Ben grew up on a healthy diet of Nintendo, Xbox, and PC Games. He founded High Ground Gaming in 2014.
Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
Hello, hello, hello, and welcome to our featured article on the best power supply components for PC gaming. One of the key components we caution against cheaping out on is the power supply. Sure, they aren’t sexy like a powerful GPU, but these guys are the piece of the puzzle that prevents that powerful GPU from getting fried. Furthermore, modern power supplies boast cool features like performance monitoring and different power modes to run at optimal efficiency (and save on energy costs).
As you might expect, we’ve got a ton of info about power supplies to share with you. If you’re already a grizzled vet who’s built a half dozen gaming PCs, feel free to skip to the Zoom In list using our navigation widget below. Either way, let’s get started.
Zoom Out: Comparison Table of the 15 Best Gaming Power Supply Units
Here’s a comparison chart of the top picks for this year. For detailed information on each unit, check out our Zoom In section below.
| Image | Product | Wattage | Efficiency | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Corsair CX450M Semi Modular | 450W | 80 PLUS Bronze |  |
 | Corsair CX650M Semi Modular | 650W | 80 PLUS Bronze | |
 | Thermaltake Smart BX1 RGB | 650W | 80 PLUS Bronze | |
 | Corsair CX750M Semi Modular | 750W | 80 PLUS Bronze | |
 | EVGA SuperNOVA 550 G3 | 550W | 80 PLUS Gold | |
 | ROSEWILL Gaming PHOTON 750W Fully Modular | 750W | 80 PLUS Gold | |
 | EVGA 750 GQ Semi Modular | 750W | 80 PLUS Gold | |
 | SilverStone Technology SFX-L Fully Modular | 500W | 80 PLUS Gold | |
 | EVGA Supernova 650 P2 | 650W | 80 PLUS Platinum | |
 | EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2 Fully Modular | 850W | 80 PLUS Gold | |
 | EVGA SuperNOVA 850 P2 Fully Modular | 850W | 80 PLUS Platinum | |
 | Thermaltake SMART M Semi Modular | 1200W | 80 PLUS Bronze | |
 | FSP Group PT FM Series Fully Modular | 1200W | 80 PLUS Platinum | |
 | Corsair AX1200i Series Fully Modular | 1200W | 80 PLUS Platinum | |
 | EVGA SuperNOVA 1600 P2 Fully Modular | 1600W | 80 PLUS Platinum | |
Zoom In: A Closer Look at the 15 Best Power Supply Units
Without further to do, here is a closer look at the best power supply components on the market.
1. Corsair CX450 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply
If you’re a PC gaming enthusiast who deals with basic system builds and computer upgrades, there is no better model than the CX450. It features everything you need to guarantee the safety of your components at the lower possible operating cost. Moreover, it boasts a stable power supply under a high-efficiency operation.
The CX450 employs Thermal Control Technology in the fans, which provides a quiet environment under low and medium loads. The CX450 is also 80 Plus Bronze Certified and produces less heat while lowering your power bills more than any other PSU.
For those obsessed with great high-tech looks, this PSU features a unique combination of matte black finishes and black-sleeved cables that set forth an amazing restrained tech-look. Despite having low wattage, we must say that the CX450 is an excellent PSU, as it guarantees a reliable operation in basic PC gaming systems. A 5-year warranty and reliable customer support are also provided.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 450 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Semi-Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
2. Corsair CX650 Series 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply
The Corsair CX Series, as you may have noticed, is one of the top-rated and best-selling PSU series out there. For around $60, it doesn’t get much better than this. Reliable efficiency, a clean no-frills matte black look, a quiet thermally controlled 120mm fan, and near-universal compatibility contribute to its big sales numbers. This is backed up by Corsair’s unparalleled customer service and a 5-year warranty.
The CX650 also comes with long cables, so even if you have a full-height tower and need to snake them around, you’re still in luck. Full voltage, temperature, and short circuit protection mean your computer won’t turn into a ball of fire even if you have 50 tabs open and 3 of your favorite games on max settings. Pick from modular and non-modular styles.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 650 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Semi-Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
The Smart Standard line from Thermaltake is available in 550, 650, or 750 watts. The 650W is great for mid-range builds and provides plenty of power for, say, an Intel i5 and hungry GPU. The 80 PLUS Bronze certification means you won’t be adding another $200 bucks a month to your power bill. Those make for nasty little surprises, especially when other members of the household cannot grasp the full value of gaming marathons.
