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Best PSU/Power Supply - PC Gaming 2014

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Review, Learn, about and Choose the Best PSU 2014

This lens is a one stop guide to learning about and choosing the best power supply for your gaming or general PC build. First we'll review how to calculate how much power you need for your system, and then we'll take a look at the top rated PSU based on value, customer reviews, and ratings.

Categories for power supplies will include 400-450 watt, 500-550 watt, 600-650 watt, 700-750 watt, 800-850 watt, 900-950 watt, and 1000 watt high capacity power supplies.

Power Supply with LED
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Power Supply with LED

How Much Power do You Need for Your PC?

Calculate and Plan Ahead

One of the most important pieces of hardware on your computer is your power supply. It runs power to the other components of your computer by switching the power that comes from your outlet (AC) to the direct current (DC) which your computer needs. Without it nothing else would run and a poor quality or failing power supply can potentially put unwanted strain on expensive computer parts and components.

Even if you know how to calculate the wattage you need exactly your PSU should never be loaded to 100 percent of its capacity. For this reason when you calculate your power needs plan ahead and buy a power supply that takes care of your current needs and more plus any upgrades you plan on in the future.

Here are a few calculators that are useful in determining how much power you'll need for your PC build:

Recommended PSU Calculators:

1. ThermalTake PSU Calculator - http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/Power

2. http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.ht...

3. http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

4. http://www.journeysystems.com/power_supply/

A general rule I use if I'm doing a single GPU build is to use a minimum of 550 watts (I prefer at least 650 watts for high-end desktops), and for dual SLI/Crossfire machines 750+ watts at least. This will vary somewhat depending on what components you end up adding.

I'll just assume that those who plan on an advanced PC build with more than 2 GPU know what they'll need, but if you don't, then the calculators above should give you a good idea.

After you have your number:

It's always a good idea after you have a number in mind to add 50-100 watts for single GPU builds and 200+ watts for multiple GPU builds.

*Tip to remember from Thermaltake:

"If you are planning to build a high end gaming system, total Amperage available on the +12V rails-and how that capacity is distributed-could be as or more important than total Watts of power."

How to Install Your Power Supply

Power supply installation is really pretty simple because they are almost all ATX standard and the PSU can only go in the top or bottom portion of your case. Once you've removed the side panel of your case, slide it in and then use the 4 screws that your power supply came with to lock it into place. If you've installed it incorrectly the screw holes won't line up.

Best Rated 600-650 Watt Power Supplies

Corsair Builder Series CX 600 Review

This is the size of power supply that I typically use for a standard single GPU build. It's not that a 500 watt PSU wouldn't work for such a build but this gives me a little wiggle room and the cost increase is minimal.

While other brands and even Corsair's higher-end series advertise high-end capacitors I've seen many of this exact series go into many machines and never seen a problem. Whether it's worth it or not to upgrade to a higher rated Silver, Gold, or even Platinum PSU actually depends on how much you run your machine.

Should You Get a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Certified PSU?

For me, the difference between an 80 PLUS PSU and a Platinum ends up being around $20 a year. That being said if the platinum PSU costs $150 it'd take around 8 years to get back my money. Because I change my builds so often, that's simply not worth it. However, the difference in an 80 Plus Bronze power supply and a PSU that does not have 80 Plus certification is minimal and is ultimately made up in a year or two.

Ultimately keep in mind that this all depends on how much power you use. Those with extreme mult-GPU setups may find they quickly earn their money back from a higher-end PSU. I find the average user does better with something like the CX 600.

 Corsair CX 600M 80 Plus Bronze Modular PSU

                    Amazon Price: $69.99

 SeaSonic G Series 550 Watt 80 PLUS GOLD Modular Power Supply

                    Amazon Price: $89.99

Top 700-750 Watt Power Supplies for 2014

PSU Recommendations Updated Monthly According to Rebate and Price:

Corsair CX Series 750 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Power Supply

This is the big brother of the PSU I mentioned above. Details include up to 85% efficiency a MTBF of 100,000 hours, a Single 12V rail, modularity, over-voltage protection, and a 3 year warranty.

Amazon Price: $83.99

Thermaltake Smart Standard 750W 80 PLUS Bronze ATX12V 2.3 Power Supply SP-750P

Rebate Available! Although this isn't a PSU I'd recommend for a Crossfire or SLI setup it does just fine for most single card configurations. It's fairly efficient with 80 Plus Bronze Certification and Single +12V Rail.

Amazon Price: $64.99

Corsair Professional Series 760 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply AX760

This PSU recently received the gold hardware award from Hardware secrets and the editor's choice award from Tech Power Up. For the money it's moderately priced for a modular platinum PSU that has up to 92% efficiency.

What really sets it apart is its Zero RPM fan mode that adjusts to speed according to temperature and stays quiet when your rig isn't working that hard. For someone like me that appreciates peace and quiet it's a lifesaver.

                       Amazon Price: $179.99

Top Rated 800-850 Watt Power Supplies - I Recommend for this Month:

Best 900-950 Watt Power Supplies 2014

Antec High Current Gamer HCG-900, 80 PLUS BRONZE, 900 Watt Power Supply
Antec High Current Gamer HCG-900, 80 PLUS BRONZE, 900 Watt Power Supply

If you're a gamer, then take a look at Antec's High Current Gamer PSU which features quad High Current +12 V Rails for better GPU compatibility and longevity.

