With enough power to handle current components and future upgrades, this PSU is a serious long-term consideration for any high-end PC build. That said, it comes with a steep price tag and a distinctive colorway, which may not suit every setup. Here’s a closer look at what it has to offer.

Design

The moment you grab the box, the premium quality and sheer heft of the Seasonic Prime TX-1600 are immediately apparent. The size alone hints at just how substantial this PSU is - much larger than the typical units you might choose for mid-range builds. But the TX-1600 doesn’t compromise; it delivers maximum power without cutting corners on design or build.

Opening the box reinforces that impression. The PSU itself is sleeved in a soft protective bag and nestled in dense foam, while the accessories come in a sturdy pouch - perfect for keeping everything safe if you plan future upgrades. It’s clear this unit is built for longevity and heavy-duty performance.

Inside, the long black metal chassis of the TX-1600 dominates. Flip it over to the fan side, and the design surprises: Noctua’s signature brown-and-beige color scheme dominates the surrounding plate, with a centrally embedded NF-A12x25 120mm fan engineered for both quiet operation and high performance.

On the opposite side of the PSU, you’ll find a standard black metal panel featuring a large sticker that details the specs and features. The sides have angular indentations, while the brown metal from the fan side protrudes slightly, showcasing the “Prime Noctua Edition” branding.

In terms of connectivity, the TX-1600 is extremely well-equipped. It offers nine CPU/PCIe connectors, six peripherals, one motherboard, and two PCIe Gen 5 ports, giving you plenty of options to power high-end graphics cards directly through the 16-pin connector - all backed by the 1600W capacity of the unit.

On the power end, there’s the AC input along with two buttons. The power cable is custom-shaped for Seasonic’s PSU design, meaning it must be used as supplied. Beside it sits a large power switch and a hybrid-mode button, which allows you to adjust the fan behavior for quieter or more active cooling.

The accessory bag contains a set of braided cables in black and Noctua brown, which both look and feel premium. Cable combs are included to keep your build looking neat and stylish, and there’s also a 90° adapter and an integrated PSU tester that lets you jump-start the motherboard power connector if needed.

Size

The TX-1600 uses a standard ATX form factor, but it’s noticeably longer than typical lower-powered units, measuring 210mm. This extra length is an important consideration when planning your PC build, as some cases may have limited space for both the PSU and cable routing.

That was exactly the challenge I faced when installing the PSU in two different chassis: the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX and the Hyte X50. In both cases, space was tight. The Light Base 500 LX officially supports PSUs up to 200mm, while the Hyte X50 allows up to 223mm, so while installation is possible, it can be tricky to route cables neatly and fit the PSU comfortably.

Performance

Next up, I installed the tested power supply by installing it into the case and putting the components through their paces. Although we don't have a proper PSU tester for in-depth looks, I got ot see how easy it is to use, the power it provides, and how loud it is in fact. Here's the hardware we paired with it.

In that system, the main power components are the CPU and GPU, with a TDP of 120W (with a PPT of 162W) and 575W, respectively. Requiring a total of over 700W most of the time, ASUS ROG does recommend a 1000W power supply for the graphics card, not even close to the TX-1600, but certainly a high feat for most standard builds and PSUs.

Firing up Furmark 2 with CPU shark and GPU stress tests, it pinned the two to their maximum, pulling all the power from the power supply to them. Below you can find the results of that, which easily provides the full power required for the CPU and GPU.

Reaching 600W for the GPU and 148W on the CPU, providing over 700W of power across three power cables. More interestingly, HWinfo gives us an insight into the 12VHPWR connector. With each wire run averaging 8 Amps and nearly 100W in each of them.

For a more in-depth analysis, you can look at the Cybenetics testing done to give it the Titanium rating, the second-highest rating it gives out. There, it runs an average efficiency of over 93.9% and with a noise output of just 13dBa.

Price and warranty

The Titanium efficiency and 1600W rating of this power supply mean it's not an affordable one. Seasonic makes premium PSUs, and adding an expensive Noctua fan and branding quickly adds up. So it now comes in at $654/£429. That is $95 over the standard TX-1600, making it even more high-end and premium. But when it comes to efficiency for years and with support for a long time, it definitely is a great consideration.

Especially as Seasonic offers a 12-year warranty on the power supply. 1600W and the native 16-pin power cables mean it will most likely last you for that amount of time, and with all the cables in there, be able to expand with your upgrades down the line. Along with saving you money on power, with the improved efficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, the Seasonic Prime TX-1600 Noctua Edition is an impressive power supply, delivering exceptional efficiency, quiet operation, and top-tier power output. That said, the price isn’t for everyone—the distinctive brown colorway adds a premium on top of the already costly TX-1600. Still, with its high efficiency and 12-year warranty, it’s a long-term investment built to last.

A well-chosen power supply ensures system stability, efficiency, and longevity. For example, if you’re running a recent generation flagship graphics card, an 850W PSU is often the minimum recommendation, but a high-quality 1000W unit offers extra headroom for quiet operation, overclocking, future upgrades, and improved efficiency.

During our testing, we found Corsair’s 1000X Shift PSU to be one of the best money can buy, with a great balance of performance, reliability, and features. While the HX1000i is a more efficient option, you’ll find the majority of our selection consists of Corsair offerings because of the quality and performance they provide. 

There is a range of options to pick from, and we’ve picked out our top choices below to help you make an informed decision and get the best bang for your buck.

Products at a glance

How we choose and test power supplies

Here at PC Guide, we put our recommended products through strict testing protocols to gauge the performance and value. The same goes for power supply units; we factor in efficiency, fan size, capacitor quality, form factor, and modularity. Each PSU undergoes rigorous in-house testing to ensure reliability and performance, and if you want to learn about how we test PSUs in more detail, we’ve got you covered with a detailed breakdown.

Best 1000W PSU

After reviewing and testing the Corsair RM1000X Shift, we selected it as the best 1000W power supply. This power supply unit has an ATX form factor, which is standard, and it received a 4.5/5 rating from us. Besides that, it has a Gold efficiency rating from 80 Plus and Cybenetics. 

According to Corsair, this means the PSU is 90% and 87% efficient at 50% and 100% load, but the Cybenetics standard lists the maximum efficiency at 89%, which isn’t much of a difference. This means that most of the AC power drawn from the wall socket should be used by your system, with minimal waste as heat, and during transport. 

This PSU in particular also features a unique design. Instead of the connections being in the back of the PSU, they are on the side, hence the “Shift” in the title. This means that when you install it, the connectors should face outward toward you, which should make the installation and connection parts of the build easier. 

An innovative yet simple change, the RM1000X Shift makes building, upgrading, and managing those pesky cables.

It is also fully modular, meaning that no connections are permanent, and you can add and remove cables as you please according to your requirements. The latest version of this PSU is ATX 3.1- and PCIe 5.1-compliant, making it perfect for high-performance builds that feature GPUs like the RTX 4090 and RTX 5090. 

It also has a noise rating of “A” from Cybentics, which means an output of 20dB(A) to 25dB(A). To put how quiet that is in perspective, 20 decibels is the sound of a whisper at 5 feet, and with other ambient sounds, you shouldn’t even know that your PSU is running.

According to the test conducted by Cybenetics, this power supply unit had efficiencies of 88.494% and 90.176% at 115V and 230V, respectively. So, this means that the Gold efficiency rating is perfect, and you should be able to easily build your high-end PC around it. 

As for what the 1000W capacity means, the RTX 5090 has a 575W TDP and is paired with the Core Ultra 9 285K, which has a maximum power draw of 250W; the total is 825W, leaving you with 175W of overhead for the rest of the components, which is pretty decent. Overall, this power supply unit is one of the best that we’ve seen, and we’d recommend pairing it with heavy-duty GPUs without any worries. 

If you want to check out more options before making your decision, that is totally understandable and recommended. We chose the MSI MAG A1000GL PSU as our runner-up option due to its features, price point, and overall performance. This power supply unit is PCIe 5.1- and ATX 3.1-compliant, meaning it should work perfectly with modern GPUs. 

It comes with a 12V-2x6 power connector that delivers 600W. What this means is that it should be easy to handle the power requirements of a high-performance workstation or a gaming PC. The Half-bridge LLC + SR + DC/DC feature of this PSU improves conversion efficiency, resulting in a stable voltage and quick adjustment when the voltage rises or falls. 

The high single-rail capacity is great because it should allow the GPU to get as much power as it needs to unleash its full potential. It also has an FDB fan that uses fluid and ball bearings to reduce friction, noise, and wear and tear.

The 80 Plus Gold rating of this PSU means it should be highly efficient at 50% and 100% load, but let’s see what the Cybenetics testing says. At 115V, this PSU was 88.756% efficient, and at 230%, this rose up to 90.885%, which is in line with the Gold efficiency rating.

The sound rating is of ‘Standard ++’, which puts its noise output at 30dB to 35dB, which is a bit higher, but nothing that should bother you or won’t get drowned out by a little ambient noise. Overall, this power supply unit has everything you’ll need to set up your new system, and the price is also amazing, as itis among the cheapest options available. 

If you’re looking for a 1000W power supply unit that offers the best efficiency, then the Corsair HX1000i is our recommendation. This PSU has an efficiency rating from 80Plus and Cybenetics, which is amazing, and we’ve also reviewed it in-house, so you can see the full breakdown before making a purchase. 

This PSU is fully modular, which isn’t surprising, as high-end offerings are mostly modular. It is also ATX 3.1- and PCIe 5.1-compliant, meaning it should deliver all the power the GPU needs and support super-fast communication. This should help you get the most out of your graphics card and enable better overclocking. 

It sports a 140mm FDB fan that does a good job of keeping it cool, and the Zero RPM mode ensures that it doesn’t run unnecessarily. It’ll only start spinning when it detects an adequate load. This helps reduce noise and extend the fan's lifespan. 

The Corsair HX1000i is an overall impressive power supply, with the power behind it and a long 10-year warranty making it a desirable long-term solution. Especially with the Platinum ratings it has ensured your system running costs are limited as well.

Connecting it to your motherboard is also easy, as there is a USB port and an LED on the side for connection. This helps sync it with iCUE, so you can monitor performance, set the fan curve, and adjust other settings. One thing to keep in mind is that it measures 180mm, so it is slightly larger than standard ATX PSUs. Ensure your PC case can accommodate it comfortably. 

To put this 1000W beast through its paces, we mounted it on our test bench, which had the Ryzen 9 7959X, RTX 3090, and other high-end components. The combined power draw of the CPU and GPU was 520W, which is a little over 50% of this PSU’s capacity. 

However, to push it to the limit, we ran the Furmark 2 stress test. Under full load, the power draw from the socket was 706W, with a peak efficiency of 93.93%, and at idle, it held steady at 90%. This is incredible but expected from a Platinum-rated PSU. So, even if you have the RTX 5090 or any other GPU, you shouldn’t run into any performance issues.

Smaller PC builds are perfect if you’re low on space but also want a machine that can deliver serious firepower, and if you’re in the same situation, the Corsair SF1000 might be for you. This is an SSF power supply which measures only 4.92 x 3.94 x 2.5 inches and weighs 2.3 pounds. 

So, it is the best PSU to fit inside your ITX PC case, but just because it is small doesn’t mean it skimps on performance; it is loaded with high-end components and features. For starters, it has a platinum rating, which puts it a league above the others, and it is designed to work with modern, power-hungry graphics cards since it is ATX 3.1 compliant. 

The platinum efficiency rating means that it should be 92% efficient at 50% and 89% efficienct at 89%, according to Corsair. However, the Cybenetics varies slightly, placing this rating between 89% and 91%. Either way, the majority of the power should be utilized with this PSU in your system. 

Testing by Cybenetics shows this PSU has an average efficiency of 90% at 115V and a noise output of 26.5 dB(A). However, when switched to 230V, the efficiency increased to 92%, while the sound level dropped by 24.9 dB(A), effectively bringing the sound rating to A- and A, respectively. 

Besides that, it comes with all the features native to Corsair PSUs, such as OVP and other safety protocols, and the fans should ensure it doesn’t overheat even with limited space between internal components. 

If you don’t have the finances to grab a high-end 1000W PSU and want a solid option for a little less, the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W is for you. This power supply unit costs less than $150 and still offers all the features that you’d expect from a PSU of this level. 

It is fully modular, ATX 3.1- and PCIe 5.1-compliant, and has an 80 Plus Gold rating. This should ensure you achieve high efficiency at both high and low loads. It should be able to handle 200% power excursions for short bursts and deliver up to 60% efficiency at lower loads. So, you’re getting the complete package with this PSU, without burning a hole in your pocket. 

It features a 120mm hydraulic bearing fan, which should result in ultra-quiet operation, and the Smart Zero fan feature adjusts fan speed based on load to avoid unnecessary noise. The accompanying cables are color-matched and feature a low-profile design. This should ensure that cable management is easy and there is less overall clutter. 

That being said, the Smart Zero Fan feature can be turned on or off via a switch on the back, meaning you don’t need to install software just to utilize it. Overall, for the price, this PSU is a solid offering, and we’d recommend giving it some serious thought. 

If you’re looking to push your PC or workstation to the limit and also want to future-proof it, the Seasonic Prime TX-1600 Noctua edition should get the job done. We know this isn’t a 1000W PSU, but this is one of the highest-capacity PSUs on the market and should ensure that you can upgrade your setup for years to come. 

To put it into perspective, this capacity is huge: you can install two RTX 5090s, which should total 1150W, and still have 450W for the rest of the system. It is a perfect option for extreme-performance builds or for AI and other resource-intensive engines that require top-of-the-line hardware for the best possible performance. This offering should also enable extreme overclocking, as long as you can keep the processor and GPU cool. 

It has a whopping Titanium rating from 80 Plus and Cybenetics. According to Seasonic, this PSU should be 94% and 90% efficient at 50% and 100% load, respectively. That being said, it is also a huge offering with a length of 210mm, so it is better to check whether your build has enough space before making a purchase. 

The Seasonic Prime TX-1600 Noctua Edition is a no-compromise power supply for some of the most powerful builds out there, with peak efficiencies.

The AA+ sound rating from Cybenetics means that you won’t even know that this PSU is running, and with a long 12-year warranty, you should be good if any issues pop up. We put this beast through the wringer in our in-house testing lab by pairing it with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF OC. 

These components are the main pulling force with respective TDPs of 120W and 575W, requiring over 700W. That said, the recommended PSU for the RTX 5090 is 1000W, so this 1600W behemoth should be able to handle it easily. 

When we ran the Furmark 2 stress test, the power draw for the CPU and GPU shot up to 148W and 600W, respectively, totaling 748W, with 852W of surplus. According to Cybenetics, the noise ratings of this power supply unit with 115V and 230V connections were 12.64 and 13.03 dB(A), respectively, which are extremely quiet. 

The overall build quality, performance, cooling, and features of this power supply unit are second to none, and while it is a very expensive offering, it is certainly one of the best that money can buy and is perfect for years of upgrades.

Why you should trust us 

You can trust us because we don’t just repeat marketing claims; we put every PSU through real‑world testing in an actual PC, under conditions that mirror how you’ll use it. We load high‑end components to their limits so the PSU has to deliver real power, then use tools like HWiNFO to verify that voltages and power delivery match what they should be, rather than relying on paper specs alone. 