This model is very similar to Corsair’s CX Series in build quality but not quite as popular. Unfortunately, they are slightly more expensive at each wattage level. Another complaint we’ve come across is that the fan gets somewhat noisy when it heats up. But it’s well worth it when you factor in those sexy LEDs.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 650 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Semi-Modular
- Warranty: 3 Year
4. Corsair CX750M 80 Plus Bronze Modular Power Supply
The CX750M is another good value option for those with systems that require above average wattage. It is 80 Plus Bronze Certified and does an excellent job of lowering your power bills. Once you grab the CX750, you can enjoy the equipment with three years warranty guaranteeing you peace of mind. Plus, it goes beyond the trouble-free installation standards and operates with low noise at all power load modes.
Even when you’re pushing your system hard, you can be sure that everything will be quiet due to the integrated Thermal Fan Control System and large-diameter fan. Another amazing feature of the CX750 is the modular cabling system that not only lets you have the cable you want but also enhances smooth and free air circulation.
The entire PSU system boasts a tremendous high tech look with its matte black finish and the black-sleeved cable layout. Moreover, its top-notch Corsair engineering and tight quality control measures give the end-user the confidence and reliability of using this enviable PSU. It is worth the price and will go further beyond meeting your PC powering needs.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 750 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
The 550 G3 is another superior SuperNOVA model that can’t be left off a list of the best PSU units. It is 80 Plus Gold Rated with 90% or higher efficiency under typical loads. Apart from being NVIDIA SLI & AMD Crossfire ready, the 550 G3 is the ultimate power supply for those who love a low noise environment and want to cut down the power bill.
The low noise fan mode is made possible by the ECO mode and the Hydraulic Dynamic bearing technology. The unparalleled customer support and 7-year warranty prove that the G3 performance is superior enough to offer a fantastic gaming experience. Just like the other EVGA brands, heavy-duty protections such as over-voltage, under-voltage, short circuit, overpower, and under power are offered. If you operate mid-tier systems, then the EVGA 550 G3 is the perfect gaming PSU for you to consider.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 550 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
6. ROSEWILL Gaming PHOTON 750W Fully Modular
The Gaming PHOTON is one of the most efficient PSUs under the 750W category, as it registers top-notch performance via Intelligent Thermal Operation. Priced just over $100, it features solid construction and will meet all your PC powering needs, even when pushed to its upper limit.
Featuring a clean black finish with quiet 135mm fans, this PSU is as sleek and silent as it is deadly (to your in-game opponents). If you’re seeking one of the best power supplies, then the PHOTON 750W should be at the top of your list.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 750 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
7. EVGA 750 GQ 80+ GOLD Power Supply
The EVGA 750 GQ is a bit smaller than the G1 and G2 versions, and the price comes in under those models too. It is a fantastic value, especially considering its 80+ GOLD certification. Eco Mode, semi-modularity, a 5-year warranty, 62.4A +12V rail rating, and Japanese Capacitors round this one out nicely. It is hard to beat EVGA quality, which is why these are among the top-rated power supply units money can buy.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 750 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Semi-Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year Warranty
8. SilverStone Technology 500W SFX-L Power Supply
The modern high-end SFX is a great choice that uniquely incorporates FSX-L and ATX form factor support. It is also 80 Plus Gold Certified and features a great combination of reliable and efficient performance. One amazing feature of this modern PSU is its silent running 120mm fan and the semi-fanless operation mode.
Like many of the other models on our list, the SilverStone also has a modular and flexible cabling system with flat arrays. In addition, it boasts an ATZ adapter bracket that enables gamers to use this PSU with cases that do not support SFX mounting. With a wattage of 500, this PSU will meet the most basic requirements and then some. You should give it a try.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 500 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Form Factor: SFX, ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
9. EVGA SuperNOVA 650 P2 Power Supply
The 650 G2 is another honorable mention that has unbeatable performance. Even though it only churns out 650 watts, this PSU is 80+ Platinum Rated when it comes to efficiency. Under typical loads, the EVGA G2 offers 90% and 92% efficiency for 115VAC and 220VAC~240AC, which is incredible. Featuring top-notch Japanese capacitor quality, the G2 offers a series of heavy-duty protection for all your components.
These include short circuit, overpower, under-voltage, over-voltage, and over current protections. Employing the ECO Control system, the noise of the fan is almost near to zero under low to medium loads. If your power consumption lies within this range, then the EVGA 650 G2 is the model you need to include in your list. You will enjoy the heavy-duty protection plus the 10-year warranty.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 650 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Platinum
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 10 Year
10. EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2 Power Supply
The EVGA 850 G2 is another fully modular beast from the world’s best PSU producers, and this unit is unleashing the next generation in power. Being 80 Plus Gold certified, this brand offers continuous power to all components by providing heavy-duty protection from all forms of irregularities.
