15 best PC power supplies
In the process of assembling a computer system unit, due attention should be paid not only to the main expensive components, but also to the choice of a high-quality power supply unit. This device serves to form supply voltages for all computer systems. Problems with electricity, voltage, short circuits can damage both the power supply itself and the circuits along which the load is distributed. In addition, it is important to make the right choice of the power supply unit of the computer based on the calculation of the power of the main components of the system unit. For example, for a powerful video card and a productive processor, a budget power supply unit of 450-500 W will not be enough, and if an upgrade of the system is planned in the future, then all the more you need a power reserve for the future. See below for the best power supplies for computers.
What do you look for when choosing power supplies?
Power. Let's return to the power supply criterion. To determine which indicator you personally need, you need to calculate the total amount of electricity that is consumed by all components of the computer, including hard drives and DVD drives. By the way, in the characteristics of video cards, the minimum allowable power of the power supply is almost always indicated, which somewhat simplifies the task.
Efficiency and certification. The main certification for power supplies is 80 Plus standard. The presence of such a certificate for a product means its efficiency is at least 80% and low losses when converting AC to DC current. In addition, this standard has several categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold + rare Platinum. Such a classification allows the buyer to make the best choice, and also forces manufacturers to constantly raise the bar for the quality of modern PSUs.
Cooling and noisy. The diameter of the fan blades will allow you to understand how audible noise the power supply will make during operation. To ensure quiet operation without sacrificing low temperature indicators, it is better to choose a power supply unit with blades with a diameter of 120 mm or more. Often, the larger the heatsink, the more efficiently it removes heat from the other components of the power supply.
Used protection schemes. High-quality PSUs differ from their cheap counterparts by the implemented protection measures, including: UVP, OCP, OVP, OTP, OPP, SCP. Most PSUs use simple OPP and SCP fuses, but this is not always enough. For example, with a hand-made repair mat. boards. The UVP circuit will protect against low voltage, OVP - against overvoltage, OCP - against current surges in the event of an overload of one of the outputs, and OTP will protect against overheating.
Form Factor The size standards of a motherboard define a power supply that is suitable for the size of the design. There are several form factors that are similar in labeling, such as ATX 20, ATX 22, ATX 23, SFX, TFX, etc.
Connectors and cables. Choose one that comes with the necessary cables for connecting components such as a video card. Pay attention to the plugs included, their number, type and length.
Best inexpensive 500-600W PSUs
There is little point in buying an expensive high-power power supply if the computer is used for study or work and is made up of low-power components. And so that the savings do not "come out sideways", we will select the top five worthy inexpensive models, based on real reviews.
5 Ginzzu CB600 600W
It's hard to find an even more affordable 600 watt power supply on the market. Not reaching the price of 2,000 rubles, this "feeder" is almost completely silent in operation. The manufacturer also worried about the design by rounding the edges of the case. Strong metal is used in the production, and plastic parts are located only near the connectors for wires.
Ginzzu claims that the device can be used for a minimum of 5 years, with a 3-year warranty.The CB600 has overload, overvoltage and short circuit protection circuits to help protect your computer in an emergency.
Pros:
- Relatively high power
- Low price
- The 24 pin main wire is placed in a shielded black braid
- Silent fan
Minuses:
- Few connectors
- Low quality plastic at the connectors, thin wires
4 Deepcool DA500 (DP-BZ-DA500N) 500W
Now this model is not often found on sale, but it managed to gain fame as one of the most successful in the category up to 3000 rubles. The efficiency is quite high, assessed by the 80 Plus Bronze certificate. Of course, the circuitry here is much simpler than that of more expensive analogs, and this manifests itself in the form of possible heating and noise.
The power supply received a transparent 120 mm fan with blue backlight. It is both visually beautiful and convenient in practice - if you suddenly need to look into the system unit in the dark, when the power supply unit is located on top, the backlight will replace your flashlight.
The budget device supports the modes of video cards SLI or CrossFire, that is, it can withstand a significant load on a 12-volt line, while maintaining stable voltages on the rest.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money and quality
- 5 x SATA connectors, support for multiple graphics cards
- EPS12V support (unit suitable for simple servers)
- Intelligent fan speed control
Minuses:
- Noise at high rpm
3 AeroCool KCAS PLUS 500W
The model is produced in different modifications - with a power of 400, 500, 600, 700 watts. Like the one above, this one is 80 Plus Bronze certified, rated at 500W, but boasts a newer version of the ATX12V standard - 2.4 (extended specification), and seven 15-pin SATA connectors. The minimum input voltage is 200 W.
