Hardware

MSI MAG A850GL 850W PSU for i7-13700KF + RTX 3080 Ti?

Is the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850W PSU suitable for i7-13700KF, RTX 3080 Ti gaming PC? Covers wattage, PCIe connectors, headroom, efficiency, and alternatives under 10k budget for video editing.

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Will the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 [306-7ZP8A24-CE0] power supply be suitable for my system? It’s available to me at a reasonable price (10k), so I’m tempted.

My build:

  • Motherboard: Msi PRO Z790-P WIFI (MS-7E06)
  • CPU: 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13700KF, 3400 MHz, cores: 16, logical processors: 24
  • Cooler: DeepCool AK400 ZERO DARK PLUS
  • Graphics card: Asus Tuf Gaming TRX 3080ti
  • RAM: Patriot PVV532G680C34K Viper Venom RTL Gaming PC5 — DDR5 32 Gb (16x2)
  • System drive: Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB4B2QEXM7
  • Case fans: 6 x 120mm (3 intake, 3 exhaust)
  • Storage: 2 HDDs of 1 Tb each and an external HDD of 500gb
  • Possible add-ons: Asus Xonar D2 Pm audio card; USB headphones, a studio microphone and other small peripherals

I don’t plan to overclock. I use the PC for gaming and also for video editing and graphics (2D, 3D).

Specific questions:

  1. Will the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 [306-7ZP8A24-CE0] provide sufficient wattage, the necessary PCIe connector(s) (PCIE5), and reliable headroom for this setup?
  2. Should I consider a higher-wattage or higher-efficiency (80 Plus Gold/Platinum) PSU for longevity and future upgrades?
  3. What alternative PSU models or brands would you recommend that fit a ~10k budget?

Yes — the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850W PSU will handle your i7‑13700KF + Asus TUF RTX 3080 Ti system for gaming and video/editing workloads if you don’t overclock. It’s ATX v3.1, fully modular and includes a native PCIe5 (12+4) cable plus 6+2 PCIe leads; independent testing shows Platinum‑level efficiency and low noise, so you’ll have adequate wattage and reasonable headroom for current use. If you expect major GPU upgrades or long, sustained workstation loads, consider stepping up to a higher‑watt (900–1000W) Gold/Platinum unit from a Tier‑A maker.


Contents


Will the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850W be sufficient for your build?

Short answer: yes for your stated configuration and usage (no overclock), but not if you want major upgrades soon. Let me explain.

Estimated system draw

  • The review data used in testing estimates roughly: i7‑13700KF ≈ 300–350 W at full synthetic/AVX‑heavy loads, and an RTX 3080 Ti ≈ 300–350 W under gaming/peak load. Add drives, fans and peripherals (≈100 W) and you’re in the ~750–850 W peak window. Those same calculators and vendor guidance show a safe recommendation around 700–850 W for this CPU+GPU pair under normal use (WhatPSU calculator, ASUS TUF specs).
  • Hardware Busters’ hands‑on review of the MSI MAG A850GL found it is ATX v3.1 / EPS 2.92 compliant, rated at 850 W on a single 12 V rail, and showed measured efficiency and noise that are in the Platinum/A+ range — i.e., it can sustain the kind of peak loads your build will produce when not overclocked (Hardware Busters review).

What that means for you

  • For gaming and mixed editing/3D workloads with no overclock, the A850GL should be sufficient: it supplies the raw wattage, the right modern connectors, and good efficiency.
  • You’ll be operating with modest headroom (roughly 50–150 W depending on real-world peaks), so while daily use will be fine, there’s limited room for big upgrades (multiple GPUs, heavy overclocking, or a future card that pulls substantially more than the 3080 Ti).

Connectors and compatibility with your Asus TUF RTX 3080 Ti

Will it physically connect? Yes — but check how.

  • The ASUS TUF RTX 3080 Ti models typically expect multiple 8‑pin PCIe plugs (many TUF cards expose 3×8‑pin). ASUS lists an 850 W system recommendation for that card model and shows the usual multi‑8‑pin arrangement in the tech specs (ASUS techspec).
  • MSI’s A850GL provides a native PCIe5 style 12+4 (600 W) cable and additional modular 6+2 (8‑pin) PCIe cables in the bundle, which gives flexibility for both current 8‑pin wiring and future 12VHPWR GPUs. The review confirms the modular layout and connector set and notes compatibility with TUF‑class 3080 Ti cards when you use the supplied cables the right way (Hardware Busters review).
  • A few practical tips:
  • Verify the box includes the required number of PCIe cables (three separate 8‑pin cables for a 3×8‑pin card, or check for an official adapter if your card uses 12VHPWR).
  • Use only the PSU’s supplied PCIe cables (or manufacturer‑approved replacements). Avoid cheap Molex/other splitters that push too much current through one connector.
  • If your card shipped with a manufacturer adapter (e.g., 3×8→12VHPWR), use the GPU vendor’s recommended cable/adapter rather than an unbranded one.

Bottom line: connectors are covered, but confirm the specific cables are in the box before you start building.


