PSU Buyer's Guide - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com Practical Guides to PC & Tech at Home, Work, and Play Sat, 20 Apr 2024 14:30:54 +0000 en-US https://www.pcguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PCguide-favicon-75x75.png PSU Buyer's Guide - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com 32 32 Best PSU for Ryzen 7 5700X3D – 750W, 850W, 1000W https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-amd-ryzen-7-5700x3d/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=295181 Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:17:39 +0000 Best PSU for RX 7600 XT – overall, budget, high-end, and gaming https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rx-7600-xt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=293771 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:28:08 +0000 Best PSU for RTX 4070 Ti Super – overall, budget, high-end https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rtx-4070-ti-super/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=292347 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:17:41 +0000 Best PSU for Nvidia RTX 4080 Super – overall, premium, and more https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rtx-4080-super/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=292591 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:06:53 +0000 Best PSU for RTX 4070 Super – best, fanless, and high-end picks https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rtx-4070-super/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=291434 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:14:10 +0000 Best PSU for RTX 3070 and 3070 Ti in 2024 – Future-proof, efficient, budget and premium picks https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rtx-3070-and-3070-ti/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=227731 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:07:33 +0100 Best PSU for RTX 3080 in 2024 – modular, design, and budget picks https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rtx-3080/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=227693 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:52:32 +0100 Best high-end PSU in 2024 – for value, performance, gaming https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-high-end/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=222673 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:01:44 +0100 Best PSU for RX 7600 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-psu-for-rx-7600/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=199036 Wed, 31 May 2023 17:09:41 +0100 Best PSU for RTX 4060 Ti in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-rtx-4060-ti/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=197249 Wed, 24 May 2023 10:18:06 +0100 Best Power Supply for GTX 1080 Ti in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-gtx-1080-ti/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=21859 Tue, 09 May 2023 16:43:17 +0100 Best PSUs for RTX 4070 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/best-psus-for-rtx-4070/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=187743 Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:31:06 +0100 Best Uninterruptible Power Supply in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-uninterruptible-power-supplies/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=2108 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:06:53 +0000 Best PSU for 7900 XT in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-7900-xt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=179160 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:20:05 +0000 Best PSU for 7900 XTX in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-for-7900-xtx/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=178659 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:13:48 +0000 Our 5 Best SFX Power Supply in 2024 How to Choose Your Power SupplyBefore going into our picks, it’s important that you know some basics when it comes to picking your future power supply. Ratings and 80+ certification can be a little bit confusing for the PC building newbie, so we’ve attached a graph that can help clarify these seemingly random values, giving you a better idea of how PSUs work.A power supply is basically an AC adaptor. It converts alternating current to direct current. For reasons of efficiency and safety, you should go for 80+ certified. This guarantees that at the 20, 50, and 100% loads, your power supply will deliver at least 80% efficiency when converting. The remaining 20% will dissipate as heat. The Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium ratings help further distinguish power supplies based on efficiency. More efficiency means lesser power draw and cooler temperatures. Picking the right PSU for your system is really, really easy. Pick one that’s rated to deliver around 20% more wattage than your parts consume, make sure it’s from a reputable manufacturer, and pick as high of a rating as your pocket allows you to. The ratings don’t affect build quality whatsoever, so picking any 80+ rated PSU from a reputable manufacturer is sure to deliver good build quality and solid power delivery. 

1. EVGA Supernova 550 GM

Pros

Very efficient 7-year warranty

Cons

Smaller fan means more noiseThe EVGA Supernova is a solid choice for any system out there. This 550-watt PSU can power any beefy system. If you’re planning on running a multi-GPU configuration and a server-grade CPU, then this might not be enough, but if your future PC is running a single card and a consumer-grade processor, then you’re set.The EVGA Supernova 550 GM is a fully-modular power supply. This means that the cables aren’t attached to the unit, making cable management and building much easier. Cleanliness is important in a build, and this will definitely help you achieve better airflow and a much cleaner aesthetic. The SFX form factor allows this PSU to fit in both ATX compatible-cases and into smaller systems, making it ideal for a dual-PSU system or for a custom, small form-factor case.The package contains: DC Cable Modular cable package 1 x SFX to ATX mounting bracket

2. CORSAIR SF600

Pros

Platinum efficiency Runs cool and silent

Cons

No cable sleevesCorsair is known in the industry for being top-tier PC part manufacturers. From RAM modules to enthusiast-level PC cases, Corsair outputs quality products across the board. Rated for 600 watts, the Corsair SF600 is a great choice for a small form-factor powerhouse. Rated 80+ Platinum, you’re going to be running cool and silent. The fanless mode helps you keep your compact PC as silent as possible, with a pre-designed fan curve.In terms of features, it’s pretty standard. You get a fully-modular power supply, with all of the perks that come with such a piece of hardware. The sleeved cables come detached, allowing you to achieve optimal cable-management much easier. Make sure you store the extras in a safe place since you might need them for future upgrades.The package contains: DC Cable Modular cable package Carry bag for cables - great for not losing any unused cables

3. Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 450W

Pros

Gold rated Good value

Cons

Not suited for more power-hungry builds No clear warranty from ThermaltakeThe Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 450W is a sensible choice for smaller builds, 450W being a great choice if you aren’t planning on equipping your future PC with power-hungry components. Thermaltake have a great track record in producing reliable and efficient power supplies and cooling solutions.The Toughpower SFX 450-watt PSU is a gold-rated SFX power supply, great for any smaller, compact build. More value-oriented than the bigger power supplies on the list, the Toughpower SFX 450 brings reliability and efficiency to your day-to-day, classic PC build. The package contains: DC cable Modular cables SFX to ATX mounting bracket

4. FPS Dagger 600W Mini ITX

Pros

Very compact

Cons

More noise Cables aren’t sleevedSince we looked at the big industry names, let’s take a look at FPS, an alternative brand that provides customers with stellar power supplies that are meant to go into highly-customizable builds. The Mini ITX standard is even smaller than the SFX standard, and the FPS Dagger 600W can really make a small build shine.With 80+ Gold certification, you’re guaranteed to save money in the long run while keeping your compact build as cool as possible, since a lot of heat gets dissipated when converting AC to DC. The 80mm fan is big enough to ensure silent operation, and the surge protection is an added insurance that your build will survive a power outage or surge. The package contains: DC cable Modular cables

5. Seasonic Focus SGX-650

Pros

Very attractive package 10-year warranty Powerful enough to run any single-GPU build Silent operation

Cons

More expensiveSeasonic always gets stellar endorsements from industry influencers. Sponsoring major esports organizations, streamers, and tech-related content, you can always rely on the quality and resilience of their products. The Seasonic Focus SGX-650 is an SFX-L power supply, with a lot of technologies that allow it to be one of the best choices for your future compact build. Instead of going with a double-bearing fan as is the industry standard, the Focus SGX-650 rocks a fluid dynamic fan bearing, making it as silent as possible even when running higher loads. The package contains: DC cable Modular cables Zip ties Velcro straps Cable bag

Our Verdict

Five PSUs, one choice. I’ll have to give the Seasonic Focus SGX-650 the cake, but only because of the care put by Seasonic into their packaging and the slightly better fan. Every PSU on the list was good. Grab one that’s within your budget and you’re going to be on your way to building a highly-compact, highly-performant system. ]]> https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-sfx-power-supply/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=7537 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:48:36 +0000 Fully Modular vs Semi Modular vs Non Modular power supplies – which one should you go for? If you're currently confused about what PSU to go for, then we've got you covered right here in our fully modular vs semi modular vs non modular PSU guide.

Whether you’re just joining the PC enthusiast community or you’re a seasoned veteran with multiple builds under your belt, you should know that the power supply is one of the most important aspects of your build. With household names like Corsair and EVGA working around the clock to provide you with power-efficient and reliable PSUs (power supply units), this highly competitive segment of the PC component market has given birth to modular units. 

We've tested all three types of PSUs and have enough knowledge to let you know the difference between the three and which one you should go for. So, without any further ado, let's dive in! 

Fully modular, semi-modular, and non-modular PSUs - what are the differences?

If you've never built a PC before, then it is important for you to learn about each PSU type so you can get an idea about which one to go for. To help you out, we're going to discuss the key differences between all three types so you can make an informed decision. Also, we'd recommend checking out what power supplies ratings mean so you know what rating to aim for when selecting a PSU.

Non-Modular PSUs

The Corsair VS450 non-modular PSU with its cables permanently attached - Image taken by PCGuide.

Non-modular power supplies have all of the cables already connected to the power supply. They typically have a less-premium feel than their modular counterparts, have color-coded cables that are not usually braided, and have an overall outdated aspect. Non-modular PSUs are mainly for those who are tight on a budget or don't really care about the aesthetics of their build.

Still, don’t let that discourage you. Low-end power supplies still function in the same way high-end PSUs do. If you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer and factor in your components’ total power draw before buying, then you should be safe. However, make sure to get at least 80+ bronze certification, as it is an investment in both power efficiency and reliability. 

Non-modular PSUs are also ideal for beginners. Since all the cables are permanently attached, there is no need for you to worry about connecting or managing additional cables when building your PC. However, do keep in mind that this will make cable management difficult, as you'll have to do something about the unused cables since they can not be removed.

In case you're planning to get a non-modular PSU, we recommend checking out the EVGA 550W N1 Series PSU.

Semi-Modular PSUs

The Corsair TX550M semi-modular PSU with a few cables permanently attached to it - Image taken by PCGuide.

Semi-modular power supplies only have basic cables attached to the unit, like the 24-pin motherboard connector, the 8-pin CPU cable, and the PCIe power connector that will go into your GPU. Whatever else you may need to power your future system can be connected, so you can customize the power supply based on your needs while having the barebone configuration already installed. For example, cables like SATA, extra PCIe, and other peripheral cables can be attached/removed whenever needed.

