Kevin JohnsonPower supply units (PSUs) are essential for most PC setups and builds. PSUs supply power and handle transient spikes in high-power electronic parts like graphics cards. Most consumer-oriented PCs only need PSUs with about 300W. However, some power-intensive PC applications require high-end PSUs with 2000W or higher. The best PSU brands cater to all PC builds.
What should you consider when choosing PSUs? Focus on your unique power supply needs. Some PSU brands are only reliable within specific power ranges like 300W-600W or 600W-1200W. Check customer reviews of top-rated PSUs to find the perfect device for your PC build. Don’t forget to compare prices and warranties. But which are the best power supply unit brands?
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the 10 best PSU brands:
1. Corsair
Corsair is a global leader in power supplies, high-performance gear, and technology. This brand serves all consumers, from gamers to content creators and PC enthusiasts. Corsair’s PSU lineup includes the CX, VS, RM, RMx, and RMi series. Each has unique power supply capabilities and benefits. Visit the Corsair store on Amazon.
Image source: Corsair
Corsair’s PSU lineup covers different price points and power supply requirements. Its CX and VS PSUs are cheaper than the higher-end RM, RMx, and RMi products. In Sep 2024, Corsair updated its award-winning RMx series with ATX 3.1 compliance, a native ATX 12V-2×6 connector, and other improvements. The upgraded RMx has Gold-certified efficiency (up to 91%) and an A+ noise rating from Cybenetics. [1]
Pros: Corsair caters to all consumers and budgets. You can get affordable VX or VS units or high-end RM, RMx, and RMi PSUs. Corsair power supply lineup offers warranties lasting between 7 and 10 years.
Cons: Corsair doesn’t make its power supplies but outsources production to CWT and Great Wall. However, this approach doesn’t undercut Corsair’s product quality.
Price Range: $54.99-$622
2. Super Flower
Super Flower is a leading PSU manufacturer based in Taiwan. Its power supply portfolio offers the Leadex and Legion series with several models per category. In Oct 2024, Super Flower introduced its new Leadex III ATX 3.1 series with 80Plus Gold certification. This Leadex III ATX 3.1 series has 650W, 750W, 850W, 1000W, and 1300W models starting at $119.99. Visit the Super Flower store on Amazon. [2]
Image source: Super Flower
Pros: Super Flower manufactures all its PSUs in-house, reducing quality control risks. The company also produces PSUs for other brands like EVGA and Rosewill. Its power supply units have 5-year or 10-year warranties, innovative features, and competitive prices.
Cons: Super Flower doesn’t offer low-end, budget-friendly PSUs.
Price Range: $108-$329
3. Seasonic
Seasonic is a Taiwanese power supply and computer PSU manufacturer founded in 1975. The brand is a hardware OEM for other companies and produces its PSUs in-house. Its top-selling products include the Prime, GM, GX, PX, and SGX. In Oct 2024, Seasonic launched its new Focus GX V4 series with the OptiSink PSU tech. This PSU lineup is available in 750W, 850W, and 1000W black and white models with fully modular cables and a native 12V-2×6 power connector. Visit the Seasonic store on Amazon. [3]
Image source: Seasonic
Pros: Seasonic PSUs have an 80+ Gold efficiency rating. The brand offers an industry-leading 12-year warranty for its Prime series, 10-year warranties for its high-end products, and 7-year warranties for its mid-range power supply units. Its entry-level S2III has a five-year warranty even though it lacks UVP.
Cons: Most Seasonic PSUs aren’t aesthetically appealing like flashier power supply units from other brands. However, cosmetics shouldn’t overshadow functionality, performance, and budget-friendly prices.
Price Range: $58-$450
4. Cooler Master
Cooler Master is a leading power supplies provider based in Taipei, Taiwan. The brand relied on outsourcing for PSU manufacturing. In 2018, Cooler Master started producing PSUs in-house. This move delivered the XG series, the brand’s first in-house PSU and top-rated product. Visit the Cooler Master store on Amazon.