The 850 G2 hits the 90% efficiency mark under typical loads. Featuring the New ECO Thermal Control System, this PSU offers zero fan noise under low loads. The 10-year warranty is proof that the EVGA 850 G2 is the ultimate choice for those looking to enjoy a long-term gaming experience.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 850 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 10 Year
11. EVGA SuperNOVA 850 P2 Power Supply
The EVGA 850 P2 beats several other PSUs in the 850W category. It boasts of tight load regulations and ripple suppression. It has stable outputs on +3.3V and +5V rails and features a silent fan mode. The 850 P2 is reliable with the Japanese Technology and offer heavy duty protections such as SCP, OVP, OCP, OPP, and UVP.
If you operate graphic cards on the SLI configuration, then I strongly advise that this PSU tops your list. Its efficiency is 80 Plus Platinum Rated and operates on a fully modular. It is one of the most preferred PSU because of its ability to withstand extreme conditions. The 10 years warranty is a proof that the 850 P2 is built to last and offer reliable power regulation.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 850 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Platinum
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 10 Year
12. Thermaltake Smart M 1200W Power Supply
The Thermaltake Smart M is another honorable mention that competes with the Corsair AX1500i. It is 80 Plus Bronze Certified and will guarantee any user efficient power supply in a quiet operation. Unlike other models, it is semi-modular, allowing you to plan the entire architecture of your components using longer cables.
If you are the kind that deals with systems that require heightened power load, the Smart 1200W is the ultimate PSU. It’s sure to deliver a reliable and fantastic gaming experience.
Due to its 1200 watt capacity, it is among the top brands that boast of excellent power regulation and ripple suppression. Whether your components include three to four graphics cards or loads of expansions, the Thermaltake Smart M 1200W will always get the work done.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 1200 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Semi-Modular
- Warranty: 5 Year
13. FSP Group PT FM Series 1200W
This ATX form factor fully modular power supply is worth a gander. If you’ve got a couple of hungry GPUs chomping at the bit, you need to feed them what they want: power. And lots of it. Fortunately, this 1200 watt power supply from FSP should do the trick. While not as well known as the likes of Corsair, EVGA, and Thermaltake, they’ve engineered a strong line of power supply units.
Certified at a highly respectable 80 PLUS Platinum, you’re looking at over 92% efficiency with this brick. Moreover, you can expect a quality built-in fan (quiet at maximum outputs), as well as a nice assortment of cables/compatibility.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 1200 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Platinum
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 10 Year
14. Corsair AX1200i Digital Power Supply
The AX1200i is one of the best PSUs money can buy. That’s because this beast boasts an insane power output of 1200 watts and goes beyond the 90% efficiency mark with the 80 Plus Platinum Standard. It’s also fully modular, allowing the user to control all the rails from a laptop or desktop.
We can’t deny the fact that the AX1200i boasts top-notch load regulation and impeccable ripple suppression. Nor can we forget the incredible feature of this PSU, aka the Corsair Link Integration, that allows full control and monitoring of its efficiency, performance, and power usage.
The DSP-based AX1200i offers superior electrical supply and regulation on even 15 amp circuits of 115 Volts or higher at zero RPM fan mode.
And, you can switch between the low, medium, and full modes as you like. Despite the fact that the price tag is slightly higher than competitors, this is the brand to go for if you want a power supply that approaches perfect efficiency. It has it all to run any ultra-high performance gaming PC.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 1200 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Platinum
- Form Factor: ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 10 Year
Do you have a gaming rig that is capable of hosting the entire matrix simulation? Are we living in that matrix? You’re going to want to swap out that power supply for the EVGA SuperNOVA 1600 P2 or you could risk the whole simulation crashing down due to a power failure. Not possible with the SuperNOVA 1600.
This beast is backed by a 10 year warranty and 80 PLUS Platinum certification (averaging 92-94% efficiency under typical loads). We like the ECO Mode feature on this one, this unit only turns on the fan when its necessary saving the planet and saving you $$$. It isn’t going to come cheap, as expected this unit comes in at over $400.
High Ground View:
- Capacity: 1600 Watt
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Platinum
- Form Factor: EPS, ATX
- Modularity: Fully Modular
- Warranty: 10 Year
Power Supply Guide Part I: General Thoughts on Power Supply Units
Many gaming PC owners don’t bother to acquire power supplies for their architectural systems, and they risk losing every inch of their investment. A power supply unit (PSU) plays a critical role in supplying a stable and regulated current to the different components in your PC. If you own an advanced PC gaming system and have expensive graphics cards, you better consider having a PSU at the top of your shopping list.