In terms of budget, they’re in the middle, with the non-modular on the low end of the spectrum and the fully-modular models at the high end of the spectrum. Value-wise, this might be your sweet spot. You’re getting the best of both worlds while not paying for the full price of a modular power supply. However, do keep in mind that as some cables are still permanently attached to the PSU, semi-modular PSUs can get in the way of improving the overall aesthetics of your build.

If you're interested in getting a semi-modular PSU for your build, then you should check out the Corsair CX750M. This is a semi-modular ATX 750-watt power supply and is a great option for cards like RTX 4070 Ti and RX 7900 XT.

Fully-Modular PSUs

The Corsair RM1000x fully-modular PSU - Image taken by PCGuide.

Modular power supplies allow you to use only the cables you need, making for better cable management, improved airflow, and a much cleaner aesthetic. However, while the modularity aspect is welcomed in almost any build, it also adds a bigger price tag to the component. But if you're all about aesthetics, then choosing a fully-modular PSU is the way to go.

Unlike non-modular and semi-modular PSUs, fully-modular PSUs have no cables attached to them. This allows you to improve the cable management inside your build, as you won't have to worry about taking care of unused cables. You can simply use the ones you need and leave the rest of them inside their box.

Fully modular PSUs can help give your PC a cleaner and more streamlined look. Improved cable management also leads to better airflow inside your case. However, compared to the other two types, fully modular PSUs are more expensive, have braided cable sleeves, and are bigger in size.

If you're opting for a fully-modular PSU, then we'd recommend the MSI MPG A1000G. This is a PCIE 5 and ATX 3.0 PSU and is ideal for high-end cards such as the RTX 4090, RTX 4080, and RX 7900 XTX.

Which PSU should you go for?

You’re probably wondering “What type of power supply do I need?”, and that’s a pretty fair question. First off, no matter the type of power supply, you need to make sure that it’s power-efficient. You should get at least 80 PLUS certification on your power supply. This means that at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads, it will convert at least 80% of the AC it draws from the outlet to AC, so it will draw 125 watts to output 100 watts of DC. This is important for your power bills and for the safety of your builds and components, as efficiency translates into better temps. As Intel claims, the more efficient your PSU is, the less power it uses, which leads to less heat generation.

Secondly, make sure you calculate the total power draw of your components and pick a power supply with a buffer. So, if your components need around 500 watts, invest in a PSU that’s rated for 650 watts or more. This way, you won’t put your components under stress, you’ll avoid random shutdowns at high loads, and you’ll gain more efficiency, considering that power supplies become more inefficient at higher loads. 

With that in mind, here’s where modularity comes into play. Picking a non-modular power supply is OK if you’re not interested in optimal cable management and clean aesthetics. If your PC case has a PSU cage, then you can use the cage to mask the extra cables without any airflow or visual penalties. 

You should get semi-modular power supplies if you’re interested in getting a value option that also provides you with good cable management design, higher-quality cables, and a better, more premium feel. 

Fully-modular power supplies are very useful in a lot of different cases. First off, they’re most likely better built, with hybrid fans running silently while keeping your unit cooled and premium cables giving you a professional and visually appealing finish. In addition to the premium materials, you can use fully-modular supplies to customize your PC. If you’re building in a small form-factor case, then you can order custom-length cables to maximize the airflow, a crucial aspect to consider when working in small cases. Moreover, you can also order custom sleeves and even individually-sleeved cables to give your build more character. If you want to explore some fully modular options, we recommend checking out the best high-end PSUs.

Conclusion

You should always aim to get a power supply with a higher efficiency rating and with a sensible buffer rather than investing in a semi or fully-modular unit. That being said, the extra money that goes into a fully-modular power supply ensures that you’re getting better-quality materials, better cable management options, and easier troubleshooting in case something goes wrong. If you're tight on a budget, then you'll have to skip the extra features and get a non-modular PSU. But if you want better aesthetics and flexibility, then you should definitely opt for either a semi or fully-modular power supply.

]]> https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/fully-modular-vs-semi-modular-vs-non-modular/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=7493 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:10:49 +0000 Power Supplies Ratings List: Everything You Need to Know Power Supply Ratings in a NutshellA common misconception about power supply ratings is that they reflect the overall quality of your future power supply. That isn’t always true. You’ll notice that most power supplies have two sorts of ratings: 80+ certification followed by a tier of precious metal. They range from the lowest, which is bronze and climb up gradually to the titanium rating. But what does everything mean? How do these ratings impact you, the consumer? The need for these ratings will become obvious in a second. 

80+ Certified and What It Actually Means

So, your power supply is tasked with converting alternating current from your outlet into direct current to power your components. But it will never convert 100% of the AC to DC. Here’s where the 80+ certification comes in. The 80+ certification guarantees that under 20%, 50%, and 100% load, your power supply will convert at least 80% of the AC to DC. To give an example, a power supply that’s rated 80 PLUS will draw 125 watts at most to provide you with 100 watts of DC, the remaining 25 watts being transformed into heat. This is important both for power efficiency and power consumption. In the early 2000s, this was a milestone, as power supplies clearly became much more capable of converting, providing you with a smaller bill at the end of each month. Most manufacturers out there will present their buyers with a graph, revealing the peak of the PSU’s conversion capabilities. For instance, you could spec a build that will draw 500 watts of power at maximum load. You would want to pair it with a power supply that will be most efficient around the 500-watt mark. 

Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium

In the late 2000s, around 2008-2009, manufacturers started producing bronze, silver, gold, and platinum-rated power supplies. These tiers come in addition to the 80+ certification, adding to the overall efficiency of your power supply. Where 80+ certification might guarantee a little more than 80% efficiency in the conversion process, bronze might mean 85%, while gold and platinum can climb as high as 92-93% at certain loads. The need for these additional ratings is clear, as they’re meant for enthusiasts who want to guarantee that their systems are running as efficiently as possible at all times. Additionally, the higher tiers will also translate into better build quality and more reliability in terms of long-term performance. This leaves us with the Platinum rating and what you need to know about it. While the first four of these precious metals indicate a PSU’s performance at the 20%, 50%, and 100% loads, the Platinum rating also provides high-efficiency at a 10% load. This is great if you’re looking to add a stable PSU to a system that runs idle a lot of the time, as the 80 PLUS certification doesn’t cover efficiency for very low loads. 

Heating and Cooling Are Also a Big Factor

As you’d imagine, these ratings will also impact the heat of your system. More efficiency means less loss, thus less heat. This translates into longevity, ensuring that your power supply will last longer and run safer without compromising your other components. You’ll also avoid random shutdowns, keeping your data safe and your experience enjoyable. 

What Do You need to Take Away From This? Keep a Power Buffer

From the perspective of a first-time buyer, this might all seem a bit overwhelming. What you need to take away from this is that you should always invest in a buffer for your system. This means that you should pick a power supply that runs at around 70-80% of its rating when trying to keep your other components running at 100% of their loads. You can do this easily by adding each component’s individual power draw, then buying something with greater wattage. Please note that PSUs really struggle with efficiency at the lower and higher ends of the spectrum. This is why it’s important to keep a buffer for the safety of your system and to ensure that your power supply won’t strike out when trying to draw enough power to your components. 

What Type of Power Supply do I Need?

The power supply you pick for your system depends on what type of system you’re planning on building. If you’re planning on building a simple home PC, then most 80+ certified power supplies will make sense for you. That being said, if you’re planning on investing in a high-power behemoth that runs two RTX 2080 Tis in SLI and a Ryzen 3700X, then you might want to invest in a gold-rated, high-wattage PSU to ensure that everything is running smoothly. With that in mind, it’s also important to take note of the fact that the price of the PSU rises with its rating and with its wattage, so make sure you really need the extra watts and ratings, otherwise invest the extra chunk of money towards a higher-capacity SSD, extra LED strips for a bangin’ build or some new peripherals. 

Bottom Line

I would recommend that you purchase at least an 80+ Bronze certified PSU, no matter the build while keeping a 20% buffer. So if your build needs around 350 watts, go for a PSU that’s around 500 watts, and so on. If you’re looking to save some money, then maybe try buying a cheaper case or compromising on aesthetics. You can’t really skimp on a power supply for the integrity of your build.]]> https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/power-supplies-ratings-list/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=7491 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:06:05 +0000 Our 5 Best Power Supplies in 2023 1. EVGA SuperNOVA Platinum 

Pros

Premium quality Fully modular Big fan ensuring lower temperatures and silent operation 10-year warranty

Cons

Pretty overkill for most peopleEVGA are well-renowned for their power supplies, being one of the leading manufacturers in this particular segment of the PC component market. Their Supernova Platinum product line features Japanese-brand capacitors that make this power supply reliable in the long-term. With a 10-year warranty, EVGA signs off on the superior quality of their SuperNOVA Platinum power supplies, giving you the comfort of knowing that your power supply is going to outlast most of your relationships. *sad trombone*Jokes aside, the build quality of the power supplies in this particular lineup is stellar. From braided cables to a double-bearing 140mm fan, everything is premium and well-designed to deliver stable current in silence.EVGA continues to impress with the quality of their power supplies and the efficiency of their designs. The EVGA SuperNOVA Platinum power supplies are built to power high-end gaming battle stations or productivity powerhouses. With wattages that vary between 650-1600 watts, you can find one for almost any type of build. The higher the wattage, the more cables you’re getting, ensuring compatibility with multi-GPU builds. The fully-modular design is welcome for any build, as it ensures good cable management and makes cable-routing effortless, but the fact that EVGA chose to go with cable sleeves instead of going with individually-braided cables is disappointing, especially for this tier of product. You’re also getting over and under-voltage protection, short circuit and overpower protection, the best quality that money can buy.The double-bearing 140mm fan ensures that the unit stays cool and quiet, the 80+ Platinum efficiency rating also adding to the low temperatures. Overall, we strongly recommend this power supply for any mid to high-end system. If you’re running a powerful GPU+CPU combo, then power efficiency is important. Features: Fully-modular design Double-bearing 140mm fan Braided cables Ranges from 650 to 1600 watts 10-year warranty Premium components 92% efficiency at 115v and 94% efficiency at 220-240v while running a 50% load