We also monitor the power draw at the wall to see how close the system comes to the PSU’s rated capacity and whether it behaves as expected under sustained load. That hands‑on, in‑system approach means our recommendations are based on measured performance, not just words on a label.

How to choose the right PSU for you

There are plenty of options to choose from, and it might be hard to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve pointed out some of the things to consider when picking out the right one for you.

Efficiency

One of the main specs you’ll see posted on a power supply is the efficiency. An important factor when it comes to the price of running a high-wattage PSU. With 1000W, you want as much of that power being converted from the AC of your house supply to the DC electricity your computer can actually use.

That efficiency does come at a cost, though. With more expensive components having to be used and better cooling on it, you can expect to pay a premium for it, which might pay off in the long run.

Sound

If you’re worried about the sound your system makes, the PSU can be one of those contributing factors. Most of them will have a zero RPM mode where the fan inside won’t turn on, keeping the noise down. But once it's powered, it can become a nuisance, especially if there is coil whine coming from it as well.

A good way to check on these is with Cybenetics, which tests for them; it will show its best-rated PSU for noise with the ratings. In that, ASUS, be quiet!, and Seasonic are the highlights, with multiple top-level A++ ratings achieved by their power supplies.

Budget

Not being a contributing component to the performance, the power supply might not seem like one you don’t want to spend too much on. But you want a reliable, well-known option that keeps your components safe and powered without overheating. We’ll never recommend holding back on a good PSU as that also safeguards the rest of your investment. 

That being said, there are cheaper options available, but the trade-off will be a lower efficiency rating. However, reputable options are still very much recommended to ensure a safe system.

Best 1000W PSU FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding 1000W power supply units that might answer a question you’ve been wondering about and help you make an informed decision. 

Is a 1000W PSU overkill?

A 1000W power supply is considered a high-wattage option, and most gaming PCs don’t require this much power. If you’re building a budget-friendly system with an entry-level or mid-range GPU, a PSU of this size is unnecessary. 

However, for those investing in high-end components, a 1000W power supply can be a smart choice, providing long-term flexibility and ensuring your system is ready for future CPU and GPU upgrades.

Beyond gaming, a 1000W PSU is often essential for specialized builds. If you’re assembling a deep learning workstation, an advanced water-cooled rig with multiple GPUs, or a PC packed with RGB lighting and high-performance cooling solutions, the extra headroom is beneficial. Additionally, high-wattage PSUs typically offer better efficiency at lower loads, reducing power draw and heat output during normal use.

1000W vs 1200W: Is more headroom a good idea?

If your budget allows, it’s always a good idea to choose a power supply with more wattage than you currently need. A 1000W PSU is more than enough for most gamers and can easily handle an RTX 5090 with power to spare. However, high-quality power supplies are built to last, with many premium models offering 10+ year warranties. This longevity makes it worth considering future upgrades when selecting a PSU.

If you plan to invest in next-generation flagship GPUs or power-hungry components within the next decade, opting for a 1200W or even a 1300W power supply could be a smarter long-term investment. Higher-wattage units not only offer better efficiency at lower loads but also ensure your system remains stable even as power demands increase with evolving hardware. Future-proofing your build now can save you from needing to upgrade your PSU down the line, providing peace of mind and the flexibility to upgrade without limitations.

What GPU needs a 1000W PSU?

When it comes to consumer cards, the RTX 5090 is the only card that recommends a 1000W power supply for proper operation. That is, while it is rated with a total graphics power of 575W, putting in that safety factor and your other components, like powerful CPUs, it does add up.

However, if you are also using multiple GPUs for an LLM or for additional processing power, you might find these high-wattage PSUs useful as well. Even if SLI and Crossfire don’t exist anymore to put together the processing power, there are other ways to utilize their hardware in tandem on your machine.

Do you need an ATX 3.0/3.1 PSU?

The question to this answer depends on the build you’re putting together. If it isn’t a high-end build, then grabbing an ATX 3.1 PSU isn’t a necessity. However, if you have a heavy-hitting GPU on your hands like the RTX 5080 or the RTX 5090, the playing field is changed. 

ATX 3.1 is a refined version of ATX 3.0 and includes the 12V-2x6 connector, which can deliver up to 600W on a single cable. So, to handle the modern power-hungry PCIe 5.0 graphics card, having an ATX 3.1 PSU will serve you better. 

These PSUs are also rated to handle up to 200% of their rated capacity in short bursts, which safeguards the GPU and provides a layer of future-proofing through better low-load efficiency and strict stability standards. 

What is the difference between PCIe 5.0 and ATX 3.1 in PSUs?

PCIe 5.0 and ATX 3.1 are different aspects, but they are related. PCIe 5.0 refers to the connection standard for GPUs, while ATX 3.1 is the standard for PSUs, which tells us how they will behave electrically. 

To make it simple, we’ll showcase the different aspects of these standards: 

While the power requirements for these GPUs are listed as 304W and 220W for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, some reviews show that the XT variant can consume upwards of 400W, meaning the 750W PSU recommendation might be a close call but should be enough. That being said, if you've got a GPU like the RX 7900 XTX or the RX 6900 XT, you probably don’t need to buy a new power supply as their power requirement matches that of the RX 9070 XT and should be more than enough for the RX 9070.

On the other hand, for a new gaming PC, you’ll have to buy a PSU, and we’ve selected a couple of them that we think should be more than enough for an RX 9070 XT or RX 9070 power PC. The selected options are well above the recommended limit, but when it comes to PSUs, the more overhead you have, the better, as you can use it in future builds without running into power issues. We’ll also update this article when we’ve tested these GPUs in-house and change the selections according to our findings.

Products at a glance

How we picked

We selected a couple of PSUs and filtered them after taking the GPUs' power requirements and the PSUs' price, efficiency rating, and performance into the equation. This gave us a list of PSUs that perform well and efficiently. If you’re interested in learning how we test PSUs, check out our testing lab, which explains the process for PSU testing and other components. 

Our top picks

Only one PSU got a 5/5 rating from us when we tested and reviewed it: the Corsair RM750x. This is an excellent power supply unit with great performance and efficiency, and the 750W capacity should be more than enough to handle the power requirements of the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070. 

This fully modular ATX PSU measures 150mm x 86mm x 160mm, and the cables aren’t permanently attached to it. This makes cable management easier as you only have to make the connections you want and keep the rest of the cables in the box. 

It also has an 80 + and Cybenetics Gold rating, which, according to Corsair, means that it is 87% and 90% efficient at 100% and 50% load. In contrast, the Cybenetics rating states that its efficiency should range between 87% to 89% efficient. 

In general, the Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply. It brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice.

So, there isn’t a massive difference between the two standards, and to test this out for ourselves, we paired the Ryzen 9 7950X and the RTX 3090 together, which have a combined power draw of 520W. 

We ran Furmark 2 to stress test the CPU and the GPU, and the power went from 127W at idle to 706W without any fluctuations, meaning the PSU was able to handle it without breaking a sweat. 

So, whether you pair the RX 9070 XT or RX 9070 with the 9950X or the 285K, this PSU should be able to deliver the required power to each component and keep your system running seamlessly. 

Also, the recommended GPUs to pair with this PSU in our review were the RX 7900 XTX and the RTX 4080 Super, which have 355W and 320W TDP, respectively, much higher than the unofficial 260W TDP of the 9070 XT. That being said, even if the official power draw for these cards turns out to be 300W, it still won’t pose a problem for this power supply unit.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has excellent performance and efficiency. One reviewer said: “This 750W unit not only boasts an impressive 80 PLUS Gold certification for high efficiency but also operates quietly, thanks to its low-noise fan. The Zero RPM mode is a fantastic feature—my system runs silently during light loads, which is a major plus for a quiet workspace.”

If you’re looking for a PSU that offers even more overhead than the RM750x, we recommend checking out the Seasonic Focus GX-850W PSU. This is a bare-bones PSU with no fancy RGB lighting, but it gets the job done, as we found out during our Focus GX-850W review. 

This is also a fully modular ATX power supply unit, but its 850W capacity further opens the path to upgrades as you can pair even more powerful components together without running out of power overhead. 

Seasonic also claims that it is 90% efficient at 50% load, and it measures 140 mm (L) x 150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H), so make sure to check your PC case can house it before purchase. A neat aspect of this PSU is that it has a three-phased thermal control.

What this does is that it keeps the PSU in fanless mode till 30% load and runs in silent mode till 50%. After that, the cooling mode is activated for the best cooling performance till 100% load. However, there is also the fan control button at the back. 

A strong power supply that has improved over the years. Keeping up with the latest hardware while keeping the standard high.

When it is unpressed, the fan will only spin at high loads, but when it is pressed, the fan will spin regardless of the load, ensuring it keeps cool. This is a good feature for those located in a hot region, as the base temperature is high for every component. 

Regarding its performance, at 115V, its efficiency was 88.845%, with a noise output of 30.73 dB(A). Switch the voltage to 230V, and the efficiency increased to 90.962%, and the noise output increased by 30.82 dB(A), which is a minute difference. Cybenetic did this testing, but it aligns with the Gold rating, meaning you should experience minimal loss during operation. 

Overall, this is a good PSU with decent features and should be more than enough to handle the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070, even if you’ve overclocked them to their limits. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the Seasonic Focus GX-850W PSU has excellent performance and efficiency and runs quietly. One reviewer said: “All In all it is a great power supply with high quality features that should be sought out if looking at power supplys . My only grievance would be the design of the cables that come with the power supply. Although this can easily be fixed by purchasing cable extensions or full length custom cables.”

If you're looking for a PSU that will set you up for years to come and power through various upgrades of your gaming PC, we recommend the Corsair RM1000X Shift. As the name suggests, it is a 1000W PSU, which should be more than enough for the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070. We've reviewed the RM1000X and gave it a 4.5/5 rating due to its excellent performance and efficiency.

You might be wondering as to why you'd need a 1000W PSU for the RX 9070 XT or the RX 9070, which have a 304W and 220W TDP, respectively. However, according to some online reviews, the RX 9070 XT can pull more than 400W, and during our in-house testing, we saw it peaking over 500W. The 500W spike was just that, a spike; it does show that it can draw power well above its TDP, and further overclocking could make this occurrence more frequent.

That being said, with this 1000W PSU, this isn't a concern as it has plenty of safety features like Over-Voltage Protection (OVP), Over-Current Protection (OCP), Over-Temperature Protection (OTP), and Short-Circuit Protection (SCP), all of which are designed to shut the PSU down if the set parameters aren't met, safeguarding it and your PC.

Besides that, it is a PCIe 5.0 PSU, meaning it has a 16-pin connector and comes with two 2 x 8-pin connectors that are required for the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070. So, this PSU has you covered in more ways than one. That being said, it has an 80 Plus and Cybenetics Gold rating.

An innovative yet simple change, the RM1000X Shift makes building, upgrading, and managing those pesky cables. With a great load of power and strong efficiency, it provides a great choice for your next build, as long as you're willing to pay the premium for it.

The Cybenetics standard means that its efficiency should range between 87% and 89%, and it has an "A" rating for noise output, meaning its noise level ranges between 20 dB(A) and 25 dB(A). According to Noise Awareness, 30 decibels is equivalent to a soft whisper, and this PSU is even quieter than that. It also has a Zero RPM mode, which keeps the fan from spinning till sufficient load isn't detected.

Regarding its performance, we'll take the output of Cybenetics testing. With a 115V connection, the RM1000x has a 88.494% efficiency with a noise output of 23.62 dBA. On the other hand, the 230V connection saw an increased efficiecy as higher voltage results in lower current, which in turn, leads to better utilization of power and lower loss and resistance. It had an average efficiency of 90.176% and the noise level dropped ever so slightly by 23.59dBA.

Overall, the RM1000x Shift, is an excellent PSU and costs less than other 1000W PSU on the market. On top of that, its shift design also means the connections are on the outside, facing the side panel, rather than on the back. This makes it easy to form connecion and the fully modular nature is a definite plus.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this power supply unit has excellent quality, functionality, and it runs quiet. One reviewer said: "Love this power supply. It’s quiet and works fantastic to power my rig with a 4090. This was a great fit in my H6 airflow case. Highly recommend based on the quality of products!"

For the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, an 850W PSU can be considered overkill; however, if you’re short on space and are looking to build a low-profile gaming PC, we recommend checking out the Corsair SF850L. 

According to TechPowerUp, the RX 9070 XT is a 2-slot GPU measuring 267 mm x 111 mm x 50 mm, and the SF850L measures 125 x 63.5 x 130mm, meaning they should easily fit inside a mid-tower case. The measurements of the RX 9070 XT haven’t been confirmed yet, so take its measurements with a grain of salt. 

This PSU features the ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 connection, meaning it comes with a 12VHPWR cable that was made to handle power-hungry cards like the RTX 40-series lineup. So, it should be more than enough to handle the humble power requirements of the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. 

The Corsair SF850L doesn’t drop much even as a small factor choice. Keeping costs similar to those of ATX supplies means you’re not paying over the top for it.

It also has an 80+ Gold and Cybenetic Platinum rating. Taking the latter into account, it means that its efficiency should range from 89% to 91%. According to Cybenetics, it had a 90.577% and 92.33% efficiency at 115V and 230V, respectively. 

However, it had a comparatively louder noise output, but that isn’t surprising, seeing how the internal components have less space between them, so the fan has to spin more to keep them cool. It has a noise level of 36.09dB(A) and 35.92sB(A) for 115V and 230V connections.

Overall, this power supply unit is great for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 and can also be paired with more powerful GPUs. This is great because if you find a high-end GPU on sale, you can swap out your GPU and keep using the same PSU without encountering power issues.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the Corsair SF850L has excellent cable quality and performance. One reviewer said: “I normally don't buy Corsair products, but I'm pretty impressed with this unit. I actually love that the connector at the PSU side are smaller than the ones that go inside your case. This removes any doubt which side is supposed to plug in where.”

The RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 have decent power draws of 304W and 220W, respectively; however, real-world applications can require more power, pushing the graphics card's TDP beyond its advertised limit. That being said, we've seen some RX 9070 XT reviews in which it was consuming 400W+, meaning if you were to pair it with a high-end CPU like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which has a 170W and 120W TDP, respectively, the total power draw would be 570W or 520W.

What this means is that with a 750W PSU, you'd have 180W and 230W overhead, which should be more than enough for the rest of the components and even allow for slight overclocking. That being said, if you're looking for a pocket-friendly 750W PSU, we recommend you check out the Corsair CX750.

At the time of writing, this PSU costs $79.99 and, in our CX750 review, got a 4/5 rating. This power supply unit has an ATX form factor but is non-modular, meaning you can't remove the cables that aren't being used and will have to adjust them in the PSU compartment of your casing, which can cramp up the space.

