If you’ve never built your own computer before, chances are good that you’ve never spent much time thinking about what powers your PC. And while it’s not the sexiest piece of hardware in a computer, it’s a critical component if you want everything to run smoothly. Fortunately, finding the right power source for your computer doesn’t have to be a difficult task.
ISITRATED.com has done the research so you don’t have to. Not only have we provided you with reviews for 10 of best power supplies for gaming, but we can help you understand all the important specs so you can find the best model for your specific gaming rig. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
- The 10 Best Power Supplies for Gaming
- EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G3 Gaming Power Supply
- CORSAIR AXi Series, AX1600i Modular Power Supply
- Thermaltake Smart RGB 700W Power Supply
- CORSAIR RMX Series, RM850x
- Seasonic Prime TX-850 Gaming Power Supply
- SilverStone Technology 500W SFX-L Power Supply
- MasterWatt 750 Watt Semifanless Modular Power Supply
- FSP Dagger 500W Gaming Power Supply
- GAMDIAS ASTRAPE P1-650G RGB Power Supply
- GAMEMAX Power Supply 600W Semi Modular
- Power Supplies Buyer’s Guide
- Efficiency Rating
- Wattage
- Modularity
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 10 Best Power Supplies for Gaming
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EVGA SuperNOVA 650 G3 Gaming Power Supply
The SuperNOVA 650 succeeds by best fulfilling the needs of the average consumer. Despite coming with a relatively small amount of connectors, it should be equipped to meet the needs of most mid-range graphics cards, and the build quality is solid across the board. And that lack of connections means that it’s a fully modular design capable of suiting most computer designs.
The SuperNOVA is highly efficient too. it sports a reasonable price tag floating right around a hundred dollars, and while it runs quietly at low and moderate loads, it’s also capable of keeping pace with more demanding performance. It promises at least 90% efficiency under typical loads. The hydraulic bearing fan is strong enough to get the job done but also built for long life.
| Size | 450 – 1600 watts (650 highlighted) |
| Fan Size | 130 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 90% + |
| Dimensions | 5.91 x 5.91 x 3.35 inches |
| Weight | 5.9 pounds |
Pros
- Runs quiet at lower loads
- Best value for the price
- Efficient and long lasting fan
- Great efficiency at higher loads
Cons
- Limited number of connections
CORSAIR AXi Series, AX1600i Modular Power Supply
If money is no object (or if you’re just looking for the absolute best power supply for PC), it’s hard to argue against the Corsair AX1600i. The most obvious selling point here is the massive amount of power that this supply can handle. The capacity of 1600 watts is enough to capable handle even the most power hungry customized gaming PC.
But Corsair has earned their reputation as one of the premier consumer electronics manufacturers, and Corsair has really pulled out the stops with this power supply. It’s 80 Plus Titanium certified for efficiency in power consumption, and the capacitors Corsair uses are all 105 degree Celsius Japanese models. The compatible Corsair Link software gives you full control over the most minute specs.
| Size | 750 – 1600 watts (1600 highlighted) |
| Fan Size | 140 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 95% |
| Dimensions | 7.87 x 5.91 x 3.39 inches |
| Weight | 5.84 pounds |
Pros
- Supports full RGB lighting
- Incredibly high power capacity
- In depth software tweaking options
- Fan runs nearly silent at medium load
Cons
- Retails for over $500
Thermaltake Smart RGB 700W Power Supply
A power source, even one for the high-power needs of gaming, doesn’t have to be one of the most expensive components of your PC. ThermalTake comes ready with a power source that offers a decent level of power capacity, an incredibly quiet fan, and a design that’s built to play nicely with the latest Kaby Lake central processors from Intel. This power source is even 80 Plus certified.
And gamers in particular will love the variety of lighting options that this power source offers. The fan comes with 10 light bulbs built right in, and you can cycle through the 15 different light modes with a simple press of a button. It may not come with lighting software, but the options on display should sync well with just about any PC.
| Size | 430 – 700 watts (700 highlighted) |
| Fan Size | 120 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 87% |
| Dimensions | 5.9 x 5.5 x 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 3.63 pounds |
Pros
- 15 different RGB lighting modes
- Backed by a full 5 year warranty
- 80 Plus Standard certification
- A great price for decent performance
Cons
- No software-based lighting configuration
CORSAIR RMX Series, RM850x
The RMX series from Corsair offers a much more cost effective alternative to the Corsair AXi, and while it can’t hold a candle to the other Corsair power supply in terms of raw performance, the trademark Corsair quality is still on prominent display here. With a price tag of under $150, this Corsair power supply promises 80 Plus Gold certification and 100% Japanese capacitors.