2. Corsair HXi Platinum

Pros

Beautiful steel finish Fully modular Thermally-controlled fan with dynamic bearings operates silently at high loads and idles below the 140-watt mark Surge protection

Cons

Lowest wattage starts at 750, which is still pretty highCorsair is another reputable name in the component industry. Their HXI Platinum power supplies are ideal for people who are on the market for high-wattage, highly-efficient power supplies. The clean, industrial design and metallic finish make for a beautiful unit, a great choice if you’re planning on building a beautiful system.In terms of utility, the Corsair HXi Platinum series brings a lot of extra features to their power supplies. For starters, the 92-94% efficiency means that your entire system runs cooler and draws less power from the outlet.Features: Fully-modular design Sleeved cables 135mm dynamic bearing fan No-spin mode when running lower loads Clean metal finish Comes with a pouch to store extra cables Power surge protection Platinum efficiency 92% efficient at 115v and 94% efficient at 220-240v Thermally-controlled fanWhen you’re going with the Corsair HXi Platinum series, you’re getting reliability and innovation. The platinum-rated power supply will ensure that you’re running efficiently. For lesser loads, Corsair equipped these units with thermally-controlled fans, which typically don’t wind under 140 watts, ensuring a truly quiet system for those who appreciate silence. The cables are sleeved and come with a pouch in which you can safely-store the ones you don’t use for future upgrades. When you’re buying platinum, you’re getting a full-feature PSU. In the event of a power surge, your PC will be protected on all accounts. The wattage of the HXi series units ranges from 750 to 1600 watts, being able to power a big number of different systems. Needless to say, even a 750-watt power supply can run multiple GPUs, water pumps, so they’re meant for some pretty intense stuff. If you’re planning on running a single GPU and use traditional cooling, keep on reading. These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.

3. Seasonic Focus Platinum

Pros

Fully-modular design 80+ Platinum efficiency Fanless technology for lesser loads 10-year warranty

Cons

noneYou can’t talk about power supplies without mentioning Seasonic. One of the biggest PSU manufacturers, their Focus Platinum line of products provide platinum-grade units for every type of system, something that we’ve yet to see so far. In terms of features, it’s nothing special. By that, I mean that it’s as good as the first two entries. With a 10-year warranty, 90+ efficiency at 20% and 50% loads, and a 140mm fan with hybrid silent fan control technology, it brings the same level of reliability and utility as the first two contenders. Features: Fully-modular design Sleeved cables 140mm Fan with fanless, silent, and cooling modes with smart control 10-year warranty 80+ Platinum efficiency Simple designWhile the Corsair HXi series came with a nice steel finish, the Seasonic Focus Platinum series has quite a dull appearance. What it lacks in flair, it makes up for in performance. The smart fan control system functions similarly to Corsair’s Fanless technology - no spinning when idling, sparing you of any unnecessary noise. With power supplies between 450 and 1300 watts, you can cover any type with this 80+ Platinum efficient power supply. While the previous PSU product lines weren’t intended to be used in building lower-spec systems, this can easily be tucked in a more budget-oriented build and save you money on power bills for years to come.

4. EVGA SuperNOVA Gold

Pros

Good value pick Fully-modular Comes in versions that match any type of build

Cons

Older model, there are better, more relevant power suppliesWhile the first EVGA featured product was intended to be used in high-end systems, we’ve decided that the PSU kings should be represented by a product that can sit comfortably in any sort of system. That’s where the EVGA Supernova Gold PSU lineup comes in.With wattages varying between 450 and 1600 watts, anyone can take advantage of the build quality and safety features that are present in the Supernova Gold lineup. Dubbed the G3 series, it’s designed to be silent, efficient, and versatile. While the Supernova Platinum featured cutting-edge PSU technology, this one compensates with a solid, time-tested design.With a 130mm fan that’s equipped with hydraulic dynamic bearings, UVP, OCP, OPP, SCP and OVP heavy-duty protections, and a 7-year manufacturer guarantee, it’s clear to see that this isn’t much of a hard sell.Features: Fully-modular design Sleeved cables 80+ Gold efficiency Comes in multiple tiers, from 450W to 1600W Simple, efficient designThe EVGA SuperNOVA Gold series brings premium features for every type of PC. The modular design allows you to attain optimal airflow in your future build, while the surge protection and 90+ efficiency at 110 and 220v will make sure to keep your system temperature cooler.Overall, it’s a solid choice no matter what sort of system you’re building. Find the right wattage for your components and power it using a G2 PSU. You won’t regret it.

