When building a computer, the power supply unit is one of the essential parts to consider (PSU). It gives power to everything else in the system, so choosing a high-quality unit to meet your power needs and keep your system running well is essential. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to make the right choice. Several organizations have created PSU Tier List to help users make informed decisions when selecting a power supply. These lists rank power supplies based on their quality, efficiency, and reliability, allowing users to create a more informed decision when selecting a power supply.
One way to make choosing a power supply for a PC easier is to know what the different PSUs offer. Our PSU tier system groups by how well they work, their features, and how much they cost, so it’s important to know what you want before you buy.
To save time and stay safe from all issues caused by power supplies, you should get PSU from a high-end Tier A list. But a Tier B, mid-range PSU is an excellent choice if you want a high-quality PSU but don’t want to spend as much. The perfect combination of CPU and GPU is also mandatory with the right PSU. To help you with your decision, we have built a bottleneck calculator. Now that you’ve chosen the right CPU and GPU, you can use the SSD Tier List to select the right SSD for your build.
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Best Power Supplies
If you want to keep it short and don’t have time to spend on a massive PSU catalog, get one of the following Power Supplies for your build from different PSU tiers. These are hand-picked and the best in their respective tiers.
TW Recommendation from Tier A:
- Corsair AXi Series, AX1600i, 1600 Watt – $662 – Get it from Amazon
- be quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W -$419 – Get it from Amazon
- Multirail: be quiet! BN310 1200W Straight Power 11 $329 – Get it from Amazon
- Single rail: Corsair RMx Series (2021) 850 Watt – $149 – Get it from Amazon
TW Recommendation from Tier B:
- Cooler Master MWE 750 Bronze V2 750W – $143 – Get it from Amazon
- Corsair SF Series, SF750, 750 Watt – $173 – Get it from Amazon
- ASUS TUF GAMING 750W Bronze PSU – $148 – Get it from Amazon
Now moving on to complete Tiers of PSUs, Let’s first look at the A Tier List – the most expensive but reliable. These are the best because they have the best performance and features. This tier has switchable multi-rail/single-rail, multi-rail, and single-rail PSUs. Tier A brands include Be Quiet!, Cooler Master, Corsair, and many others.
Tier A ATX 3.0 compatible
A high-end PSU is designed to offer maximum efficiency, stability, and reliability for demanding system configurations. This PSU typically features more advanced technologies than mid-range or budget PSUs. Key benefits are higher-quality capacitors, higher wattage outputs, better heat dissipation technology, more robust voltage regulation circuits and protection mechanisms against electrical surges or spikes.
Now that we understand the benefits of using a Tier A high-end power supply let’s talk about ATX 3.0 compatibility. ATX 3.0, released in 2021 now lays out newer requirements that PSUs must incorporate for better hardware compatibility and efficiency.
The new ATX 3.0 spec mandates that PSUs will need to comply with stricter guidelines such as introducing recent improvements in voltage regulation technology like LLC (Lc Inductor) resonant topology. Another improvement under ATX 3.0 is better synchronisation between PSUs and Hardware during shut down.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| ASUS | ROG Loki Platinum [SFX-L] |
| be quiet! | Dark Power 13 |
| Corsair | RMe 1000W– RMx SHIFT |
| FSP | Hydro Ti Pro |
| NZXT | C Gold 1200W |
| Montech | Titan Gold |
| MSI | MEG Ai-P |
| Silverstone | HELA-R [HA-R] 1200W |
| Super Flower | Leadex VII Gold |
| Thermaltake | Toughpower : GF3 <=1200W & 1350W / SFX 1000W [SFX-L] |
Tier A – High-end (multi/single-rail switchable)
Switchable multi/single-rail PSUs let you use more than one 12V rail or just one. If you want more control over how power flows through your system, this feature can help. On the other hand, multi-rail PSUs have more than one 12V rail, which protects against overloading. Single-rail power supplies only have one 12V rail, which makes them more efficient and easier to work with.
