As with learning about any new PC component, you’ll have to pick apart what all of the technobabble means. There are prefixes, suffixes, numbers, and strange terms that don’t make any sense to the uninitiated. Power supplies (PSUs) are no exception. In the early 2000s, PSU manufacturers started using an “80 Plus” rating system that breaks the efficiency of PSUs into different tiers. This system is great for those who know how it works, but it can be confusing for those who are new to PC building or hardware in general. 

The PSU rating system is a bit different from how GPUs and CPUs are rated based on performance power. PSUs are rated by reliability and how efficient they are at the task of delivering power to your system. This guide will go over the basic ratings and tell you how to interpret them.

Power Supply Ratings

To start us off, let’s take at what ratings exist. The following list goes from least efficient to most efficient. 

• 80 PLUS Standard/White
• 80 PLUS Bronze
• 80 PLUS Silver
• 80 PLUS Gold
• 80 PLUS Platinum
• 80 PLUS Titanium 

The latter half of the ratings are pretty intuitive. The grander the metal the better and more efficient the power supply is going to be with “Titanium” being the current best and most expensive option. But the 80 PLUS bit is a tad unclear. Essentially, the PSU is rated to deliver 80 percent of its rated power during 20, 50, and 100 percent power loads. 

After all, you lose a bit of power in the transfer process from your wall socket to your system. If you have a 1,000W 80 PLUS rated PSU then you can expect to deliver 750W consistently to your system. 

Rated Efficiency and Why it Matters

As the list above suggests, there is going to be some variance in the efficiency of each PSU. An 80 PLUS Bronze PSU is going to stick right around that 80 percent mark during operation while an 80 PLUS Titanium PSU will be in the 90% efficiency range. 

The higher the efficiency rating of a PSU the less heat it will produce, which will better the thermals in your case as well as make it run quieter. The lower-rated units will also draw more power since they aren’t processing it as efficiently as a higher-rated PSU. If you can afford a higher-rated PSU then you may actually save money over the long-term as opposed to spending less on a lower-rated unit that draws more power.

How to Determine Which PSU You Need

First, decide on a rating for your build. Generally, an 80 PLUS Gold PSU will be plenty efficient for the vast majority of builds with a bit of diminishing returns the higher you go. An 80 PLUS Bronze PSU will be fine if you are on a budget, but do not go lower than Bronze. 80 PLUS standard/white models are rarely sold anymore since they simply are not efficient enough to keep up with modern systems.

As for wattage, you will need to calculate the total power draw from the components in your system. Each component you purchase will have a number listing in its specifications for how much power it draws. You don’t want to cut it too close either, as many systems can experience spikes that take it over the rated total power draw. For example, you shouldn’t get a 750W PSU if it looks like you are going to be using 740W of power. 

A general rule of thumb is to have half of your PSUs rating as headroom. If your system draws 500W then you should aim for a 750W PSU.

Summary

Picking out the right PSU may seem daunting at first, but I hope this guide gave you the tools you needed to narrow your selection down. Just remember that rating determines how efficient your PSU is and that you should have a little bit of headroom when it comes to the wattage of your PSU and the total power draw of your system.

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One of the most prominent specifications of a Power supply is its ‘wattage’, normally quoted as 500W, 600W and so on. Calculating how much wattage you need vs how much the power supply can provide can become a headache. This article will help you work out the best option for your PC build.

How much power can a Power Supply (PSU) deliver?

The rated power for a power supply is the power it can deliver for an extended period of time. It takes into account efficiency losses of the power supply itself – so there is no need to multiply the PSU power by the nominal efficiency rating of the power supply. If a Power Supply is rated at 600W, it can sustain a 600W load and likely a little more.

Efficiency ratings do not directly correlate to the quality of a power supply. A Gold rated 600W power supply and a Bronze rated 600W power supply will both deliver 600W to the system components but the Gold-rated supply will convert the voltages more efficiently, losing less energy to heat, and drawing less power from the wall.

When components, particularly power-hungry GPUs, experience a demanding workload they draw a significant amount of power for a very short period of time. This power demand has to be met by the power supply – and this normally occurs by drawing power from capacitors in the power supply which exist to smooth power delivery and supply these transient spikes in power. This is where lower quality power supplies often fail to deliver: they use cheaper, lower quality and lower capacity capacitors. They may also have ‘over current protection’ set at lower limits to protect a less robust design or to keep within limits of parts with a lower specification. If you demand too much of these power supplies, they will shut the system down to protect themselves. If you encounter a situation where your PC shuts down when loading a game, or after an extended period when things have heated up, the power supply is a likely culprit. This is why GPU manufacturers tend to ‘over quote’ recommended power supply wattages, to account for there is no guarantee of the quality of the power supply the end-user has in their system. 

Working out how much power your system can draw

The power your PC draws depends on the components you choose. The most power-hungry components are the GPU(s), the CPU and then items like the Chipset itself, RAM, SSDs or Hard drives, and fans and any water pumps themselves also consume in the order of 10 Watts maximum each. Inefficiencies are inherent in all components causing energy to be wasted as heat, but these are accounted for in the total power draw given for any component. 

Components come with a nominal power draw, which can be equated to ‘TDP’. This is a less than perfect analogy because it’s really about the thermal design of the components, and also because the manufacturers sometimes misrepresent the actual power draw of components to appear more efficient. 

Allowing a 200W buffer gives you enough headroom to add multiple drives, more complex cooling solutions, or a more powerful CPU or GPU in future upgrades without having to replace the power supply as well. More powerful PSUs also tend to offer more PCIe and CPU power connectors, allowing you to run devices that require those connectors – two separate runs from power supply to the GPU for example, or an additional 4pin CPU EPS power connector to support CPU overclocking.

If you intend on Overclocking the CPU or GPU you will want to calculate significant headroom and consider the peak power draw of your components when overclocked, and this can be significantly higher than those run at standard settings – as much as double in some instances. High-end cooling solutions can also demand more power than a more basic PC set-up. 

A rule of thumb to calculate your Power Supply needs:

Maximum CPU Draw + Maximum GPU Draw + 200W = Recommended Power Supply Wattage. 

You can find the maximum power draw by searching for reputable reviews that indicate peak power draw during testing. As a rule, GPUs tend to closely follow their TDP power limits unless overclocked, and so do AMD CPUs. Intel CPUs frequently misrepresent their TDP and have a significantly higher peak power draw under demanding loads, so it’s wise to look at tests that demonstrate actual power use. Whilst an i9-10900K is nominally a 125W CPU for example, it can draw over 220W under all-core load and more when overclocked. An intel i5-11400 has a ‘TDP’ or 65W but will draw just over 100W under a demanding all core load.

To Summarize

• For most Gaming PCs with an i5, Ryzen 5 or 7 CPU, and a ~250W GPU a 650W Power Supply is adequate.
• For PCs including an RTX 3080, RX 6800 or Intel i9 or Ryzen 9 CPU, a 750W PSU is sensible.
• For PC’s including an RTX 3080 Ti, RTX 3090, RX 6900XT, and an Intel i9 or Ryzen 9 CPU, 850W or more is sensible.
• A more powerful power supply cannot harm your system the only downside is cost. An under-specified power supply may cause system instability or limit upgrade options in future. Therefore it makes sense to err on the side of a larger power supply but do not over-spend. 
• Quality is as important as power, and ‘efficiency rating’ cannot be directly related to quality. Search for hands on reviews to gauge the quality of a power supply you are considering.

The post How Much PSU Wattage Do I Need? How To Calculate PSU Wattage appeared first on PremiumBuilds.

The Intel i9-11900K was released at the end of 2020 and leverages Intel ‘Rocket Lake’ architecture to bring 8 cores and good overclocking potential to the flagship CPU of this generation. Whilst it offers undoubtedly high performance, it is a power-hungry CPU, particularly when overclocked or running stress tests, with power levels of 300W or more not out of the ordinary! Forming the core of a premium PC with the 11900K, it will usually be paired with a powerful Ampere or RDNA2 GPU, further extending the system’s demands for power.

If you are considering this CPU we’d recommend you assume a 250W power draw for the i9-11900K, add the TDP of your GPU, and then add a good 50% safety margin to ensure that your system can deal with transient loads and additional hardware such as storage, fans, and USB devices without any issues. In this guide, we’ve started with 750W PSU as a minimum for a system incorporating a high-end GPU and moved up where multiple GPUs or extreme overclocking headroom may be required. 

Finally, the ongoing supply and demand issues leave no sector of the PC market untouched, and Power supplies are no exception. This article encompasses the best options available at this time, taking into account those that have been out of stock for a long time or that are simply overpriced considering their specifications. 