If you’re after a more budget PSU, the Corsair CX750 provides a good choice, dropping down from its initial cost makes it a lot more competitive choice

Besides that, it has an 80 Plus Bronze and Cybenetics Silver rating. According to Corsair, the 80 Plus Bronze rating means it'll be 85% and 82% efficient at 50% and 100% load, and the Cybernetics Silver rating also puts its efficiency between 82% and 85%. To test its performance, we paired it with the Ryzen 7 7950X and the RTX 3090, which have a 170W and 350W power rating, totaling 520W.

After everything was set up, we ran the Furmark 2 stress test, and the CPU and GPU power spiked at 369W and 196W, respectively, but it dropped down to 190W for the CPU. This means the CX750 was able to provide a stable 565W of power at max. Our power meter showed the PSU drawing 736W at full load, which is close to the limit, but despite that, the CX750 did a great job.

That being said, you can see that even the 7950X and 3090 consumed more power than what they were rated for when pushed to the limit, and depending on the workload, the same can be expected from the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070. However, for normal workloads, the CX750 should be more than enough to get the job done without burning a hole in your pocket.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this power supply unit has excellent value for money, build quality, and noise level. One reviewer said: "At the moment, it has worked perfectly fine for me. I’ve yet to have any issues and it performs extremely well for its price range. Overall 9/10."

How to pick the best PSU for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. We’ve listed some of the factors below.

Power requirements 

The first point of contact while looking for a PSU for your build is to consider the power requirements of the GPU and the CPU. In this case, the RX 9070 XT has a 260W TDP, which hasn’t been officially confirmed, and if you pair it with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which has a 120W TDP, the total power draw would be 380W. 

After that, you can add in the requirements for the other components, and even if we round it off to 450W, which is a stretch, you’ll still have 300W of overhead, which is more than enough to overclock the GPU and the CPU.  

Efficiency

The efficiency rating of a power supply unit determines how efficient it is in terms of how much of the power being pulled from the wall socket is being delivered to the PC and how much of it is lost in transit and as heat.The higher the efficiency rating, the better performance a PSU will have, but it’ll cost more. A good point to start is a Gold-rated PSU and anything above that comes in the enthusiast category. There are two standards that determine a PSUs efficiency rating. 

Will a 750W PSU be enough for the RX 9070 XT?

The answer to this question depends on the CPU you pair it with and the workload. If you pair it with a budget CPU like the 9600X, which has a 105W TDP, a 750W PSU should be enough for this combination because even if the RX 9070 XT pulls 450W and the 9600X pulls 130W, it'll consume around 580W, leaving you with a 170W overhead.

However, if you pair it with a high-end CPU like the 285K, which has a 250W TDP and, depending on the workload, can exceed that, the total power draw would be approximately 700W. This leaves very little for other components, and a 750W PSU might not be enough in the scenario, and it would be better to opt for an 850W PSU.

So, there is no need to upgrade your PSU if you plan on getting the Arc B570; however, if you’re putting together a new gaming PC, then we’ve got you covered with some of the best PSUs that we’ve reviewed and recommend for the Intel Arc B570. Almost all of these selections are a bit overkill for the B570, but since PSUs aren’t upgraded with each build, these can be used for the next PC, making for a good long-term investment. If you plan on getting your hands on the B570 as soon as it is launched and are wondering where to buy it, we’ve got you covered too.

Products at a glance

How we picked

The PSU is the one component in the entire build that can last a long time and even power several iterations of your PC. So, we don’t recommend compromising on the quality of the PSU, as it is also responsible for protecting other components from power surges, undervoltage, and other issues.That being said, we look at different options from various brands and filter them based on their form factor, efficiency rating, modularity, fan size, and performance during our in-house PSU testing. This allows us to showcase their performance and recommend only the best options.

Our top picks

To power your B570 gaming PC, we recommend using the Corsair RM750x. The reason for recommending this PSU is that not only does it have excellent performance, as we’ve reviewed it in-house and given it a 5/5 rating, it offers plenty of overhead for future upgrades.  

In addition, it doesn’t cost a lot and has great features, build quality, and an 80+ and Cybenetics Gold rating. According to Corsair, this efficiency rating means that it is 90% efficient at 50% load and 87% efficient at 100% load. However, the standard for Cybenetics is different, as a Cybenetic Gold-rated PSU should have an efficiency ranging from 87% to 89%. 

Since the Intel Arc B570’s power draw isn’t great, even paired with flagship processors, it won’t be too much for the RM750x. If you’re operating at 50% load, you’ll get the most efficiency from this PSU. 

A great aspect of this power supply unit is that it is fully modular. This means the cables aren’t permanently attached to it, and you can make specific connections that you want, making cable management much easier. Also, this is an ATX PSU, which is a standard size and measures 150 x 86 x 160mm. So, ensure that your casing’s PSU compartment can comfortably house it. 

In general, the Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply. It brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice. Especially considering the price and longevity expected from it.  

The overhead offered with this PSU is great. Even if you pair the B570 with the Ryzen 9 9950X, which has a 170W TDP, the total power required by the CPU and GPU would be 320W. This would leave you with 430W, which is more than enough for other components and can easily handle the overclocked GPU and CPU. 

To test this power supply unit’s performance, we used the Ryzen 9 7950X and the RTX 3090, both of which have a 170W and 350W TDP, respectively. The total power draw was 520W, and the idle power draw was 127W before starting the stress test. 

When we ran the Furmark 2 test for the processor and graphics card, the power draw went up to 706W. Out of this, the GPU pulled and peaked around 360W while the CPU pulled 200W. This PSU could handle this without any issues, even though the total power draw was close to its 750W capacity. 

Cybenetics have given this PSU a noise rating of A-, which means it ranges from 25 dB(A) to 30 dB(A). In addition, the testing they conducted at 115V and 230V resulted in an average efficiency of 87.980% and 90.238%, with an average noise output of 27.98 dB(A) and 28.00 dB(A), respectively. 

So, those who have 230V sockets or power outlets will have better efficiency with this PSU, but the 115V connection also had a good average efficiency. That being said, this is an excellent PSU with a 135mm maglev fan and 105°C Japanese capacitors, which makes it more reliable. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has excellent performance, delivers a stable power supply, and doesn’t make noise. One reviewer said: “The 750W is more than enough to power my setup, and it runs super quietly – I barely hear a thing, even during intense gaming sessions. It’s also got plenty of headroom for future upgrades, which is great.”

If you’re looking for the ultimate PSU for the Intel Arc B570 and want to future-proof your setup for upgrades, we recommend checking out the Seasonic Focus GX-850. This is an 850W PSU, which is definitely overkill for the B570, regardless of which processor you pair it with. 

However, it has excellent performance and efficiency. On top of that, the overhead you’ll get with this is massive. I also have an 850W PSU, the Corsair RM850x, while my system consists of a Ryzen 5 5600X and an RTX 3070 Ti. I chose that PSU because I knew it would allow me to upgrade my PC without worrying about power requirements.

So, I can install a Ryzen 9 7900X and an RX 7900 XT without any issues, and it might even power the next upgrade after this. While the initial investment was a bit heavy, it should last a good while. 

That being said, the Seasonic Focus GX-850 has a Gold efficiency rating from 80+ and Cybentics and is fully modular. This means that it is easy to install and can reduce clutter while also delivering the right amount of power with minimal loss. 

Besides that, it has a 10-year warranty, which is a long time. If anything happens to it, you can claim it for a new piece or get it repaired, depending on their policy. Also, this PSU features a Hybrid Silent Fan Control technology that has three stages: fanless mode, Silent mode, and Cooling mode. 

A strong power supply that has improved over the years. Keeping up with the latest hardware while keeping the standard high.

According to Seasonic, this PSU’s fan will not kick in until 30% load; after that, it’ll shift to Silent mode until 50% load. Once it crosses that threshold, the Cooling mode will kick in to keep its temperature under control at higher loads. 

It also features a FOCUS Hybrid Fan Control Button. When this button is unpressed, the 120mm FDB fan will only spin at high loads; however, when you press it, it’ll spin regardless of the load, ensuring it’ll remain cool. This should come in handy for those located in hot regions as the base temperature is already high, and more effort needs to be put into keeping the components cool. 

As for its performance, we’ll take Cybenetic's testing into account. At 115V, it had an average efficiency of 88.845% with a noise output of 30.73 dB(A). At 230V, the efficiency jumped up to 90.962 dB(A) while the average noise output increased slightly to 30.82 dB(A). This efficiency and noise level align with Cybenetic’s Gold and Standard++ efficiency and noise ratings. 

Overall, this is an excellent PSU that does the job without any fancy features like RGB lighting or infinity mirrors, which only add to the cost. It should be able to handle any combination with the B570 and handle the power requirements even if you overclock the components to the extreme.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has great performance, runs quietly, and has high-quality components. One reviewer said: “After only a few days the install is easy as could be. everything needed is there. Packaging is excellent with 2 draw string bags to hold parts and cables your not using for the current install so you will have them for future mods.”

For those looking for a budget PSU, we recommend the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W. This pocket-friendly power supply unit has an 80+ white and Cybenetics Bronze efficiency rating, which, according to Cybenetic standards, means its efficiency should range between 82% and 85%. 

We’ve also reviewed this PSU in-house, and it showcased decent performance but is not comparable to the other options on this list, which is understandable given its price bracket. A downside to this PSU is that it is non-modular, meaning the cables are permanently attached to it, and you can’t remove them. 

So, after you’ve made the relevant connections, the only way to deal with this is to stuff the unused cables in the PSU compartment. However, when it comes to aesthetics, this PSU comes with a 120mm RGB fan, which can be controlled by a button on the back, changing the color settings, or even turning the RGB off. 

Thermaltake’s Smart RGB 500W brings a strong value choice to the table. With a low price, it makes it a strong choice if you only need a 500W PSU on a low-powered system.

According to Thermaltake, at 100% load, this PSU should have a noise output of 27.1 dB. However, the Cybenetic testing gave it an average efficiency of 82.838% and 85.490% at 115V and 230V, respectively, while the noise output was 43.97 and 43.32 dB(A) for both, which is much higher than 27.1 dB. 

That being said, the efficiency is exactly how it is supposed to be, and while the noise output seems high, if you have any sort of ambient noise, you shouldn’t hear the PSU fan running, especially while listening to music or playing games. 

If you pair the Intel Arc B570 with the Core Ultra 9 285K, both of which have a 150W and 250W TDP, respectively, it will total 400W. It would still leave you with 100W for other components and a decent headroom for overclocking. So, while this PSU lacks fancy features, it does the job on a budget and should be able to power your B570 gaming PC without any issues.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is of great value for money, and some have reported that it is very reliable. One reviewer said: “Absolute tank of a psi that looks great as well. I love RGB and this pairs well with my rainbow unicorn colored fans. Lol I am currently pushing the limits of this psu roughly @404w my current build and this is rated at 80+ of 500w. So the fact it’s been powering it and chugging along without whining, this is huge power for little money.” 

How to pick the best PSU for the Intel Arc B570

While choosing a power supply unit for the Intel Arc B570 isn’t difficult, you are still spending money on a product. So, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider before doing so. 

Budget

The Intel Arc B570 has a $219 MSRP, meaning it is a budget GPU. You’re most likely looking to put together a budget gaming PC, so it is crucial to filter the PSU options based on your budget. That will give you a list of products that can meet the power requirements without burning a hole in your pocket.  

Investing in a better PSU also has advantages, like being able to install more powerful components without running into power issues; however, they come at a cost. So, if your budget allows for that, then we recommend going for a high-quality PSU. 

Power requirements

Calculating your PC's total power requirement is a good step to take before looking for a PSU, as it’ll set a range for you to look for. For example, the Arc B570 has a 150W TDP, and if you pair it with the Intel Core i9-14900K, which is an odd combination, which has a maximum turbo power of 253W, the total power draw would be around 403W. 

Besides that, you can add a bit on top of other components like the RAM and storage devices. So, in this case, a 500W PSU should be more than enough, and a 650W would be overkill but provide plenty of overhead should you choose to upgrade the GPU. By doing this, you now know that you need to look for a 500W PSU and can adjust your budget and search accordingly. 

Efficiency

The efficiency rating is vital while looking at a PSU. Two standards determine a PSU’s efficiency, and the better the rating is, the less energy you’ll lose, resulting in more for your PC. This also has a long-term impact on your electricity bills. 

That being said, if you're lucky enough to grab one, or you're getting all your components together for an RTX 5070 build, we've got you covered here with everything need to pick the right power supply.

Now, with the 5070 and 5070 Ti, despite having faster memory and more cores than their predecessors, the TDP hasn’t increased much. The RTX 5070 has a 250W TDP, while the RTX 4070 has a 200W TDP. On the other hand, the RTX 5070 Ti has a 300W TDP, while the discontinued RTX 4070 Ti has a 285W TDP.

Between the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti, there is a 50W difference, and between their respective predecessors, there is a 50 and 15W difference in power draw, respectively. So, realistically, you don’t need to swap your PSU if you’re upgrading from the previous generation. However, if you’re building a new gaming PC, we’ve got you covered with a couple of PSUs we’ve reviewed in-house that do deliver the goods when it comes to performance and efficiency.

One important change is that the new RTX 50-series GPUs support an updated version of the 12VHPWR cable, the 12V-2x6 cable, which has 0.1mm shorter sensing pins and a 0.15mm longer conducting terminal to ensure a secure and stable power connection and prevent melting. While ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 PSUs will work just fine; you'll have to connect an adapter, but to make matters simple, the ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 PSUs come with a 12V-2x6 cable that can deliver 600W easily, so you won't need additional connections. To accommodate everyone's different budgets, we’ve selected a budget and high-end power supply unit, with the best being a mid-range PSU for both cards. So, here are what we think are the best PSUs for the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti based on their power requirements from Nvidia.

Products at a glance

How we picked

We never recommend compromising on a PSU as it is, in a way, the core of your system, responsible for keeping it safe from surges and short circuits while ensuring all the components get the right amount of power, depending on the workload at hand. 

So, to choose the PSUs for the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti, we looked at their efficiency rating, form factor, noise level, modularity, and the performance they showcased during our in-house testing. 

We’ve also explained our testing process for various components in our testing lab, so check it out if you’re interested in learning about our process in detail. 

Our top picks

Since the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti only have a 50W difference, we recommend using the Corsair RM750x for both of them. This is an excellent power supply unit and the only one to get a 5/5 rating from us in our RM750x review. 

This power supply unit will match the power requirement for the RTX 5070 Ti and has a 100W higher capacity than what is recommended for the RTX 5070. On top of that, even if you pair these GPUs with the Core Ultra 9 285K, which has a maximum turbo power of 250W, you should still be left with a 200W and 250W overhead, respectively. 

This should be more than enough to cater to other components and the overclocking of the CPU and GPU. That being said, this PSU has an 80+ and Cybenetics Gold rating, which, according to Corsair, means it should be 87% and 90% efficient at 100% and 50% load, respectively, as that is what the 80+ rating means. 

In general, the Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply. It brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice. Especially considering the price and longevity expected from it. 

However, Cybernetics ratings dictate that its efficiency should range between 87% to 89%. So, there isn’t much of a difference, and either way, these percentages are in the high-end range. This PSU has 105°C Japanese capacitors, which are of premium quality and increase the reliability of this unit. 