If you want the best and are willing to spend a little more, you should get a PSU from Tier A List; these are high-end power supplies. These units have the best performance and quality parts, perfect for high-end gaming systems and workstations.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Be Quiet! | Dark Power 12 [non-Pro] – Dark Power Pro 11 / Pro 12 |
| Cooler Master | V Platinum 2019 [MPZ] [11] |
| Corsair | AX1600i [9] – HX Platinum – RMi – HXi 2022 |
Tier A – High-end (multi-rail)
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Antec | High Current Pro [HCP] Platinum [11][13] |
| Be Quiet! | Straight Power 11 [13] Gold / Platinum – Pure Power 11 FM[13] |
| Bitfenix | Formula Gold [13] – Whisper M [13] |
Tier A – High-end (single-rail)
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| ADATA / XPG | Core Reactor – Cybercore [11] |
| Antec | Earthwatts [EA] Gold Pro [7y warranty] [4][7] / Gold Pro White – High Current Gamer [HCG] Gold [7] / Extreme [7] |
| ASUS | ROG Strix [11] – Thor 850W [7][11] |
| Chieftec / Chieftronic | Powerplay Gold [11] / Platinum |
| Cooler Master | V Gold V2 – V SFX Gold – XG Platinum – XG Plus Platinum – M2000 |
| Corsair | RMx 2015 – RMx 2018 – RMx 2021 – RM 2019 – RM 2021 – SF Gold / Platinum [2] – RMe – TXm Gold 2017 [circular grille] / 2021 [triangular grille] |
| Cougar | GX-F (Aurum) – Polar |
| Deepcool | PQ-M [7] |
| EVGA | Supernova G7 / G2(L) [11] / G6 (<=750W/=>850W) / P2 [11] / P6 (<=750W/=>850W) / T2 [11] |
| Fractal Design | ION Gold / SFX Gold – ION+ Platinum / ION+ 2 Platinum |
| FSP / Fortron / Quanhan | Hydro G Pro / PT / PTM / PTM Pro =>850W |
| Kolink / Casecom | Continuum C-PL 1500w [v1, C-PL] |
| MSI | MEG AI-P – MPG A1000G / A-GF [11] |
| NZXT / Enjie | C Gold 2020 [V1, 120mm fan] |
| Phanteks | AMP – Revolt Pro [7] |
| Riotoro | Enigma G2 [7] |
| Seasonic / Haiyun | Focus [7] GM [Gold semi-mod.] / GX [Gold fully-mod.] / PX [Platinum] / SGX 2019 [SFX-L] – Prime [8] GX [Gold] <=750W / PX [Platinum] <=750W – Prime Snow Silent (Gold [550W] / Platinum [650W]) – Connect – Prime TX1600 |
| Silverstone | Decathlon Gold DA-G 1650W – Nightjar SXL – Hela 850R – Hela 2050w |
| Super Flower / Zhenhua | Leadex Gold (SE) [3][11] / Platinum (SE) [11] <=1600W / Titanium [11] |
| Thermaltake | Toughpower GF1 – GF1 Snow – GF1 ARGB – PF1 ARGB / TF1 – Toughpower Grand RGB Platinum – Toughpower iRGB Plus Platinum – Toughpower DPS G RGB Titanium <=1250W |
Tier A – High-end (low priority units)
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Aerocool | Project 7 / P7 [1] |
| Asus | Thor 1200W [1][8][11] |
| Antec | Signature Platinum [1][8]/ Titanium [1][8] |
| Cooler Master | V Gold 2018 [MPY-AFAAGV] =>750W |
| Corsair | AXi <=1500W [10] / HXi 201310] / AX Titanium [1][8][10] |
| Enermax | MaxTytan [12] – Platimax [non-D.F] [10] (1200/1350W) |
| EVGA | Supernova G3 [3] |
| NZXT / Enjie | E-series [10] |
| Phanteks | Revolt X [1][8] |
| Seasonic / Haiyun | Prime [1][8] GX [Gold] =>850W / PX [Platinum] =>850W / <=1300w TX [Titanium] / Fanless (PX/TX) / Snow Silent Titanium [750W] / Airtouch |
| Silverstone | SX1000 [5] – SX750 [5] – Nightjar ATX |
Tier-B – Mid-range
The Tier B List of PSUs is the one in the middle. Even though these units are still suitable, they don’t perform as well or have as many features as Tier A. Tier B brands include 1st Player, Abkoncore, Cooler Master, Corsair, Cougar, and many other reputable ones.