Here are our recommendations for the best power supplies to combine with the i9-11900K to ensure a powerful, stable and reliable system.

Related: Intel Core i9-11900K Review
Related: Rocket Lake RAM Speed Analysis

Best PSUs for 11900K – Our Recommendations

1. Best Value PSU for 11900K

MSI may not be best known for its power supplies, having focussed on GPUs and motherboards in the past. However, the MSI MPG A-GF 750W has gained acclaim in reviews for its’ robust design, good performance and keen price. It also comes with an outstanding 10-year warranty indicating the confidence MSI has in the design and construction quality. It utilises all Japanese capacitors and uses the modern standard DC-DC topology. Electrical testing shows excellent voltage stability with minimal ripple, and it easily meets the gold standard efficiency standards. The fan is a quiet and high-quality design with a fluid dynamic bearing to keep the noise down even under load. It has fully modular cables which are flattened for easier routing, and of course, you only need to fit the desired cables to keep your PC as clean looking as possible. It is supplied with two 8 Pin EPS (CPU) power cables, and two PCIe cables to ensure that you can fully populate a Z590 motherboard’s CPU power sockets. MSI has clearly given careful thought to their entry into the competitive PSU market, and this quality and performance is a fantastic deal at $85.

2. Best All-Rounder PSU for 11900K

If you’re looking for a rock-solid PSU to run an RTX 3080, RX 6800XT or RTX 3090 then the Enermax Revolution D.F. 750W fits the bill perfectly. This 750W Gold efficiency rated PSU supplies ample power for the most demanding GPUs when used in combination with the i9-11900K. All the premium features you’d want are there: All Japanese capacitors rated to 105°C, Fully modular design, DC-DC secondary side circuitry and the full suite of protections. It comes with 2 PCI-E cables and 3 sockets, allowing it to power all but the most demanding single GPU setups with ease. It’s got a few neat features including a ‘Dust free’ button that raises the fan to maximum power, in reverse, to pull dust out of the unit as a maintenance task. It performs excellently under load testing with minimal ripple and strong transient load performance which is particularly important when powering high-end Ampere Graphics cards like the RTX 3080. A five-year warranty provides peace of mind. If you want some additional headroom for overclocking or potential future upgrades this unit will serve you well for years to come. 

3. Best PSU for Overclocking the 11900K

Corsair has long been the industry leader for high-end power supplies and the HX Platinum series represent their second-highest end Consumer option – with AX PSUs being unobtainable at the moment. Unfortunately, mining demand means that any PSU capable of powering multiple GPUs has become inflated in price and hard to get and the HX is no exception. This PSU, the HX Platinum 1200W, normally retails at $240 but is currently around $330 on Amazon. However, the core specification is as strong as you can hope for. There’s serious engineering behind this power supply with a semi-digital design and fan microcontroller. Electrical testing shows this to be a class-leading unit with absolutely no complaints or areas of concern. It easily achieves platinum efficiency standards ensuring minimal losses to heat, whilst fan noise remains low even under heavy load. Fully modular cables aid management whilst the use of Corsairs ‘Type 4’ Cable standards make sourcing custom cables easy. It’s topped off with a 10-year warranty to ensure long-lasting operation and peace of mind. 

4. Best PSU for 11900K Multi-GPU Build

If you’re running multiple GPUs on top of the Intel i9-11900K you need an absolutely top-notch PSU to handle the load. The Bequiet! Dark Power Pro is a flagship product from the German brand, with industry-leading engineering and design behind it. Rated for 1500W output at continuous load, and with Titanium power efficiency, this power supply is a great choice to run multiple GTX 3090’s or Radeon RX 6800XT’s for use in computation or rendering rigs. It’s also a good choice for multiple Quadro cards in a professional CAD or design workstation. It’s supplied with a pair of EPS power cables and five 600mm PCIe Power cables (each with twin 6+2 pin heads), to allow for a complex PC build even in full tower cases. It’s configurable between six 12V rails or they can be bridged into a single rail for extreme overclocking applications, whilst the Power supply is digitally controlled on all main rails to ensure stability and smooth power delivery. They’ve focussed on quietness with a frameless fan and gentle fan profile, and a whole side is given over to a mesh panel to aid airflow. Overall this power supply is exceptionally high quality throughout and provides the ideal basis for a hard-working PC with demanding components.

5. Best SFX PSU for i9-11900K

Lian Li are better known for high-quality PC cases but have recently released the SP750 SFX PSU. This compliments their cases like the Lian Li 011D mini which despite being a large case uses an SFX Power supply to reduce the overall size. This power supply benefits from Lian LI’s attention to detail in both design and engineering. It has slick alloy casing and top-notch manufacturing quality. 750W is a high power output for a small form factor design but Lian-Li and the manufacturer ‘Helly Technology’ have maintained excellent electrical performance with stable power output and very high efficiency, easily exceeding gold specification. Components are of high quality throughout. One downside pointed out by reviewers is that the fan can become loud at heavy load, And the 4 PCIe /CPU power sockets must be shared between motherboard CPU power and GPU power, so very high power draw GPUs requiring 3 PCI-E Plugs may require a larger power supply with more extensive connectivity options. Overall though this unit marks a strong entry for Lian Li into the SFX power supply market, and one that is well capable of supporting an i9-11900K in a range of interesting PC builds using unique and small form factor cases.

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A power supply is the hidden heart of a computer. While it’s often a boring task for first-time builders – putting the money toward a killer graphics card or new CPU is always more fun – it’s one of the most important parts to get right. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the rest of your system, ruining your aesthetics, or not even being able to get the build on.

One of the biggest decisions to make for this part comes in the field of modularity. Modular designs have all the wires separate from the power supply brick, allowing for customization and convenience. Non-modular designs all come pre-connected, meaning there are more wires to deal with, but setup may be easier. Semi-modular designs lie somewhere in between.

Everyone has a preference, and there’s no wrong answer. Let’s get into the specific differences between the three and the benefits they all hold.

Fully Modular Power Supplies

Fully modular power supplies have gained steadily in popularity since hitting the mainstream in the mid-to-late 2000s. Every single cable on the power supply is individually seated, meaning that you have total control over what connections exist in your computer. This comes with a host of benefits and few drawbacks; as such, fully modular power supplies are often considered the top of the line (though there are plenty of other factors to consider for power supplies, too).

To start, airflow tends to be much better while using a fully modular PSU. While the other options almost inevitably have some wires that get in the way of air, fully modular ones don’t. You know that pile of unused connections that you try to find a corner of your case to hide in? With a fully modular option, you just take them out and put them in a nice little bag.

They’re a great step up that really feels more professional. It also helps with the aesthetics of your build; every wire has a purpose, and you often have more control over what route they’ll take. Plus, if custom sleeving is your thing, a fully modular option will make that a lot easier.

Now for the common downsides. First, you must plug in every wire. Even though every computer in existence will use, for example, the main 24-pin connector, you need to put the manpower in to connect it. While it’s a small note, it can get somewhat frustrating if you have a lot of connections to work through. They also tend to be slightly larger than non-modular options, although they still follow the normal forms for power supplies. This is mostly something to note if you’re going for a space-constricted build.

Finally, the price; for all the extra convenience you get with these, you’ll end up paying more. High wattage and high-efficiency models can easily run for almost double their non-modular counterparts.

Semi-Modular Power Supplies

Semi-modular power supplies are a great middle-ground for most users. They work exactly as the name implies; some of the wires are fully removable, while others are rigidly connected like in a non-modular option. Normally, the consistently used cables like the 24-pin connector, 8-pin CPU connector, and one or two more are the non-removable options, but this varies between models.

These are meant to give users the basic benefits of fully modular options while being cheaper and offering a slightly easier setup. In exchange, you lose out on the custom cabling options and may need to deal with an extra wire or two.

 You still retain the option to take all those unused connections and store them outside of the build, improving airflow and reducing dust collection. For builders looking to strike a nice balance between usability and value, semi-modular options are hard to beat.

Non-Modular Power Supplies

Non-modular power supplies have every wire soldered to a single circuit board, making removing them impossible. These are cheaper to produce and extremely common; anyone using a pre-built PC from a major manufacturer like HP or Lenovo is almost certainly running one of these. Until just a decade or so ago, they were also the only option on the market.

The unfortunate downside of non-modular power supplies is that, inevitably, you’ll be left with extra wires. Rather than removing them from the case – like you can with semi-modular or fully modular options – you have to bundle them up somewhere inside. Hopefully, your case has a space to hide them away, but that may not be an option if the case is small or you have lots of extras.

