The Rosewill Hive 850W PSU Review

Most of our US and Canada based readers are likely familiar with Rosewill. The company started as a subsidiary of Newegg and they were initially focused on producing simple bits and hardware at competitive prices. As the company grew larger and diversified into other segments of the market, they eventually fledged into a stand-alone manufacturer, with myriads of products filling their ranks and exports outside of the North American markets. Our latest review of their products was that of the Photon 1050W PSU a few months ago. Today we are having a look at another one of their PSUs, the Hive 850W.

Unlike the Photon, the Hive is a series primarily focused on combining high power output and aggressive pricing. They are not lacking any tangible features, as they are semi-modular models with a black chassis. However, they appear to be a little behind technologically for new high performance models, they are just 80Plus Bronze certified and rated for continuous output at 40°C. Their retail prices are enticing but not excessively low, with the 850W unit retailing for $100 including shipping. As a result the question we're looking to answer today is whether the performance of the new Hive units can justify their price tag.

Packaging and Bundle

The Hive is supplied in a sturdy cardboard box, with the artwork hinting that the origin of its name comes from the honeycomb finger guard pattern. Some basic specifications about the PSU can be found on the sides and the rear of the box.

Few extra items are bundled with the Hive. Rosewill only supplied the AC power cable, a few cable ties and the mounting screws. However, the modular cables come supplied into a nice reusable pouch with a zipper. The cables are "flat", ribbon-like, with black wires. Red connectors are installed on the PCI Express cables.