Image source: Cooler Master
Cooler Master is a bulk distributor specializing in PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions. It is a fast-growing brand in the power supplies niche. In Aug 2024, Cooler Master launched its new X Series with patented in-house thermal technology. This cutting-edge PSU line offers the Silent Edge, Might Platinum, and Silent Max. [4]
Pros: Cooler Master is shifting from outsourcing to in-house production, improving product quality. Its latest X Series uses patented in-house thermal technology and delivers top-tier, silent performance. Consider Cooler Master’s X Silent Edge, Might Platinum, or Silent Max for your next PSU purchase.
Cons: Cooler Master’s warranty varies depending on the power supply unit you buy. The XG, X, and V series have 10-year warranties, while the MasterWatt PSUs have a 7-year warranty. However, other Cooler Master products offer five years or less.
Price Range: $69.99-$459.99
5. ASUS
ASUS is a leading hardware and software company. This global tech giant founded the Republic of Gamers (ROG) in 2006 to offer premium devices that elevate gaming experiences. ASUS provides innovative power supplies through its ROG, TUF Gaming, and Prime sub-brands. In Sep 2024, ASUS ROG unveiled the new ROG Strix Platinum PSU series. Gamers can buy the high-efficiency ROG Strix units in 1200W, 1000W, and 850W. Visit the ASUS store on Amazon. [5]
Image source: ASUS
Pros: ASUS fulfills specific consumer needs, with ROG for avid gamers, TUF Gaming for casual gamers, and Prime for daily PC users. The brand offers lengthy warranties. For example, the new Strix Platinum PSUs have a 10-year warranty.
Cons: ASUS specializes in gaming power supplies and provides only the Prime series for daily users.
Price Range: $104.99-$199.99
6. MSI
MSI is a high-performance gear and technology brand offering innovative power supplies. Its MEG, MAG, and MPG series provide robust PSUs from 650W to 1300W. In Jun 2024, MSI unveiled the new MEG Ai1600T PCIE5 and MPG A1200GS PCIE5 at Computex. These top-tier power supplies are future-ready and support the ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards. Both are equipped with dual native 16-pin PCIe power connectors to power next-gen GPUs and handle demanding workloads without relying on adapters. Visit the MSI store on Amazon. [6]
Image source: MSI/Amazon
Pros: MSI offers high-quality PSUs similar to Corsair because their products are made by CWT. The brand provides a 5-year limited warranty for its budget-tier PSUs and a full 10-year warranty for high-end units.
Cons: MSI’s power supplies range from 650W to 1300W. It doesn’t offer budget or low-tier options. However, MSI is the go-to brand for midrange to high-end PCs.
Price Range: $58-$369
7. Be Quiet!
Although Be Quiet isn’t known for its power supplies, the brand has a comprehensive PSU lineup. Its collection includes the Dark Power 12 and 13, Straight Power 11, and Pure Power 12M. The Dark Power 13 is a perfect alternative to high-end PSUs from other top brands. In Jun 2024, Be Quiet unveiled its all-new Pure Power 12 power supply unit at Computex. You can buy this ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compatible PSU in 1000W, 850W, 750W, 650W, or 550W for $79.99-$134.90. Visit the Be Quiet! Store on Amazon. [7]
Image source: Be Quiet!
Pros: Be Quiet offers innovative power supplies with excellent warranties. Buyers get a 5-year warranty on entry-level and midrange PSUs and 10 years for high-end units.
Cons: The Be Quiet brand outsources production to OEMs. However, it only partners with a few trusted manufacturers like FSP and HEC to ensure product quality and consistency.