This nest of wires easily collects dust, prevents customization, and often interrupts airflow. Plus, if your case doesn’t have a hide-away hole, it plain doesn’t look good. With the negatives out of the way, it’s important to note that most builds will still be fine with a non-modular option. Especially for people on a tight budget, you’ll find the best bang for your buck here. You may have to do a bit more upkeep on your PC to reduce temperatures – you can check out our guide on doing that here – but it’s hard to beat the price.

Comparing The Three Styles

Non-modular, semi-modular, and fully modular options are all still power supplies. There are plenty of similarities between the three, meaning that there aren’t that many categories where the differences are noticeable. If, for example, you’re most interested in energy efficiency, you can find highly rated models across any of them. Wattage, form factor, and extra features like self-testers all follow this trend as well.

So, what are the categories where you can notice the most differences between the three? Let’s take a look.

Price

As alluded to earlier, there can be drastic price differences between the three options for power supplies. Generally speaking, fully modular options are the most expensive, followed by semi-modular, then non-modular. This is largely due to manufacturing costs rising as more modular options are added.

Semi-modular options tend to offer the most value for their price. They perfectly balance a lot of the drawbacks and benefits of fully modular power supplies while meeting most builder’s needs for a cheaper cost.

It’s important to note that there’s not a notable difference in quality between the three options. A non-modular power supply is cheaper than a fully modular one because of circuit boards and connections, not because it’s made from lower-quality materials. Differences like that largely come down to the manufacturer. For a quick recap:

• Non-modular: Cheapest
• Semi-modular: Great Value
• Fully modular: Most Customization

Aesthetics

Aesthetically, fully modular power supplies take a clear win. The ability to take away extra wires instead of just hiding them is a game-changer for case space. However, semi-modular options can also do this. What really sets fully modular options apart here are cable sleeves.

While browsing the web, you’ve likely seen pictures of beautiful builds featuring custom-colored wires that match perfectly. This is only possible with a fully modular power supply, as it allows the wires to be removed and re-sleeved.

Especially if you’re trying to match everything in your build, or even if you just have a case with a window, consider upgrading to a modular option.

Temperature Control

This category technically pulls double duty, as it focuses heavily on airflow. Put simply, the better air can flow through a PC case, the cooler it will stay. You can read about more specifics in the thermal throttling part of this article, but that’s really all you need to know while choosing a power supply.

Non-modular power supplies have more physical objects getting in the way of airflow. The amalgamation of wires is particularly bad for airflow because it traps dust and hot air, too. While it won’t have the largest effect on your PC temperatures, it can be noticeable.

Instead, semi-modular and fully modular power supplies deal with this problem by just removing the wires. This allows for more empty space in the chassis, leading to better airflow and lower temperatures.

It’s important to note that the heat creation of each type of power supply does not change. That relies mostly on its efficiency, not how the wires are connected. If you’re going to use all or the majority of the available wires, go ahead and save your money with a non-modular option.

Summary

There are plenty of factors that go into choosing a power supply, and some are arguably more important than modularity. However, the differences between the three can have long-lasting effects on multiple parts of your system, so it’s a good idea to devote some time to it.

For most consumers, a semi-modular power supply is likely the best option. They retain a host of options, allow for just enough customization, and hit a sweet spot in price that’s hard for fully modular ones to meet. Of course, there are specific use cases for either side that can change that recommendation.

Consider your budget, the size of the computer, and what connections you need before finalizing any decision. Finally, be sure to take into account wattage and efficiency, too. They’ll have a much bigger impact on performance than wire connections.

Relevant Guides

Looking for more information on choosing a power supply? We’ve got you covered with a host of guides to find the best choice for you:

• 5 Best 750W Power Supplies for 2021
• The 5 Best Power Supplies (PSUs) for Gaming in 2020
• 5 Best Power Supplies for RTX 3060 Ti Builds

The post Full vs Semi vs Non-Modular Power Supplies: Which Is Best For You? appeared first on PremiumBuilds.

The RTX 3060 Ti is the mid-range entry to Nvidia’s new graphics card line up for 2021. This GPU uses the Ampere architecture to squeeze impressive performance from its 200 Watt thermal design, making it the most efficient GPU currently available in terms of performance per watt. Nvidia recommends a 600W power supply for this Graphics card, but this is necessarily an upper estimate as it must account for lower quality power supplies and a wide range of system specifications beyond the graphics card itself.  Nevertheless, it’s always wise to stick to manufacturer guidelines wherever possible, and by choosing a high-quality power supply you can be assured of a stable system and long service life, as well as other benefits like improved efficiency and lower noise.

Power Supplies were one of the first components to suffer stock shortages in 2020 after the pandemic hit production in China and shipping globally. Many of the most popular power supplies have become harder to find or else are inflated in price. This means we have to consider other options but fear not: there are plenty of capable power supplies out there to get your build up and running. The RTX 3060 Ti is a great GPU option because of the value it offers: If we overspend on a power supply we begin to dilute that value proposition – we’ve kept our recommendations under the $100 price point for that reason with the exception of the small form factor option. So here are our recommendations for the best power supplies to pair with the RTX 3060 Ti, without overspending.

Best PSUs for RTX 3060 Ti – Our Recommendations

Award	Design	Model
Best Budget PSU for RTX 3060 Ti		Cooler Master MasterWatt 650W Bronze
Best Budget Gold Rated PSU for RTX 3060 Ti		Antec EarthWatts Gold Pro 650W
Best Fully Modular (Gold) PSU for RTX 3060 Ti		Cooler Master MWE Gold 650W
Best SFX PSU for RTX 3060 Ti		Corsair SF600 Gold
Best Quiet PSU for RTX 3060 Ti		Be Quiet! Pure Power 11 600W Gold

Best Budget PSU for RTX 3060 Ti

Cooler Master have a good range of affordable power supplies and if you’re maximising your budget this Bronze rated 650W output unit, the MasterWatt 650W Bronze, is a good place to start. At $85 this Power supply is semi-modular, so you can keep cable clutter down and fit only those cables you need in addition to the standard ATX 24pin, EPS 8Pin, and PCIe cables which are fixed to the supply. The 80+ Bronze efficiency rating means it meets 85% average efficiency (higher in 230V regions) so that induces less heat loading onto the supply itself. It’s also semi-fanless so the fan will only spin when it needs to cool the unit, reducing noise at idle. It uses 16AWG PCIe Cables meaning it will have no problem supplying ample current to the RTX 3060 Ti. There’s the full suite of protections in place including over current, over voltage and over temperature, so it will shut down to protect itself and the rest of your components should anything go wrong. Finally, it’s supplied with a 5-year warranty so you can be confident it will last. This PSU is the best budget option to support a build with the RTX 3060 Ti.

Best Budget Gold Rated PSU for RTX 3060 Ti

Antec is a lesser-known brand but this California based company have been in the components industry since 1986. The EarthWatts Gold Pro is a rebranded Seasonic Focus Gold design and as such a highly rated 650W power supply. The semi-modular design allows you to clean up your build minimising cable clutter whilst the compact length – just 140mm – maximises case space and options as well. The fan is of good quality and silent under most conditions, only speeding up when required by high temperatures. This unit has a 7-year warranty. We use this power supply in our bench test rig and it’s proven versatile and reliable throughout so we have no hesitation in recommending it as a great pairing with the RTX 3060 Ti. 

Best Fully Modular (Gold) PSU for RTX 3060 Ti

If you want to spend a little more for a fully modular power supply, Cooler Master offer the Cooler Master MWE Gold 650W, stepping up to a fully modular design but staying below the $100 price point. This power supply allows you to fully customise your cabling with cables of any style, colour and length right back to the PSU. Custom cable kits are available from around $60, but you can still use the supplied flat cables if you wish and customise the look later or just want the flexibility of only fitting the exact cables you need. The core of the PSU is sound with the Gold rating meaning it is 90% efficient on average under load. The fan is quiet and high quality and is thermostatically controlled to keep noise to a minimum. It’s a great choice is you want more customisation options without spending more than $100. 

Best SFX PSU for RTX 3060 Ti

The RTX 3060 Ti is well suited to a small form factor build owing to the availability of smaller models and its lower power requirements placing less heat load on a smaller case. If you’re looking for an SFX power supply then the choices are limited, and the Corsair SF600 Gold is the best option for an RTX 3060 Ti. This is a fully modular power supply so you can get customised cables, important in an SFF build where space is at a premium. Because it’s a popular model there are plenty of aftermarket custom cables, some even tailored to specific cases to ease the build process.  It has zero fan mode for silent operation under light loads, and the full suite of protections and cut-outs for over current, over voltage and the rest. It’s manufactured with high-quality Japanese capacitors and backed up by a seven-year warranty for peace of mind. It has 2 PCIe cables allowing you to power even the most demanding GPUs, although the RTX 3060 Ti will only require one cable to its 8-pin power socket. 

