The Top ATX Computer Power Supplies for Your Needs
Choosing the right ATX computer power supply is crucial for building a reliable and efficient PC, whether it’s for a low-performance or high-performance rig. With a multitude of options available on the market, finding the best one can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the top ATX power supplies, catering to a wide range of performance needs, to help you make an informed decision for your PC build.
CORSAIR CX450M ATX PSU
The CORSAIR CX450M is a reliable and efficient power supply unit designed to meet the demands of modern gaming PCs and workstations. With a maximum power output of 450 watts, this PSU provides ample power for mid-range systems with single GPU configurations. It features an 80 Plus Bronze certification, ensuring high efficiency and minimal wasted energy. The modular design allows for easy cable management and customization, while the compact form factor makes it suitable for smaller PC cases.
Pros:
- Reliable and stable power delivery, suitable for gaming PCs and workstations.
- 80 Plus Bronze certification ensures high efficiency and reduced power consumption.
- Modular design allows for easy cable management and customization, minimizing clutter and improving airflow within the PC case.
- Quiet operation with low noise levels, thanks to the thermally controlled fan.
- Over-voltage, under-voltage, over-power, and short circuit protection ensure the safety of your components.
Cons:
- Limited wattage may not be sufficient for high-end gaming PCs with multiple GPUs or overclocked components.
- Non-modular cables may result in some cable clutter, especially in smaller PC cases with limited space.
- May not support high-end CPUs or GPUs that require higher wattage power supplies for optimal performance.
Check out the CORSAIR CX450M ATX PSU on Amazon
EVGA 500 W1 ATX PSU
The EVGA 500 W1 is an entry-level power supply unit designed to provide reliable power for basic desktop systems. With a maximum power output of 500 watts, it offers sufficient power for budget gaming PCs and office workstations. This power supply features a single +12V rail design for stable power delivery and high efficiency. It is 80 Plus White certified, ensuring good energy efficiency and minimal power wastage. The compact form factor and quiet fan make it suitable for smaller PC builds where space and noise are concerns.
Pros:
- Affordable price point makes it suitable for budget-conscious builders.
- Single +12V rail design ensures stable power delivery to all components.
- 80 Plus White certification indicates good energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and operating costs.
- Quiet 120mm fan provides adequate cooling while keeping noise levels low.
- Over-voltage, under-voltage, over-power, and short circuit protection enhance system safety.
Cons:
- Limited wattage may not be sufficient for high-end gaming PCs or systems with multiple GPUs.
- Non-modular design may lead to cable clutter, especially in smaller PC cases with limited space.
- Basic build quality may not be suitable for demanding applications or overclocking.
Check out the EVGA 500 W1 ATX PSU on Amazon
Seasonic Prime GX-650 PSU
The Seasonic Prime GX-650 is a premium power supply unit designed for high-performance gaming rigs and enthusiast builds. With a maximum power output of 650 watts, it delivers reliable and stable power to even the most demanding PC components. This power supply features a fully modular design, allowing for easy cable management and customization to suit your build. It boasts 80 Plus Gold certification for excellent energy efficiency, ensuring minimal waste and lower operating costs over time. Equipped with high-quality components and a robust build, the Seasonic Prime GX-650 offers exceptional reliability and performance for gaming and professional applications.
Pros:
- Fully modular design facilitates easy cable management and customization, resulting in improved airflow and aesthetics within the PC case.
- 80 Plus Gold certification guarantees high energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and operating costs while minimizing heat output.
- Premium components and build quality ensure reliable and stable power delivery, even under heavy loads or overclocking scenarios.
- Quiet operation thanks to a hybrid fan control system that adjusts fan speed based on load and temperature, ensuring optimal cooling performance without excessive noise.
- Comprehensive protection features, including overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuit protection, safeguard your PC components from potential damage.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to standard or non-modular power supplies may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
- Slightly larger physical size due to the premium components and build quality may not fit in all PC cases, particularly compact or small form factor cases.
- Limited availability compared to other power supply units may require some users to shop around or wait for restocks.