Price Range: $80-$369
8. XPG (Xtreme Performance Gear)
XPG is a gaming hardware and accessories brand founded in 2008 by ADATA, a Taiwanese memory and storage manufacturer. Its PSU collection includes the XPG Core Reactor, Cybercore, and Fusion. In 2024, XPG introduced the Core Reactor II VE series, its first ATX 3.1-compliant PSU. This 80Plus Gold PSU provides steady performance without the high expense. Visit the XPG store on Amazon. [8]
Image source: XPG
Pros: XPG is the go-to PSU brand for gamers. Its new Core Reactor II VE is power-efficient and simplifies PC building. This modular 80 Plus Gold power supply unit offers innovative features, including 100% Japanese capacitors, LLC topologies, and a robust transient filter. Buy the Core Reactor II VE to enhance your gaming experience.
Cons: XPG focuses on gamers, not all PC enthusiasts and users. The brand offers only 7 PSU models: 4 Core Reactors, 2 Cybercores, and 1 Fusion.
Price Range: $85-$500
9. EVGA
EVGA is a PSU brand specializing in single-rail power supply units. Its top-selling and high-rated PSU series includes the G2, G3, G6, G7, P2, and P6. In Feb 2024, the brand unveiled its new EVGA SuperNOVA 1000W/850W Gold FTW. This PSU series supports up to 235% total power excursion, exceeding the needs of the most powerful PCs. Visit the EVGA store on Amazon. [9]
Image source: EVGA
Pros: EVGA outsources its PSUs to reputable OEMs like Enhance Electronics, HEC, Super Flower, and Seasonic. For example, the EVGA G2 series is similar to Super Flower’s Leadex Gold PSU because both are manufactured by Super Flower.
Cons: EVGA’s warranties range from 90 days to 10 years. To avoid surprises, ensure you check the warranty of EVGA PSUs before purchasing. However, most high-end EVGA power supplies have 7-year to 10-year warranties.
Price Range: $45-$500
10. Thermaltake
Thermaltake is a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions. The brand produces power supply units, including the Toughpower GF, SF, TF, BX, and GX models. In Jan 2024, Thermaltake launched the Toughpower TF3 Titanium and SFX Platinum series and the Dr. Power III PSU Tester. The new TF3 and SFX PSUs leverage high-performance RTX 40 graphics cards, perfect for tech enthusiasts seeking PCIe 12+4pin power supplies. Visit the Thermaltake store on Amazon. [10]
Image source: Thermaltake
Pros: Thermaltake offers a wide range of PSUs, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Its collection covers all price points, from low-end units for less than $50 to high-end PSUs for over $300.
Cons: Thermaltake outsources to several OEMs, increasing product quality issues. The brand offers a 5-year warranty for parts and labor, while other companies provide 10-year warranties for high-end PSUs.
Price Range: $49.99-$500
References & more information
- CORSAIR (2024, Sep 10). CORSAIR updates RMx Series Low-Noise Power Supplies with ATX 3.1 Compliance and Native ATX 12V-2×6 Connector. Corsair.com
- Bahleem, A. (2024, Oct 8). Super Flower Releases New Leadex III ATX 3.1 Power Supply Series. Enos Tech
- Campbell, M. (2024, Oct 1). Seasonic pushes new OptiSink tech with new Focus GX V4 PSUs. Overclock3D
- Cooler Master (2024, Aug 20). Cooler Master Unveils Groundbreaking X Series Power Supplies. Yahoo Finance
- ASUS (2024, Sep 12). Introducing the ROG Strix Platinum power supply series. ASUS.com
- James, J. (2024, Jun 4). Computex 2024: Latest Motherboards and PC Components are innovative and powerful. MSI.com
- Freeman, G. (2024, Jun 4). Be Quiet! Unveils New Pure Power 12 PSU at Computex 2024. Tech Powerup
- Fylladitakis, E. (2024, May 2). The XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W PSU Review: Our First ATX 3.1 Power Supply. Anand Tech
- EVGA Staff (2024, Feb 16). Introducing the EVGA SuperNOVA 1000W/850W Gold FTW Series. EVGA.com
- Thermaltake (2024, Jan 10). Thermaltake launches the latest Toughpower TF3 Titanium and Toughpower SFX Platinum Power Supplies. Thermaltake.com
- Featured image by Andrey Matveev
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