It features a 135mm maglev fan, which, according to Cybenetic, gives it an A- rating, meaning its noise level is between 25 dB(A) and 30 dB(A). The magnetic levitation functionality should also work to extend the fan's life as there is minimal wear and tear, and the Zero RPM mode keeps the fan from spinning unless there is a high load. 

To test its performance, we mounted the Ryzen 9 7950X and RTX 3090, which have a 170W and 350W TDP, respectively. This totals 520W, and at idle, the PSU was pulling around 127W, but when we ran the Furmark 2 stress test for the CPU and GPU, it ramped up to 706W. The CPU was taking around 200W, while the GPU was pulling 360W, which is 60W more than the RTX 5070 Ti. 

Remember that was during Furmark 2, and that pushes the CPU and GPU to their utmost limit, something that you probably won’t do during everyday use. So, this PSU should be easily able to handle the power requirements of the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti and deliver a stable supply, so that you can have a smooth gaming or working experience. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is reliable and has excellent and stable performance. One reviewer said: “Overall, the RM750x feels like a top-tier power supply – solid, reliable, and built to handle the demands of a high-performance gaming machine. If you're building a gaming rig and want something that won’t disappoint, this is the one to go for. Just plug it in, sit back, and let the power flow.”

If you’re operating on a budget and want the best possible PSU to power the RTX 5070 or the RTX 5070 Ti, we recommend you check out the Corsair CX750. We’ve reviewed this pocket-friendly PSU, and it has decent performance. It costs less than the RM750x but can meet these cards' power requirements.

However, it does take a hit in the efficiency rating as it is rated for 80+ Bronze and Cybenetics Silver. Cybentics's efficiency rating means that it should be about 85% to 87% efficient, while the 80+ standard says that it should be 82% efficient at 100% and 85% efficient at 50% load.  

In addition, it is non-modular, meaning all the cables are connected to the PSU, and you can’t remove them. So, you’ll have to store them in the PSU compartment, which can be a hassle, but you probably won’t be switching out the PSU anytime soon as they generally last a long while. 

If you’re after a more budget PSU, the Corsair CX750 provides a good choice, dropping down from its initial cost makes it a lot more competitive choice.

That being said, while it might not be as efficient as other options on this list, it can still support high-end combinations, such as pairing these GPUs with the upcoming Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the 9900X3D, which have a 170W and 120W TDP, respectively. 

Besides that, it has a 140mm rifle-bearing fan without a Zero RPM mode, meaning that it is also not the quietest PSU out there. This is a very bare-bones power supply unit that just focuses on getting the job, and to test its performance, we used the same test bench as we did for the RM750x with the 7950x and 3090.  

When we ran the Furmark 2 stress test for the CPU and GPU, the temperature of the two components increased to 95°C. The processor peaked at 196W and lowered to 190W after a bit, while the GPU pulled around 369W. So, the total power being pulled was around 736W, which is close to the limit of this PSU. However, despite that, it didn’t crash and kept delivering a stable supply. 

Besides that, we didn’t notice any coil whine, and the noise wasn’t too much to distract you from your work or while you were playing games. So, if there is some ambient noise, you probably won’t even notice it. 

Overall, this is a decent PSU for the price and should be able to power your RTX 5070 or RTX 5070 Ti without any issues.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU gets the job done and is perfect for those who don’t want any fancy features. One reviewer said: “Excellent power source! It arrived in Colombia in less than a week, without problems it worked perfectly, bought in a black Friday sale, 750W 80+ bronze, you never have to skimp on buying a quality power supply and this one of course it is, perfect for a PC Gamer, I am very comfortable and recommend it a lot.”

If you want a significant overhead for your RTX 5070 or 5070 Ti build, we recommend checking out the Fractal Design ION+ 860P. This is an 860W power supply unit, and in our Fractal Design ION+ 860P review, it showcased excellent performance. 

This PSU has an 80+ and Cybenetics Platinum rating, which, according to Cybenetics, means that its efficiency ranges between 89% to 91%. As for the 80+ standard, it should be 89% efficient at 100% load and 92% efficient at 50% loads. So, this PSU is highly efficient and should provide plenty of overhead for overclocking, but it comes at a high cost, which is its only downside. 

That being said, it can be used with more powerful GPUs like the RTX 5080, which has a recommended PSU of 850W. So, this is why I suggested this PSU if you’re looking for a high-end option: It can easily handle the load of the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti and even take it a step further. 

If you were to pair the 5070 Ti and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D together, the power draw would be around 470W, leaving you with a 390W overhead, which should be enough even if you were to overclock the GPU and the CPU. 

Although a more expensive choice of power supply, the Fractal Design Ion+ 860P brings a high level of efficiency and Wattage to your build. Ensuring most of your electricity is used as intended from the Platinum ratings.

This PSU also features 140mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fans, which have very little resistance, meaning there is little wear and tear, prolonging the fan's life. Due to this, they also have a low noise output, and according to Cybenetic, it has an A+ rating for the noise level, meaning it ranges between 15 dB(A) and 20 dB(A), which is extremely quiet.

To put it into reference, a whisper is believed to have a noise level of 30 decibels, which is quieter than that. Coupled with the Zero RPM mode, you probably won’t even hear the fan spinning. Also, according to the Cybenetic testing, the ION+ 860P is 89.952% efficient at 115V with an average noise output of 18.05 dB(A). 

When switched to 230V, the average efficiency increased to 91.727%, with the noise level decreasing to 17.99 dB(A). This is perfectly in line with its efficiency and noise level ratings. This means that the system will utilize most of the energy being pulled from the wall socket, which will reflect on your electricity bills in the long run. Overall, this is an excellent processor, and it does cost a lot, especially compared to 850W PSUs from other brands, but it has a Platinum efficiency rating, and it can used with other GPUs without any issues. The only exception for this case is the RTX 5090, which has a 1000W power requirement, but if you pair it with a budget CPU, you can most likely use this PSU with that as well.

The RTX 5070 Ti has a 300W TDP, and we'll go with the highest use case to ensure the maximum overhead for upgrades and overclocking, and an 850W PSU will provide just that. That being said, high-end PSUs can be costly, but the Corsair RM850x Shift White is an affordable power supply unit, and we've also tested it, giving it a 4.5/5 rating in our Corsair RM850x Shift White review due to its exceptional performance.

This power supply unit has an ATX form factor but with a length of 160mm, making it slightly lengthier than usual. Besides that, it has an 80+ and Cybenetics Gold rating, which means its efficiency ranges between 87% and 89%, according to Cybenetics. The high-efficiency rating means that more power being pulled from the socket will be utilized, and less of it will be lost to resistance and heat, which means efficient utilization and less of an impact on your electricity bills in the long run.

The design of this PSU is unique as it features the connections on the side, toward the side panel, rather than on the back of the PSU compartment. This means that when you install it, the connectors are facing you, and being fully modular makes it even easier, as you only have to make the necessary connections and store the rest of the cables in the box.

The Corsair RM850x Shift White brings plenty of innovation and uniqueness to the PSU market and updates the popular model. Bringing native ATX 3 support for Nvidia graphics cards but updating them for safer 12V-2×6 puts you a bit more at peace of mind.

Since the RTX 50-series GPUs require a 16-pin power connector, the newer versions of this PSU with the ATX 3.1 standard feature the 12V-2x6 power cable capable of delivering up to 600W. So, you can rest knowing that this PSU can deliver as much power as your system needs.

To test its performance, we used the RTX 3090 and the Ryzen 9 7950X, which have 350W and 170W TDP, respectively, totaling 520W, but in real-world scenarios, components tend to consume more power than their advertised TDPs. That being said, at idle, the power draw was 126W, but when we started testing on the bench, the power jumped up to 705W, with the processor and graphics card pulling 570W.

So, despite utilizing 82% of its capacity, this PSU had no issues keeping up with the power requirements, and the 140mm fan didn't make much noise, which is great. What this means is that the RM850x should be able to easily keep up with the RTX 5070 Ti and the RTX 5070 even if you pair it with the Core Ultra 9 285K, which has a 250W TDP, meaning the total power draw on paper would be 550W for the 5070 Ti, but it'll consume more than that most likely,y and there'll still be room for more with this PSU.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the Corsair RM850x Shift White has excellent quality and performance. One reviewer said: "Very quiet- The cables work perfectly and you only need to run the necessary ones which is nice. Be careful though - The shift intentionally has the cables on a different side, so verify with Corsair that your case will work with this specific one before ordering."

If you're looking for a PSU with excellent performance and efficiency and one that can provide a decent overhead for future upgrades, check out the Corsair RM1000x. While a 1000W PSU is better suited for the RTX 5090, using this PSU in your RTX 5070 or 5070 Ti gaming PC should ensure that you can overclock all the major components without running into power issues.

Also, if you can get it on sale, it should provide even better value in the long run, as it should be able to power your setup through multiple upgrades. In our Corsair RM1000x Shift review, it has excellent efficiency and a low noise output. It has an 80+ and Cybenetics Gold rating. This means that according to 80+, this PSU should be 90% efficient at 50% load and 87% efficient at 100% load.

On the other hand, the Cybenetics rating says that this PSU's efficiency ranges between 87% and 89%. So, there is only a difference of 1%. However, according to testing conducted by Cybenetics, this PSU was 88.494% efficient at 115V and 90.176% efficient at 230V, which is great as it is 1% beyond what the Cybenetics Gold rating dictates.

An innovative yet simple change, the RM1000X Shift makes building, upgrading, and managing those pesky cables. With a great load of power and strong efficiency, it provides a great choice for your next build, as long as you’re willing to pay the premium for it.

This PSU is also fully modular, meaning no cables are permanently attached to it, and you can make only the necessary connections. This makes cable management much easier, as it reduces the clutter of extra cables. The "Shift" aspect of this power supply unit is that the connections are on the side rather than on the back.

So, when you install it, the connections will be on the side on the open side, meaning you can easily connect the cables without having to fiddle around with the ports or install them after making the connections. However, this also means that the cables might protrude out a bit, so ensure that your PC case has enough space to accommodate this design.

The best aspect is that this GPU is ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compliant, meaning it has the 12VHPWR cable; however, the newer versions of it are ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliant. This means that you can connect the PSU and GPU using a single 12V-2x6 power cable and call it a day. This makes it much easier as you won't have to use the adapter provided by Nvidia or purchase a 12V cable or adapter from Amazon or other retailers.

Overall, this is an excellent power supply unit that should be more than enough to power your gaming PC even if you pair the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti with the more powerful processors like the 9950X or the 285K, which have a TDP of 170W and 250W, respectively.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is easy to install, has a good build quality, and runs quiet. One reviewer said: "This power supply is actually a bit surprising. I expected the shift to kind of get in the way, but it wasn't actually an issue. And those type 5 cables are incredibly flexible, especially compared to my last type 4. They mostly look good enough I don't consider cable sleeving necessary. This power supply is, I'm sure, going to be incredibly reliable, and a good price for continued warranty support that Corsair gives."

How to pick the best PSU for the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti

To choose the best PSU for the RTX 5070 or 5070 Ti, or any PSU, you need to keep in mind a couple of factors. We’ve listed a couple of them below to help you narrow down your list of options and choose the one that best suits your requirements. 

Budget

Before investing in any PSU, you must filter the options based on your budget. This should give you a list of power supply units that offer the best balance between performance and value. However, we recommend not compromising on the quality of the PSU, as it safeguards the other components and can keep them safe in the case of a surge or disaster. 

Power requirements 

It is always a good idea to check the power requirements of the graphics card you’re getting. In this case, the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti have recommended power of 650W and 750W, respectively. 

So, just from this, you’ll know that you need to find a good 650W or 750W PSU, but we recommend going for a 750W power supply unit for both graphics cards as it’ll offer more overhead for the RTX 5070 and match the requirements of the 5070 Ti. 

Efficiency

The efficiency rating of a PSU determines how much energy it is pulling will go toward the components and how much will be lost. The higher up you go in rating, the more efficient a PSU will be, but it’ll also cost more; it is directly proportional. There are two standards: 80+ and Cybenetics. For the most part, they are similar with few variations, but a rating of Gold and above is considered great. Here are the ratings for the two standards. 

80 Plus

Cybenetics

Can I use my old PSU with the RTX 5070 Ti or the 5070 if it doesn't have a 12V-2x6 connector?

If your older PSU doesn't have a native 12V-2x6 power cable, you can still power the RTX 5070 or the 5070 Ti by using two 8-pin connections as they'll deliver 300W each, totaling 600W, which a single 12V-2x6 cable is capable of.

While the RTX 5080 didn’t receive a memory increment like the RTX 5090, it does have a newer and faster memory type. This hardware improvement has ramped its TDP to 360W, a 40W increase from the RTX 4080. Besides that, these new GPUs also come with a new power connection, which uses the 12V-2x6 cable, which is the same as the 12VHPWR but with a few upgrades that should ensure a secure and stable connection for the GPU.

So, a PSU that can handle the RTX 4080 should also be able to handle the RTX 5080, meaning there isn’t necessarily a need for an instant upgrade. However, Nvidia recommends an 850W PSU for any RTX 5080 build, which is 100W more than the RTX 4080. So, if you’re building a new setup, it is better to go for a higher-capacity ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 PSU that comes with a 12V-2x6 cable to deliver 600W using a single cable and should also ensure more overhead for future upgrades. 

So you can get ahead of the game and start preparing for your RTX 5080 build, we've selected a few PSUs that we’ve tested in-house that we think, based on our expertise, experience, and understanding of the RTX 5080 specs, will pair well with the card.

Products at a glance

How we picked

A PSU is one of the most crucial components of a PC, and it is in charge of delivering power to all the components and safeguarding them in case of a surge or disaster. So, while it might not be the most interesting component, you can say that it almost serves as a backbone.To select power supply units, we consider their efficiency, fan size, capacitors, form factor, and modularity, test them in-house, and present you with a list of contenders. If you’re interested in learning how we test and review products, check out our testing lab, which explains the process of testing different components in detail.

Our top picks

The first 850W PSU that we recommend for the RTX 5080 is the Corsair RM850x Shift White. This PSU has a 4.5/5 rating from us in our RM850x Shift White review due to its excellent efficiency, low noise levels, and build quality. 

The Corsair Shift series PSUs have connectors on the side instead of the back, opposite the fan. This makes it easier to make connections, as you can clearly see the ports. Its fully modular nature means that you can reduce the clutter by only using select cables needed for your build. 

Besides that, it is an ATX PSU with 160mm length and coupled with the side connections; just ensure that your PC case can accommodate this design as you don’t want to find out at the last minute that the side panel isn’t closing due to the protruding cables. 

This PSU has an 80+ and Cybenetic Gold rating. According to Corsair, an 80+ Gold efficiency rating means it’ll be 87% efficient at 100% load and 90% efficient at 50% load. They also explain that the Cybenetic Gold rating means that this PSU should have an average efficiency ranging from 87% to 89%. 

The Corsair RM850x Shift White brings plenty of innovation and uniqueness to the PSU market and updates the popular model. It brings native ATX 3 support for Nvidia graphics cards but updates them for safer 12V-2×6, which puts you a bit more at peace of mind.