If you want a good PSU but don’t want to spend as much as you would on a Tier A unit, a mid-range PSU is a good choice. They are also great for systems that don’t need as much power.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| 1st Player | Steampunk Gold [SP] |
| Abkoncore | CR Platinum – Tenergy Gold X50W |
| Andyson | PX – TX |
| Antec | Neo Eco Gold [non-modular, yellow-label] [1] |
| ASUS | TUF Bronze |
| Be Quiet! | Pure Power 11 (CM) =>400W [1] – SFX-L Power |
| Chieftec | Polaris – Powerup GPX-FC <=650W [5] – SFX-GD-C – Compact CSN-C |
| Cooler Master | MWE (Reactor) Gold non-modular [v1, MPY-ACAAG] / FM [v1, MPY-AFAAG] – MWE V2 Gold non-modular [MPE-ACAAG] / MWE V2 Gold FM [MPE-AFAAG] – MWE V2 Bronze [MPE] Full-range Input – MWE V2 White [MPE] Full-range Input – V Gold 2018 [v1.5, MPY-AFAAGV] <=650W |
| Corsair | CX 2016 [gray label] – CX-F RGB – Vengeance Silver |
| Cougar | GEX |
| Deepcool | DQ-M-V2L <=650W [5] |
| Enermax | Platimax DF <=600W |
| EVGA | Supernova B3 post 2019 y. / G+ / G5 / GD 2017 / GM / GT <=1000W / =>GQ 850W / GA [1] |
| FSP / Fortron / Quanhan | Aurum PT / Pro – Hydro G / X |
| Gamdias | Cyclops X1 |
| Gigabyte | Aorus AP-GM – UD-GM |
| Great Wall / Hunters | Gaming GX – E Gold (Frozen) – High Performance Plus [HP PLUS] / EVO – Overclocking DG [OCDG] / EVO [OCPT] – UK Plus |
| High Power | Astro GD-F V2 HPM – Performance GD [HP1-J-GD-F12S] – Super GD+ |
| InWin | P – Premium Basic / PB |
| Kolink / Casecom | Continuum C-PL 850W [v1, C-PL] – Enclave G-FM |
| LC Power | GP4 V2.4 – LC Platinum 1200 |
| Lian Li | PE SFX-L – SP 750 |
| Micronics | Astro GD |
| Montech | Century ATX <=650W [5] / Century Mini |
| Raidmax | Monster RX-AT |
| Rosewill | Photon (<=750W,1350W) |
| Seasonic | Focus SGX 2021 [SFX] |
| Segotep / Colorful | GP-P <=700w – GP-T <=700w – ZP500P-SG |
| Sharkoon | Silentstorm Cool Zero / SFX Gold |
| Silverstone | Decathlon Gold [DA-G] 550/650W [5] – Strider Gold S (V1/V2) / Titanium <=800W / Platinum PTS / Plus F-PS – SX-G 500/650/700W – SX-PT 700W – Essential Gold ET-G / ET-HG – SX-LG – SX-LTI – VIVA Gold |
| Thermaltake | Toughpower GF2 / GF [no numbers] [5] <=650W / PF1 <=850W [non-ARGB] – Toughpower Grand RGB Gold (Sync edition) |
| Xigmatek | Hera Gold – XFP |
| Zalman | Acrux Platinum |
Tier B – Mid-range (low priority units)
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Enermax | Platimax [non-D.F] [4] (<=1000W/=>1500W) |
| Thermaltake | Toughpower GF Plus |
| Cougar | Auric – CES |
| Deepcool | PM-D – DQ-M-V3L |
| EVGA | Supernova P3 / P5 / PQ / GD R3 / GT 1300W |
| FSP / Fortron / Quanhan | Cannon – Dagger Pro – Hydro S / GSM Pro / PTM Pro <=750W |
| Great Wall / Hunters | G-series Gold – Titan TF Bronze |
| Green | High Performance Plus [HP PLUS] / EVO – Overclocking DG [OCDG] / EVO [OCPT] – UK Plus |
| High Power | Astro GD-F v2 [HPJ] =>1000W |
| InWin | P – Premium Basic / PB |
| Kolink / Casecom | Continuum C-PL 850W [v1, C-PL] – Enclave G-FM |