The form factor here is also small, and that’s complemented by the fully modular design of the cables. Corsair promises a life span of 100,000 hours, and this power supply has been tuned for the best and most quiet operation even with graphics cards that really tax your system.
| Size | 550 – 1000 watts (850 featured) |
| Fan Size | 135 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 87 – 90% |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 5.91 x 3.39 inches |
| Weight | 3.66 pounds |
Pros
- 80 Plus Gold certified
- Life span of 100,000 hours
- Zero RPM fan mode
- Tuned for nearly silent operation
Cons
- No fan testing button
Seasonic Prime TX-850 Gaming Power Supply
Chances are good that you won’t find a power source for a gaming PC more efficient and workmanlike than the Seasonic Prime. The TX-850 is the series flagship, and it works as well as you could expect, even with the relatively high wattage promised. It can run in peak condition at temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius, and it also offers a relatively compact form factor.
You have a lot of control over the operations too. You can choose between a fanless mode and a mode with a fan depending on your circumstances, but whatever mode you’re working in, noise shouldn’t be an issue. And with a promise of 80 Plus Titanium certification, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting some of the most efficient performance you could hope for in a PC power supply.
| Size | 450 – 1300 watts (850 highlighted) |
| Fan Size | 120 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 95% |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 6 x 3.4 inches |
| Weight | 4.63 pounds |
Pros
- Superb performance and stability
- Fully modular cable design
- Backed by a leading 12 month warranty
- Includes Fan and Fanless modes
Cons
- One of the highest priced models
SilverStone Technology 500W SFX-L Power Supply
Just like the Seasonic listed above, the SilverStone SX500 is a power supply that’s built with efficiency in mind. Between its fully modular design and small form factor, this is a power supply suited to builds where you have less space to work with, and while it doesn’t earn the peak 80 Plus Titanium performance of the Seasonic power supply, it still has a respectable 80 Plus Gold certification at its back.
And this PC power supply is much more reasonably priced too. With an asking price of just over a hundred bucks, This is one of the best PSU models for builders who are trying to keep their PC within budget. The intelligent semi-fanless operation helps it run quieter, but it runs with a remarkably small amount of noise even when you need this power source operating at peak speeds.
| Size | 120 – 800 watts (500 highlighted) |
| Fan Size | 120 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 87 – 90% |
| Dimensions | 5.1 x 4.9 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.09 pounds |
Pros
- 80 Plus Gold certification
- Fully modular cabling with flat arrays
- Intelligent semi-fanless operation
- ATX bracket offers higher compatibility
Cons
- Lack of dedicated SATA connectors
MasterWatt 750 Watt Semifanless Modular Power Supply
Not every power supply has to work with peak efficiency. With this power supply, PC builders can get reliable performance and efficiency of a decently power heavy computer without having to break the bank. MasterWatt’s 750 watt power supply retailing at under a hundred bucks is one of the best PSU deals around, and it’s not exactly a slouch in terms of efficiency either. The 80 Plus Bronze certification can’t keep pace with 80 Plus Gold or 80 Plus Platinum, but it’s more than respectable for all but the most demanding gaming PC builders.
The 120 mm fan bases its operations off of temperature, so you can count on this PC power supply to shift its speed to match your needs in game. It’s also dustproof for more reliable performance over the years. And with a five year warranty included, you can be confident that this power supply will last the life of your PC.
| Size | 550 – 750 watts (750 highlighted) |
| Fan Size | 120 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 85% |
| Dimensions | 5.51 x 5.9 x 3.38 inches |
| Weight | 4.47 pounds |
Pros
- Fan is dustproof and silent
- 80 Plus Bronze certification
- Reliable and stable DC-to-DC circuits
- Backed by a five year warranty
Cons
- Limited wattage options
FSP Dagger 500W Gaming Power Supply
The FSP Dagger pairs an intimidating name with a design that’s anything but. That it manages to deliver one of the best power supply prices in the process is even better. It offers arguably the best deal you’ll find on a power supply in 2022. And despite the modest cost of this power supply, FSP ensures that it’s equipped to handle virtual reality, so your PC can be future proofed for the latest gaming revolutions from the start.
This is also one of the best power supplies if you’re working with less space. It boasts an impressively compact form factor and a fully modular design to the cables. And if anything does go wrong, you can rest easy knowing that the over temperature protection here sits among the best. The 80 Plus Gold certification is more than you might expect from a power supply under $100.
| Size | 500 watts |
| Fan Size | 80 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 87 – 90% |
| Dimensions | Not disclosed |
| Weight | Not disclosed |
Pros
- 80 Plus Gold certified
- Well suited for overclocking
- Great over temperature protection
- One of the best prices around
Cons
- Limited range of connectors
GAMDIAS ASTRAPE P1-650G RGB Power Supply
The Gamdia Astrape is a real mouthful of a power supply, but it offers some of the best value at the price available in a power supply. The build boasts an 80 Plus Gold efficiency level and a level of performance that even the most demanding professional gamers can come to count on.