There is only a 1% difference, but it shouldn’t make much of a difference. The RTX 5080 has a 360W TDP, which, even if you pair it with the Core Ultra 9 285K, which has a maximum turbo power of 250W, would only total 610W. You’ll still have a 240W overhead for other components and to overclock the GPU and CPU. 

610W out of 850W is 71.76%, so it should be pretty efficient at that load. To test its performance, we paired it with the Ryzen 7 7950X and the RTX 3090, which have 170W and 350W TDP, respectively, totaling 520W. 

We ran Furmark 2 for the CPU and GPU. This test pushes the components to their utmost limit, meaning they consume more power. At idle, the power draw was 126W; however, after booting the system, it went up to 705W, with the two components pulling around 570W, 50W more than what we had calculated. 

Despite that, the PSU had no issues keeping up with the power requirements and delivering a stable supply. Also, the 140mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan did well keeping it cool and didn’t make much noise. If we look at the results of Cybenetics testing of this PSU, at 115V, it had an 88.7% efficiency with a 22.84 dB(A) noise level, and at 230V, it went up to 90.3% efficiency with a noise level of 23.03 dB(A). 

What this means is that it performed as expected and even went slightly up in performance as the Gold standard for Cybenetic is 89% maximum efficiency, but here it managed 90.3%. So, not only should this PSU be able to keep up with the RTX 5080 being paired with the most high-end processors, but it should also keep your electricity bills low in the long run. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this power supply unit is easy to install, has an excellent noise level, and is worth the money. One reviewer said: “Solid, reliable and quiet so far. Installation was a breeze, made easier with the side-on ports. Plenty of room in my Fractal Design Meshify C case. Loads of cables included, most of which I didn't need.”

If you want to explore more options before settling on one and want a PSU with a more traditional design, we recommend checking out the Seasonic Focus GX-850. This is another solid 850W PSU that meets the requirements for the RTX 5080. It also costs less than the RM850x Shift White while having the same Gold efficiency rating from 80+ and Cybenetics. 

In our Seasonic Focus GX-850 review, it showcased excellent efficiency. At 115V, it had an efficiency of 88.845%, while at 230V, it jumped to 90.962%. The noise level for the two voltages was 30.73 and 30.82 dB(A), respectively. So, while its efficiency level matches that of the RM850x Shift White, it has a slightly higher noise output.

A strong power supply that has improved over the years. Keeping up with the latest hardware while keeping the standard high. 

However, to put it into perspective, a whisper is believed to be around 30 dB(A), so if you’ve got some ambient noise, you probably won’t even hear the noise from this PSU fan. A neat aspect of this PSU is that it has five CPU and PCIe sockets, meaning you can overclock the RTX 5080 and the CPU you pair it with without worrying about running into power issues. 

A button on the back of this PSU is for the Hybrid Fan control. When pressed, it’ll turn on the fan regardless of the load, but when it is unpressed, it’ll only kick in when it detects high load levels. 

This should keep the fan from spinning needlessly, preserve its life, and keep your PC build quiet. Not only does it have excellent performance, but it also comes with handy features like these, which should give you more control of your RTX 5080 build. 

Overall, this is a great PSU to use with the RTX 5080 as it keeps costs low and comes with all the regular safety features, such as Overvoltage Protection, Undervoltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection, and more. Also, it is efficient, so even if you pair a high-end CPU with the 5080, it should be able to handle it while delivering good efficiency. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has good build quality, the cables feel premium, and it has good performance. One reviewer said: “My power supply failed on me during a week of working at home so I needed a replacement pronto!! This was half the price of a like for like replacement and is very very quiet. My twin quad core xeon workstation is now purring along nicely and doesn't even get hot like it did with the corsair psu. Brilliant!!”

For those who are interested in a smaller build due to lack of space or just prefer it, check out the Corsair SF850L. This is an SFX power supply unit that measures 125 x 63.5 x 130mm. Despite its smaller build, in our SF850L review, it had excellent efficiency and noise output. 

For starters, this PSU is fully modular and has an 80+ Gold and a Cybentics Platinum rating. According to Corsair, it should have an efficiency range of 89% to 91%. So, not only is it highly efficient, but being fully modular means that you can pick and choose which connections to make, which is great if you have a smaller PC case and are tight on space. 

It should work well with the RTX 5080 as it is also PCIe 5 compliant, meaning you can control the precise power delivered to the GPU. There should also be plenty of overhead because even if you pair it with the 9800X3D, which has 120W, the total would be 480W, combined with the 5080’s TDP.

The Corsair SF850L doesn’t drop much even as a small factor choice. Keeping costs similar to those of ATX supplies means you’re not paying over the top for it. Along with that, you get many years out of it, with a 7-year warranty but also with an ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5 native connection, you can get many years out of it.

This would still leave you with 370W, which should be more than enough for other components like the RAM, motherboard, fans, etc., and allow you to overclock the GPU and CPU as well. 

A concern for smaller electronics is that they might run hot, as the internal components have less space between them. The fan has to work overtime to keep it cool, which generates more noise. According to Cybernetic, this PSU has a Standard+ noise level rating, meaning its noise output ranges between 35dB(A) and 40dB(A). 

Looking at the Cybenetic testing, we can see that it matches its efficiency and noise output rating. At 115V, it had an average efficiency of 90.577% with a 36.09 dB(A) noise level. The efficiency jumped up to 92.333% at 230V while the noise lowered slightly by 35.92 dB(A). 

So, it might be slightly more noisy than the other selections, but nothing that would distract you from work or while streaming or gaming. So, if that isn’t an issue, this PSU should be great for the RTX 5080, and the best part is that generally, smaller products cost more, but it costs less than the other two options, which is a win-win situation if you ask me. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this power supply unit gets the job done and has an excellent load-bearing capacity. One reviewer said: “I have this PSU for around 3-4 months now. I can say it is the beast. The quality and the cable selection is good. The best part is, even in the tiny ITX case with, Ryzen 7700X, 96 GB ddr5, 3 x NVME Drives, 5 Sata SSD's and 1 Sata 2.5" 7K2 disk + Nvidia RTX 2080Ti, PSU fan is not even turning fir the all idle and most of the workloads.”

While the power requirements for the RTX 5080 call for an 850W PSU, my motto for selecting a PSU is the more, the merrier. Even while building my own gaming PCs, I went with PSUs that offered a substantial overhead so that I could overclock and upgrade to more powerful components without worrying about power requirements in the future.

So, if you want to future-proof your build, we recommend checking out the Corsair RM1000x Shift, arguably one of the best 1000W PSUs available. The RTX 5080 has a 360W TDP, and if you pair it with the Ryzen 9 9950X, which has a 170W TDP, it would total 530W. After that, you can add in the power draw for other components, and let's say the total power draw for your system is 600W; it would still leave you with a 400W overhead.

This means that you can overclock the GPU and CPU without worrying about the PSU's ability to deliver the required power. A great aspect of this GPU is that it is ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 complaint meaning it comes with a 12VHPWR cable, but to ensure that it doesn't melt like it did with the RTX 40-series GPUs, you can use a 12-volt adapter cable, and then connect it to the GPU. Also, ensure the GPU variant you're getting has a 12V-2x6 connector on it.

With a great load of power and strong efficiency, it provides a great choice for your next build, as long as you’re willing to pay the premium for it.

Besides that, it has an 80+ and Cybenetic Gold rating, which, according to Corsair, means this PSU is 87% and 90% efficient at 100% and 50% load for 80+ and ranges between 87% and 89% efficiency for Cybenetic, respectively. What makes this PSU different is that it has all the connections on the side instead of in the back. This makes it easier to make the connections, but just ensure that your PC case can accommodate this style, as the cables sticking out from the side might not allow for the side panel to be properly closed.

Regarding its efficiency and noise output, it was 88.494% efficient at 115V with a 23.62 dB(A) noise level and 90.176% efficient at 230V with a 23.59dB(A). So, those who use a 230V connection will have better efficiency as the higher voltage can travel farther and also get a lower noise output. However, even at 115V the noise level shouldn't bother you at all, as it is very quiet.

Overall, the RM1000x Shift has excellent efficiency and noise output and has a temperate range of 30-32°C. While it is more expensive than the 850W options, it offers more of an overhead, and the only GPU above the 5080 is the RTX 5090, which has a 1000W PSU requirement, meaning you can upgrade to that in the future without any issues.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has excellent performance and build quality. One user said: "This power supply is actually a bit surprising. I expected the shift to kind of get in the way, but it wasn't actually an issue. And those type 5 cables are incredibly flexible, especially compared to my last type 4. They mostly look good enough I don't consider cable sleeving necessary. This power supply is, I'm sure, going to be incredibly reliable, and a good price for continued warranty support that Corsair gives."

How to pick the best PSU for the RTX 5080

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. Doing so will filter the available options and present a couple of PSUs with a good performance-to-value ratio that perfectly fits you. We’ve listed some of the factors below.

Power requirements and budget

To select the best PSU for the RTX 5080, the first aspect you need to consider is its power requirement. Nvidia recommends an 850W PSU for this graphics card, so that is what you should be looking for.While other options are available, such as 1000W PSUs or even higher than that, and come with features like RGB lighting, they just add to the cost and are purely cosmetic. Also, depending on your PC case, you might not even see all the RGB; generally, the PSU compartment is closed from all sides. 

The argument can be made that a higher capacity will be better for future upgrades, but you must also consider your budget and not overspend. So, look for 850W PSUs based on your budget, and you should find a couple of options that offer good performance at a decent price. 

Efficiency

The next factor to consider is the efficiency rating. There are two standards for PSUs: 80+ and Cybenetics. While their standards do overlap, they have different tiers. 

A low-efficiency rating means it’ll lose more power in transit and heat, which means it’ll pull more to deliver to your components. Over time, this can affect your electricity bills; however, the higher up you go in this list, the better efficiency and sound rating you’ll get, meaning less energy is lost, and even at full load, they don’t make much noise, which is great if you’re into super quiet PC builds. 

However, that isn't the only change that you need to consider. The RTX 5090 and 5080 will utilize the PCIe Gen 5 16-pin power connector known as 12V-2x6 or 12VHPWR. There might be some confusion as to which cable to use, but this is the same cable. 12VHPWR was introduced to power the RTX 40-series GPU; however, PSUs with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 connectivity have an updated version of this cable known as 12V-2x6.

The difference is that 12V-2x6 power cable has a 0.1mm shorter sensing pins and 0.15mm longer conducting terminal. This change might seem small but this ensure a secure connection and stable flow of power. However, the 12VHPWR cables are backward compatible, meaning they should work fine with the new power connector.

That being said, for optimal performance, your best bet is to get an ATX 3.1 or PCIe 5.1 compliant PSU that comes with a single 600W cable. However, you can also use an 8-pin to 12V-2x6 adapter, with each 8-pin connection delivering 300W to power the 5090. We've gone ahead and selected some of the best-reviewed PSUs that we think will work well with it, based on the card's specs. We also plan on updating this selection, should we discover anything more in our RTX 5090 review, so stay tuned.

You'll see that the PSUs we've recommended here are all from Corsair. The reason for this is that out of the PSUs we've reviewed, we found that these three were the best value for wattage, with other options coming in with higher price tags but essentially delivering the same thing. Also, all of these PSUs are ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 complaint, meaning you shouldn't have any issues powering your RTX 5090 with them. If budget is no option, we'd recommend checking out our other PSU reviews, which include brands such as Thermaltake, Seasonic, and more.

Best PSUs for RTX 5090

How we picked

It isn’t surprising that PSUs don’t get the limelight that CPUs or GPUs get because they lack the bells and whistles or simply the “wow” factor. That said, a PSU is the most important component in any build as it ensures that every component gets the necessary power and saves them in case of a surge. 

So, considering its purpose, we consider each PSU's efficiency, fan size, capacitors, form factor, and modularity, test them in-house, and present you with a list of contenders. If you’re interested in learning how we test our CPUs, GPUs, routers, and printers, check out our PC Guide Testing Lab, where we explain the process in detail. Besides that, we’ve also explained how we test and review products to provide the utmost clarity to our readers.

Our top picks

Looking at the RTX 5090's power requirements, we recommend using the Corsair HX1000i. It meets the 1000W requirement and also has excellent efficiency and performance.

This is an ATX power supply unit, which is the standard. It has an 80+ and Cybenetic Platinum rating, which, according to Corsair, means that at 100% load, it is 89% efficient, at 50% load, 92% efficient, and 90% efficient at 20% load. 

Besides that, it supports ATX 3.0, comes with a 12VHPWR connector, and is fully modular, meaning you can make the required connections and keep the others free, which results in easier cable management and less clutter. It also has a 140mm FDB (fluid dynamic bearing) fan, which has a long life due to less wear and tear on the bearings. Combined with the Zero RPM mode, which kicks in where there isn’t much load, you shouldn’t be experiencing any issues with its fan. 

A great aspect of this PSU is that it is PCIe 5 compliant. Previously, this wasn’t required as there were no PCIe 5.0 GPUs, but that changes with the RTX 50-series lineup. So, you can easily use it with the RTX 5090 without any compatibility or power issues. 

The Corsair HX1000i is an overall impressive power supply, with the power behind it and a long 10-year warranty making it a desirable long-term solution. Especially with the Platinum ratings it has ensured your system running costs are limited as well.

Regarding its performance, we paired the RTX 3090 and Ryzen 9 7950X together, which totals 520W. We then ran Furmark 2 for the CPU and GPU to put them under the most amount of stress. In that scenario, the power draw was 706W, and the efficiency peaked at 93.93%, but hovered around 90% during lower loads.  

While the combined TDP of the two components is lower than the 575W of the RTX 5090, even if you pair it with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which has a 170W TDP, you’ll still have a 255W overhead, which should be more than enough for the rest of the components. 

Overall, this is an excellent power supply unit with high-grade Japanese capacitors and top-notch built-in safety features. So, it should be able to handle RTX 5090 just fine and deliver a stable and efficient power supply. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, it has excellent performance and efficiency. The Zero RPM mode results in super quiet operation, and being fully modular means easy cable management. One reviewer said, “The Corsair 1000w power supply is a high-performance, fully modular power supply that stands out for its reliability and ultra-low noise operation. The compatibility with ATX 3 and PICE 5 makes it future-proof. I assembled an i9-14900kf PC along with a 4090 video card for a computer needed to do 3D rendering.”

Since the RTX 5090 has an angular connection, if you’re looking for a PSU that offers a different way to make the connections, check out the RM1000x Shift. This power has a 1000W capacity but has all the connections to the side rather than the opposite of the main power connection. 

This makes it much easier to make the required connections, as you can see them, instead of reaching around and having to move the other wires out of the way. In addition, it performed excellently in our RM1000x Shift review, which is great as you need a highly efficient PSU to pair with the RTX 5090. 

This power supply unit has an 80+ and Cybenetics Gold rating, meaning that at 100% load, it is 87% efficient, and 90% efficient at 50% load. This is only a 2% difference from a Platinum-rated PSU and shouldn’t make much of a difference, as it is still very highly efficient. 

This is also a PCIe 5 PSU, which is great because you won’t run into compatibility issues. It comes with a 16-pin power connector. Its fully modular nature is also a great aspect, as it reduces clutter, and fewer wires mean better airflow for the PSU. 