| LC Power | GP4 V2.4 – LC Platinum 1200 |
| Lian Li | PE SFX-L – SP 750 |
| Micronics | Astro GD |
| Montech | Century ATX <=650W [5] / Century Mini |
| Raidmax | Monster RX-AT |
| Rosewill | Photon (<=750W,1350W) |
| Seasonic | Focus SGX 2021 [SFX] |
| Segotep / Colorful | GP-P <=700w – GP-T <=700w – ZP500P-SG |
| Sharkoon | Silentstorm Cool Zero / SFX Gold |
| Silverstone | Decathlon Gold [DA-G] 550/650W [5] – Strider Gold S (V1/V2) / Titanium <=800W / Platinum PTS / Plus F-PS – SX-G 500/650/700W – SX-PT 700W – Essential Gold ET-G / ET-HG – SX-LG – SX-LTI – VIVA Gold |
| Thermaltake | Toughpower GF2 / GF [no numbers] [5] <=650W / PF1 <=850W [non-ARGB] – Toughpower Grand RGB Gold (Sync edition) |
| Xigmatek | Hera Gold – XFP |
| Zalman | Acrux Platinum |
Tier C – Low-end
There is also a Tier C among PSU Tier List for power supply units and Tier A and Tier B. (PSUs). These units are considered entry-level or budget options and usually have lower performance and fewer features than those in the higher tiers.
The quality of the parts used is the main difference between Tier C PSUs and those in higher tiers. Tier C units often use cheaper parts that may not last as long or work as well as those in higher-tier units. This could cause the PSU to work less well and last less long.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Abkoncore | Tenergy Bronze |
| ADATA | XPG Pylon |
| Andyson | H6 / GX – BX |
| Antec | Earthwatts [EA] Gold EVO |
| Be Quiet! | System Power U9 =>400W / B9 =>400W |
| Bitfenix | Formula Bronze |
| Chieftec | Core BBS – PowerUp GPX-FC =>750W [2] – Proton BDF-S / BDF-C |
| Cooler Master | MWE V1 Bronze [MPX] =>600W – Masterwatt (TUF) |
| Corsair | CX-M 2017 [gray label] / 2022 – CV 650/750W |
| Cougar | CMD – CMX v3 – GX v3 – GX-S – LX |
| Deepcool | DQ-ST – PK-D |
| Enermax | Revobron |
| EVGA | Supernova B2 – B5 – GD 2019 – V* – GQ <=750W – BQ – B 700W |
| FSP / Fortron / Quanhan | Hydro GE / Pro |
| Gamdias | Astrape P1 – Kratos P1 [non-A] |
| Gigabyte | G750H – P650B |
| G.Skill | MB-G [2] |
| InWin | A1 Plus – Classic C |
| Kolink / Casecom | Continuum 1050/1200W [v1, C-PL] – Classic KL-v2 |
| Montech | Gamma (II) – Alpha (X) |
| MSI | MAG A-BN |
| Mistel | Vision MX Gold / Platinum |
| NZXT | C-series Bronze |
| PC Power & Cooling | Silencer MK III =>750W / Platinum 1050/1200W [FPS-A5M00] |
| PC Cooler | GI-P |
| Powerspec | PS-GSM / PS-GFM – PSX-GFM |
| Rosewill | Capstone |
| Sharkoon | WPM Gold Zero – Silentstorm Icewind |
| SilentiumPC | Vero L3 / M3 |
| Silverstone | SFX-L SX-LPT 1000 – Strider Bronze ST-SF / Gold ST-SF-G |
| Thermaltake | Smart BM2 / DPS G Gold X50W / G / Gold X00W / Pro RGB / M =>750W / SP-P 750W – Toughpower DPS G RGB Gold / GX1 (RGB) / SFX [non-‘TT Premium Edition’] |
| Vinga | VPS Gold / Platinum |
| Xigmatek | Cerberus (III) S =>550W – Centauro |
| Zalman | GigaMax [GVII] – LX 700W – TX |
What are the main differences between Tier A, B, and C PSUs?
