The best power supply may not be the most exciting item to consider, but it might be the most important choice you make for your next gaming PC setup. Your computer is powered by a power supply. You may have the most expensive video card in the world, but if it isn’t powered by the right power supply, it’s just a paperweight with some fans on it.
A decent power supply may last you numerous builds, so investing in one makes sense. So, if you can afford to spend a bit extra on a high-quality power supply, you should do so. Don’t be afraid to go overboard—a few years ago, high-capacity PSUs were less effective at lighter loads, but this is no longer the case. If you use a current Gold or higher efficiency PSU, regardless of capacity, you will not have low efficiency at light loads.
Intel has established certain low-load efficiency standards in its latest ATX spec (v2.53), stating that every PSU should have better than 70% efficiency with 10W (500W capacity) or 2% of its max-rated-capacity loads. This requirement takes effect in July 2020, thus any power supply meeting the ATX12V v2.53 standard must also be efficient at lower loads. You’re strongly advised against buying a cheap power supply – but getting an affordable PSU doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on quality.
In addition to the low-efficiency criteria, Intel has incorporated some new PSU timing requirements in its updated specification, addressing the Alternative Sleep Mode (ASM), which enables the system to come up from sleep mode in an ultra-fast manner. Microsoft’s Modern Standby is an example of ASM. Although there is no ASM compatible mainboards at the time of writing these lines, PSUs are designed to survive for many system designs, but it is always good to be future-proofed.
If you’re still unsure where to begin when it comes to power supply, don’t worry; we’ve evaluated dozens of PSUs and chosen our best, as well as the kind of projects they should be used in.
Corsair CX450-The Best Cheap PSU
The lowest capacity member of Corsair’s budget-oriented CX line is the CX450. All CX models are manufactured by two different OEMs: either Great Wall or Channel Well Technology (CWT), and each of which uses a distinct platform.
The only way to tell them apart is their RPS numbers, reference designators given to each model. Both configurations have fixed cables to keep the price as low as possible. Nonetheless, they utilize modern platforms featuring LLC resonant converters and voltage regulation modules to generate minor rails and high-quality fans.
It is rare to find such a modern platform in this price range. The weirdest part is that the Corsair CXM units—which feature semi-modular cables so someone could believe that they belong to a higher category—actually use a lower-performance platform.
Between the two Corsair CX450 versions, the model made by Great Wall is more efficient than CWT’s, especially under light loads, and has a more efficient 5VSB rail. On the other hand, it has a more aggressive fan profile, so its noise output increases.
In the US market, you will only find the CWT version made in Vietnam instead of China, so it avoids the tariffs and keeps its price tag low. In other regions, the GW platform is also available. In general, the Corsair CX450, in both flavours, offers a high performance per price ratio, and it is an excellent choice for mainstream builds with embedded or low-power graphics cards. In this price range, you won’t find such a modern and capable platform.
Pros
- Modern platform.
- Full set of safeguards.
- Rifle-bearing fan.
- Five-year guarantee.
Cons
- Non-modular
Specifications
Manufacturer (OEM) | CWT or Great Wall |
Max. DC output | 450 W |
Efficiency | 80 PLUS Bronze |
Form factor | ATX 12V v2.4, EPS 2.92 |
Noise | Cybenetics A- (25-30 dBA – CWT) Standard+ (35-40 dBA – Great Wall) |
Cooling | 120 mm rifle bearing fan (HA1225M12F-Z [CWT] or D12SM-12 [Great Wall]) |
Modularity | No |
EPS connectors | 1 |
PCIe connectors | 1 |
Warranty | 5 years |
XPG Core Reactor 650W-The Best 650W Power Supply
XPG shook things up with its Core Reactor series, an amazing collection of power supplies built on a solid basis offered by Channel Well Technology. XPG acquired exclusive rights to the company’s CSE platform, ensuring that no other OEM would use CSE (the platform’s code name). So far, only big PSU makers like as Corsair and be silent! have had exclusive rights in OEM platforms, so XPG’s approach demonstrates that it is serious about competing for the best power supply market.
The XPG Core Reactor with 650W capacity must compete with powerful rivals like as the Corsair RM650x, Seasonic GX-650, and Asus Rog Strix 650. Nonetheless, it manages to lead the race, which is astounding. Especially given that XPG has not traditionally been a market leader in this sector, it seems to have recruited the right people for the job. The Core Reactor 650 not only performs well, but it is also very quiet, with an average noise output of less than 23 dBA. Furthermore, with 115V, its average efficiency is close to 89.5 percent, putting it in the Gold 650W efficiency category.