An innovative yet simple change, the RM1000X Shift makes building, upgrading, and managing those pesky cables. With a great load of power and strong efficiency, it provides a great choice for your next build, as long as you’re willing to pay the premium for it.

The RTX 5090 is a huge card; to house it, you’ll most likely already have a large PC card, but just to be sure, this ATX PSU measures 180mm, and we suggest getting a casing with a 210mm wide PSU compartment.  

As for its performance, Cybernetics has its noise output as “A,” meaning it ranges between 20 dB(A) to 25 dB(A), which is generally believed to be quieter than a whisper. At 115V, it has an average efficiency of 88.494% and a noise output of 23.62 dB(A). On the other hand, operating at 230V increased its efficiency to 90.176%, and the noise output reduced slightly to 23.59 dB(A). 

Overall, this power supply unit is no joke as it has everything you’ll need to handle the gaming beast, RTX 5090. We generally recommend products looking at future upgrades as well, but there is no GPU to upgrade to after the RTX 5090. However, it should still be a viable option even after a couple of years as more powerful GPUs are released.  

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is easy to install and has excellent durability, functionality, and build quality. One reviewer said: “It works great -- feeds 3 PCIE plugs straight into my GPU. Thanks to the plugs being on the side of the PSU I have room for another fan where the cables would have come out from any other power supply.”

1000W PSUs and above can get expensive unless you’re buying them on sale, so if you’re looking for an option that can get the job without burning a hold in your pocket, we recommend the Corsair SF850L. 

In our SF850L review, we rated this PSU 4.5/5. It has excellent features like ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5 connectivity and outstanding efficiency. This unit has an 80+ Gold and Cybenetic Platinum rating. That being said, the main attraction is its SFX-L form factor, which makes it smaller than an ATX PSU.It measures 125 x 63.5 x 130mm, so it doesn’t take up much space and is perfect for smaller PC cases and builds. However, what makes it an excellent PSU is that despite being smaller in size, it doesn’t cost more than the ATX counterparts and does a good job keeping the internal components cool. This is a concern for small products, as the components are cramped and don’t have enough space to adequately dissipate the heat.  

It has a 120mm FDB fan, and to keep it cool, it has to run at a high RPM, which generates relatively more noise than other options. According to Cybenetics, it has a noise certification of Standard+, meaning it ranges from 35 dB(A) to 40 dB(A). 

The Corsair SF850L doesn’t drop much even as a small factor choice. Keeping costs similar to those of ATX supplies means you’re not paying over the top for it. Along with that, you get many years out of it, with a 7-year warranty but also with an ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5 native connection, you can get many years out of it.

Regarding its performance, we’ll take the Cybenetics testing as a reference. At 115V, it had an average efficiency of 90.577% and 36.09 dB(A). At 230V, the efficiency bumped up to 92.333% while the noise decreased to 35.92 dB(A). So, the noise output is exactly at the level that Standard+ dictates, and so is the efficiency. 

So, it takes less space, doesn’t cost more, and delivers an excellent, stable, and efficient output, which should be enough for the RTX 5090. The only aspect you’ll need to be careful of is not to go overboard with overclocking. 

The 5090's base TDP is 575W, and if you were to overlock the CPU, such as the Ryzen 9 9950X, which has a 170TDP, it might go over 745W, nearing the 850W limit. However, it does feature overvoltage, Overpower, Overcurrent, and other protection protocols that’ll keep it and your components safe.  

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this power supply unit has great performance and quality. One reviewer said: “I have this PSU for around 3-4 months now. I can say it is the beast. The quality and the cable selection is good. The best part is, even in the tiny ITX case with, Ryzen 7700X, 96 GB ddr5, 3 x NVME Drives, 5 Sata SSD's and 1 Sata 2.5" 7K2 disk + Nvidia RTX 2080Ti, PSU fan is not even turning fir the all idle and most of the workloads.” 

How to pick the best PSU for the RTX 5090

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. Keeping those in mind should help you narrow down your list of options and select a PSU with a good performance-to-value ratio that is the perfect fit for you. We’ve listed some of the factors below.

Power connections

The big question with the RTX 50-series GPUs like the 5090 is: What power supply do you need for the RTX 5090? There can be some confusion when it comes to power cables and PSU types, but they are easy to understand. The most simple approach to this problem is to get an ATX 3.1 PSU, which will come with a 12V-2x6 cable capable of delivering 600W with a single cable. You'll just have to plug in one end in the PSU and the other in the GPU and call it a day.

However, if you've got an ATX 3.0 PSU, that doesn't mean you should throw it out, as it can also be used with the RTX 5090. All you'll have to do is plug in the relevant cables in the PSU and then use a 12-volt power adapter to power your GPU. ATX 3.0 PSUs come with a 12-volt power cable, which is different from a 12V-2x6.

The 12V-2x6 change is actually in the PSU rather than the cable and the female connection. The female connection is what goes in the PSU, and the male connection is for the GPU. So, to ensure that the GPU is powered by 12V-2x6 and not the 12-volt power cable, which isn't enough for the RTX 5090 and melted powering the RTX 4090, make sure that the GPU has a 12V-2x6 connector on the graphics card if you're buying a third-party variant.

Power requirements

The second most important factor you need to consider is the RTX 5090's power requirements. This flagship, power-hungry GPU is rated for a 1000W PSU as it alone has a 575W TDP. So, without even factoring in overclocking, you’ll need a minimum 1000W PSU. While you could also get away with 950W, more is merrier in this case, and you need as much overhead as you can get for the CPU and other components. 

Efficiency

Power supply units have different efficiency levels and have two main standards: 80 PLUS and Cybernetics. 

The efficiency of the PSU increases the higher up you go, meaning a Diamond class power supply unit will have much better efficiency than a silver or bronze PSU as there’ll be less power lost in transition, which also means a lower impact on the electricity bills in the long run.

This CPU has a TDP of 105W. While it isn't the most power-hungry processor out there, you'll still need a decent power supply, especially if you're pairing it with other high-end components.

We've reviewed several PSUs and have put each one through intense testing during the process. Based on the results we got, we've selected a handful of options that we think are the right fit for the processor. We made sure to select only the ones that offer enough power and can keep your components safe. And since CPUs with a TDP of around 105W tend to run hot, you may want to check out the best CPU cooler for Ryzen 7 5800XT.

So, without any further ado, let's dive in!

How we picked

For this list, we went through a great number of PSUs and selected the ones that we think offer the best value for money. As we never solely rely on online ratings and reviews to choose the products for our guides, we conduct rigorous testing on each PSU to assess its real-life performance. To understand our testing methods in detail, feel free to check out how we test components.

Our top picks

If you want a power supply that ticks all the boxes of a strong and reliable PSU, then we’d recommend the Corsair RM750x. This one offers excellent build quality and is solid for mid-range components. In our RM750x review, we found it to be a great choice for multiple processors, including the Ryzen 7 5800XT.

Let’s talk about efficiency first. The RM750x is 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Gold certified. This means that you shouldn’t worry about running into any power-related issues with this PSU installed in your rig. According to Cybenetics, the PSU is 87.980% efficient and 90.2% efficient at 115V and 230V, respectively. 

The Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply.

When it comes to its size, it measures 150mm W x 86mm H x 160mm L. So, while it's not one of the smallest PSUs out there, it should be compatible with a wide range of cases. On top of that, its cables also don’t come permanently attached, as the RM750x offers a fully modular design.

As noise is a big concern for many PC users, we tested the sound levels of the RM750x. At 115V, the average sound output was around 27.98 dB. At 230V, it was around 28 dB. This is pretty impressive, considering a whisper is usually between 20 to 30 dB. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a PSU that won’t let you down when it comes to performance and won’t generate too much noise, then the Corsair RM750x is the way to go. 

What users say

Users on Amazon are satisfied with their purchase, and most of them are praising its build quality and performance. One of them mentioned in their review: “Worked great for my application. Provides the power my PC requires and works perfectly. Shipping was fairly quick and packaged very well.” 

If you’re willing to spend around $170 on a PSU, then you’d want to get the RM850x Shift. This one may come with a premium price tag, but it's an excellent choice for those who don’t want to compromise on the power supply of their rig. In our RM850x review, we didn’t face any issues when we paired it with two high-end components.

To begin with, just like the first PSU on our list, the RM850x also has an 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Gold rating. During their test, Cybernetics found it to be 88.672% efficient at 115V and 90.817% at 230V.

The best part is that even though it offers more power than the RM750x, it is still much quieter. At 115, the noise levels stayed around 22.94 dB. This increased to only 23.03 dB when we switched to 230V. So, you won’t have to worry about constantly hearing noise from your unit.

The Corsair RM850x Shift White brings plenty of innovation and uniqueness to the PSU market and updates the popular model.

As far as the size is concerned, it is around 160mm in length and is almost similar to most of the other ATX PSUs out there. However, since its connectors are on the side instead of the back, you may want to check your case before getting it.

For our test, we decided to pair the RM850x Shift with the Ryzen 7950X and RTX 3090. Both are high-end components and draw a lot of power. However, throughout the test, we didn’t run into any power-related issues. 

Overall, the 850W capacity, innovative design, and the ability to power high-end components make the RM850x Shift worth every penny. 

What users say

The reviews on Amazon for the RM850x are nothing but good. One of them said: “Set up was easy and fast, simply had to reconnect all my cables to the appropriate spots and if this thing makes any noise, it's not even noticeable. Definitely would recommend this brand to fellow builders as I've never experienced any issues installing or powering my components with their PSU.” 

If you can’t spend more than $100 on a PSU and are looking for a budget option instead, then you’d want to check out the Corsair CX750. This is yet another Corsair PSU on our list, and it's a great power supply to pair with the Ryzen 7 5800XT. In our CX750 review, it didn't disappoint us in terms of performance.

To begin with, the Corsair CX750 has an 80 PLUS Bronze and Cybenetics Silver rating. While this isn’t as good as the above two PSUs, it is still decent and will keep your components safe from power spikes. 

When it comes to size, the CX750 measures 150mm x 86mm x 140mm. This makes it compatible with most PC cases, but don’t expect it to be compatible with ITX PC cases, which can usually host an SFX PSU.

The CX750 keeps things simple to keep the price down, and the power rating does still make it a consideration for stronger builds even if your choices are limited

We tested the CX750 in the same rig we used for the RM850x. While the 850x drew 705W, the CX750 was drawing 736W under full load. As the 7 5800XT has a significantly lower TDP than the 7950X, you’ll be more than fine with this PSU.

The only downside about the Corsair CX750 is its non-modular design. This means that you can not remove any cables from it. After you’ve attached the necessary cables, you’ll have to cable manage the ones that are not in use. 

Overall, for those who are on a tight budget, the Corsair CX750 is a great choice. 

What users say

According to the reviews on Amazon, the CX750 is quiet and delivers good performance. One of the reviewers mentioned: “Very quiet, powers my PC with ease and has all the right cables.”

How to pick the best PSU for this CPU

The power supply is one of the most crucial components of your rig. If you select the wrong one, your components will constantly be at risk. This is why there are a few factors you should consider before making a final purchase.

Power requirements

Before hitting the buy button, first take a look at the total power draw of your rig. For instance, the TDP of the 5800XT is 105W. If you're pairing it with a GPU like the RTX 4080, which has a TDP of 320W, you'd want to aim for at least a 600W PSU. But to stay on the safe side, consider getting a 750W PSU or something bigger.

Size

Make sure the PSU you're getting can easily fit inside your case. PSUs come in different sizes, and the standard size is ATX. These are compatible with a wide range of cases. However, if you have a small ITX case, you may want to opt for an SFX PSU, as they are smaller. You can learn more about them through our SFX vs ATX PSUs guide.

Design

If cable management is a big concern for you, then you'd want to opt for a fully modular PSU. These come with their cables detached, and you have complete freedom to connect whichever cable you like. This helps with easily managing the cables, as you don't have to worry about taking care of the extra ones. However, do keep in mind that a fully modular PSU is more expansive than a non modular unit.

To determine which PSU would best suit your 5900XT build, we searched the market, filtered the options, thoroughly tested them in-house, and put together this guide featuring those units that made the cut. 

You’ll find their reviews, details, features, pros and cons—everything you’ll need to make an informed decision. If you’re interested in getting your hands on this CPU as soon as it hits the shelves, check out our Where to Buy 5900XT page, which lists multiple retailers in one place to save you time and effort.

How we picked

It comes as no surprise that PSUs don’t get the limelight that CPUs or GPUs get because they lack the bells and whistles or simply the “wow” factor. That said, a PSU is the most important component in any build as it is responsible for ensuring that every component gets the necessary power and saves them in case of a surge. 

So, considering its purpose, we take into account the efficiency, fan size, capacitors, form factor, and modularity of each PSU, test them in-house, and present you with a list of contenders that were able to tough it out. If you’re interested in learning how we test our CPUs, GPUs, routers, and printers, check out our PC Guide Testing Lab, where we explain the process in detail. Besides that, we’ve also explained how we test and review products to provide the utmost clarity to our readers.

Our top picks

The Ryzen 9 5900XT has a TDP of 105W, but it also comes unlocked for overclocking, meaning its TDP can increase. So, to cover all bases, we recommend using the Corsair RM750x, as it is the only PSU that got a 5/5 rating in its review. 

For starters, this PSU is fully modular and has an ATX form factor. What this means is that cable management with this unit should be as easy as pie as you connect the cable you want to use and keep the rest of them in the box. It also has 150 x 86 x 160mm dimensions, meaning it should fit inside any standard casing easily. In case you’re wondering how many different types of cases there are, we’ve got you covered with our PC case size guide, which explains everything in detail. 

The RM750x doesn’t have ATX 3 support, but you can easily order a 12-pin connector on the side to power modern, demanding GPUs like the RTX 4080 Super and the RX 7900 XT, both of which we’ve reviewed. 

Along with a high-quality build and components, it is a lasting solution for many builds to come. With the 750W likely to be plenty for years it just lacks the ATX 3 standard and native cable, which you have to instead order separately.

This PSU comes with 135mm maglev fans. These fans rotate using magnets instead of conventional gears, which wear down over time. This also ensures the fan is quiet during operation. 

It comes with a gold rating from 80 Plus and Cybernetics. During our testing, it reached the desired level of 706W. On top of that, its efficiency performance was also great, as it had 88% and 90.2% efficiency at 115V and 230V. The noise levels also ranged from 27.98 to 28 dB.

Overall, the RM750x is an excellent, well-rounded PSU that efficiently completes the job. It also costs less than premium power supply units, which makes it even better. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has great value, quality, and performance. One reviewer said: “Corsair is a reputable brand known for its high-quality PC components, and the RMX Series continues that tradition. The RM750x is a testament to Corsair's commitment to providing top-tier power supplies for enthusiasts and professionals.”

If you’ve got a free hand to spend on a new PSU, we recommend going for the Corsair RM850x Shift. It covers multiple boxes, such as ATX 3 support, and in our RM850x Shift review, it performed stellarly. 