Check out the Seasonic Prime GX-650 on Amazon
EVGA Supernova 750 GT PSU
The EVGA Supernova 750 GT is a high-performance power supply unit designed to meet the demands of gaming enthusiasts and PC builders. With a maximum power output of 750 watts, it provides ample power for high-end gaming rigs, overclocked components, and demanding applications. This power supply features a fully modular design, allowing users to customize their cable configuration for improved cable management and airflow. It boasts 80 Plus Gold certification, ensuring excellent energy efficiency and minimal waste heat generation. Equipped with a robust build and high-quality components, the EVGA Supernova 750 GT delivers reliable and stable power to your PC components, making it an ideal choice for gaming, content creation, and professional workloads.
Pros:
- Fully modular design offers flexibility and customization options, allowing users to connect only the cables they need for a cleaner and more organized build.
- 80 Plus Gold certification ensures high energy efficiency, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced heat output for quieter operation.
- Overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuit protection mechanisms safeguard your PC components from potential damage due to electrical anomalies.
- Quiet operation thanks to a fluid dynamic bearing fan that operates silently under typical loads, providing efficient cooling without excessive noise.
- Compact size and sleek design make it compatible with a wide range of PC cases, including compact and small form factor builds.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to non-modular or lower wattage power supplies may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Some users may find the included cables to be slightly stiff or difficult to maneuver during installation, requiring additional effort for cable management.
- Limited availability may require users to shop around or wait for restocks, particularly during periods of high demand.
Check out the EVGA Supernova 750 GT on Amazon
Corsair RM850x PSU
The Corsair RM850x is a premium power supply unit designed to deliver reliable and efficient power to high-performance gaming rigs and enthusiast PC builds. With a maximum power output of 850 watts, it provides ample power for overclocked components, multiple graphics cards, and demanding applications. The RM850x features an 80 Plus Gold certification, ensuring excellent energy efficiency and minimal waste heat generation. Its fully modular design allows users to customize their cable configuration for improved cable management and airflow, resulting in a cleaner and more organized build. Equipped with high-quality Japanese capacitors and a Zero RPM fan mode, the RM850x offers silent operation under low to medium loads, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Pros:
- 80 Plus Gold certification ensures high energy efficiency, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced heat output for quieter operation.
- Fully modular design offers flexibility and customization options, allowing users to connect only the cables they need for a cleaner and more organized build.
- Zero RPM fan mode enables silent operation under low to medium loads, with the fan only spinning up when necessary to provide efficient cooling.
- High-quality Japanese capacitors and premium components ensure long-term reliability and stable power delivery, even under heavy loads.
- Compact size and sleek design make it compatible with a wide range of PC cases, including compact and small form factor builds.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to non-modular or lower wattage power supplies may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited availability may require users to shop around or wait for restocks, particularly during periods of high demand.
- Some users may prefer a higher wattage power supply for future-proofing or additional expansion options, particularly for multi-GPU setups or high-power components.
Check out the Corsair RM850x PSU on Amazon
Seasonic Prime TX-1000 PSU
The Seasonic Prime TX-1000 is a high-performance power supply unit designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand uncompromising power delivery and efficiency. With a maximum power output of 1000 watts, it provides ample power for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and server applications. The Prime TX-1000 boasts an 80 Plus Titanium certification, the highest efficiency rating available, ensuring minimal energy waste and reduced electricity bills. Its fully modular design allows users to customize their cable configuration for improved cable management and airflow, resulting in a cleaner and more organized build. Equipped with premium components and a hybrid fan control system, the Prime TX-1000 offers silent operation under low to medium loads, with the fan only spinning up when necessary to provide efficient cooling.
Pros:
- 80 Plus Titanium certification guarantees exceptional energy efficiency, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced heat output for quieter operation.
- Fully modular design offers flexibility and customization options, allowing users to connect only the cables they need for a cleaner and more organized build.
- Hybrid fan control system enables silent operation under low to medium loads, with the fan remaining off at low loads and spinning up gradually under heavier loads for efficient cooling.