Best Quiet PSU for RTX 3060 Ti

If you’re looking for a low noise power supply then take a look at the Be Quiet! Pure Power 11 600W Gold. At $100 this supply offers a strong basic specification with Gold efficiency rating and 600W output. It’s semi-modular in design for a clean and simple build, and flat cables help you route them neatly. For noise suppression, it uses a high quality 120mm BeQuiet! fan with thermostatic control to keep fan speeds low. Combined with the high efficiency meaning less energy is wasted as heat, this ensures ‘near inaudible’ operation. BeQuiet state that below 50% load this PSU emits just 9.4 dB(A) and at full load it’s still under 20dB(A) – that’s equivalent to a whisper, or rustling leaves. It’s German designed and backed with a 5-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Conclusion: Pair the RTX 3060 Ti with any of the above power supplies for a great value combination

With the options above there’s a great value high performance PSU for all requirements. Any of the power supplies recommended here will make a perfect pairing with your new RTX 3060 Ti and ensure years of reliable high performance use.

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Choosing a CPU for a new build, especially one focused on gaming, has never been easier. AMD has now dominated any competition from Intel with the release of its Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 Series processors. Not only do these CPUs outclass their equivalently priced Intel counterparts in multi-core performance, but they now also feature faster single-core speeds, and an energy efficiency that, quite frankly, puts Intel to shame.

Choosing between the available AMD CPU options is also quite simple. For gaming, it seems like the Ryzen 5 5600X is the best option, as it provides the most amount of value for its price; while also including a stock cooler that the other Zen 3 processors lack. Of course, it could be argued that the Ryzen 7 5800X is also a solid choice, as it has a full Core Complex (CCX) – with eight cores, 16 threads, and 32 MB of L3 Cache – though, its price leaves much to be desired in terms of value. 

TechSpot’s benchmarks show us that the Ryzen 5 5600X displays the best cost-per-frame ratios amongst all current-generation CPUs for both gaming and multi-core performance.

Because of the low, 65 Watt, TDP that the Ryzen 5 5600X features, this CPU can be flexible in terms of overclocking potential, as well as PC form factors that it can be used in. Choosing a proper PSU that will provide it with the sufficient amount of power it requires, as well as a proper efficiency rating and internal thermals, is not as easy a task as it may seem. There are many aspects to take into consideration to ensure a perfect fit for your overall setup.

Firstly, the wattage and efficiency. Though the Ryzen 5 5600X can operate just fine even with a 500W PSU, it is always best to allow leeway for any additional components that may be added down the line, as well as for overclocking – which results in the CPU drawing more power from the power supply. The 80 PLUS rating that best fits your needs will depend on the level of use of the PC. If it is to be used infrequently, for a couple of hours a day for example, then a Bronze rating will suffice; but if it is to be used for several hours a day, a Gold or Platinum Rating will better suit the build.

The power supply must also operate silently, which is dependent on the quality of the internal components, as well as the fan, and its type of bearings. Additionally, the PSU must be able to output most of its wattage through the +12V rail, as this is where the majority of energy is supplied to the most critical components: the CPU and GPU. Any additional external display features are always welcome to those that enjoy a flashy setup, like the ever-trending RGB illuminations.

Taking all the above into account, we have compiled a list of the best power supplies to pair with the Ryzen 5 5600X; depending on price, intended use, and form factor.

Best PSUs for Ryzen 5 5600X – Our Recommendations

Award	Design	Model	Wattage	Rating
Best Budget PSU for Ryzen 5 5600X		Gigabyte P650B	650W	80+ Bronze
Best Gaming PSU for Ryzen 5 5600X		Super Flower Leadex III	650W	80+ Gold
Best Low-Profile PSU for Ryzen 5 5600X		SilverStone SX700-PT	700W	80+ Platinum
Best PSU for Overclocking Ryzen 5 5600X		ASUS ROG Thor	850W	80+ Platinum

Best Budget PSU for Ryzen 5 5600X

Hardware components are definitely not getting any cheaper, and this is the case for both the Ryzen 5 5600X, and any accompanying GPU you may choose. In fact, the Ryzen 5 5600X saw an increase in price from its predecessor, the Ryzen 5 3600X, by 50%. Therefore, if you’re looking for a PSU on a budget, we can’t blame you. Of course, it is always wise to invest in a proper PSU, as it can outlast many of your existing PC components, but if you are intending to use your PC for just a few hours a day, buying an affordable power supply will work just fine.

The Gigabyte P650B is a PSU that costs under $100, and has features found in some of the higher-end power supply models. This 80 PLUS Bronze-rated PSU has an efficiency level between 82% and 85%, and includes a 120 mm fan that makes use of premium hydraulic bearings that are not usually found in budget products. The only downside to this fan is that it does not appear to be PWM controlled, so it will operate no matter what the load. Still, because of the hydraulic bearings, it will run at noise levels below 40 decibels, even at maximum loads, which isn’t that bad.

The Gigabyte P650B also features all-Japanese capacitors, produced by Nippon Chemi-Con and rated for temperatures of up to 105 degrees Celsius. These capacitors not only ensure reliability during operation, but also a longer lifespan for the PSU, which is rated to have a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 100,000 hours and is backed by a three-year warranty. 

The cables of the P650B are sleeved, again not seen in most budget-level power supplies, with a quality mesh braided wrapping for flexibility and reduced clutter. However, the P650B is a non-modular PSU, so unused cables will have to be tucked within the case.

One last thing to mention, is that this power supply has a single +12V rail, which can output 648 Watts, or 54 Amps, so you won’t have to worry about your CPU or GPU ever lacking the proper amount of power needed to operate, or even overclock.

Perhaps the best aspect of the Gigabyte P650B is its price, as you can find this model currently on sale for $59.99 – down from its original $74.99 MSRP.

Best Gaming PSU for Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is looking to be the ultimate CPU for gaming builds, as it provides framerate output that is within a 3.75% range of the Intel 10^th generation flagship i9-10900K – while costing almost half its price. This is why it has the best performance to price ratio of all new generation CPUs, including Intel CPUs as well. A PSU for a dedicated gaming build needs to have a solid 80 PLUS rating, high power output on the +12V rail, to supply the CPU and GPU for any overclocking use, and, of course, a stylish exterior with RGB lighting displays that can add some extra flare to the gaming rig.

The 650W PSU, the Super Flower Leadex III includes all of the above, at a very reasonable price. Firstly, it comes with a 80 PLUS Gold rating, which ensures an efficiency between 87% to 90%; ensuring that significant amounts of heat won’t spread from the PSU to other hardware components within the case during long gaming sessions. It also has ETA efficiency A certification, and a Lambda A+ noise level certification. To keep thermals and noise levels in check, it makes use of a 130 mm fan, with 11 blades and a contactless hydro-dynamic bearing design. The fan is also PWM controlled, allowing it to operate in a semi-passive mode when under low loads. In fact, this fan reaches an average of only 10.91 decibels of noise, meaning it is virtually inaudible.

The capacitors within are all 105-degree Celsius certified Japanese capacitors; including the main board and the modular front panel. To further protect the PSU, the Leadex III has over voltage, over current, over power, short circuit, under voltage, and over temperature protection – tested and certified to not faulter in over 2,000 on/off switches. It also includes an impressive 7-year warranty.

The Leadex III has a fully modular design, though only the essential cables are covered, while the peripheral cables are bare. Its single +12V rail can output 649.2 Watts, or 45.1 Amps. 

Finally, it must be mentioned that this PSU has two incredibly stylish ARGB displays: One that illuminates the fan and its translucent blades, and one that lightens the crystal connector panel design, adding light and color to the front I/O ports. These ARGB displays can be customized via almost any motherboard manufacturers’ RGB synchronization software, including ASUS’s Aura, MSI’s Mystic Light, Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion, and ASRock’s Polychrome.

The Super Flower Leadex III is also currently on sale, with its $159.99 MSRP discounted to $135.99. If you are looking to use a Radeon RX 6800 XT with your Ryzen 7 5800X, this model is also sold in a 750 W version for $144.49. Not cheap, but definitely worth it for its 80+ Gold efficiency rating, silent operation, and ARGB displays.

