The OCZ ZX Series 850 W is a fierce competitor to the Seasonic X-Series 850 W power supply. Both cost exactly the same (USD 200) and have similar performance and specifications (single +12 V rail, full modular cabling system, 90% efficiency at typical load). The OCZ model has as advantage coming with 12 SATA power connectors, while the Seasonic model comes with eight, while the Seasonic model has as advantages presenting a lower noise and ripple levels on its +12 V outputs (20 mV vs. 60 mV) and being able to safely deliver 1,000 W or more (during our overload tests with the OCZ model, it presented noise above the maximum allowed and voltages below the minimum allowed at its +12 V outputs, which didn’t happened with the Seasonic model).

So, picking one or the other will be a matter of personal taste.

However, there is one hidden secret about this power supply you should know. As explained, the Sparkle SCC-850AF power supply is internally identical to this OCZ unit, and it can be bought for only USD 140 (after rebate) at TigerDirect.com. There are only two major differences between the OCZ ZX Series 850 W and the Sparkle SCC-850AF: on the Sparkle model the main motherboard cable and the ATX12V/EPS12V cables are permanently attached to the power supply, and the fan and the connectors are purple. So, if you don’t mind these differences, you can save a lot of money.