Gamdia Astrape prides themselves on making components that deliver both efficient pro level performance and strong gamer oriented aesthetics, and they’ve outdone themselves with this power supply. 26 different lighting effects are available, and you can cycle through them easily with a single button press. And this power supply comes backed by one of the best warranties around: 10 years.
| Size | 550 – 1200 watts (650 featured) |
| Fan Size | 135 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 87 – 90% |
| Dimensions | 11.8 x 8.7 x 4.3 inches |
| Weight | 5.69 pounds |
Pros
- 100% Japanese capacitors
- Flat, fully modular cable design
- 26 different lighting options
- Backed by a 10 year warranty
Cons
- Below average price for features
GAMEMAX Power Supply 600W Semi Modular
GameMax has produced one of the most affordable PSUs on our list. And its usage of a semi-modular form factor means that it’s an appropriate choice for a wide variety of different gaming rigs. It may only be 80 Plus Bronze certified, but it provides some smart honeycomb ventilation and a low noise fan with intelligent noise controls.
Surprising for a $60 PSU is the fact that this model offers some in depth RGB lighting. Filtering through your options is as simple as a single button press. And an ECO switch helps you fully optimize the performance of the fan to suit the needs of your favorite games.
| Size | 600 watts |
| Fan Size | 120 millimeters |
| Efficiency Rating | 85% |
| Dimensions | 5.51 x 5.91 x 3.39 inches |
| Weight | 4.3 pounds |
Pros
- Available at a great price
- Includes a fanless mode
- Decent RGB lighting options
- Backed by a three year warranty
Cons
- Cord to motherboard is a little short
Power Supplies Buyer’s Guide
We think that the power supply is arguably the most overlooked component for amateurs building a computer for the first time. While a power supply won’t provide sharper graphics, greater processing power, or quicker memory access, they are the crucial component to make your computer actually run, and investing poorly can result in long term negative consequences for your system. But investing in more than you need can take away critical resources that could be spent on internal hardware.
The best power supply for you is going to be largely predicated on the demands of your specific PC. But our guide can help you understand exactly what you need so you can get the power supply best suited for your PC.
Efficiency Rating
If you want the best power supplies for your PC, the efficiency is going to be one of the most critical factors you need to pay attention to. Fortunately, the 80 Plus certification system that all decent power supplies use makes it easy to identify the efficiency of specific power supplies. Power supplies fulfill the goal of transferring AC power to DC power, and some power is naturally lost to height along the way.
Ideally, you need an efficiency rating of 90% or higher for the best power supplies. You can find this much power in the 80 Plus Gold and 80 Plus Platinum. But if you don’t have your heart set on the best power supply all around, an 80 Plus Bronze will provide you with pretty great performance. Naturally, 80 Plus Bronze power supplies are going to cost significantly less than 80 Plus Platinum power supplies on average.
Wattage
A power supply needs to power everything from graphics cards to motherboards to speakers. Anything plugged into your PC is going to need to run on the power supply. That means that the best power supply one is a model that’s well matched to the actual wattage of your computer. Too much power, and you’ll be spending money on wattage you don’t need. Too little, and you can’t properly power your PC at high loads.
That means you need to consider the power output for each component when seeking out the best power supply for your need. Fortunately, there are a number of calculators that can accomplish that process for you. OuterVision offers one of the best, but if you haven’t built your computer yet or you plan on expanding your PC in the future, you may need to make some manual adjustments to find the best PSU.
Modularity
A fully modular design is one of the most frequently touted features in a power supply, but what exactly does it mean to be modular? Modular PSUs use detachable cables, and that means that you can spend less time managing your cables and make better use of the space inside of your computer case. It can have a positive effect on the ventilation of your PSU.
On the other hand, the modular cables are proprietary, so in rare cases, you may have to go out and find a replacement cord for a PSU with a modular form factor. And while modular PSUs can sometimes take up more space in a case, we generally recommend opting in to it. It’s a design choice that typically has more advantages than weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Good Power Supply?
Fortunately for you, we’ve listed 10 of the best PSU models above. Depending on your budget, you should be able to find something that matches your needs. But the best PSU for you will largely come down to the needs of your specific PC build.
Is the Power Supply Important for Gaming?
The PSU is incredibly important for gaming. Without enough power, your PC simply won’t run like it’s supposed to, and finding a PSU with a form factor that suits your case and the efficiency to properly accommodate high end gaming is a critical decision when building a PC.
If you want to learn about the maintenance of your PSU and rig, check out https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/1yg8xg/dos_donts_and_tips_for_first_time_bulders/.
Which 750W PSU Should I Get?
A lot of our models offer 750 watt designs, but the best value you’re going to find is probably the MasterWatt. It’s a truly great deal, and it offers a semi-fanless mode that can keep things running quietly even when running at higher loads.
Wrapping Up
Are you looking to build a new PC? You shouldn’t overlook the power supply. But you also don’t need to. The guide above provides you with 10 of the best models on the market in 2022 as well as the advice you need to shop with confidence. And if you need help with other parts of our build, consider our guide to the best graphics cards for gaming in 2022.If you liked our article on power supplies, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.