Best Low-Profile PSU for Ryzen 5 5600X

Small Form Factor (SFF) builds have grown tremendously in popularity, as of late, and for good reason. Having the full power of a desktop PC in a case, with such a small footprint, that can be easily transferred between rooms, offices, or living spaces, can be incredibly convenient. The Ryzen 5 5600X is perhaps the best CPU candidate for an SFF build, as it has a low TDP and excellent operating temperatures. The PSU to power this setup needs to have an SFX or SFX-L form factor, a high 80 PLUS rating, and an excellent cooling solution – due to the fact that heat can quickly become an issue in such confined spaces.

The SilverStone SX700-PT is optimally designed to handle these requirements. It has a 700-Watt power output, which may seem a bit much for this 65 W CPU, but it is best to have the power supply operating at around a 50% load, since that is where it’s most efficient. Additionally, the SX700-PT has a 80-Plus Platinum rating (ETA A, Lambda S++), which means that it is at least 89% to 92% efficient, so the heat emanating from this power supply will be minimal. Taking into account that the SX700-PT features a large-for-its-size 120 mm fan, which is usually found in ATX form-factor power supplies, means that it is almost certain that its temperatures will always be under control. The fan itself has hydro-dynamic bearings and PWM controls, making it virtually inaudible.

 Also, important to mention, is that the SX700-PT has all Japanese capacitors and a fully modular design. Its cables do not have sleeves, meant to provide better flexibility for the arrays, and therefore must be handled with care. This PSU also has an incredibly powerful +12V rail, outputting 58.4 Amps, or its full 700 Watts. With an MTBF of 100,000 hours, and all the same protection protocols mentioned for the Leadex III, the SX 700 PT is an efficient and reliable power supply; hence, why it is backed by SilverStone’s five-year warranty. 

If you are looking for a power supply for an SFF case featuring the Ryzen 5 5600X, few can compete with the SilverStone SX700-PT, which you can expect to find for $159.

Best PSU for Overclocking Ryzen 5 5600X

Overclocking to high frequencies does not only increase the system cooling demands, which are needed to maintain optimal temperatures that won’t damage the hardware or cause instability, but it also exponentially increases the demand in power. If you are planning to make full use of the potential of the Ryzen 5 5600X, and perhaps even of an accompanying Nvidia 3000 Series or RDNA 2 6000 Series GPU, then you will need your PSU to have high wattage output, high efficiency levels, and a powerful thermal solution.

ASUS’s ROG Thor seems to have been built with overclocking in mind, as not only does it have the aforementioned qualities, but it also has a unique OLED displays which shows you, in real time, the power that is being drawn from the hardware components. This way, as you overclock your CPU, GPU, or even RAM, you can see how much power is still available without the use of any monitoring software.

The ASUS ROG Thor is a 850 W PSU that has a 80 PLUS Platinum rating, and makes use of a 135 mm, PWM controlled, Wing-Blade fan design, that utilizes double ball bearings and IP5X-rated dust resistant materials, in order to keep its thermal in check. In fact, with the ROG Thor’s internal heatsinks, which allow for a 20% lower internal temperature, the fan won’t need to operate at high RPM in order to keep the power supply cool. Its Lambda A+ rating means that the noise emanating from the fan will never exceed 20 decibels, even when at high volumes. 

All the capacitors within this PSU are Japanese, and rated for 105 degrees C. It also has a very powerful single +12V rail that can output 71 Amps, or 852 Watts of power. The ROG Thor is also a fully modular power supply, and all included cables are sleeved. Its durability, and the integrity of its internal components are all backed by a 10-year warranty.

The design of the ASUS ROG Thor features an RGB-lit ROG logo, as well as an RGB-lit accent running across the side (between the logo and OLED screen). These displays can be synced via ASUS’s Aura Sync software.

Though definitely not a cheap purchase, the ASUS ROG Thor provides excellent value for gaming and overclocking enthusiasts. You can currently purchase this power supply for $229.99.

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The Radeon RX 6800 is AMD’s newly announced RDNA2 based GPU. Aimed squarely to compete with the RTX 3070 this $579 GPU has 16Gb VRAM and promises exceptional 1440p gaming performance. With a 250W power draw, you need to ensure that your power supply is up to the task but this is a more efficient unit than the flagship GPUs making it more versatile. Because of the lower heat output and high efficiency, it will be better suited to small form factor builds. Whilst not cheap, combined with cost-effective parts the lower power requirements allow you to select a less expensive PSU keeping overall system costs down without detriment to performance. The RX 6800 looks set to redefine performance in 1440p high FPS gaming but needs a great system to support it. 

In this article, we’ll recommend PSU’s for a range of RX 6800 builds and needs, all of which are plenty capable of ensuring the RX 6800 performs to its full potential and that there is no bottlenecking or loss of performance.

PSU requirements of the RX 6800

The Radeon RX 6800 has relatively frugal power requirements in the context of high-performance GPUs. We consider a 650W PSU to be optimum in terms of pricing and headroom to run this GPU in combination with any current mid-range CPU and supporting PC system.  It uses two 8-pin PCIe power connectors which are standard on any reasonable PSU. As always it is sensible to look for the following features in any PSU you’re looking at: 

• That it has some headroom to allow for component upgrades in future and deal with transient loads as the GPU powers up, for example. 
• An efficiency rating of at least 80+ bronze shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee of quality but does at least mean some consideration has been given to ensuring the PSU outputs more power than heat. 
• You should always check that the PSU has the full suite of thermal and over-current protections built-in, especially if it’s a lesser-known brand. 
• You might want to consider if the PSU has ‘silent mode’ to keep it quiet by stopping the fan when not under load, for example when doing desktop tasks.
• Finally, a good warranty is a source of peace of mind and indicates how long the manufacturer has confidence that it will last. 5 years is an entry point with 7-10 years being common on higher-end units.

Best PSUs for RX 6800 – Our Recommendations

Best Budget PSU for RX 6800

If you’re looking to maximize the value on parts like the PSU in order to stretch your budget as far as it will go, then the CoolerMaster MasterWatt 650W 80+ Bronze is a great option. At just $84 this PSU has a semi-modular design so you only have to attach PCIe and SATA cables as required. The bronze rating means it’s at least 80% efficient but exceeds 85% under most loads at 110V, 230V it is more efficient still.  It operates fanlessly under 15% loads so desktop use will be silent. The fan itself is optimized for low noise even when it is spinning. The compact design means it’s easy to fit into most cases. It has the full suite of protections and ships with a 5-year warranty. This is an excellent option to keep costs down and focus your spend on the parts that matter most affording the RX 6800 and a CPU to back it up. 

Best Overall PSU for RX 6800

If you are looking for a balance of performance, features and price then the EVGA G1+ 650W Gold is an excellent choice. Retailing at just under $100 there’s a whole array of handy features. It’s a fully modular PSU so you only need to attach the cables you want. It uses Zero fan mode and a large 135mm fan to keep noise to a minimum. Build quality is good and high-end parts like Japanese capacitors and a fluid dynamic bearing fan are used to extend the life of the unit. Like all our recommendations it has the full suite of protective circuitry to preserve your components should anything go wrong and it’s backed by a 10-year warranty. We consider this PSU for the RX 6800 to be an excellent balance of price, performance and importantly availability.

Best High-End PSU for RX 6800

The Corsair RMx series is a long-standing stalwart of the high-end PSU market. The RMx 650W 80+ Gold takes a no-compromise approach with high-end componentry and design, wrapped up in rock-solid build quality. This fully modular PSU features ultra low noise design with zero fan mode until moderate power levels, and is 80 Plus Gold certified for over 90% efficiency. The fully modular design makes it easy to use custom cables and keeps the PC build neat by allowing you to omit cables you don’t want. Corsair even makes their own braided cable sets in various color schemes or you can buy off the shelf from third-party manufacturers like cable mod that are directly compatible. Internal components are all top-notch with all Japanese capacitors. From a support perspective, you get a 10-year warranty demonstrating the faith Corsair have that this as a PSU that will last the distance.

Best SFX PSU for RX 6800 SFF Builds

EVGA clearly saw a gap in the market for an SFX PSU bearing their name and reputation. The SuperNOVA GM 650W 80+ Gold is a compact PSU catering to the ever-expanding demand for small form factor PCs. The small size doesn’t mean it is lacking features or performance: It puts out 650W at 90% efficiency and uses Japanese capacitors for reliability. The 92mm fan is a dual ball bearing unit intended to be both quiet and reliable, and it isn’t powered on until 30% load so it’s completely silent under light loads. It has single 12V rail configuration capable of supplying over 50Amps (so over 500W) meaning that it’s happily able to cope with large transient demands from powerful graphics cards. The PCIe cable has two 8 pinheads on the same cable, which can be useful in compact builds where there’s limited room for additional cables. The full gamut of over current, over temperature and voltage protections are in place to protect your components in the event of a failure. Finally, it’s backed by EVGA’s great customer service and a 7-year warranty. 