5. Seasonic Focus Gold

Pros

Better value  High efficiency

Cons

Semi-modular design Smaller fan, more noiseThe Seasonic product line also deserved better representation, and their Focus Gold power supply series really speaks for the masses. With an almost insignificant 2-4% drop in efficiency, the Focus Gold series reigns supreme when it comes to accessibility. The Seasonic Focus Gold line-up comes in a semi-modular form, with the 24 and 8 pin cables permanently attached to the PSU cage. Unlike the higher tier, Platinum power supplies, this one only rocks a two-step smart fan control feature, which keeps the fan running silently while running loads smaller than 50% of the maximum capacity. The overall size is more compact, leaving room for a 120mm fan. It's still plenty big to provide adequate cooling and the hydraulic bearing will make it run silently even at full load. Features: Semi-modular design 92+ efficiency at normal loads Sleeved cables

6. EVGA BR Bronze

Pros

Good value 85+ efficiency at normal loads

Cons

Non-modular, a nightmare to build withMaybe you’re not looking for a 10-year warranty and a 90+ efficiency. Maybe you’re looking for a more value-oriented power supply, so you can take the extra cash and buy an extra SSD or some sleek RGB strips to really set things off. My friend, this is the power supply for you. The entire EVGA BR Bronze series has VALUE written all over it. Well... figuratively, at least. While the BR Bronze series doesn’t hold a candle to the Platinum one, it shouldn’t. Its main selling point is a quality power supply that’s accessible to everyone at the expense of some power-efficiency.Features: Non-modular Auto-fan for silent operation Surge protection Three-year warranty

7. Corsair CX Bronze

Pros

Value-oriented Three-year warranty

Cons

Not as efficient or durable as the other PSUsThe Corsair CX Bronze series is designed to offer people who’re looking to build a PC on a budget, a high-quality durable power supply. The units in this lineup come in modular and non-modular versions, giving the user more control over how they want to price and build their PC. With that in mind, the Corsair CX Bronze series does have its faults. It is the least-efficient power supply on our list. It also has the shortest warranty, with only 3 years covered by the manufacturer/vendor. Even though it’s not a premium power supply, it still managed to run cool and silent, and somewhat efficient, since it’s still an 80+ Bronze rating power supply.Features: Modular AND non-modular models 120/140mm fan depending on the model 80+ Bronze efficiency Runs cool at even high loads

Our Verdict

While it’s hard to determine which power supply series is best since a lot of you have very different needs when it comes to your builds, it’s pretty easy to spot out the one that brings the most value, and that clearly is the Seasonic Focus Gold series for its overall great design and amazing feature set. The Seasonic Gold power supplies come in a semi-modular form, giving you good cable management while cutting down on production cost, providing you with a more affordable product without affecting the performance. Moreover, the 80+ Gold rating will save you money on your electricity bills, and the 7-year warranty will ensure that your system will stay powered for a long, long time. ]]> https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-power-supplies/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=7482 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:00:43 +0000 Best Power Supply For Gaming 2023: Top 7 PSUs Reviews best 650W PSU

EVGA SuperNova G3 650W Wattage: 650W Efficiency: 80+ Gold-Certified Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 7 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

best budget

Corsair CX450 Wattage: 450W Efficiency: 80+ Bronze Modularity: Non-Modular Warranty Period: 5 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

best quiet

be quiet! BN618 Straight Power 11 Wattage: 650W Efficiency: 80+ Gold Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 5 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

best fully-modular PSU

Corsair RM750x Wattage: 750W Efficiency: 80+ Gold-Certified Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 10 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

best semi-modular PSU

EVGA 650 GQ Wattage: 650W Efficiency: 80+ Gold-Certified Modularity: Semi Warranty Period: 5 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

best 1000W

Corsair HX1000 Wattage: 1000W Efficiency: 80+ Platinum Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 10 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

best SFX

Corsair SF600 Wattage: 600W Efficiency: 80+ Platinum Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 7 YearsView Latest DealRead Full Review

1. EVGA SuperNova G3 650W

The best 650W PSU is also our best PSU for gaming Wattage: 650W Efficiency: 80+ Gold-Certified Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 7 Years Full modularity Respectably high wattage, warranty, and efficiency Perfect for most gaming rigs Slightly priceyCheck Price on AmazonThe EVGA SuperNova G3 should offer all the features you’re looking for in a power supply. The wattage and efficiency are both high, there’s a lengthy warranty, and you have full modularity. Unless your rig has seriously insane power requirements or you need whisper-quiet operation, this is most likely the best choice for you.The only real downside is the price, which is a good bit higher than your typical budget PSU. Rest assured, though: you’re definitely getting your money’s worth here.

2. Corsair CX450

The CX450 wins the crown of best budget power supply Wattage: 450W Efficiency: 80+ Bronze Modularity: Non-Modular Warranty Period: 5 Years Good PSU despite being very cheap Backed by a strong warranty Great wattage for budget builds No modularity makes cable management harderCheck Price on AmazonThe Corsair CX450 is our top budget power supply thanks to its great pricing and warranty. The Bronze Certification is also nice to have, especially when compared to many lower-grade PSUs in the same price range.This will be a perfect PSU for ATX and Micro ATX budget builds. However, we highly recommend stepping up to Semi-Modular if you’re a new builder, or using a smaller MATX/ITX case in your build, as the Non-Modularity here will make for a tougher build process. This should only cost you roughly ~$20 more. That being said, this gaming PC power supply is still good, so you can pocket that if you’re building in a Mid-Tower case or larger.