The power supply received a lot of positive feedback, there are practically no complaints about it. First of all, there is a pleasant price, high-quality implementation of protection schemes, stability and reliable operation in different conditions. The fan speed starts to increase when the power supply is loaded by more than 50%.
Important: similar models without the PLUS prefix have opposite, mostly negative responses, especially in terms of the quality of the element base.
Pros:
- Good quality materials
- Smart fan control
- 6 SATA connectors
- Easy removal and cleaning of the fan
Minuses:
- Not the best capacitors
2 Chieftec GPE-600S 600W
Chieftec GPE-600S ranks second in the "Best 600 Watt PSUs" rating. The 600W power supply is fully ATX compatible with standard connections. Adequate cooling is provided by a 120mm cooler. What makes this model special is the presence of active PFC (Power Factor Correction), protection against voltage surges, overloads and short circuits. Bronze certification 80 PLUS demonstrates high efficiency.
Users note the sufficient length of the wires, which allows them to be conveniently laid behind the motherboard, easy replacement of the cooler if it starts to hum too much, but they also complain that there is only one line for video cards here.
Pros:
- Quiet operation under heavy loads
- Low heat generation
- Long service
- Beautiful design
- Price-quality ratio
Minuses:
- No protective braid on the wires
- Very simple radiators
1 be quiet! System Power 9 600W
A trendy model, which, according to HardPrice.ru, is the most popular power supply unit on the Russian market in March 2020, and with a significant lead over its competitors. What is good about this "feeder", in addition to its price category and power of 600 W?
It has DC-DC converters, a bronze 80 Plus certificate, a powerful and at the same time extremely quiet fan (maximum noise level - 31 dB, minimum - 9 dB). There are no questions about the stability and reliability of work in any (relatively) conditions. EPS12V and PFC are supported, ATX12V version is 2.4. The type of connector for the motherboard is 20 + 4 pin. Excessive rigidity of cables is often noted, which can be regarded as both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Pros:
- Low noise at work
- Wires of sufficient length and in the right quantity with a margin
- Wire braiding
- Excellent build quality
- DC-to-DC converter
- 4 connectors 6 + 2-pin PCI-E
Minuses:
- Fan "tapping" occurs
Best Computer Power Supplies 700-850W
Such power supplies are used in serious configurations with productive hardware. At the same time, it is not at all necessary that the computer components use all the power of the power supply unit to the maximum - the "space" for further system upgrades will not be superfluous.
5 Cooler Master MasterWatt Lite 230V 700W
The 700-watt version of this PSU retains the best features of the 400 model, with a significant increase in power. At a price of less than 4,000 rubles, it has a hydraulic bearing, a full range of protection schemes, good efficiency, long wires (they were not greedy with their number either). The power supply unit corresponds to the declared power indicator and even in case of overload it is able to work for some time.
There were some compromises, otherwise there was no other way. Under heavy loads, users experience an increasing noise level due to more intense heat dissipation. To some extent, this is compensated by the low heating of the internal components, which will contribute to their long service life.
Pros:
- Efficient cooling system
- Quality Taiwanese capacitors
- 88% efficiency at peak
- Low price
- The whole range of necessary protections
Minuses:
- Big noise at heavy loads
4 be quiet! System Power 9 700W
Best 700 watt PC power supply - be quiet! System Power 9. Analogue of the first line from the previous category, which received +100 W to power. The power supply is 80 PLUS Bronze certified, which indicates good efficiency. In addition, the model boasts stable power indicators under uneven loads and a long service life.
All necessary measures have been implemented to protect the unit from short circuits and overloads. Suitable for use in mid-range gaming systems. High-quality cooling with low noise is provided by a fan with a blade diameter of 120 mm. Voltage dips are eliminated due to the presence of an active PFC, which also increases the power factor.