Best PSU for Overclocking a RX 6800 Build

If you want a rock-solid PSU as the foundation of an overclocking rig then the Fractal Design Ion+ 760W 80+ Platinum could be the power supply for you. With 760W output, there’s significant headroom for power-hungry CPUs or pushing the RX 6800 to its limit. It also has 8+4 pin connectors for CPU power, meaning you can fully populate a higher-end motherboards sockets for the most demanding CPU overclocks. An oversized 140mm fan means it’s quiet in operation and has zero fan mode at low load. Highly flexible cables and the fully modular design take the pain out of cable management. Fractal back this power supply with a comprehensive 10-year warranty so this is the last power supply you’ll need to buy until 2030!

We hope this article has helped you find the perfect PSU for your AMD RX 6800 PC Build!

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Nvidia has announced its Ampere GPUs and it’s clear they’re going to be a massive step up in performance. Despite a new more efficient chip design they are also going to be power-hungry. Nvidia state that the RTX 3070 draws 220 Watts and requires a 650W power supply, whilst the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 both state that a 750W power supply is required.

There’s a little more to it than raw power though, and for a top tier build using these new GPU’s you’ll want to ensure you’ve got a high quality, stable and quiet power supply. In this article, we’ll give you our recommendations for the best power supplies available for your Ampere RTX build.

A note on the 12 pin power connector

Nvidia Founders Edition RTX 3080 and 3090 GPU’s have a new 12 pin PCI-E power plug design which mounts at the middle of the card. The reason for this is they have a truncated circuit board inside that allows the cooling fins to extend beyond and air to blow right through them: This compact design doesn’t allow space for the standard PCIe power connectors. Don’t worry though: All the other manufacturers’ versions of the cards have retained the standard PCIe power sockets, whilst the Nvidia cards will ship with a power adaptor to allow you to connect standard PCIe cables to their proprietary connector. You will not require custom cables or a new power supply to run these latest GPUs in your system.

Best PSUs for RTX 3070 / 3080 / 3090 Ampere Builds – Our Recommendations

Award	Design	Model
Best PSU for RTX 3070		Antec Earthwatts Gold Pro 650W
Best High-end PSU for RTX 3070		EVGA SuperNOVA GA 650 W 80+
Best SFX PSU for RTX 3070		Silverstone SX650-G 650W
Best Budget PSU for RTX 3080		Seasonic Focus Plus 750W Gold
Best High-end PSU for RTX 3080		EVGA SuperNOVA GA 850W Gold
Best SFF PSU for RTX 3080		Corsair SF750 Platinum
Best PSU for RTX 3090		Corsair AX 850 Titanium

Best PSU for RTX 3070

This Antec Earthwatts Gold Pro PSU is a rebranded Seasonic Focus Gold design. It may be semi-modular but that’s no disadvantage since you need the ATX, EPS and PCIe cables as a minimum anyway. You can connect up to four PCIe cables if required, though the RTX 3070 will use just two. It’s gold-rated for efficiency and operates with minimal noise thanks to its smart fan operation – the fan runs at exceptionally low RPM until the power supply is really loaded up, so you won’t hear it in normal operation. It uses DC-DC topology for maximum stability and efficiency. There’s also the full suite of protections in place. The power supply is capable of running power-hungry GPUs: we use one in our Premium Builds test bench and it’s happy powering our 320W draw RTX 2080 Ti so it will have no issues with the 220W RTX 3070. It’s backed with a 7-year warranty. With competitors now well over $100, this is an excellent value power supply that is well up to the task of powering your RTX 3070 build. 

Best High-end PSU for RTX 3070

If you’re looking for a PSU that’s easier to customise with cable sets, moving up in price a little at $115 we have EVGAs SuperNOVA GA power supply for the RTX 3070. This PSU is EVGA’s latest revision and includes all the features you’d expect of a high-end power supply: It’s Gold efficiency rated and fully modular and has 100% Japanese capacitors. It has a zero fan mode at low workloads so it’s silent until the PC is working hard, at which time you’ll hear the case and GPU fans more anyway. The dual ball bearing fan ensures both long life and minimal noise. This PSU ships with a 10-year warranty and EVGA’s stellar reputation for customer service, so you’ve got decade long peace of mind. This PSU forms a rock-solid basis for any RTX 3070-based build.

Best SFX PSU for RTX 3070

SFX builds need careful planning, and if you’re on the lookout for a 650W power supply in SFX form factor your options are limited – this is, even more, the case since trade wars and the global pandemic combined to hit production and supply lines. For the best SFX option at present, we’ve picked the Silverstone SX650-G. This potent little power supply packs 650W output and 4 PCIe connectors into its tiny chassis. There’s a silent running 92mm fluid dynamic bearing fan and all Japanese capacitors. Silverstone boasts of the class-leading single +12V rail meaning it will happily power the most demanding GPU’s, and also that is has a very low ±3% voltage regulation. The modular cables are flat for easy routing and packaging in compact cases. Dual EPS 8 Pin cables support the latest Z490 and X570 chipset motherboards allowing you to fully populate an 8+4 pin CPU power socket. The warranty is a little disappointing at 3 years but that doesn’t impact the quality of the actual product at all. At the time of writing, this is our recommended 650W Power supply if you need an SFX build with an RTX 3070.

Best Budget PSU for RTX 3080

Budget is, of course, relative when you’re talking about a build including an $800 GPU. The Seasonic Focus Plus Gold is the minimum we’d specify for such a build and the extensive feature list warrant its slightly higher price. 

This power supply has everything you need: The recommended 750W power output with Gold efficiency for lower heat output and energy bills. There is zero fan mode for silent operation at under 30% load and it’s a high-quality unit with a fluid dynamic bearing. Seasonic use a neat PCB based socket arrangement which should make this PSU more robust. It’s also only 140mm deep maximising the space in your PSU shroud. It has 2 EPS power connectors to fully support power-hungry CPUs on the X570 and Z490 motherboards. There’s also an industry-leading 10-year warranty on this unit. Combined with Seasonic’s excellent reputation in the manufacture of power supplies this is the best option for the RTX 3080 and a strong supporting system.

Best High-end PSU for RTX 3080

The EVGA SuperNOVA GA 850W is our recommendation for a higher-end option for more demanding systems based around the RTX 3080. If you’re considering powering high-end CPU’s like the Intel i9-10900K alongside this GPU you’ll want a little more overhead and this power supply offers that without breaking the bank. EVGA has adorned this latest version of their gold-rated power supply with all Japanese capacitors (Chinese capacitors gained a bad reputation after failures) and of course fully modular design so you can make your build super-clean. As with other PSUs in the series, there’s a 135mm dual ball-bearing fan for low noise and high durability, with zero fan mode below 40% load so it’s silent. There’s also a 10 year warranty and EVGA’s solid customer service reputation for your peace of mind. 

Best SFF PSU for RTX 3080

If you’re looking to shoehorn an RTX 3080 into a build requiring an SFF power supply your options become very limited. Thankfully the Corsair 750W Platinum has an excellent reputation and is capable of powering the highest-end hardware despite its diminutive size. The platinum efficiency rating is indicative of the quality of the design and components. The PSU has a 92mm fan that stops under low load for silent operation. Unfortunately, pricing and availability are crazy at the moment, with the combined rise in popularity of SFF PC’s increasing demand, and trade wars with China and the global pandemic hitting supply. If this is the PSU for you, you may have to wait for a price drop or bite the bullet and accept it as a cost of having the best. 

Best PSU for RTX 3090

If you’re building an all-out powerhouse around the RTX 3090, you’ll want a very robust power supply capable of running power-hungry components with overclocks. The PSU we’re chosen here is capable of all that and will last a decade to boot: the Corsair AX 850. This power supply adopts a ‘best of the best’ philosophy to justify the premium price tag. It has 100% Japanese capacitors, a 135mm fan with zero fan mode for silent operation under low load. It supplies 3 PCIe Cables and a pair of 8 Pin EPS cables, and Corsair offers their own custom cables too if you want a manufacturer guaranteed customisation options. Finally, there’s a ten-year warranty to ensure you don’t have to worry about your PSU until 2030. This is a power supply that you can have faith will run your RTX 3090 build with ease. 