Another key benefit of this PSU is its small footprint, which will make installation easier. The fully modular wires will also be useful in this regard. In terms of cables, they lack in-line capacitors, making cable roots more difficult than necessary. The only significant disadvantage of this machine is that it has two EPS connections on the same cable. EPS connections are often connected on dedicated cables for fewer voltage dips and increased safety, however, the platform did not supply enough sockets for this.
Pros
- High performance and whisper-quiet operation.
- Excellent construction quality.
- Completely modular.
- Warranty of ten years.
Cons
- Two EPS connectors on the same cable
Specifications
Manufacturer (OEM) | CWT |
Max. DC output | 650 W |
Efficiency | 80 PLUS Gold |
Form factor | ATX 12V v2.4, EPS 2.92 |
Noise | Cybenetics A (20-25 dBA) |
Cooling | 120 mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA1225H12F-Z) |
Modularity | Fully modular |
EPS connectors | 2 |
PCIe connectors | 4 (on two cables) |
Warranty | 10 years |
Fractal Design Ion SFX 650 Gold
More and more of the top power supply manufacturers have lately moved into the tiny form factor sector, which has begun to pique the attention of gamers as well. SFF PSUs were formerly considered niche goods, but the emergence of beautiful compact chassis, as well as the need for smaller systems, has boosted competition in this market.
SilverStone, which offers the most extensive line of related products, was the first company to take SFF PSUs seriously. Meanwhile, Fractal had nothing to offer in this area until it released these SFX Gold units.
However, the word ‘SFX’ is misleading since both Fractal’s Ion units use the unauthorized SFX-L form factor that SilverStone initially released. Because SFX-L units are 30mm deeper than SFX units, they can accommodate bigger cooling fans and greater airflow. As a result, they may have more relaxed fan speed profiles and be quieter than regular SFX models. Furthermore, the bigger PCBs enable for greater capacity units, up to 1000W.
The Ion SFX 650G has a bigger, 120mm fan since it adheres to the SFX-L standard, as well as very flexible modular cables, which do make a difference during the cable routing and installation operations. Furthermore, it comes with an SFX-to-ATX adapter bracket, which will come in useful if you wish to utilize this PSU with an ATX chassis.
Pros
- More power.
- Outstanding overall performance.
- Cables that are both flexible and modular.
- Warranty of ten years.
- Flexible and fully modular cables.
Cons
- Aggressive fan speed profile
- EPS connection (single).
Specifications
Manufacturer (OEM) | Seasonic |
Max. DC output | 650 W |
Efficiency | 80 PLUS Gold |
Form factor | SFX-L |
Noise | Cybenetics Standard+ (35-40 dBA) |
Cooling | 120 mm FDB Fan (S1201512HB) |
Modularity | fully modular connectors |
EPS connectors | 1 |
PCIe connectors | 4 (on two cables) |
Warranty | 10 years |
Corsair RM550x (2022)
Corsair’s RM550x provides dead quiet operation even under harsh situations, in addition to very high performance. The only significant disadvantage of this PSU is its premium pricing in comparison to the competitors in its wattage category.
In addition to its Gold-rated efficiency, the RM550x (and the rest of the RMx family members) can produce full power continuously at temperatures as high as 50 °C. Corsair has S6 and S7 sleep state compatibility, which was introduced with Intel’s Haswell architecture, as well as all of the protective measures we look for (except for over-current protection, which isn’t available since we’re only dealing with a single +12V rail PSU). The fan employs a rifle bearing, which should outlast traditional ball-bearing fans. It’s aided by the power supply’s semi-passive mode.
Corsair first opted to improve its RM line with the RMI series, which consists of high-performance power supplies with a digital interface for monitoring important information and managing the fan. Then Corsair discovered that removing the digital interface circuit and the FDB fan from the RMi versions would make them even more competitive.
That is how the RMx line came to be. It now consists of five members, each with a capacity ranging from 550W to 1kW. The RM550x, the entry-level model, is what we’re looking at today. These RMx power supplies, according to Corsair, will replace the RM PSU portfolio.
Pros
- Outstanding overall performance.
- Silent operation.
- At a low load, it is very efficient.
- Magnetic Levitation enthusiast.
- Completely modular.
- Ten-year warranty.
Cons
- In cable capacitors.
- Single EPS connector.
- The short distance between the peripheral connectors.