Pros:
- Good efficiency, honest 700W
- No noise
- All protection schemes
- Adequate price tag
- Molex for additional equipment
Minuses:
- Relatively short wires
3 Deepcool DQ750ST 750W
The experts of the authoritative resource Overclockers, to which this model got on the test, called it "a well-made device for its level, meeting the energy efficiency requirements according to the 80 PlusGold standard." Under standard loads, the PSU is practically silent, suitable for assembling a quiet and stable system. The power reserve allows it to be used in system units with several "gluttonous" video adapters.
The scope of application of this unit is limited only by short cables, there are few of them here. DQ750ST will perfectly fit into a miniature system unit of the Mini-ITX or MicroATX form factor, but owners of ATX cases may have certain inconveniences.
Pros:
- Drawdown on the 12V line less than 1%
- Quiet fan without parasitic sounds
- Automatic fan speed control
- Active PFC, work over a wide voltage range
- 80 Plus Gold Certificate
Minuses:
- Short trains
2 AeroCool KCAS PLUS 800W
Do you need more power at the lowest cost? Do not pass by the AeroCool KCAS PLUS 800W power supply. With 800-watt power, its market price is only 4 thousand rubles "with kopecks". Of course, we are not talking about any gold certificate, but the efficiency according to the 80 PLUS Bronze standard is also a good indicator.
There are a lot of rumors around the AeroCool KCAS line, in particular about frequent failures due to overload. But if the younger models were really inherent in such a nuisance, then in the new AeroCool engineers paid due attention to the reliability of their devices. In particular, the board components were replaced with more modern ones, DC-DC converters and separate stabilization systems began to be used, the cooling system underwent a complete redesign.Now a power supply unit from AeroCool can be safely recommended for purchase, especially with such an attractive price tag.
Pros:
- High power
- More than adequate price
- Quality stabilization
- Thick power cables (16 AWG)
- Adaptation to increased loads
Minuses:
- Not the best option for powerful systems
1 Corsair HX750i 750W
The only 80 PLUS Platinum PSU in its category. Through one 12V line, it can transmit more than 1A, which compensates for such a disadvantage as the tendency to strong heating. In daily operating scenarios, the unit is extremely quiet. Such a device is the best choice for active users and gamers, overclocking lovers who overclock all components of the system unit. There are 2 4 + 4 pin connectors for the processor and 4 6 + 2 connectors for video cards.
This solution is structurally attractive - it has a completely modular design and a wide variety of connectors. And the electronic monitoring system CorsairLink is an indisputable advantage of the brand's products as a whole.
A more expensive 850W analogue with an excellent reputation is Seasonic Prime Ultra Titanium 850W.
Pros:
- 144mm fan
- 80 PLUS Platinum Certified
- Modular cable assembly
- Opportunities for overclocking
- 10 years warranty
- Rich equipment with connectors
Minuses:
- Abundant heat dissipation and noise
The best power supplies from 1000W
Super-powerful power supplies will find their owner among advanced gamers, enthusiasts, e-sportsmen, owners of their own mining rigs. Such a "power supply" is necessary when a top-end processor, several resource-intensive video cards, a couple of drives and a lot of "gluttonous" peripherals are installed.
5 3Cott 3Cott-M1600A 1600W
A 1600 Watt power supply for 3000 rubles seems to be something out of our planet. And there is also an 80 PLUS Gold certificate, an active PFC, a 140 mm fan and as many as 12 6 + 2-PIN PCI-E slots. It would seem that a dog is buried somewhere. You need to look for it in user reviews, and here they talk about strong noise at work. But it should be understood that this brings discomfort only at home, and not everyone. And if you install a PC on a balcony, in a non-residential area, or use a power supply unit for mining, this drawback is leveled.
Stability of voltages, high efficiency and good quality components were also noted, despite their frankly Chinese adventure.
Pros:
- High efficiency
- The best combination of power and price
- SCP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, OPP / OLP protections
- DC / DC converters on separate boards
- 12 power connectors 6 + 2-PIN
Minuses:
- Strong noise
- It is better not to load more than 1300 watts
4 Zalman ZM1000-EBT 1000W
One of the most affordable power supplies in the 1000 W category and from well-known manufacturers. The model performs well in systems where there is a large load on the + 12VDC channel, since it is precisely this scenario of use that allows it to “bare” its main advantages.