This is an ATX power supply unit with a 160 mm length, which is slightly longer than standard ATX units. However, its innovative design puts the connectors on the side, which are usually found at the back of the unit. This should help make connections even easier, and its fully modular nature should ensure smooth cable management. 

Since it supports ATX 3, it comes with the 12VHPWR connector, meaning you can directly use it to power your Nvidia graphics cards without using an adapter. One thing to keep in mind is that due to the ports being moved to the side, the orientation and cable connections are different from traditional PSUs. 

Bringing native ATX 3 support for Nvidia graphics cards but updating them for safer 12V-2×6 puts you a bit more at peace of mind.

To check its performance, we took it to our test bench, which had a Ryzen 9 7950X and an RTX 3090 waiting for it with a combined power draw of 520W. At idle, the power draw hovered around 126W, but with the system in full swing, it reached 705W, with the CPU and CPU taking around 570W. 

The RM850x breezed through this with ease, making it an excellent option for the Ryzen 9 5900XT. You could pair any high-end card with it without worrying about whether it’ll be able to handle it. You should also be able to overclock your GPU, and if you’re wondering how to do that, we’ve covered you with our step-by-step how-to guide with pictures. 

Cybenetics tested the RM850x Shift version, which should provide good insight into its efficiency. At 115V, it had an efficiency of 88.672% with a noise output of 22.94 dB(A), and at 230V, it increased to 90.817%, with the noise levels slightly ramping up to 23.03 dB(A). So, with these results, its efficiency and noise ratings check out, making it one of the best power supplies available.  

Overall, the RM850x costs more compared to other options, but its features and performance more than justify the price. If you want a PSU that would power your rig through multiple upgrades, this is the option. 

For those looking to complete their budget build and want a PSU that gets the job done, we recommend the Corsair CX 750. During our testing for its review, we found that it had a decent performance, but given its budget nature, we can’t complain. 

To begin with, this is a non-modular PSU, meaning all the cables are attached to it and can’t be removed. Once you’re done making the relevant connections, the cable not in use will have to be stored in the PSU compartment, which isn’t ideal, but a fully modular budget option isn’t available. 

It has a 750W rating, which means you can run high-end GPU and CPU combinations with it even though it isn’t a PCIe 5 PSU or hahasha2VHPWR connector. 

If you’re after a more budget PSU, the Corsair CX750 provides a good choice, dropping down from its initial cost makes it a lot more competitive choice.

The CX 750 measures 150mm x 86mm x 140mm, which means it should fit inside any standard PC case without any issues, but it isn’t small enough to fit inside ITX PC cases. It also has a 140mm rifle-bearing fan, which is designed to pump a reservoir of fluid, allowing it to be mounted horizontally without decreasing its lifespan. The lubricant also reduces the noise output. 

We used the same test bench as the RM850X, which has a 7950X and 3090. Under full load, this power supply was drawing 736W, which only leaves a 14W overhead, but since it didn’t go over that, the test was a success. 

Overall, the CX 750 has an 80 Plus Bronze and Cybenetics Silver rating, which isn’t the best, but it lowers its price, making it a decent budget pick. As we tested, it can support a high-end system, and that is what matters. 

What user say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU does what it advertises and doesn’t leave anything on the table. One reviewer said: “Worked out of the box. this is a no frills PSU, but it gets it done. I trust corsairs products.”

How to pick the best PSU for this CPU

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. Keeping those in mind should help you narrow down your list of options and select a PSU with a good performance-to-value ratio that is the perfect fit for you. We’ve listed some of the factors below.

Efficiency 

There are two standards for power supply units: 80 PLUS and Cybenetics. 

Cybenetics also has six different standards that vary just a bit from 80 PLUS. 

The higher a PSU is rated, the more efficient it is. This means minimal energy is wasted in travel and heat, and the maximum power being pulled is utilized. That said, PSUs with higher efficiency ratings cost more but save more on electricity bills in the long run. 

Form factor 

The most common form factor for power supply units is ATX. This means they have dimensions that allow them to be installed easily in the best full-tower and mid-tower PC cases. SFX power supplies have a small form factor, allowing them to be installed in the best micro ATX cases as they have less space inside. If you’re interested in exploring some options, we recommend checking out our best SFX power supply guide for the top picks. 

Modularity

Power supply units are of three types: fully modular, semi-modular, and non-modular. Fully modular PSUs are customizable in that you can choose which cables to connect and leave the rest aside, making cable management a breeze.

Semi-modular PSUs have some cables attached to them, while others can be removed. Lastly, non-modular PSUs have all the wires attached, and they can’t be removed. So, cable management is more challenging, and you have to shove the unused cables in the PSU compartment, cluttering it. 

That said, fully modular PSUs cost more due to their internal components and design, while non-modular PSUs are more pocket-friendly. So, depending on your budget, go for the PSU that offers good efficiency and performance, regardless of the type.

The processor's default TDP is 65W, so you don't have to worry about getting a high-power PSU for it. Depending on the other components in your rig, you should be more than fine with a 750W PSU from a reputable brand.

Lucky for you, we've reviewed many PSUs and have put them through rigorous testing to get an idea about their real-life performance. Based on the results, we've selected a handful of options that we think provide the best value for money. If you're also looking for the right GPU to pair this processor with and a solid cooling solution, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best GPUs and the best CPU coolers for Ryzen 5 9600X.

In case you're interested in getting the Ryzen 5 9600X for your PC, you can check out our Where to Buy 9600X page.

How we picked

For this list, we went through several options from different brands and selected the ones that we think provide the most value for money. During the selection, we considered factors such as price, quality, performance, and compatibility. On top of that, as we never solely rely on online ratings and reviews, we conducted in-house testing of each PSU before recommending it to our readers. You can learn more about how we test components to get a better idea about our methods.

Our top picks

If you’re looking for the best PSU to pair with the Ryzen 5 9600X that offers a blend of affordability and performance, then we’d recommend the RM750x. This PSU from Corsair offers great performance and comes with a 10-year warranty. In our RM750x review, we were satisfied with its performance and found it to be a great value choice.

The RM750x measures 150mm W x 86mm H x 160mm L. So, unlike giant power supplies that require a big case, this one should be compatible with almost every mid-tower case. 

The PSU is also fully modular. For those who don’t know, a fully modular PSU comes with all its cables detached. This gives you the freedom to connect only the ones that you need. What this means? Better cable management. 

The RM750x brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice.

The RM750x has an 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Gold rating. At 115V, Cybernetics claims that the PSU is 87.980% efficient, and at 230V, it is 90.238% efficient. When we tested the RM750x for our review, the efficiency was around 88% at 115V, and 90.2% at 230V.  This means that you’ll be more than fine with this PSU installed in your rig, and your components will stay safe. 

During our testing, we didn’t encounter any noise-related issues, which is a big concern for many PC users. At 115V, the noise level was around 27.98 dB, and even at 230V, it stayed around 28 dB. 

Overall, the Corsair RM750x provides great value for the money you’re spending. After all, it is the only PSU that has gotten a 5/5 rating from us so far.

What users say

Reviewers on Amazon only have good things to say about the RM750x. One of them said: "I needed new power unit for my pc and this one was a good price for the wattage and it fits inside my case. It’s got plenty of power and wattage to support anything and runs really quite, and it was easy to install and came with all the cables needed to hook everything back up.”

If budget is not an issue and you want a premium PSU, we’d recommend the Fractal Design Ion+ 860P. This PSU offers a high level of efficiency and wattage and provides enough power for even high-end components. In our Fractal Design Ion+ 860P review, we found it to be a great power supply that justifies its price.

To begin with, the ION+ 860P has an 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Platinum rating. For those wondering, Platinum translates to 90% efficiency at 20% load, 92% at 50% load, and 89% at 100% load. This means that you won’t be running into any power related issues with the ION +860P in your rig.

As far as the size is concerned, the ION+ 860P measures 150 x 150 x 86mm, so it is compatible with a wide range of cases. On top of that, as the PSU offers a fully modular design, you should face no issues with cable management.

With a high power rating and top-of-the-line efficiency, the ION+ 860P makes for a universally great power source.

When it comes to noise, this is where the ION+ 860P takes the lead. Cybernetics claims that at 115V, the PSU is 89.952% efficient with a noise level of 18.05 dB. On the other hand, at 230V, the PSU is 91.727% efficient, and its average noise output is only 17.99 dB. For reference, a whisper is about 30 dB. In other words, the ION+ 860P is one of the quietest PSUs on the market, and it's great for those who want their rig to generate as little noise as possible. 

Overall, the ION+ 860P is a great PSU for the Ryzen 5 9600X. It's durable, quiet, and provides more than enough power.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the PSU is well-designed, and its cables are sturdy. One of the reviewers mentioned: "This is a well designed product. Easy to install and set up. Very quiet and does it’s job admirably."

We understand that not everyone can afford to purchase a high-end PSU. If you’re in the same boat, then we’d recommend the Corsair CX750. This is a solid PSU for those who have a budget of around $70. In our CX 750 review, we found it to be a great choice for multiple CPUs, including the Ryzen 5 9600X. 

To begin with, the CX750 measures 150mm x 86mm x 140mm in size. It is an ATX PSU, which is the most common PSU form factor. To learn the difference between two main form factors, you can check out our guide on SFX vs ATX PSUs. 

The CX750 has an 80 PUS Bronze and Cybenetics Silver rating. While this may not be as good as the other PSUs on our list, it should still keep your components safe and won’t make you run into any power-related issues. 

The Corsair CX750 is a solid PSU that delivers great performance while staying within the budget category.

The only downside about the CX750 is its non-modular design. This means that all of the cables are permanently attached, and there is no way to remove them. So, you will have to do something about the cables that you are not using to ensure they don’t ruin the look or airflow of your PC.

Overall, the CX750 is a solid PSU that won’t put a dent in your wallet and still deliver great performance.

What users say

According to the reviews on Amazon, the CX750 provides great value for money. One of the reviewers said: "I’ve been using the PSU for a few months and It hasn’t burned down my computer and I’ve had no other issues. Would definitely recommend."

The Ryzen 5 9600X has a 65W rating, meaning that even if you pair it with an RTX 4070, which has a total graphics power of 200W, you'll be found with a 500W PSU, and this is where the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W PSU comes in. During our testing for its review, it had decent performance but not the best as you'd expect from a gold or platinum-rated PSU. That said, it also costs less than higher-rated PSUs, making it a good option if you're operating on budget.

To begin with, this PSU measures 150 x 140 x 85 mm and has an ATX form factor, meaning you'll need a mid-tower or even a full-tower case to accommodate it. So, if you have an ITX casing, it most likely won't fit in that, and you'll have to upgrade your casing or invest in an SFX power supply unit. If you're wondering what the difference between these PSUs is, our SFX vs. ATX PSU guide has you covered.

This power supply unit has an 80+ White and Cybenetics Bronze rating, which is the lowest rating for a PSU. So, it isn't the most efficient unit, but it gets the job done and should provide you enough overhead to overclock your CPU and GPU.

Thermaltake’s Smart RGB 500W brings a strong value choice to the table. With a low price, it makes it a strong choice if you only need a 500W PSU on a low-powered system.

According to Thermaltake, it has a 120mm fan that produces a noise level of 27.1 dB at 100% load, but according to Cybenetic's testing, it produced noise levels of 43.97 and 43.32 at 115V and 230V, respectively.

A downside of the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W PSU is that it is non-modular, meaning all the cables are permanently attached and can't be removed. This makes cable management a bit more difficult and clutters the PSU compartment as you have to stuff the unused in there.

Overall, given its price point, it delivers what it advertises and should keep your components safe in case of a surge or other hazards.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU works great and provides good value for the price it comes at. One reviewer said: "This is the best 500watt power supply you can find for 30 bucks. It’s a smart power supply so it won’t turn on unless all connections are correct. That’s important when building a PC. The RGB is cool too, especially for the price."

How to pick the best PSU for this CPU

Selecting the right CPU isn't picking up the most expensive option in the market. Instead, there are some factors that you should consider before making a final purchase, which are mentioned below.

Power requirements

Before you get a PSU, you need to first look at the total power draw of your rig. The Ryzen 5 9600X has a TDP of 65W. If you pair it with the RTX 4070, which has a TDP of around 200W, then you'd want to get at least a 500W PSU. But depending on the other components in your rig, you might have to aim for something higher.

Also, if you're planning to upgrade your components in the future, then it will be wise to get a bigger PSU. This way, you won't have to worry about replacing the power supply after getting new components.

Design

If you want your PC to look as clean as possible, then we'd recommend getting a fully modular PSU. The cables on this type of PSU are not permanently attached, so you can use only the ones that you need. The rest of the cables can be stored inside the PSU's box, and you can attach them whenever they are needed. This way, you won't have to worry about poor cable management.

This PSU is confirmed to stick to its 65W TDP, which is great as it means energy efficiency, but selecting a power supply unit for it is just as challenging because you need the right option without having to spend excessively on an overkill PSU. 

So, we took it upon ourselves to research the market, find some options, test those PSUs, and put together this in-depth guide that features the units that made the cut. This should help you cut through the clutter and make an informed decision. If you’re looking to overhaul your current build, we’ve also covered the best GPU and CPU cooler for Ryzen 7 9700X.

If you were looking forward to the launch of the 9700X and want to order one for your build, we've got you covered in that domain as well.

Our top picks

The Corsair RM750x is the complete package. It delivers exceptional performance and value, and in our RM750X review, we were pleased to see that it checked all the right boxes, which is why it is at the top of this list. 

To begin with, this is a fully modular ATX power supply unit with dimensions of 150mm W x 86mm H x 160mm L (5.9” x 3.3” x 6.2”). What this means is that you have complete control over cable management and it should sit comfortably in mid-tower PC cases. 

The RM750x has a gold rating of 80 PLUS and Cybernetics, meaning it uses top-notch and reliable internal components. It has a 135mm magnetic levitation fan, which should ensure quiet operation and a long life span. This is because there is less wear and tear compared to other fans that rotate using gears and bearings. 

Overall, there is a reason the RM750x is a fan favorite, it’s a reliable and powerful choice for powering your systems. Combining great performance with good value balances what everyone looks for in building out a great system with nothing to worry about.

During our testing, it had an idle power draw of 127W. However, after running the stress testing of the GPU, it sat around 706W, which is great as it means you’re getting what you paid for. That said, according to Cybernetics, the RM750x has an efficiency of 88.397% and 90.485% at 115V and 230V, respectively. 

This aligns with our findings during testing, which is 88% and 90.2% efficiency at 115V and 230V with a noise level of 27.98dB and 28dB, respectively. These noise levels are really low; to give a reference, a whisper is generally considered to have a noise level of 30 dB. 

This power supply unit has a Mean Time Between Failure of 100,000 hours or 11.4 years. What this means is that it can or an internal component can fail in 11 years. This is just a figure, and the outcome could be delayed or sped up due to external factors such as heat, humidity, or physical damage. 

Everything considered, the Corsair RM750X is one of the best PSUs for Ryzen 7 9700X. Not only does it give it a significant overhead, it comes with excellent protection features and provides great value. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is reliable, delivers what it promises, and has good features. One reviewer said: “If you're looking for a premium power supply with excellent efficiency and clean cable management, the Corsair RM750x is the perfect option. I highly recommend this PSU for its outstanding performance and the peace of mind it brings to my PC build!”