3. be quiet! BN618 Straight Power 11

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the BN618 is the best quiet power supply Wattage: 650W Efficiency: 80+ Gold Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 5 Years Whisper quiet and fully-modular High efficiency and wattage Slightly priceyCheck Price on AmazonFor whisper quiet operation, you can’t really do much better than be quiet!’s BN618. be quiet! as a brand is focused on providing the quietest possible fans and cooling solutions, and their expertise is fairly well-demonstrated here.In addition to low noise levels, the PSU itself is pretty comparable to our best overall pick, complete with 650W wattage and 80+ Gold certification. The only real downside is a shorter warranty period versus the EVGA front-runner, as well as a higher price of roughly ~$20 on most days.

4. Corsair RM750x

The RM750x is our pick for best fully-modular PSU Wattage: 750W Efficiency: 80+ Gold-Certified Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 10 Years Whisper quiet and fully-modular High efficiency and wattage Slightly priceyCheck Price on AmazonCorsair’s RM750X PSU is ideal for power users who want the best building experience and have a rig with higher-than-average power requirements. (These will generally be high-end, overclocked gaming rigs.) There are a ton of benefits here, including a Zero RPM fan mode for quiet operation at low power usage, and an incredible 10 year warranty, which blasts the competition out of the water. In fact, Corsair is the only company to offer a 10 year warranty on any of our picks.The only real downside worth noting, aside from the slightly higher price than the EVGA frontrunner, is that the cables are a little stiff. For some reason, Corsair’s modular PSU cables are a little stiffer than most other PSU providers, and nobody knows why. Still, that’s not enough to stop this from being one of the best PC power supplies.

5. EVGA 650 GQ

The best semi-modular PSU is EVGA’s 650 GQ Wattage: 650W Efficiency: 80+ Gold-Certified Modularity: Semi Warranty Period: 5 Years High wattage and efficiency ...at a great price! Semi modularity is fine ...except in SFF/ITX buildsCheck Price on AmazonIf you want to save some cash, have a good building experience, and aren’t building an SFF/ITX PC, this is the PSU for you. The EVGA 650 GQ is our pick for top semi-modular PSU, thanks to its stellar wattage, efficiency, and pricing. You also have a fairly good 5 Year Warranty attached, which is more than can be said for budget-oriented Semi-Modular PSUs.Semi-Modular is generally just as good as Fully-Modular unless you’re building in an ITX or particularly small Micro ATX case. As long as that isn’t the case, there’s no reason not to snag this one.

6. Corsair HX1000

Corsair’s HX1000 is the best 1000W power supply Wattage: 1000W Efficiency: 80+ Platinum Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 10 Years Stellar wattage and efficiency Fully-modular and quiet most of the time Very high price Cables still stiffCheck Price on AmazonPerhaps unsurprisingly, our pick for top 1000W PSU is none other than Corsair’s HX1000. It’s an enthusiast’s favorite thanks to its high wattage and efficiency, as well as stellar warranty and modularity. Even if your build doesn’t come anywhere close to using its full wattage, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of Corsair’s Zero RPM fan mode, which keeps fans slow or inactive at low power loads.The only downsides are the high price (the highest on this list, actually), and the persisting cable stiffness problem. The cable stiffness is barely an issue, but it’s the one area where Corsair doesn’t meet or exceed the standards set by its competitors, which makes us think it’s an intentional handicap of what is ultimately our best modular power supply.

7. Corsair SF600

The best SFX power supply is another Corsair favorite Wattage: 600W Efficiency: 80+ Platinum Modularity: Full Warranty Period: 7 Years SFX form factor makes it perfect for SFF PCs Excellent wattage, efficiency, and modularity Strong warranty High priceCheck Price on AmazonLast but not least, our pick for top SFX PSU is… another Corsair power supply.Hey, sorry: it’s not our fault that Corsair and EVGA make most of the best PC power supplies in the industry. This isn’t personal bias speaking: these two are legitimately just the best PSU brands out there right now.Focusing on the SF600 itself, you have a standard 600W wattage paired with a truly stellar efficiency, modularity, and size. This is, beyond a doubt, the perfect PSU to use in a smaller PC build, especially HTPCs and ITX PCs. The main downside is a disproportionately high price compared to its wattage, and a slightly-shorter-than-Corsair’s-usual-but-still-better-than-most warranty period. Umm… that’s to say it is 7 years and not 10 years.

How To Find The Best Power Supply (PSU) For You

There’s more to buying a PSU than grabbing the biggest number and going home. Each number means something, and you’d be surprised at how little you actually need for a functional gaming system, especially with modern hardware.We’re going to break down each of the main power supply specs below and what they mean to you.