Specifications
Manufacturer (OEM) | CWT |
Max. DC Output | 550W |
Efficiency | 80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Gold |
Noise | Cybenetics A+ (15-20 dBA) |
Form Factor | ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92 |
Cooling | 140mm Magnetic Levitation Fan (NR140ML) |
Modular | Yes |
Connectors | 1x EPS, 2x PCIe |
Warranty | 10 years |
Corsair SF600 Platinum PSU
This is the greatest SFX power supply based on the money you can buy. Although we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Corsair’s larger-capacity SF750 in our test, fans who don’t want that much power will be delighted with the company’s enhanced SF600 Platinum. If you want to save money, consider the older SF600 Gold, which is still in production and is a fantastic power supply.
Corsair’s SF600 Platinum redefines performance and efficiency in the SFX market. The ultra-quiet functioning and ultra-high quality components of this PSU is the icing on the cake, particularly in difficult situations with heavy loads on the minor rails. This is an improvement over the SF600 Gold, which requires its fan to spin at high rates under the same conditions. Efficiency is the best you can get in an SFX power supply. Tight load regulation and ripple suppression results are expected.
PSU manufacturers are becoming interested in the SFX and SFX-L categories. SilverStone was the first business to really innovate in this area, and it still has the most possibilities in its catalogue, with 12 SFX and SFX-L models. Corsair sells fewer SFX-compatible power supply, but the SF450/600 variants pleased us early on. Our expectations have been raised with the launch of its 80 PLUS Platinum-rated designs.
However, the 600W model’s cable layout, which stays the same as the SF600 Gold, disappoints us right away. Indeed, the 450W and 600W models use the same number and kind of cords. This is strange since the SF600 Platinum should be able to accommodate more devices.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Top-notch build quality.
- Excellent build quality.
- Excellent power supply.
- Fully modular.
- High-quality fdb fan.
- Individually sleeved cables
- SFX-to-ATX bracket adapter included
Cons
- The semi-passive mode cannot be deactivated
- High inrush current with 230V input.
- High OCP triggering points.
Specifications
Manufacturer (OEM) | Great Wall |
Max. DC Output | 600W |
Efficiency | 80 PLUS Platinum, ETA-A (88-91%) |
Noise | LAMBDA-A (20-25 dB[A]) |
Modular | fully modular connectors |
Cooling | 92mm rifle bearing fan (NR092L) |
Semi-Passive Operation | yes |
Dimensions | (W x H x D)122 x 65 x 102 mm |
Weight | 0.874 kg (1.93 lb) |
Form Factor | SFX, EPS 2.92 |
Warranty | 7 years |
Thermaltake Toughpower GX1
The Thermaltake Toughpower GX1 is not well known in the market, owing to its low wattage [600W] and the fact that it is a non-modular power supply unit. It does, however, carry a tremendous punch. Without further ado, let us show you the characteristics that piqued our interest. Thermaltake toughpower GX1 600W is compact, with a black case shielding the internal components.
This Thermaltake PSU isn’t simply a 600W power supply; its maximum output capacity may exceed 720W. The input frequency range is 47Hz to 63Hz. This PSU has an efficiency rating of 80 plus Gold, which translates to a minimum rating of 90% at 50% load.. The power supply comes with a plethora of power cables and we’re sure you’ll have any cable you need.
The Toughpower GX1 incorporates RGB lights and a 120mm hydraulic dynamic bearing fan as standard. This fan isn’t very noisy. This power supply has a small form factor of 140mm by 150mm, with colourful cables embellishing the unit. This is something we have to tolerate with non-modular power supplies. Finally, this PSU comes with a five-year warranty. If you need an affordable power supply that’s efficient, reliable, stable, and that offers superb performance.
The Thermaltake ToughPower is a powerful power supply. It features a high-efficiency rating, a sleek and compact design, and is outfitted with ATX 20+4 pi, 4+4, PCIe 6+2, and SATA cables and connections. With this device, almost everything checks out. Its semi-digital platform offers top performance and can handle high operating temperatures.
Pros
- Affordable PSU.
- The form factor is portable.
- Excellent construction.
- Has a variety of connecting possibilities.
