These PSUs offer the best reliability, performance and protection for your system and its components.

Your PC’s power supply (aka PSU) plays a significant role in determining your system’s reliability, depending on its performance. So it would be best if you were careful when picking the right PSU for your system. The best power supply should also have features to save your system’s parts (including the power supply itself) if something goes wrong with your electricity supply or other components. If it doesn’t, it’s clearly not the best power supply and is putting your other expensive PC parts at risk.

Of course, you’ll also have different concerns depending on whether your power supply will be pushing a monster mining rig, an always-churning workstation, or a basic productivity or gaming PC. We’ll help you find the best power supply for your next desktop PC below.

Finally, one of the significant changes that the ATX12V v3.0 spec brings is the addition of a 12+4 pin PCIe connector to every PSU with more than 450W max power. This means that PSUs lacking this connector won’t be compatible with new GPU generations and will soon be rendered obsolete.

Quick Power Supply Shopping Tips

Determine wattage requirements. You don’t need to purchase much more potential power capacity (wattage) than you’ll ever use. You can calculate roughly how much power your new or upgraded system will draw from the wall and look for a capacity point that satisfies your demands. Several power supply sellers have calculators that will give you a rough estimate of your system’s power needs like.

• Cooler Master Power Calculator
• Seasonic Wattage Calculator
• MSI PSU Calculator
• be quiet! PSU Calculator
• Newegg PSU Calculator

Consider upcoming GPU power requirements. Although the best graphics cards are usually more power-efficient than previous generations, their power consumption increases overall. This is why the latest 12+4 pin connector that the upcoming generation graphics cards will use will provide up to 600 W of power. Currently, a pair of PCIe 6+2 pin connectors on dedicated cables are officially rated for up to 300W, and three of these connectors can deliver up to 450W safely. You should also add the up to 75W that the PCIe slot can provide in these numbers. 

What troubles today’s power supplies is not the maximum sustained power consumption of a GPU but its power spikes, and this is why various manufacturers suggest strong PSUs for high-end graphics cards. If the PSU’s over current and over power protection features are conservatively set, the PSU can shut down once the graphics card asks for increased power, even for very short periods ( nanoseconds range). This is why EVGA offers two different OPP features in its G6 and P6 units, called firmware and hardware OPP. The first triggers at lower loads, in the millisecond range, while the latter triggers at higher loads that last for some nanoseconds. This way, short power spikes from the graphics card are addressed without shutting down the system. 

If you add the increased power demands of modern high-end CPUs, you can quickly figure out why strong PSUs are necessary again.

Check the physical dimensions of your case before buying. If you have a standard ATX case, whether or not it is one of the best PC cases, an ATX power supply will fit. But many higher-wattage PSUs are longer than the typical 5.5 inches. So you’ll want to be sure of your cases’ PSU clearance. If you have an exceptionally small or slim PC case, it may require a less typical (and more compact) SFX power supply. We have picks for this form factor below as well.

Consider a modular power supply. If your case has lots of room behind the motherboard, or your chassis doesn’t have a window or glass side, you can cable-wrap the wires you don’t’ need and stash them inside your rig. But if the system you’re’ building doesn’t’ have space for this, or there is no easy place to hide your cable mess, it’s’ worth paying extra for a modular power supply. Modular PSUs let you only plug in the power cables you need and leave the rest in the box.

The Best Power Supplies You Can Buy Today

1. Corsair CX450

Best Cheap PSU ($60/£60 or less)

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): Channel Well Technology or Great Wall
• Max. DC Output: 450W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Bronze, Cybenetics Bronze (CWT), Cybenetics Silver (GW)
• Noise: Cybenetics A- (CWT, 20-25 dBA), Cybenetics Standard+ (GW, 35-40 dBA)
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 120mm Rifle Bearing Fan (HA1225M12F-Z or D12SM-12 )
• Modular: No
• Connectors: 1x EPS, 1x PCIe
• Warranty: 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Low price
• Full set of protection features
• Great soldering quality
• Rifle bearing fan
• Five-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• Single PCIe connector limits expansion
• Not as quiet as the CWT-made CX450
• Short distance between peripherals connectors

Of the two variants of Corsair’s CX450, the Great Wall version is more efficient than CWT’s, especially under light loads, and has a more efficient 5VSB rail. On the other side, it has a more-aggressive fan profile, so its noise output is increased. In the US market, you will only find the CWT version, which is made in Vietnam instead of China, so it avoids the tariffs and keeps its price tag low.