You never know the value of some gadgets until tragedy comes knocking at your door. If a power surge or electrical fault occurs, and you don’t have a high-quality power supply, you risk losing your entire system.
A power supply may not be such a necessity if you use your PC for home basics, but the opposite is true if you have powerful gaming beasts. Buying a power supply is both a smart investment choice and a worthwhile precautionary step.
Since a power supply supplies power to your PC components, there are some factors you need to take into consideration when buying one. The most important aspect is to calculate your total power consumption before even thinking about the brand. We know how challenging it can be if you are a novice in this field. Powering your computer can be mind-blowing, especially if you’re allergic to some physics terms.
The good news? The world of computer power supplies has advanced, and TDP Calculators are readily available on various websites. You can use them to calculate the power consumption of your system and other components. You don’t have to push yourself so much budget-wise when acquiring a power supply. There are decent units in the market that are great performers yet budget-friendly.
Additionally, it is advisable to go for a brand that is above the 80 Plus Standard. Most PSUs hit their maximum efficiency when operating at 50% of the rated capacity. To avoid degrading the performance of your PC, choose a PSU whose wattage is above your system requirement so that the nominal load range is between 20% and 100%. Avoid operating on the extreme lower or upper rated capacity of your PSU in order to maximize both performance and lifespan. With that said, let me take you through the factors you should have in mind before cashing out for any PSU out there.
Buying a high-quality PSU and especially one that will last for long, unfortunately, involves a due diligence process. Finding the best doesn’t necessary means that you have to break the bank unless you’re powering 8 GPUs or something freaky. Even though expensive is not always synonymous with quality, it’s good to avoid opting for the lower end PSUs in a gaming PC build. Many of the PSUs at the lower end are designed for basic home or office computers. In a nutshell, you want to do some research and always keep in mind higher quality components necessitate a beefier power supply.
Power Supply Guide Part II: What to Look for in a Power Supply Unit
Here are some things to think about as you search for the best power supply for your system.
Wattage
Naturally, wattage is the #1 metric you need to look out for when purchasing a new power supply. If you don’t get one with enough juice for your system’s components, it’ll cause your system to shut down — or worse yet, you may lose a component or two. Online power consumption calculators like eXtreme Power can be beneficial in this situation. The eXtreme calculator will give you an accurate estimate of your total power consumption based on the components you plug in. Say it came up with 400 consumption; it will probably recommend a 450-550 wattage power supply. It recommends higher, so you don’t risk continually operating at 100% of your power supply’s maximum load. To be extra safe here (and to maximize efficiencies), we’d recommend going even higher — say, a 650 watt PSU or 750 PSU for a total 400 power consumption scenario. That gets you in the safe zone + if you decide to upgrade your components down the road, you’ll have some wiggle room.
Efficiency
What is the Plus, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium nonsense!?! All you need to know is that each one of those is more efficient than the preceding level. A PSU with an 80 Plus Titanium rating is going to be far more efficient than a PSU with an 80 Plus rating (at many different load levels as well as 100% load). For detailed reading, we suggest Wikipedia’s page on the 80 Plus Standard.
PSUs, just like any other electrical component, are energy efficiency rated by a certification program developed by Ecos. It is what we refer to as the 80 Plus Standard. If a PSU is rated 80 Plus Titanium, that simply means it’s capable of providing 80% of its rated wattage while the remaining 20% is lost to heat and other energy forms.
Why should you consider this when buying a PSU? It is because the more efficient a PSU is, the less heat it dissipates. Thus, less power is consumed. If your architecture uses hundreds of Kilowatts, you better consider buying a highly-efficient PSU to reduce the power bill.
One question some folks have is whether the efficiency difference in the price of power consumed makes up the difference in the cost of the (bronze/silver/gold etc) power supplies over the typical life span of a unit. If you really want to get into it, there are people out there who’ve done the math. The result? It takes quite a long time (in most cases 5+ years) to see that extra cost come back to you.
Ultimately, the main argument people present for getting a Platinum or Titanium rated power supply is that they are typically higher quality and come with more features.
Modular Support
Fully modular PSUs allow PC builders to attach and detach all cables. In semi-modular PSUs, some cables are permanently attached and others are detachable. And in traditional non-modular PSUs, all the cables are permanently attached. Fully modular cabling systems not only make handling the cables easier but also enhance the airflow. With the modular system in place, your entire architecture looks neater and organized.