Featured Ampere Builds

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Looking to build a mid to upper-mid level gaming rig, or perhaps an equivalent workstation for content creation and editing? Then chances are that you are going to need a PSU with a power output of 750 watts; as it will more than suffice to power similarly demanding builds. But not all PSUs are created equal – there are many different key aspects that must be taken into account, for they can make or break your new PC’s performance.

Firstly, you’re going to want your PSU to have a 12 V rail that can sufficiently supply DC current to your CPU and GPU, as these power-hungry hardware components draw exclusively from the 12 V rail. Failing to supply the appropriate amount of DC current to consistently power your hardware could mean stuttering, freezing, and even startup inability.

Another crucial aspect to take into account when shopping for the proper PSU for your next build is energy efficiency. Luckily for consumers, a certification program exists which tells you exactly within what efficiency parameters each PSU operates under. This certification is named 80 Plus – due to 80% efficiency being the minimum required percentage in order to attain this certification – and 80 Plus offers additional ratings depending on the efficiency the PSU can reach above 80%. To be specific, the 80 Plus ratings range from bronze (82% to 85% at max load), all the way to Titanium (90% to 94% at max load) – with the basic 80% efficiency being named 80 Plus “White”. It is important to note that when PSUs are tested for an 80 Plus certification, they are done so under room temperature with an ample amount of airflow. Because an open room will usually not constitute a computer case, and since the higher the temperature of the PSU the less efficient it becomes, if you plan on building a small form factor rig – or if plan on using hardware than generally runs hot – it is best to buy a PSU one rating above what you would normally need. If you’re wondering what efficiency you do need, then the answer will depend on how much you will be using your PC and at what loads. For example, if you plan on casually gaming for a few hours a week after work perhaps, then a Bronze or Silver-rated PSU will suffice, whereas if you work from home or are an avid gamer, then Gold would best suit your setup. If you use your PC for workstation loads or game full-time (professionally or for fun) then it is best to invest in a Platinum rated power supply.

Another aspect you will want to be careful of when purchasing a PSU, is the noise levels which it emits. Firstly, you’ll want a fan that will not operate during low to medium loads, which means the PSU will be completely silent most of the time. When the fan does have to operate, you will want it to be as silent as possible. The bigger the fan on the PSU, the less it will have to spin to generate airflow, and the less noise cause. Also, the bearings of the fans play a role in regards to their resulting noise levels, so you should always prefer fluid bearings over rifle bearings, rifle bearings over sleeve bearings, and sleeve bearings over ball bearings. Magnetic levitation bearings make the least amount of noise, but are scarcely found on PSU fans.

For easier cable management within your case, a fully modular power supply should be preferred, for it allows you to only use the cables you need, and remove the ones that you won’t make use of. Semi-modular PSUs are such that only the peripheral cables are removable, and the essential cables are not, while non-modular PSUs will force you into cramming all the cables within your case – which is not ideal aesthetically, or in regards to airflow.

With all the above in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best 750W PSUs and have separated them into different categories depending on their 80 Plus ratings, as well as for their general use. In addition, we’ve also added an SFX option for those looking to build an SFF PC.

Best 750W Power Supplies – Our Recommendations

Best Budget 750W PSU

Not looking to use your PC too often, or seeking to purchase a PSU on a budget? Well, then a bronze rated PSU hits the sweet spot between low cost and high efficiency for low-use setups.

At under $100, EVGA offers a great quality PSU with an 80 Plus Bronze certification. EVGA is a great company to buy PSUs from due to their excellent customer services, as there are plenty of things that can go wrong with a PSU. This EVGA 750BQ model can muster up 62 amps (744W) on its single +12V rail.

The fan attached is 140mm in diameter, with “Teflon nano steel ball bearings” which EVGA states as offering both quieter operation and increased longevity; with decibels ranging from 35 to 40 dB at loads above 60%. Its “intelligent auto fan” will only run when necessary, so at low loads the fan will be inaudible. In terms of longevity, the 750BQ has a mean time between failures of 100,000 hours, and its purchase includes a 5-year limited warranty.

The cables are semi-modular, meaning that the peripheral cables can be removed and used only when necessary. The non-modular cables are fully sleeved, while the peripheral cables are unfortunately not.

Another great aspect of this PSU is the amount of protection it provides, with over and under voltage protection, over current protection, over power protection, and short circuit protection.

The exact price of the EVGA 750BQ is currently just under $95, making it a great value option for its intended range of use.

Best 750W 80 Plus Gold Rated PSU

A leading manufacturer of power supplies, Corsair offers top of the line PSUs and sets a standard for quality and reliability. Corsair’s RM series of power supplies is their high-end consumer-grade models, with the RMx being a higher-end version of the regular RM – and surprisingly enough is actually currently selling at a cheaper price than its lesser counterpart. This Gold rated SU, the Corsair RM750x, offers efficiency levels upwards of 87%, and can output 62.5 amps on its +12V rail.

Its 135mm Corsair-designed fan makes use of low-noise rifle bearings, and its fan will not spin unless the power output exceeds 300W; therefore, at low to medium loads the fan will be completely silent. When the fan does spin, Corsair states that it will only reach between 20-22 dB… which seems too good to be true. The PSU is rated to last for 100,000 hours, and includes an impressive 10-year warranty.

The RM750x is fully modular, so all the cables can be removed and placed accordingly. The essential cables are sleeved, while the peripheral cables are not. It includes 100% high-end Japanese 105 °C rated Nippon Chemi-Con and Nichicon capacitors.

The Corsair RM750x is currently being sold for only $135, which is an excellent price and great opportunity to buy a high-quality Gold rated power supply.

Best 750W PSU for Gaming

If you are a gaming enthusiast, you are probably going to want some extra RGB flare to accompany your PSU because… why not? Without sacrificing efficiency and quality, Thermaltake’s Toughpower iRGB Plus offers a stylish, and highly customizable, illumination display. This PSU can supply 62.5 amps through its single 12V rail, with a maximum output of its full 750 watts.

The fan included is 140mm in diameter, with 18 addressable LEDs and Thermaltake’s patented built-in “Riing Duo” design. The fan also features an anti-vibration mounting system and hydraulic bearings in order to assure a minimal amount of noise output when the PSU operates above low to medium loads. These hydraulic bearings also contribute to the PSU’s impressive 120,000-hour MTBF and 10-year warranty.

What’s even more impressive is the amount of control that this PSU allows. Its Smart Power Management cloud-based software compiles statistics about your PSU that you can review and manage from your PC – or even through a mobile app. This mobile app can also be used to customize the RGB lighting display for both colors as well as effects. These effects can be synced with Razer Chroma, and can even be modified via voice commands through Amazon’s Alexa. In addition, this software will give you an alert notification on your smart-phone if the PSU is running too hot (above 60 degrees C) or has an abnormal voltage level. You can even use your mobile phone to schedule a system shutdown remotely.

Like the aforementioned Corsair RM750x, this PSU also is fully modular, and includes 100% high-end Japanese 105 °C rated Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors.

This extra amount of style and control does come at a higher price, namely just under $175, but depending on your preferences it can very much be worth it.

Best 750W 80 Plus Platinum Rated Workstation PSU

The be quiet! brand is owned by German Listan GmbH and manufactures quality PSUs, CPU coolers, and PC cases with an emphasis on low noise emissions, as stated by their brand name. Their quiet 750W PSU is the Straight Power 11: a Platinum-rated PSU with efficiencies upwards of 90% and four 12V rails that can output 20 to 24 amps each, with a combined power of the full 750 watts of the PSU. The fact that it has multiple 12V rails is solely done as a safety feature, for they limit the current through each wire in order to avoid high temperatures within. There is no other actual advantage to multiple rails other than the added safety.

According to be quiet! their Straight Power 11 will operate between 8.6 and 20.8 dB at 20% and 100% loads respectively – which means it will virtually be inaudible from a foot away. This impressive metric is accomplished via their 135mm fan’s Silent Wings 3 technology: An optimized fan blade design, fluid dynamic bearings, and a 6-pole fan motor. To keep the thermals low, the PSU also features a wire-free design within, improving the lifetime of the components in the process. All the capacitors within the Straight Power 11 are high-quality Japanese components as well, assisting in its 100,000 MTBF. Finally, the unit is fully modular, and all its cables are fully sleeved.

You can currently find the be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum 750W PSU for $150, so if you value your peace and quiet, make sure to check it out.

Best 750W SFX PSU

When building a small form factor (SFF) PC it is always best to aim for a power-dense SFX PSU with a high 80 Plus rating to ensure that the PSU will not be emitting heat, as it will inevitably be close to other surrounding hardware. It is this surrounding hardware may in turn heat the PSU and affect its efficiency, so the fact that the Corsair SF750 has a Platinum rating makes it optimal to work even under higher thermal conditions. The single 12V rail here can output 62.5 amps and the PSU’s full 750W of output.