Another decent alternative if your budget is low, you need more than 500W of capacity, and you aren’t that concerned about efficiency or some fan noise under load is the Corsair VS650. It won’t win any performance awards, but it gets the job done without much in the way of frills or fuss, for less than $50. You may also be able to save on these or other PSUs by checking Corsair coupon codes.

2. Corsair CX550F RGB

Best Mid-Level RGB PSU: Up to 550 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): HEC
• Max. DC Output: 550W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Bronze, Cybenetics Gold
• Noise: Cybenetics-Standard++ (30-35 dB[A])
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 120mm Rifle Bearing Fan (NR120L)
• Modular: Yes
• Connectors: 1x EPS, 2x PCIe
• Warranty: 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
• Good transient response at 12V
• Efficient
• Modern platform
• Rifle bearing fan
• Low leakage current
• Low conducted EMI
• Compatible with the Alternative Low Power Modes
• Fully modular
• Highly-customizable RGB lighting
• Comes in two colors
• 5-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• Not so affordable
• Loose load regulation
• Lower than 17ms hold-up time
• Not fond of the Teapo SC caps that it uses
• Short distance between the peripheral connectors

The smallest member of the new RMx line gets updated with a top-notch magnetic levitation fan which doesn’t affect the overall noise output, so the new RM550x is one of the quietest PSUs in the 550W category. It would be nice if Corsair added a second EPS connector in this unit, but most folks will be more than satisfied with the connection options. 

3. Corsair RM550x

Best PSU: Up to 550 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): CWT
• Max. DC Output: 550W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Gold
• Noise: Cybenetics A+ (15-20 dBA)
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 140mm Magnetic Levitation Fan (NR140ML)
• Modular: Yes
• Connectors: 1x EPS, 2x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• High overall performance
• Silent operation
• Highly efficient at light load
• Magnetic Levitation fan
• Fully modular
• 10-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• In cable capacitors
• Single EPS connector
• Small distance between peripheral connectors

The smallest member of the new RMx line gets updated with a top-notch magnetic levitation fan which doesn’t affect the overall noise output, so the new RM550x is one of the quietest PSUs in the 550W category. It would be nice if Corsair added a second EPS connector in this unit, but most folks will be more than satisfied with the connection options. 

4. XPG Core Reactor 650W

Best PSU: Up to 650 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): CWT
• Max. DC Output: 650W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Platinum
• Noise: Cybenetics A (20 – 25 dBA)
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.52, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA1225H12F-Z)
• Modular: Fully
• Connectors: 2x EPS, 4x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
• High performance
• Efficient
• Silent operation
• Good build quality
• Compatible with the alternative sleep mode
• Fully modular

REASONS TO AVOID

• Two EPS connectors on the same cable
• The transient response at 3.3V could be better

The XPG Core Reactor with 650W max power can achieve higher overall performance than the two hottest picks in this category, the Corsair RM650x, and the Seasonic Focus Plus Gold, with similar capacity. It also has a silent operation, thanks to the relaxed fan profile, despite its compact dimensions. The build quality is high, and the provided warranty meets the competition’s offerings. Finally, the two EPS connectors provide compatibility with the high-end mainboard, but they should be installed on dedicated cables—all in all, an excellent power supply.