 

1000+ Watt Power Supplies 2014 - High Capacity Power Supplies for This Month

Interactive Reader Poll - Please take a second to vote:

Voting helps us determine what products our readers are most interested in.

How Much Wattage do you Plan on Using for Your PC Build?

  • 400 - 450 Watt
  • 500 - 550 Watt
  • 600 - 650 Watt
  • 700 - 750 Watt
  • 800 - 850 Watt
  • 900 - 950 Watt
  • 1000 Watt
  • Low Capacity
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Top Rated 500-550 Watt PSU

OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W Review

OCZ's award winning (PC Perspective, Hardware Secrets, PCWizKid) ModXStream Pro series of power supplies gives the energy efficiency, stability, and power that many consumers are looking for without emptying out your wallet in the process.  The featured ModXStream is the 500 watt version but it's also available in 600 and 700 watt versions.

Specifications include 6 SATA, 4 Molex and 2 Floppy connectors, ATX12V and EPS12V compatibility, 80 plus certified, SLI certified, modular cable design for better airflow, MTBF 100k hours, Internal 120mm fan, and OCZ PowerWhisper Technology.

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Top Rated 400-450 Watt Power Supplies

Cooler Master Elite RS460-PSAR-J3-US Review

If you are building a standard office or home-use PC, then strongly consider the Cooler Master Elite RS460-PSAR-J3-US. This $30 power supply is perfect for builds using an onboard graphics card or low-end dedicated card.  PC Builders and gamers looking for an inexpensive PSU to use with their high-end video card will most likely need more power.

Specifications include Intel standard ATX 12V V2.3 compliant, EMI noise filter, 70% load efficiency (those looking for 80 plus look below), green power design, OVP/OCP/OPP/SCP protection, 1 x 120mm fan, 20+4Pin main connector, PCI-E connector 1 x 6-Pin, support for dual +12V1 and +12V2 outputs.

What Brand of Power Supply do you Prefer?

  • Cooler Master
  • Corsair
  • diabloTek
  • Thermaltake
  • Kingwin
  • Antec
  • Rocketfish
  • PC Power and Cooling
  • OCZ
  • Athena
  • StarTech
  • Sunbeam
  • Logisys
  • Coolmax
  • Apex
  • Linkworld
  • Raidmax
  • Apevia
  • Habey
  • Rosewill
  • Sparkle
  • SeaSonic
  • Other
  • Enermax
See results without voting

Related Gaming and PC Building News and Information 2014 - Before you Go

Have a look at these related gaming and PC building lenses:

We hope you've enjoyed this review of the best power supplies for 2014. If you feel another product should be featured on this page, then please leave a comment below.


 Last updated on June 18, 2014

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PSU Discussion and Commentary - Leave a Comment Below 11 comments

anonymous 2 years ago

Thanks dude for this guide. This will help me choose the right psu this Christmas :D


anonymous 2 years ago

thanks! guide's very helpful


anonymous 24 months ago

The Raidmax Hybrid 730 watt atx12v/eps12v power supply rx730ss is reflected on your list of "Top 700-750 watt power supplies for 2012" but nowhere can I find a detailed review of this product.[I would buy it tomorrow if I could get more detail of it]..One is for example concerned whether there are the standard built in voltage safety features which are present in the big name brands. Its retail price is extremely attractive.......is this why this make of psu was listed as a "Top " power supply ?.


PCReviews profile image

PCReviews 24 months ago

Mike the Raidmax Hybrid 730 does come with overload and over voltage protection. Is that what you're looking for?


anonymous 24 months ago

Thanks hsb250. I would like to see a review[even the manufacturers specs] where the following safeguards are mentioned :

OVP â Over Volt Protection

OCP â Over Current â

OPP â Over Power â

UVP â Under Voltage Protection

SCP â Short Circuit ".

Where do I find such a review ?[do you perhaps have a link ?] My local etailers in South Africa are unable to give me this assurance and this is the only thing stopping me from buying. I do not want to buy and have a tragic experience somewtime shortly thereafter where a collapsed psu has caused damage to expensive components because of the absence of these safeguards.It could be said that the price is so low because of cheap and not very reliable components being used. Does the manufacturer reflect this detail on its website, if so who is the manufacturer ?

Finally ,what has persuaded Squidoo to put this psu on its "Best " list-----only price ? Thanks to anyone who can help me.


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PCReviews 24 months ago

It's listed in the manufacturer's details on Newegg. Try checking there.


anonymous 22 months ago

My PC with 7770 GPU running within 200W only. I am using a 270W PSU with 75% eff only. I really dont understand who buy a PSU with 500W or more for what?


anonymous 22 months ago

@anonymous: Power supplies work most efficiently under 50% load so you buy a powersupply double the power you will ever need under normal strain.


anonymous 22 months ago

Hmmmm, No mention of Enermax.


anonymous 21 months ago

@anonymous: Because your GPU isn't that great, your 12v rail probably will not support anything more than what you've got, and you are also probably sacrificing performance by stripping output so low.


anonymous 17 months ago

is the 850 Watt 850W 120mm Fan ATX Power Supply 12V 2.3 EPS12V 2.92 SLI-ready PCI-Express SATA 20/24 PIN Intel AMD by KENTEK alright because it's pretty cheap

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