Given the power and high efficiency (a gold certificate was awarded), the unit can be forgiven for some flaws, for example, noise at low loads. And although the set of connectors cannot be called optimal for powerful modern systems, it is still quite rich and will satisfy most users.
Pros:
- High load capacity of the + 12VDC channel
- Japanese capacitors
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan
- Slight thermal stress
- 7 years warranty
Minuses:
- Noise
- The cables are connected in a flat cable, which is not very convenient
3 Enermax REVOLUTION 87+ 1000W
The Revolution 87+ power supply unit (ERV1000EWT-G) has been tested by Overclockers resource experts and left a pleasant impression on them. First of all, the absence of noise in operation was noted (although there are those who complain about noise at high loads and in hot summertime), voltage stability (especially on the +12 line), moderate heating. The manufacturer also announced the possibility of working around the clock in ambient temperatures up to 50 degrees. Of course, the model has received 80 PLUS Gold certification and active PFC.
Enermax is famous for its responsible approach to production, it does not produce cheap consumer goods.Therefore, both EPM1000EWT and ERV1000EWT-G, despite some important differences in favor of the former, are worthy of buyers' attention.
Pros:
- High quality of assembly and element base
- Detachable cables
- Reliability and long-term performance
- 5-year warranty
- Long on the market
Minuses:
- Difficulty mounting in some housings
2 AeroCool KCAS PLUS 1200GM 1200W
A great option for a gaming computer. The power supply is gold certified and has a claimed 86% efficiency along with reduced power consumption. Withstands high loads with stable voltages on all channels. The fan will not activate if the power supply unit is not at least half loaded. The ATX form factor fits perfectly into standard Mini and Full Towers. Even the old IDE is supported.
1200 watts of power is enough for file servers as well. The power supply unit is cooled thanks to a fan with a diameter of 140 mm, it outputs a current of 100A through the + 12V line. It is important that the cables can be detached from the power supply case.
Pros:
- 80 PLUS Gold Standard
- Stable voltage
- Modular cables
- Power-price combination
- Excellent reputation on the web
Minuses:
- The fan is noisy at maximum speed
- Short length between PCI-E connectors
1 Enermax Platimax D.F. EPF1050EWT 1050W
The older “brother” of the Enermax Platimax (EPM1000EWT) model and a distant “relative” of the EnermaxREVOLUTION87 presented above, brought to mind and become a model in its market segment.
The power supply unit is equal to 1050 watts, which is quite enough for extreme overclocking and regular system upgrades. The 139mm fan keeps the components cool. The product is manufactured according to the ATX12V 2.4 standard, is suitable for ATX boards, has a rich set of detachable braided wires. Platimax has received all the necessary protection circuits and shows an outstanding efficiency corresponding to the 80 PLUS Platinum standard. The cooler is not activated in idle mode. It can be started manually using a dedicated button.
Pros:
- 80 PLUS Platinum Standard
- Hybrid fan mode
- Stable voltage
- Presentable performance
- Reliability
Minuses:
- High price
Which PSU is the best to buy in 2020?
Guided by technical parameters alone, you can either hit the mark or "shoot by" and quickly regret what you did. Before buying, it is advisable to check the power supply visually.
- First of all, it is necessary to assess the thickness of the metal, the quality of the material and workmanship. If the metal is thin, bends, and the walls rattle, it is better to refuse to buy.
- Then inspect the fans, their number (1, 2 or 3) and dimensions (80/90/120/140 mm). If a wire grill is installed on the fans, this will reduce air turbulence and, accordingly, the noise of operation. There must be an air intake grill opposite the fan.
- A power supply should come with cables and connectors for connecting various drives, drives, graphics cards, and the more, the better for a powerful system. It is desirable that the cables have a length of at least 25 ± 3 cm.
- Inside the unit, if you look there through the ventilation grilles, you need to check for the presence of radiator grilles with a thickness of about 5 mm and a large ribbing.
By the way, about the permissible voltages. The ATX12V standard allows deviations from the norm up to 5% for positive voltages and up to 10% for negative ones.
We do not recommend saving too much on the power supply. A high-quality block will and should cost at least 3-5 thousand rubles. Agree, it will be extremely annoying if a $ 500 video card burns out due to a frankly bad cheap power supply unit. So approach the selection of this important, but often underestimated component of the system unit with all responsibility.