5. Cooler Master V750 Gold V2

Best PSU: Up to 750 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): Gospower
• Max. DC Output: 750W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Platinum
• Noise: Cybenetics A- (25-30 dB[A])
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA13525M12F-Z)
• Modular: Fully modular
• Connectors: 2x EPS, 4x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
• Correctly set protection features
• High overall performance
• Quiet operation
• Good build quality
• Highly Efficient
• Efficient 5VSB rail
• Long hold-up time
• Low inrush currents
• Fully modular
• Compatible with the alternative sleep mode
• 10-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• A bit tighter load regulation at 12V would be nice
• The APFC converter needs some fine-tuning
• Small distance between connectors

The Cooler Master V750 Gold V2 is an impressive product from an OEM that is not widely known. Actually, only Cooler Master has used this OEM, Gospower, so far. The overall performance that the V750 achieves is top of the line, managing to surpass tough opponents like the new Corsair RM750x and the EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G6. It is the first time in many years that we’ve seen a Cooler Master PSU topping our charts, which means that Cooler Master’s power team is on the right track again.

6. EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G7

Best PSU: Up to 850 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• (EC)Manufacturer (OEM): FSP
• Max. DC Output: 850W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Platinum
• Noise: Cybenetics Standard++ (30-35 dB[A])
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.53, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (MGA12012XF-O25)
• Modular: Fully modular
• Connectors: 2x EPS, 6x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
• Top overall performance
• Good build quality
• Efficient
• Efficient enough 5VSB rail
• Tight load regulation
• Good transient response
• Good ripple suppression
• Fully modular
• Loads of connectors
• Compatible with the alternative sleep mode
• Compact dimensions
• 10-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• Highly set OCP at 12V and OPP
• High inrush currents
• Power factor could be higher with 230V input
• Small distance between the peripheral connectors

The EVGA 850 G7 is one of the best 850W units available on today’s market. The Corsair RM850x (2021) is close in performance and has an advantage in noise output, while the 850 G6 loses notably in performance but achieves a significant win in noise output. The performance FSP delivered out of such a compact platform is impressive. We can’t stop thinking, though, about the improvement in noise output with a larger PCB and cooling fan. Downsizing high-capacity PSUs at that degree comes at a cost, of increased noise output, under harsh conditions. 

7. Corsair RM1000x (2021)

Best PSU: Up to 1250 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): CWT
• Max. DC Output: 1000W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics-Gold
• Noise: Cybenetics A- (25 – 30 dBA)
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.52, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 140mm Magnetic Levitation Fan (NR140ML)
• Modular: Fully modular
• Connectors: 3x EPS, 6x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Full power at 47 degrees Celsius
• High overall performance
• Quiet operation
• Fully compliant with ATX v2.52
• Highly efficient at light loads
• Long hold-up time
• Low inrush current
• Magnetic Levitation fan
• Loads of cables and connectors
• Fully modular
• 10-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• High OCP triggering points on the minor rails
• A small overall efficiency boost would be nice
• In cable capacitors
• Small distance between peripheral connectors

The Corsair RM1000x achieves high performance, and it isn’t noisy, despite its increased max power output. It uses quality parts, including Japanese caps and a Magnetic Levitation fan, ideal for operation under high operating temperatures. It is fully compatible with the newest ATX spec (2.52), so among others, it offers high efficiency under super-light loads, and it also supports Microsoft’s Modern Standby, which allows for speedy wake-from-sleep times (you also need a compatible motherboard). This is one of the best 1000W PSUs and it doesn’t cost a fortune, despite the high-quality parts that it uses. 

8. be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 1500W

Best PSU Above 1250-1500 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): CWT
• Max. DC Output: 1500W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Titanium, ETA-A+
• Noise: Cybenetics A- (25 – 30 dBA)
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan (BQ SIW3-13525-HF)
• Modular: Fully modular
• Connectors: 2x EPS, 10x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Strong overall performance
• Silent operation
• Low vampire power
• Lots of connectors

REASONS TO AVOID

• Expensive
• Not as efficient as other PSUs in this price range

If you want silent operation and high-power output, the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 with 1500W max power fits the bill. It sports extremely high build quality and its semi-digital platform, offers top performance and can handle high operating temperatures. The only problem is the high price, but in systems that require this much power, the power supply is usually among the least-expensive parts when compared to the installed CPUs and GPUs. 

