Why This New Power Supply Design Matters
A new style of PC power supply is shaking up how builders think about cable management. Instead of putting all the modular connectors on the back of the power supply as usual, this design moves the connectors to the chassis side. That simple change can completely transform how clean and easy your build looks and feels.
If you care about airflow, clean builds, and hassle free upgrades, this kind of PSU is worth a closer look. It also brings strong efficiency performance, which means less wasted power and lower heat output.
Side Connectors for Cleaner Cable Management
In a traditional power supply, the modular connectors face into the case interior. Your 24 pin, PCIe, EPS, SATA and other cables plug directly into the PSU at the back, then snake through the case to your components. It works but it often results in a messy cable cluster near the power supply and tighter routing space behind the motherboard tray.
This innovative model flips that idea. The connectors are moved to the chassis side of the PSU so cables can immediately head toward your cable routing cutouts and the back of the case. The result is smoother cable paths and a cleaner main chamber.
For PC builders this can mean:
- Less visible cable clutter in the main compartment
- More direct cable routing to the back of the case
- Easier management of thick GPU and 24 pin cables
- Improved airflow around the motherboard and graphics card
However there is one catch. Because the connectors sit on the side facing the case structure, your case must physically support this layout. Some cases may not have enough room or the right cutout positions for side connected PSUs. Before you buy you will want to double check that your case has compatible mounting space and clearance around the power supply chamber.
Efficiency: Cybenetics Platinum Under a Gold Badge
On the efficiency side this PSU is a bit of an overachiever. It is marketed at a Gold level, which most builders recognize as a good balance of cost and performance. In reality it delivers Cybenetics Platinum tier efficiency, which is even better than standard Gold requirements.
In practical terms this means:
- Less power wasted as heat when your system is under load
- Potentially lower fan speeds and quieter operation
- A bit more headroom for high end CPUs and GPUs
- Better long term power efficiency for systems that run many hours a day
For gamers and power users who run powerful graphics cards, a more efficient power supply can help keep internal case temperatures under control. Lower waste heat can also extend the life of nearby components, especially when combined with the cleaner airflow that side connected cables can provide.
It is worth noting that the marketing badge being lower than the independent Cybenetics rating is actually good news for buyers. You are effectively getting Platinum level efficiency performance under a Gold label which often comes at a lower price than officially branded Platinum units.
Who Should Consider This PSU Design
This type of side connector power supply is especially appealing for certain types of builders:
- Showcase and glass panel builds If you like a super clean look with minimal visible cables, this design makes it easier to achieve that pro level aesthetic.
- High airflow gaming rigs Better cable routing can improve intake and exhaust paths for your CPU and GPU coolers.
- Frequent upgraders Easier access and simpler cable paths can make swapping GPUs, drives, or motherboards less of a headache.
- Small or modern cases with PSU shrouds Many new cases already focus on hidden cables and separate PSU chambers, and a side connect PSU can fit right into that philosophy if the case layout supports it.
On the other hand you should be careful if you use an older or more compact case. Some power supply chambers are very tight, and having connectors on the side may interfere with metal panels or drive cages. Always check measurements and look for builder feedback for your exact case model before committing.
In summary this innovative power supply combines a fresh physical design with quietly impressive efficiency. If your case can accommodate the side connector layout it can make your cable management easier, your build cleaner, and your system a bit more efficient all at the same time. For PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts looking to refine both performance and aesthetics, it is a design worth watching.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/power-supplies/corsair-rm850x-shift-850w-power-supply-review