The fan on the SF750 is 92mm in diameter, is PWM controlled, and makes use of rifle bearings – much like the aforementioned RM750x. Also, like the RMx the SF750 has all Japanese capacitors and is fully modular; though unlike the RMx, the SF750 has flexible paracord sleeves fitted for each individual cable. It has an MTBF of 100,000 hours and includes a 7-year warranty. In addition, this power supply also includes an SFX to ATX bracket, so it can be fitted into an ATX form factor as well.

The Corsair SF750 can be found for $184.99 currently, and its price does fluctuate heavily, so if you find it at a good price do make sure to pick it up right away, since it is the perfect PSU for a small, but powerful, SFF PC.

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A home theatre PC for streaming 4K video, a small form factor PC for browsing and gaming, or even a workstation for light editing and Microsoft Office, are all cases where a 450-watt PSU will more than suffice to power the system’s hardware.

Choosing the appropriate amount of wattage for such operations may be simple, but actually choosing the PSU model for your needs could be a bit more complicated than expected. There are several key aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a PSU, as it is an important component that will stay with you irrespective of any other hardware upgrades you choose to make.

The first, and perhaps most important, aspect to take into account when purchasing a PSU is its thermal efficiency. The more energy efficient the PSU, the less it will cost you to operate your PC, and the less heat that will be released into the system and its included hardware. This is particularly important for SFF PCs, where the hardware is cramped into a tight space and overheating can easily become an issue. That being said, the more efficient the PSU, the higher its initial cost, so you may want to invest into the proper efficiency depending on your intended use.

If you plan to use your PC for occasional gaming a few hours a week, then you won’t need the same PSU efficiency as someone who plans to use their rig for eight-hour workdays. It is also important to note that the standard certification for PSU efficiency, the 80 Plus rating, tests each unit in open air under room temperature, so any resulting heat from other PC components is not taken into account. Since this additional heat will diminish the efficiency of the PSU, if you are looking to build a small form factor PC you are going to want to aim one category above what you would normally get, in order to account for the increased temperatures.

Another aspect of the PSU that can quickly become annoying, especially if you use the PC often, is the noise output. Having to deal with a constant humming or buzzing noise for multiple hours a day can really become aggravating. If your PC is to be less than a few feet away from you, then you will want to make sure that the PSU you purchase has minimal noise output.

Finally, another important aspect is the PSU’s cable management. You will generally want a PSU that is at least semi-modular, meaning that most, if not all, of its cables can be removed, so the cables you don’t need can be removed, instead of having to cram them inside the case.

To help you find a suitable power supply for your next setup, we’ve compiled a list of 450W PSUs for several different 80 Plus certifications; starting from White (the base 80% efficiency needed to qualify for 80 Plus) all the way up to Platinum. In addition, we have also selected the best SFX-L 450W PSU available for SFF PCs.

Best 450W Power Supplies – Our Recommendations

Best White Rated 450W PSU

A PC that will only see limited will usually need no more than the efficiency guaranteed by the regular 80 Plus certification – especially for low-wattage PSUs like the 450 in question.

The Cooler Master MWE is a standard ATX sized power supply with an 80 Plus white certification; meaning you’ll have at least 80% efficiency from this unit. What’s great about this PSU is that it has a single +12V rail which outputs 444W of power, so you can rest assured that your hardware will receive the appropriate amount of wattage.

To ensure that the PSU does not make unnecessary noise, the 120mm fan included is equipped with hydro-dynamic bearings, and will only operate depending on the temperature of the PSU. Therefore, the fan will not spin at all under low to medium loads, and the power supply will operate silently. The only questionable aspect about this PSU are its cables. The flat black cables are meant to take up less space for easier cable management, but the lack of sleeves or other material reinforcement may make them more prone to cuts and tears. Having thinner cables will surely reduce the clutter, to a certain extent; so, as long as caution is taken while installing the PSU, this should not be much of an issue. Do note that the MWE 450 is not modular.

If you’re looking for an entry or budget level 450W PSU, then the Cooler Master MWE 450 White will suit your needs sufficiently. You can currently purchase this PSU for $56 which, given the circumstances and existent PSU shortages, is still a great price.

Best 450W Bronze Rated PSU

Going up a notch in terms of efficiency, we have the Bronze certified Corsair CX Series 450M. Corsair is one of the leading manufacturers of PSUs, and their power supplies set a standard for both quality and durability.

The Corsair CX 450M, in particular, is no different. It has a single +12V rail for reliable power output and a thermally controlled fan which operates depending on the temperatures of the PSU. This 120mm fan also makes use of rifle bearings, which are quieter than ball bearings, yet have just about the same lifespan. In addition, during low to medium loads the fan will not operate, so the for the most part the PSU will be silent. The cables included with CX 450M are fully-sleeved, so they have an extra layer of protection. The PSU itself is semi-modular, meaning that the peripheral power cables are not hard-wired to the PSU, and you can add them depending on your needs. One last thing to mention is that the CX 450M has an over/under-voltage, over-power, and short circuit protection so that you don’t have to worry about any potential electrical damage to your hardware.

When available, you can find the Corsair CX 450M for $69 – which again is a great price, all things considered.

Best 450W Gold Rated PSU

Going a step up in the efficiency category, we have the EVGA SuperNOVA 450GM: a PSU suited for small form factor setups that require efficiency and full modular capability.

With the 80 Plus Gold certification, the SuperNOVA achieves efficiency upwards of 90% at typical loads; which is particularly useful for SFF builds where the less heat generated from the components, the better. The +12V rail can output the full power capability of this PSU, (up to 54.1A on this single rail), so you don’t have to worry about insufficient power being an issue. The fan on this PSU is 92mm in diameter, with double ball bearings for a better thermal and acoustic profile. Like the two aforementioned PSUs, the SuperNOVA 450GM’s fan also operates automatically depending on the system load and temperature of the PSU.

Another plus is that the PSU is equipped with all Japanese high-quality capacitors, and the reliability of this PSU is guaranteed via EVGA’s included seven-year warranty, and excellent customer service. One last thing to mention is that despite the SFX size of this PSU, it includes an ATX bracket adaptor so that you can use it on any type of PC case. You can currently find the EVGA SuperNOVA 450GM for $95; down from its original $109 price tag.

Best 450W Platinum Rated PSU

We return back to Corsair for the top-echelon of quality and power efficiency: The Corsair SF450W 80 Plus Platinum PSU.

The 80 Plus Platinum translates to a 90%, 92%, and 89% efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads respectively (92%, 94%, 90% for 230V EU variants). With such a high level of efficiency, you won’t need to worry about any thermals emanating from your PSU, so it is optimal for a small form factor PC.

Other than the higher 80 Plus rating and the 105-degree Japanese capacitors featured by this PSU, it is in all other ways similar to the aforementioned CX 450M. It is fully modular with individually sleeved cables, it has a 92mm fan that operates depending on the PSUs current load, and like the EVGA 450 GM it also comes with an SFX to ATX bracket adaptor.

Purchasing the Corsair SF450 will currently cost you $124 on Newegg, but $154 from Amazon; so be on the lookout on deals for this excellent Platinum-rated PSU.

Best 450W SFX-L PSU

And now, the truly remarkable SFX-L PSU, SilverStone’s NJ450: an 80 Plus Platinum power supply optimized for small form factor PCs.

What’s most incredible about the NJ450 is the fact that it completely discards the fanned PSU design. Being without a fan means that there is zero noise produced by this unit, and due to its passive cooling thermal solution it still operates at only 40-degree Celsius. This is achieved via an extruded aluminum shell that has a stacked fin design (similar to a heatsink), allowing the thin metal fins, which are designed to maximize exposure to cooler air, to absorb and dissipate the heat. Needless to say, this design will work optimally within a case that has a decent amount of airflow to push the warm air away from the fins. Another plus of the stacked fin design is that you won’t have to worry about dust build-up within the PSU and its inner components. Like the aforementioned PSUs, this power supply also has a single +12V rail that can output its full power potential. In terms of connectivity, the SilverStone NJ450 is fully modular and comes with a total of 18 connectors.

If you’re looking to build a powerful small form factor PC that will last for many years to come, then the SilverStone NJ450 offers unparalleled quality and performance, especially with its 80 Plus Platinum efficiency and 0 dB acoustics. Of course, this luxury does come at a price – namely $170 – but it’s well worth the cost for a PSU that you can rely on for several future iterations of your setup.

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