The main differences between PSU Tier List A, Tier List B, and Tier List C – PSU are the quality of the parts used, the level of protection and safety features, and the level of features and performance.
Tier A PSUs are the best because they have the best performance and features. They are the top of the line. These units have high-quality parts that last longer and work better than those in lower-tier units. They also have the best protection and safety features to keep your system and its parts safe.
Tier B units are still very good but don’t perform as well or have as many features as Tier A. They are great for systems that don’t need as much power.
Tier C units are considered entry-level or budget options. They usually have lower performance and fewer features than those in the higher tiers. Tier C PSUs often use cheaper parts that might not last as long or work as well as those in higher-tier units. They might not have the same level of safety and protection, either.
Should I choose a multi/single-rail switchable, multi-rail, or single-rail PSU?
A switchable multi/single-rail PSU lets you choose between using more than one 12V rail or just one. If you want more control over how power flows through your system, this feature can help. Comparatively, multi-rail PSUs have more than one 12V rail; as a result, it protects against overloading. Single-rail power supplies only have one 12V rail, which makes them more efficient and easier to work with.
You should always choose a switchable multi/single-rail PSU because it allows you to choose between multiple and single rails, depending on your needs. That’s why It also gives you more protection against overloading. But it’s important to note that single-rail PSUs are also a good choice for distributing power in a simple and easy way—ultimately, choosing which of these options will depend on your needs and preferences.
How do I know if a PSU fits my system’s power requirements correctly?
The first step in determining which PSU is best for your system is determining how much power it needs. You can do this by using a power supply calculator online or by adding up how much power each part of your system needs. Once you have a rough idea of how much power your system needs, you can compare that to how much power the PSU you are considering putting out.
Another important thing to think about is the PSU’s efficiency rating. The PSU is better at turning AC power into DC power if it has a higher efficiency rating. This can help you save money on energy costs and keep your system running cooler.
You should think about how many connectors and cables the PSU has. Ensure the PSU has enough connectors to support all the parts in your system and that the cables are the right length.
What’s a good rating for a PSU?
Most mid-range to high-range systems today will be rocking an 80 Plus Gold-rated power supply, as they are incredibly reliable and relatively low cost. These PSUs might even be more popular than Bronze-rated ones! So, consider going for a Gold-rated PSU to keep your system running smoothly.
Is there such a thing as a truly rated PSU?
Well, that’s a tricky one. While certifications like 80 Plus attest to a PSU meeting certain requirements, there’s no absolute proof that a PSU is accurately rated. So, in short, the answer is no.
I think it’s always best to go for a bit more expensive and high-end PSUs (if you have the budget) because they work better and have more features. They also last longer, which saves you money in the long run. Also, they have better safety features, which are very important to protect your other expensive parts.
Edit 31/03/2023: The source was missing from the information on the PSU Tier List; most of the information in the article is based on research of Cultists Network.
Update 27/06/2023: We’ve modified and updated the tiers according to latest PSU releases.
Source: Cultists Network
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