- Premium components, including high-quality Japanese capacitors and a fluid dynamic bearing fan, ensure long-term reliability and stable power delivery even under heavy loads.
- Compact size and sleek design make it compatible with a wide range of PC cases, including compact and small form factor builds.
Cons:
- Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers, particularly those with lower power requirements or less demanding builds.
- Limited availability may require users to shop around or wait for restocks, particularly during periods of high demand.
- Some users may find the 1000-watt power output excessive for their needs, particularly for single-GPU setups or lower-power components.
Check out the Seasonic Prime TX-1000 PSU on Amazon
be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum 1100 PSU
The be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum 1100W power supply is a premium offering designed for demanding enthusiasts and professionals who require high-performance and ultra-reliable power delivery. With its 80 Plus Platinum certification, it delivers exceptional efficiency, minimizing wasted energy and reducing heat output for quieter operation and lower electricity bills. The Straight Power 11 Platinum 1100W features a fully modular cable design, allowing users to connect only the necessary cables for a cleaner and more organized build, improving airflow and aesthetics. Equipped with Silent Wings 3 fans, the power supply ensures whisper-quiet operation, even under heavy loads, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as recording studios or home offices. Its high-quality components, including Japanese capacitors and a 5-year warranty, provide peace of mind and long-term reliability for years to come.
Pros:
- 80 Plus Platinum certification ensures high energy efficiency, reducing electricity bills and heat output for quieter operation.
- Fully modular cable design offers flexibility and customization options, allowing users to connect only the necessary cables for improved cable management and airflow.
- Silent Wings 3 fans provide exceptional cooling performance while remaining virtually silent, even under heavy loads, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments.
- Premium build quality with high-quality Japanese capacitors and a 5-year warranty ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind for demanding users.
- Ample power output of 1100 watts is suitable for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and server applications, providing stable and reliable power delivery for even the most demanding components.
Cons:
- Premium price point may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers, particularly those with lower power requirements or less demanding builds.
- Large size and heavy weight may pose compatibility issues with smaller PC cases or compact builds, requiring careful consideration of available space and airflow.
- Limited availability may require users to shop around or wait for restocks, particularly during periods of high demand.
Check out the be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum 1100W PSU on Amazon
be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 1500 PSU
The be quiet! 1500W Dark Power Pro 12 power supply represents the pinnacle of power delivery, efficiency, and reliability for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and server applications. With its massive 1500-watt power output, it provides ample power for even the most demanding components, ensuring stable and reliable operation under heavy loads. The Dark Power Pro 12 boasts an 80 Plus Titanium certification, the highest efficiency rating available, resulting in minimal energy waste, reduced heat output, and lower electricity bills. Its fully modular cable design offers maximum flexibility and customization options, allowing users to connect only the necessary cables for improved cable management and airflow. Equipped with Silent Wings 3 fans, the power supply delivers exceptional cooling performance while remaining virtually silent, even under full load, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Built with premium components, including Japanese capacitors and a 10-year warranty, the Dark Power Pro 12 offers unparalleled reliability and peace of mind for years to come.
Pros:
- Massive 1500-watt power output provides ample power for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and server applications, ensuring stable and reliable operation under heavy loads.
- 80 Plus Titanium certification ensures maximum energy efficiency, resulting in minimal energy waste, reduced heat output, and lower electricity bills.
- Fully modular cable design offers maximum flexibility and customization options, allowing users to connect only the necessary cables for improved cable management and airflow.
- Silent Wings 3 fans provide exceptional cooling performance while remaining virtually silent, even under full load, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments.
- Premium build quality with high-quality Japanese capacitors and a 10-year warranty ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind for demanding users.
Cons:
- Premium price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers, particularly those with lower power requirements or less demanding builds.
- Large size and heavy weight may pose compatibility issues with smaller PC cases or compact builds, requiring careful consideration of available space and airflow.
- Limited availability may require users to shop around or wait for restocks, particularly during periods of high demand.