This, however, depends on personal preference, as it is not such a big deal. That said, it is important to have a PSU with a cabling system that’s manageable and reduces impedance. Another major advantage of modern modular cabling systems is the connectors that help when using graphic cards and other components.
Compatibility
It would be very stressful and annoying to spend hundreds of dollars on a PSU, only to realize that it is not compatible with your system. Whether you are buying a mid-tier PSU or one that meets your entire PC gaming power needs, always ensure that it meets all systems’ connection requirements to avoid a mess. If you ignore this factor, you risk buying another PSU or incurring more replacement costs.
Rails and Current Regulations
The rail debate is very controversial in the PSU world. A PSU can either have a single rail or a multi-rail configuration. These are the connections that deliver different power voltages. A single rail PSU will deliver 12V with the advantage of eliminating the need to balance the loads, unlike the case with the multi-rail configuration. The major downside of a single rail PSU is the probability of surging power into the connected components. On the other hand, a multi-rail has the ability to supply power to graphic cards and other components, but one has to be cautious when balancing the various power loads. It is advisable to check the current ratings on various PC connections to know your standing.
Built-in Protection
Even though this factor may be an afterthought for many builders, it deserves attention as it can help eliminate serious risks. Most modern PSUs have built-in heavy-duty protection such as Over Temperature Protection(OTP), Over Power Protection(OPP) and Under Power Protection(UPP). These features shut down the system to avoid further damage whenever power irregularities occur. It is good to ensure that your pick has at least one or more inbuilt protection(s).
Warranty
Last but not least, ensure that you buy your PSU from legitimate retail service providers who provide warranty for their products. No matter how expensive a PSU is, failures can and do occur when you least expect.
Power Supply Guide Part III: The Benefits of a Beefy Power Supply Unit
Here are the top benefits of a high-quality power supply unit:
- Optimal Gaming Experience. If you are a PC gaming enthusiast, you need a PSU to enjoy the service of all your components. That is one main advantage of having a high-quality PSU. It will always have a positive impact on your system by providing heavy-duty protection and stable power.
- Prevents Damage to Your PC. A PSU both protects and prevents your PC’s architecture from damage. If, for example, you are using high-end video cards, a PSU will prevent damage to the application and software in use by providing adequate and stable power.
- Reduces Power Bills. Any 80 Plus Rated PSU plays a vital role in reducing the percentage of power lost to heat. If you are the kind that deals with advanced PC gaming SLI architecture and components, an efficient PSU will significantly reduce your power bills.
- Future-Proof. For those who invest in oversized PSUs, upgrading to more advanced systems will be easy, as you won’t need to buy another power supply. In addition, modern PSUs feature modular connectors that enable one to use other gadgets.
Power Supply Guide Part IV: Choosing the Right PSU for Your Setup
A power supply is an essential component that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It determines the long-term reliability and stability of your system. In fact, if you are the kind of person that simply picks whatever meets the eye, don’t risk doing so when it comes to buying a PSU. Otherwise, you risk your entire system.
A PSU powers and guards your entire system architecture and thus requires much attention. A single mistake made in acquiring a PSU means that your system will be prone to crashes, performance problems, and boot failures. The following are the factors you should have in mind before cashing out any bucks for a new PSU. Also, if you are building a compact gaming PC, be aware of the dimensions before making final purchases.
This is perhaps the most important consideration that should first hit your mind when you think of buying a PSU. The various components of your PC have different power needs. You, therefore, have to establish the total power needed to support your system without strains. It is always good to consider PSUs whose wattage is above 500, and this is a requirement met by most brands.
That said, do note that not every PSU whose wattage is above 500 will meet the powering needs of your system. If, for example, your SLI architecture uses more than two over-clocked graphics, then you better consider a PSU whose wattage is above 1200W for an optimal gaming experience.
Also, never load your PSU to 100% of its capacity, as this may degrade its performance. To be on the safe side, always buy a power supply that is oversized in comparison to the power needs of your system. Having the right margin not only guards your PSU and other components but also allows for future upgrades. There are several calculators on the web that can help you calculate the total power consumption of your system.
Power Supply Guide Part V: Power Supply Unit Video Guide
Still need help choosing the best power supply unit? We’ve got you covered.
Check out this video by TechQuickie over on Youtube. He shows you the ins and outs of power supplies and guides you through the entire purchase process. If you still need help after watching this video, leave a comment down below and we’ll be happy to assist. Happy gaming!
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