9. Corsair AX1600i

Best PSU Above 1500 Watts

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): Flextronics
• Max. DC Output: 1600W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Titanium, ETA-A+
• Noise: Cybenetics A (20 – 25 dBA)
• Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 140mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (NR140P)
• Modular: Fully modular
• Connectors: 2x EPS, 10x PCIe
• Warranty: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Full power at 48°C
• Powerful & efficient
• Ripple suppression
• Load regulation
• Hold-up time
• Accurate Power Ok signal
• Silent
• Quality caps
• Fully modular
• Lots of connectors
• Quality fan
• Magnetic side covers

REASONS TO AVOID

• Expensive
• Small distance between peripheral connectors
• EMI with AVG detector

We waited years for a competitor to dethrone Corsair’s AX1500i, and in the end it was another Corsair power supply to post higher overall performance. The Corsair AX1600i is the best PSU that money can buy today, period. It offers top performance in all areas and uses an innovative platform, which provides a glimpse at the future of power supply design.

The use of a cutting-edge PFC circuit in combination with a fully digital platform seems to be the key for record-setting performance. Besides its super efficiency, the AX1600i also offers great load regulation, amazing transient response, a long hold-up time, and unparalleled ripple suppression. Moreover, the great benchmark results are accompanied by quiet operation, enabled by a relaxed fan profile and a high-quality FDB fan. Using the Corsair Link software, you’re able to choose between three fan modes: performance, balanced, and quiet.

10. Corsair SF750

Best SFX PSU

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): Great Wall
• Max. DC Output: 750W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Platinum, Cybenetics Platinum
• Noise: Cybenetics A- (25 – 30 dBA)
• Form Factor: SFX, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 92mm Rifle Bearing Fan (NR092L)
• Modular: Fully modular
• Warranty: 7 years

REASONS TO BUY

• Powerful
• Efficient
• Great ripple suppression
• Tight load regulation
• Quiet operation
• Fully modular
• 7-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• Expensive
• Low hold-up time
• Semi-passive mode can’t be deactivated

The Corsair SF750 is the strongest and one of the best SFX power supplies that money can get you today. If you want so much power out of such a small PSU and you can afford its stiff price, there is no other option. It can easily support a potent gaming system and thanks to the couple of EPS connectors that it has, and is compatible with high-end mainboards that need more juice in the CPU’s area.

If you don’t need more than one graphics card connector, you should consider the top-notch SF600 Platinum instead and save yourself some serious money. Corsair has set the so high in the SFX market that even SFX pioneer SilverStone, doesn’t have, for the moment at least, a competing 750W SFX model in its portfolio.

11. SilverStone SX1000 SFX-L

Best SFX-L PSU

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer (OEM): Enhance Electronics
• Max. DC Output: 1000W
• Efficiency: 80 PLUS Platinum, Cybenetics Platinum
• Noise: Cybenetics Standard+ (35 – 40 dBA)
• Form Factor: SFX-L, EPS 2.92
• Cooling: 120mm Double Ball Bearing Fan (B1201512HB)
• Modular: Fully
• Connectors: 2x EPS, 6x PCIe
• Warranty: 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

• High build quality
• Extremely high power density
• Efficient platform
• 2x EPS and 6x PCIe connectors
• Ten-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

• Expensive
• High turn-on 5VSB voltage
• Low efficiency at light loads
• Noisy under high loads

The SX1000 is the strongest small form factor PSU on the market today, and in reality, it is way stronger than its paper specs since we pushed it up 1480W. This is 148% above its nominal capacity! Enhance, the OEM behind this platform delivered a solid unit to SilverStone, with quite good build quality and top-notch parts. 

This is also shown by the provided warranty, which at five years is pretty long, given this unit’s insane power density score. In other words, the SX1000 is a small, only in dimensions, power factory, able to support everything you throw at it.