Cons
- Annoying wiring
- It’s a non-modular PSU
Specifications
Brand | Thermaltake |
Connector Type | FDD Adapter, SATA |
Output Wattage | 500 Watts |
Form Factor | ATX12V |
Wattage | 500 watts |
Cooling Method | Air |
Item Dimensions | LxWxH2.83 x 1.55 x 2.48 inches |
Item Weight | 1250 Grams |
Power Supply Design | Non-Modular |
Current Rating | 8 Amps |
FSP Dagger 600W PSU
Don’t be fooled by the moniker; the FSP Dagger is a good power supply on the market. Though unpopular in the PC industry, the FSP brand is well-known in the SFX market.
When it was first released a few years ago, the FSP Dagger 600W received a lot of positive feedback. Even better, the device is 80 Plus Gold certified. And it’s a completely modular CPU with a slew of intriguing features to talk about. At 50% load, this unit achieves an efficiency of 90%. For increased efficiency, it employs an LLC resonant converter. Because it is VR-ready, it can easily power a gaming PC.
It has two auxiliary PCIe power connections as well as a single SATA four-pin connector (we expected more). It has Over Power Protection, Surge Protection, and Over Voltage protection. However, it lacks UVP (Undervoltage Protection). It does, however, include a single +12V rail, which is useful for overclockers. The FSP Dagger’s [fully-modular] cable management and design are cool. And we can only praise the cooling and efficiency. However, we believe it is overpriced for what it provides.
Pros
- Can run a gaming PC.
- Quiet power supply.
- Excellent cooling.
- Fully-modular.
Cons
- No UVP
- Chassis is easily scratched
- Pricey
- Only two PCIe 6+2 pin power connectors.
Specifications
Series | SDA600 |
Brand | FSP |
Output Wattage | 600 Watts |
Form Factor | Mini ITX, Micro ATX, SFX12V |
Wattage | 600 watts |
Item Dimensions | LxWxH 2.5 x 4.92 x 4.33 inches |
Item Weight | 1.5 Kilograms |
Power Supply Design | Full Modular |
Fan Size | 80 Millimeters |
EVGA 600W BQ
If you’re putting up a new mid-range gaming rig or PC, the EVGA 600W BQ is a solid option. This product provides excellent value and is reasonably priced. The EVGA 600W BQ has a solid construction, a boxy/cubic form, and a dark-brown chassis. It has an 80+ Bronze certified power efficiency, which implies it can achieve up to 85 percent efficiency at 20% load.
The EVGA 600 BQ is also a good choice if all you need is a high-quality, stable power supply that won’t break the bank and will enable you to construct a single video card arrangement. This power supply is endowed with all the heavy-duty protection you could desire, such as Under Voltage Protection (UVP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Surge Protection.
It contains 2 x 8 PCIe pin connections, 1 x power 24 pin connector with detachable 4 pin part, 6 x 15 Serial ATA power pin connector, and 1 x 4 mini-power connector. The fan is 120mm in diameter and has a dynamic fluid bearing. This fan creates no noise, resulting in a quiet power supply. This is a typical ATX-sized power supply that should fit in any ATX chassis that utilizes an ATX power supply.
The EVGA 600W ATX PSU will provide you with exceptional power efficiency and performance. It also has reasonable pricing. It’s definitely one we can suggest, with a modular design and other intriguing features.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Good power efficiency
- Competitive price
- Modular design
Cons
- Cannot power more than two graphics cards
Specifications
Series | 110-BQ-0600-K1 |
Brand | EVGA |
Connector Type | ATX, Floppy, SATA |
Output Wattage | 600 Watts |
Form Factor | ATX |
Wattage | 600 watts |
Cooling Method | Air |
Item Dimensions | LxWxH5.51 x 5.91 x 3.35 inches |
Item Weight | 5 Pounds |
Power Supply Design | Semi-Modular Design |
Apevia ATX-JP600W
If you’re looking to create a low-cost gaming PC, the Apevia ATX-JP600W is a good option. The device supports ATX form-factor motherboards and is 80 Plus Gold certified for high efficiency (86%) and performance. There are no flaws in the design of this power supply. With a gleaming black compact casing and a vivid blue thermally-controlled light flowing from the fan, this item instantly captures the eye.
The Apevia JP600W is compatible with ATI Crossfire and NVIDIA SLI. Overvoltage and Undervoltage protection are included, as well as power surge prevention. It has four SATA connection pins, four 4+4 connector pins, and two 8(6+2) PCIe connector pins.
The Apevia JP600W isn’t the strongest PSU on the market, but it makes a statement of efficiency and performance despite its small size. This is a power supply unit that provides the commodities necessary for its category. Take a second look. So, unless you’re designing an extreme configuration that will use several video cards (or intend to in the future), power supplies are definitely the way to go.
