You need the MSI unit to provide power to your motherboard, GPU, and storage devices.