Check out the be quiet! 1500W Dark Power Pro 12 PSU on Amazon
ASUS ROG THOR Titanium 1600 PSU
The ASUS ROG THOR 1600W Titanium PSU is not only a powerhouse in terms of wattage but also boasts the prestigious Lambda A++ certification, indicating its exceptional energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. With a massive 1600W power output and 80 Plus Titanium certification, it ensures stable and efficient power delivery to high-performance components while minimizing energy wastage. The fully modular design allows for easy cable management and customization, while the Axial-tech fan design ensures efficient cooling and quiet operation even under heavy loads. Additionally, Aura Sync RGB lighting adds a touch of customization to your PC build.
Pros:
- Massive 1600W power output
- Lambda A++ certification for exceptional energy efficiency
- 80 Plus Titanium certification for energy efficiency
- Fully modular design for easy cable management
- Axial-tech fan design for efficient cooling and quiet operation
- Aura Sync RGB lighting for customization
Cons:
- Higher price compared to lower wattage options
- Large form factor may not fit in smaller cases
- May be overkill for standard gaming rigs
Check out the ASUS THOR Titanium 1600W PSU on Amazon
ASUS ROG Strix 850 Gold PSU
The ASUS ROG Strix 850W Gold PSU is a high-performance power supply unit designed to meet the demanding requirements of gaming enthusiasts and PC builders. With its 850-watt power output, it provides ample power for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and multimedia setups, ensuring stable and reliable operation even under heavy loads. The PSU features an 80 Plus Gold certification, delivering impressive energy efficiency and reducing electricity bills while minimizing heat generation. Its fully modular design allows for easy cable management, enabling users to connect only the necessary cables and improve airflow within their PC chassis. Equipped with a large, silent 135mm Axial-tech fan, the PSU ensures efficient cooling and low noise levels even during intense gaming sessions. With ASUS Aura Sync compatibility, users can synchronize the RGB lighting effects of the PSU with other Aura Sync-compatible components, creating a cohesive and visually stunning gaming setup.
Pros:
- 850-watt power output provides ample power for high-end gaming rigs, workstations, and multimedia setups, ensuring stable and reliable operation under heavy loads.
- 80 Plus Gold certification ensures high energy efficiency, reducing electricity bills and minimizing heat generation for improved system longevity.
- Fully modular design allows for easy cable management and customization, enabling users to connect only the necessary cables and improve airflow within their PC chassis.
- Large 135mm Axial-tech fan delivers efficient cooling and low noise levels, even under heavy loads, ensuring quiet operation during intense gaming sessions.
- ASUS Aura Sync compatibility enables users to synchronize the RGB lighting effects of the PSU with other Aura Sync-compatible components, creating a visually stunning gaming setup.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to non-modular or lower wattage power supplies may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers, particularly those with less demanding PC builds.
- Limited availability may require users to shop around or wait for restocks, particularly during periods of high demand.
Check out the ASUS ROG Strix 850W Gold PSU on Amazon
Conclusion
Choosing the right ATX computer power supply is paramount for building a reliable and efficient PC, regardless of whether it’s for a low-performance or high-performance rig. With a plethora of options available on the market, finding the best one can be overwhelming. However, after exploring some of the top ATX power supplies in this guide, it’s evident that each PSU offers unique features and capabilities catering to a wide range of performance needs.
From the Corsair CX450M ATX PSU, providing reliable power for mid-range systems, to the Seasonic Prime TX-1000 PSU, delivering uncompromising power delivery and efficiency for high-end gaming rigs and workstations, there’s a PSU to suit every build and budget. Whether you prioritize energy efficiency, modularity, or silent operation, the diverse selection of power supplies discussed in this guide ensures that you can make an informed decision tailored to your specific requirements.
Ultimately, investing in a quality power supply is essential for the longevity and stability of your PC build. By considering factors such as wattage, efficiency, modularity, and cooling performance, you can ensure that your PC receives the reliable and efficient power it needs to perform optimally. So, whether you’re a casual gamer, content creator, or professional user, the right ATX power supply is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your PC.