Pros
- Simple to set up.
- Octa-core CPUs are supported.
- Fans, please be quiet.
- Excellent efficiency.
Cons
- Fan lights can’t be turned off.
- The small distance between peripheral connectors.
Specifications
Brand | Apevia |
Connector Type | EPS, Floppy, PCI Express, SATA |
Output Wattage | 600 Watts |
Form Factor | ATX12V, ATX |
Wattage | 600 watts |
Item Dimensions | LxWxH 6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 inches |
Item Weight | 5 Pounds |
PCI-Express Connector Configuration | 24 Pin |
Fan Size | 135 Millimeters |
Maximum Input Voltage | 230 Volts |
Final Words
The significance of Power Supply Units cannot be overstated. In fact, they are the lifeblood of every computer. Their price range is mostly determined by the Form-Factor and the power requirements of the PC component.
Top 3 600 Watt Power Supplies Comparison Video
Quick Shopping Tips for Best 600-watt Power Supply
Choosing the best Power Supply is a time-consuming process. To make the best choice, you must read various articles. For the convenience of our clients, our team developed a list of must-have factors for viewing and analyzing the best Power Supplies. These are the critical factors:
Determine the required wattage
To assist you with determining your needs, use a PSU calculator online page or program. It would be much great if you could locate a review of a comparable device that gauges power use. To calculate the output, multiply the observed consumption at the wall by the review system’s power supply efficiency. (If you’re not sure, 0.82 is near or little pessimistic.) Don’t get a power supply that is just a little bit too powerful for your needs. The highest efficiency of any power supply is between 40 and 60 percent load. PSUs also degrade with time, losing power. Purchase a power supply that will get you through your next few improvements across a number of years.
Investigate which connections you require
Newer power supplies will often have both a 24-pin ATX connector and a 20-pin connector. Higher-end versions could only have a 24-pin connection, while lower-end ones might only have a 20-pin connector. Most Pentium 4 and Athlon 64 CPU-based motherboards (and older) use a 20-pin ATX connection, while subsequent motherboards use a 24-pin ATX connector. In addition, most power supplies will feature a 4-pin auxiliary 12V connection for motherboards, and some will have an 8-pin that doubles as a 4-pin, with only high-end power supplies having one or more 6-pin or 8-pin PCI-E connectors for video cards.
Look for power supplies with high-efficiency ratings
And those rated for load temperatures rather than room temperatures. Anything 80% or above is OK. At 83 percent efficiency, roughly 17% of the watts is wasted as heat. As a result, a PSU that is marketed as 500W will really draw almost 600W at the wall. Efficiency degrades with time and over the life of the power supply. A year-old power supply is unlikely to provide the same quantity of energy that it did when it was fresh.
Determine the power supply’s sturdiness
How effectively does the power supply manage variations in current? Although not a guarantee, there is a substantial link between weight and quality: larger components (e.g., capacitors) correlate to a more tolerant, dependable power supply. One disadvantage of a 120mm fan is that, although it provides quieter cooling, the components to be cooled must be more densely packed. If you don’t mind the noise, an 80mm cooling fan in the conventional location on the back of the PSU may be a better bargain.
Purchase a modular power supply
It will aid in the elimination of additional cables that might obstruct cooling. Ignore assertions that modular cables increase resistance due to contact corrosion. The increased resistance is insignificant.
Compare the amperage of each voltage
The wattage rating of a power supply isn’t useful for estimating amperage at any given voltage. All power supplies will have a label indicating the rated amperage at each voltage level. This information should be supplied when buying a power supply from an online seller and should be displayed on the retail box of the unit. As previously stated, current computers are 12V-heavy loads. A 500W PSU may seem enough, but if its 12V amperage is in the low 20s or below (12V times 25A equals 300W), it may be insufficient to run a contemporary computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Is a 600-watt power supply good?
Commendable. If you want to improve your system in the future, a 750w power supply will be beneficial. However, a 600w power supply should be enough.
Q. What is a good wattage power supply?
Many current gaming systems with a 6 or 8-core CPU and a mid-range to high-end graphics card should be OK with a power supply ranging from 650W to 850W, with 750W being a long-time sweet spot for gamers. More powerful gear need greater wattages, particularly if you want to overclock.
Q. What is the maximum power that a 600-watt power supply can handle?
The wattage is straightforward; it is the highest amount of power that the supply can provide when subjected to a full load. As a result, a 600W power supply may provide UP TO 600 watts to the PC’s components.