Wattage

Wattage refers to the capacity of the PSU in question. This is the first spec to look at when buying a power supply of your own, but it can be tough to pick if you aren’t sure what you need.If you aren’t sure what your system’s power draw is, use a wattage calculator or a tool like PCPartPicker to find estimated power requirements. Once you have that, you’ll typically want to bump up by 50-100W to ensure you have plenty of flex room, especially if you intend on overclocking your CPU and/or GPU. Naturally, this holds true if you plan on doing significant upgrades in the future.Below, we’ll provide some general guidelines for each tier of PSU.

400W - 600W

400W - 600W power supplies are suited for most budget and mid-range PC builds. This applies especially if they are using modern CPUs and GPUs, which consume much less power than chips from 5+ years ago. If you’re buying a replacement PSU for an older system, or a system with used parts that are a few generations old, you may want to bump up even higher.650W PSUs are generally regarded as the sweet-spot in this regard, capable of powering most mid-range systems with little issue.

700W - 900W

700W - 900W power supplies are most suited for high-end and server PC builds. Particularly old GPUs or particularly powerful CPUs (like the latest i9s and Threadrippers) also tend to require this power spec.In some cases, it’s also worth buying these PSUs for much weaker systems, especially if they’re rated for quiet operation and high power efficiency. The less a high-efficiency PSU is being pushed, the quieter and cooler it will run.

1000W - 1500W

This tier and higher is overkill for all but the most extreme of scenarios, at least in terms of sheer wattage.When combined with modularity and high efficiency, though, PSUs rated for this wattage are ideal for keeping temperature and noise levels low. We’ll explain a little more about efficiency in the next section.

Efficiency

Most mainstream PSUs come with an 80+ Efficiency rating, which indicates… well, the efficiency of the power supply. The better the Efficiency, the less power the system will consume on idle and during regular use.To explain a little bit better, a 500W PSU with 0% efficiency would be running at its full capacity 24/7, regardless of what the user is doing. This would mean the same level of noise, heat, and power consumption while doing casual web browsing as playing games, which would be just plain wasteful.Or put another way, if you have a 500W PSU with an 80+ rating, it’d use significantly less than its max power while you’re performing basic tasks.Below, we’ll give a rundown of each of the 80+ ratings and what they mean.

80+

The most basic 80+ rating indicates a bare minimum of 80% power efficiency. However, this still means a lot of excess heat and power consumption compared to other tiers. The best cheap power supplies will at least have an 80+ rating.

80+ Bronze

The 80+ Bronze rating is a moderate step up, providing a minimum of 82% power efficiency. In some scenarios, this can even go as high as 88%, but usually averages around 85%. This is a marginal improvement over 80+, but will still release excess heat and noise.

80+ Gold

80+ Gold is the sweet spot that most consumers and manufacturers alike target. The minimum efficiency here is 87%, the peak is 92%, and the average is 89%. At this point, excess heat is mostly diminished as an issue, but noise levels will still be a little high.

80+ Platinum

80+ Platinum used to be the highest standard, starting at 89% efficiency and averaging 92% efficiency. This reduces excess heat to the point where it’s barely noticeable, and noise levels get fairly quiet here, too. This is ideal for quiet PC builds and SFF builds.

80+ Titanium

The latest and greatest 80+ rating is 80+ Titanium, which starts at 90% efficiency, peaks at 96% efficiency, and averages around 94% efficiency. This is realistically about as good as you’re ever going to get, but who knows: maybe in a few years we’ll have 80+ Diamond, with 100% efficiency.

Modularity

Modularity refers mainly to PSU cabling. Specifically, what cables can and can’t be removed.

Non-Modular

Non-Modular power supplies have no removable cables, which means that you’ll have a ton of excess cables in your case. This is particularly unfortunate in Micro ATX, Mini ITX, and SFF PC builds, where there is little room for cable management. This also makes for a much more difficult initial building process. You might need extra zip ties if you go this route.

Semi-Modular

Semi-Modular power supplies are the sweet spot for most people. Most cables are removable, except for the main motherboard power cable, which you probably didn’t need to remove anyway. However, it not being removable means it’s also not replaceable, which can be bad if the cable is damaged or you need a shorter cable for an ITX/SFF PC build.This provides a much better building experience than Non-Modular, and is a recommended step up if you can afford the extra ~$20 or so.

Fully-Modular

Fully-Modular power supplies are the best, no question. Every cable can be removed and replaced, which means that only the necessary cables will be inside your build at a given time. Moreover, if you need shorter ones for an ITX/SFF build, you can replace them without worry. This also provides the easiest building experience.

ATX or SFX?

Fortunately, this is pretty simple. These refer to form factor.ATX is the standard PSU form factor, and all except one of the PSUs listed above are in the ATX form factor. Get one of these unless you have a SFF PC build.SFX is the SFF PSU form factor, making it ideal for Mini ITX builds and smaller Micro ATX cases.]]> https://www.pcguide.com/psu/guide/best-power-supply-for-gaming/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=1446 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:25:31 +0100