Headroom, reliability and efficiency — real risks and benefits

You asked about headroom and reliability. Here’s a realistic take.

Pros of the MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5

  • ATX v3.1 compliance and a native PCIe5 cable mean better handling of high transient currents and simpler hookups for modern GPUs. That addresses one of the classic weak points when using adapters on older PSUs.
  • Independent measurements report very good efficiency (Cybenetics Platinum numbers in the review) and low noise — that reduces waste heat and can lengthen component life under normal conditions (Hardware Busters).
  • Fully modular cables make cable management easy, and the single strong 12 V rail simplifies power delivery for GPU‑heavy builds.

Cons / caveats

  • Community tier lists and long‑term enthusiast feedback place the MSI MAG A‑GL series in a mid tier (Tier C): solid value but not at the same level of internal components and long warranty/service record as top‑tier Seasonic/Corsair/Super Flower units (Cultists PSU tier list). That matters most for very heavy, sustained workstation loads and for longevity.
  • Operating close to the PSU’s rated max for long periods reduces margin for error (older capacitors, higher operating temps, shorter life). If you regularly run 100% sustained loads (render farms, long 3D renders), you’ll want more headroom.

So: for your mixed gaming + editing use and no OC, A850GL is a practical balance of modern features and efficiency. For long sustained workstation duty or future GPU upgrades, a beefier Tier‑A unit is worth considering.


Should you choose a higher‑wattage or higher‑efficiency PSU?

When to upgrade from 850 W

  • Plan for a 1000 W (or higher) PSU if you think you’ll: buy a next‑gen GPU that draws substantially more than 350–400 W, add more high‑power peripherals, or start overclocking CPU/GPU. That extra headroom keeps the PSU cooler, quieter and prolongs life.
  • If your budget allows, a Gold or Platinum certified unit from Seasonic, Corsair, Super Flower or be quiet! will generally offer better ripple control, longer warranties and stronger components than many mid‑tier offerings. Community guidance frequently points to Seasonic/Corsair as preferable long‑term choices (Cultists PSU tier list).

When 850 W is fine

  • If you’re keeping the 3080 Ti, you don’t overclock, and you mainly game and do episodic editing, an 850 W ATX 3.1 PSU like the MSI MAG A850GL is an efficient, modern and cost‑effective choice — especially at a favorable price.

A pragmatic middle ground

  • If the price gap is small, prioritize quality over a small increase in wattage: e.g., a high‑quality 850 W Gold from Seasonic/Corsair may be a better long‑term buy than a lower‑tier 1000 W unit. But if you need clear future proofing, pick 1000 W from a Tier‑A maker.

Recommended alternative PSU models and a short buying checklist

If you decide to pass on the A850GL or want options close to a ~10k budget, consider these series/brands (look for 850–1000 W, 80 Plus Gold/Platinum, ATX 3.1 or explicit 12VHPWR support):

Recommended brands / series to target

  • Seasonic (Focus GX / Focus PX / Prime series) — known build quality and reliability.
  • Corsair (RMx / RMi / HX / HXi series) — widely available, good warranties.
  • Super Flower (Leadex series) — excellent electrical performance.
  • be quiet! (Straight Power / Dark Power) — quiet operation and solid parts.
  • Cooler Master / EVGA (higher end lines) — reasonable alternatives in some markets.

Specific shopping notes (quick checklist)

  • Wattage: 850 W is OK now; 1000 W gives future proofing.
  • Efficiency: aim for 80 Plus Gold or Platinum for lower heat and longer life.
  • ATX v3.1 / native 12VHPWR: preferred if you may buy future PCIe5 GPUs.
  • Cables: ensure the PSU ships with the right number of PCIe cables (or native 12VHPWR).
  • Warranty: longer warranty (7–12 years) is a sign of confidence.
  • Reviews & test data: prefer units with independent efficiency/voltage regulation tests (e.g., Cybenetics, hardware reviewers). The MSI A850GL review is a good example of one such test (Hardware Busters review).
  • Community reputation: check tier lists and user reports for reliability data (Cultists PSU tier list). User threads (e.g., on Reddit) are helpful for real‑world experience with specific cards and PSUs (r/nvidia thread).

Price / budget note

  • If your “~10k” is a tight local budget (for example, 10,000 in certain local currencies), new Tier‑A units may be above that; the MSI MAG A850GL at a reasonable 10k is a solid value. If you can stretch the budget modestly you’ll get more longevity and warranty from Seasonic/Corsair offerings.

Sources


Conclusion

The MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850W is a suitable, modern and cost‑effective choice for your i7‑13700KF + Asus TUF RTX 3080 Ti build if you won’t overclock and you don’t plan immediate big upgrades. It gives the right PCIe5 connector set, ATX v3.1 benefits and strong efficiency for current use. If you want extra headroom or maximum long‑term reliability for heavier workstation loads or future GPUs, consider a 1000 W or a high‑end 850 W Gold/Platinum unit from Seasonic, Corsair or similar.

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MSI MAG A850GL 850W PSU for i7-13700KF + RTX 3080 Ti?