The reign of Corsair continues with the RM1000x Shift PSU, which has an innovative design, high power ceiling, and excellent efficiency. In our Corsair RM1000x Shift review, it had a stellar performance, making it a top pick for any high-end build. 

To begin with, this PSU has connectors on the side, whereas traditionally, they were on the back. This makes connecting the cables easier, and given its fully modular nature, cable management should be a breeze. 

It is an ATX power supply unit, but it is 180 mm long, making it larger than normal ATX PSUs. Since the connectors are on the side, ensure that your casing is large enough that the cables don’t press against the panel. For this, we recommend checking out the best full tower case, which should have plenty of space. 

An innovative yet simple change, the RM1000X Shift makes building, upgrading, and managing those pesky cables. With a great load of power and strong efficiency, it provides a great choice for your next build, as long as you’re willing to pay the premium for it.

This PSU comes with a 10-year warranty, which means it's here to say. It should see you upgrade from the 9700X to the next processor, and then further than that, it should still be powering your rig. 

The RM1000x Shift has a Gold rating from 80 Plus and Cybernetics, as well as an “A” standard for noise levels. According to Cybernetics, it showcased 88.494% and 90.176% efficiency for 115V and 230V, respectively, while the noise level came around to 23.62dB and 23.59 dB. 

So, if you’re not concerned about spending a good amount on a PSU and want a future-proof option, the RM1000x should serve you well. Given its high wattage, it should be good for high-end components like the RTX 4090 and the 14900K, both of which we’ve reviewed.  

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is being praised for its high quality, wattage, and performance. One reviewer stated: “My 12900ks and 3070ti suck up a lot of power and this PSU handles the spikes with no problem.”

For those operating on a budget but wanting a reliable power supply unit, we recommend the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W. During our testing for its review, it performed decently, given its budget nature. 

For starters, this is an ATX PSU with dimensions of 150 x 140 x 85 mm. It's also non-modular, meaning you can remove any cable as it is permanently attached to it. This could make the cable management a bit challenging and messy, but fully modular PSUs aren’t generally budget options. 

It has an 80 Plus White and Cybernetics Bronze rating. The White rating means that it is 80% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% load. During our testing, it had an efficiency of 82.838% and 85.490% for 115V and 230V, respectively, with a noise level of 43.97dB and 43.32 dB. 

Thermaltake’s Smart RGB 500W brings a strong value choice to the table. With a low price, it makes it a strong choice if you only need a 500W PSU on a low-powered system.

This efficiency level is respectable, and while the noise level is the highest on this list, we can’t expect maglev fans to be in a budget PSU. That said, it does have a 120mm RGB fan with an 1800 RPM that should add to the overall aesthetics of your build. 

You can turn on the RGB by pressing the fan's button, cycling through an array of color selections, or completely turning it off. 

This PSU comes with overvoltage, overpower, and short-circuit protection. These protection features should safeguard the PSU and your system in case of a surge or if it detects excessive power output or voltage. 

Overall, this is a decent PSU that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket and gets the job done. It doesn’t have extra features like Zero RPM mode or connectors to the side, but it should last a while. If it fails, you have a 5-year warranty. If you’re looking to complete your budget build, check out our guide for the best budget graphics cards.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU does exactly what it claims, which makes it an excellent value pick. One reviewer said: “Power supply seems to work well, especially for a model this simple/cheap.

RGB looks great, nice color choices especially for a cheap one that doesnt connect to the motherboard for control.”

How to pick the best PSU for Ryzen 7 9700X

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. Keeping those in mind should help you narrow down your list of options and select a PSU with a good performance-to-value ratio that is the perfect fit for you. We’ve listed some of the factors below.

Power requirements

The Ryzen 7 9700X is a mid-range processor in the Ryzen 9000 lineup with a humble TDP of 65W. This means that it's very power-efficient and doesn’t need a heavy PSU. That said, it isn’t all about the CPU; you also need to consider other components and their power requirements. 

If you pair it with an RTX 4070 Super, which we’ve reviewed, it has a total graphics power of 220W, but Nvidia recommends a system power of 650W. This is because the TDP can fluctuate depending on the workload and if you’ve overclocked the GPU or CPU. 

So, add up your system's total power draw and select a PSU with a 100-200W overhead to protect against spikes and enable you to overclock different components. 

Budget

The budget is the most crucial aspect when purchasing any component, whether a PSU or a motherboard. There are various PSUs out there with fancy features like an RGB fan or an LED on the side that displays animations, but these features, while looking nice, don’t impact the PSU's performance. 

If you’ve got extra to spend, by all means, go for the most decked-out PSU. However, if you’re operating on a strict budget, it's best to filter your options based on that and select the best balance between performance and value.

Efficiency

There are two standards for power supply units: 80 PLUS and Cybernetics. 

Cybernetics also has six different standards that vary just a bit from 80 PLUS. 

The more well-rated a PSU is, the better its efficiency, meaning it utilizes the majority of the electricity it draws and minimizes waste during transport and as heat energy. That said, top-rated PSUs also cost a premium, so you'll have to invest a couple hundred dollars first to save up on electricity bills in the long run.

It is a top-tier CPU that can handle whatever you throw at it. However, high performance also translates to more power draw. It has a default TDP of 120W, and when paired with other high-end components, you’ll need the right power supply for it.

Choosing the best PSU for your rig is crucial, as it can prevent your components from being damaged by a power spike. On the other hand, the wrong one will put them at risk.

Considering you’ll be pairing the processor with other high-end components, like some of the best GPUs for Ryzen 9 9900X, you’ll need a high-performance PSU, one that has a capacity of more than 700W. And to help you out, we reviewed a good number of power supplies and have selected the ones that delivered exceptional performance in our in-house rigorous testing. If you're also looking for a solid cooling solution, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best CPU coolers for the 9 9900X.

So, without any further ado, let's dive in!

How we picked

The PSU is one of the most important components, so we didn't rely on online ratings or reviews for our selections. Instead, we first tested the PSUs ourselves to get an idea of their real-life performance and determine if they were worth the money. Feel free to take a closer look at our in-house testing process to get a better idea of how we test them. When selecting the products, we also took factors such as compatibility, wattage, features, and build quality into consideration.

Our top picks

If you want the absolute best PSU for the Ryzen 9 9900X that offers enough power for high-end components, then we’d recommend the Corsair RM850x. This is a fully modular PSU that won’t disappoint you when it comes to performance. And in our Corsair RM850x review, we found it to be an excellent choice for top-tier processors. 

For starters, the Corsair RM850x is an ATX PSU, which is the most common PSU form factor. This also means that it will be able to fit inside several types of cases. However, as it is around 160mm in length, it won’t be a suitable option for SFX cases. For this, we recommend checking out some of the best SFX power supplies. 

When it comes to quality and durability, the RM850x has an 80 PLUS Gold and Cybenetics Gold rating, something that is found in only the best PSUs. On top of that, as it is fully modular, you have full control over the cables. This means that you can connect only the required cables to the PSU and put the remaining in its box. What does this translate to? Better cable management.

The Corsair RM850x Shift White brings plenty of innovation and uniqueness to the PSU market and updates the popular model.

We tested the RM850x with a rig that had the Ryzen 9 7950X CPU and RTX 3090 GPU. During Furmark 2’s CPU and GPU stress test, the power draw jumped to around 705W, with the CPU and GPU reaching 570W combined. The best part was even though the fan was spinning at its full speed, it was pretty quiet. 

Overall, the RM850x is an excellent choice for the Ryzen 9 9900X. If you want a PSU with great build quality and components, then this PSU is the way to go. It also comes with 10 years of warranty, which should keep your mind at ease.

What users say

On Amazon, most users are happy with their purchase, and they are satisfied with the quality and performance of the PSU. One of them mentioned: "First and foremost, the power delivery of this PSU is outstanding. With a whopping 1000 watts of power, it effortlessly handles the demands of my system, including multiple graphics cards, high-end processors, and numerous peripherals."

If budget is not an issue for you, then we’d recommend opting for the Corsair HX1000i. This is a solid choice for those who are looking for a high-power CPU and want something that will keep them in a safe spot for at least a few years. In our Corsair HX1000i review, it didn’t disappoint in terms of performance, and it also stayed pretty quiet.

Let’s first talk about its size. Unlike the first option on our list, this one is large in size, as it measures 180mm L x 150mm W x 86mm H. In other words, this isn’t a PSU that can fit inside every case. Instead, you’ll need a full tower case for it. You can check out some of the best full tower cases if you’re planning to replace your current one.

There isn’t anything this PSU can’t handle, and it also offers an 80+ and Cybenetics Platinum rating, which means that its performance is absolutely incredible. Just like the first PSU on our list, this one is also fully modular, so you won’t have to worry about running into any cable management issues.

The Corsair HX1000i is an overall impressive power supply, with the power behind it and a long 10-year warranty making it a desirable long-term solution.

During our tests, we found the Corsair HX1000i to be 90.577% efficient at 115V and 83.657% efficient at 5VSB. On the other hand, at 230V and 5VSB, it was 92.33% and 82.020% efficient. We were also surprised by the fact that the noise levels stayed between 36.09 dB and 35.29 dB at 115V and 230V. While this may seem loud, it actually isn’t for such a high-performance PSU. After all, its fan has to run at full speed to keep things under control.

Overall, the Corsair HX1000i is a solid PSU for the Ryzen 9 9900X. It offers enough power to support a rig packed with some of the latest components, and you should face no problems even when you upgrade your CPU or GPU to something better in the future.

What users say

Reviewers on Amazon only have great things to say about the HX1000i. One of them said: "This power supply not only looks great but it works even better. The modular design is what you want for your build so as to not have a bunch of extra wires hanging out in your case. It even has the 12v power cable for the new video cards."

If you’re looking for a PSU that does not come with a premium price tag and provides excellent value for money, you’d want to check out the Corsair RM750. This is an excellent choice for those who have a budget of around $120. In our in-depth Corsair RM750X review, we gave it full marks due to its performance. In fact, it’s the only PSU that has received a 5/5 rating from us so far. 

The RM750x is significantly smaller than the HX1000i, as it measures 150mm W x 86mm H x 160mm L. So, you’ll be more than fine if you have a mid-tower case. On top of that, this one is also full modular and its cables aren’t permanently attached. 

The Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply. It brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice. 

When it comes to rating, the RM750x is 80 PLUS and Cybenetics Gold certified. In fact, Cybenetics claims that it is 87.980% efficient at 115V and 90.238% efficient at 230V, which is pretty impressive. The company also gave it an A- noise rating. During our test, the noise level was around 27.98 dB at 230V and just slightly higher, 28 dB, at 115V. 

Overall, the RM750x is the perfect balance of power and affordability. It is a solid choice for those who don’t have the budget for a high-end PSU but still don’t want to compromise on the quality and performance. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, so Corsair will have your back in case you run into any issues.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the RM750x has a solid build quality, and its performance is exceptional for the price it comes at. One of the reviewers praised its power and mentioned: "I needed new power unit for my pc and this one was a good price for the wattage and it fits inside my case. It's got plenty of power and wattage to support anything and runs really quite, and it was easy to install and came with all the cables needed to hook everything back up."

If you're pairing the 9900X with mid-range components like the 3070, then you can opt for the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W. This is a budget option and provides decent performance. In our Thermaltake Smart RGB 500 review, we found it to be a good option for multiple components.

To begin with, the Smart RGB 500 measures 150 x 140 x 85 mm in size, so it will be compatible with most builds. However, it might not be able to fit inside a mini ITX case. On top of that, it is a non-modular PSU, something that you'd already expect from a budget PSU. This means that all its cables are permanently attached, and you have to manage the ones that are not in use.

When it comes to efficiency, the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500 has an 80+ White and Cybenetics Bronze rating. According to Cybenetics, the PSU is 82.838% efficient at 115V, and 85.490% efficient at 230V. However, the noise levels are not that great, as they are between 43.97 and 43.32 dB.

Thermaltake’s Smart RGB 500W brings a strong value choice to the table.

The PSU also comes with a 120mm RGB fan, which might be good for those who want to improve the overall aesthetics of their build. The RGB lighting can be turned on and off easily using a button on the back.

Overall, the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W is a decent option for those who are looking for something that won't put a dent in their bank account. However, if you upgrade to high-end components, like the RTX 4070 or something bigger, then you should also consider getting a bigger PSU.

What users say

On Amazon, users are satisfied with their purchase, with most of them praising the price of Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W. One of the reviewers mentioned: "Power supply seems to work well, especially for a model this simple/cheap. RGB looks great, nice color choices especially for a cheap one that doesn't connect to the motherboard for control."

How to select the best PSU for Ryzen 9 9900X

We would highly advise against rushing through the process, as you may end up choosing the wrong PSU for your rig. Instead, there are a few factors that you should consider, such as the ones below.

Power requirements

This is the biggest factor to consider when selecting a GPU. You have to closely look at the TDP of your components, such as the CPU, GPU, and motherboard, and then get a PSU that offers 100-200W above the combined value.

For instance, the TDP of the 9900X is 120W. And if you have an RTX 4080 Super installed in your rig, which has a TDP of 320W, then getting a 500W PSU will put in a tight spot. You need to aim for at least a 600W PSU in such a case. However, we normally recommend a 700W PSU for rigs with high-end processors to stay on the safe side.

Budget

For a processor like the Ryzen 9 9900X, it's only obvious that a high-end PSU should be chosen. However, these often come with a premium price tag, and not everyone can afford them. 

If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry, as you can also find PSUs between $120-150 that offer a perfect blend of performance and affordability. While they don’t come with unique features, their performance is still excellent, and you won’t run into any power-related issues with them. However, you’ll need to make sure to get one from a reputable brand.

That said, as you may know, PSUs can be the unsung hero of any build - saving your precious CPUs, GPUs, and other hardware from damage caused by power spikes. Of course, getting one that's powerful enough to work with higher-end hardware is vital for obvious reasons.

When it comes to this CPU in particular, you'll need something fairly beefy if you want to get the most out of it and ensure it's protected if the worst were to happen. At PC Guide, we review loads of PSUs and have picked out what we think are the best to pair with this new CPU. We've also got you covered in our other guides with our picks for the best GPU and best cooler for it too, so be sure to check them out if you're doing a more serious upgrade.

Our top picks

During our testing, only one PSU got a 5/5 rating: the Corsair RM750X. Our review highlighted spectacular performance, so we'd certainly recommend it for this CPU.

This is an ATX power supply with dimensions of 150mm W x 86mm H x 160mm L (5.9” x 3.3” x 6.2”), meaning you’ll need a mid-tower casing to comfortably accommodate it. That said, its larger size should also help efficiently dissipate the heat. 

The RM750X is fully modular, meaning the cables aren’t permanently attached. This should help with cable management and reduce the clutter caused by extra cable. In addition, it has an 80 PLUS Gold rating, meaning it should be above 80% efficient. According to Cybernetics, the RM750X is 87.980% and 90.238% at 115V and 230V, respectively. 

For those concerned about noise levels, this PSU, according to Corsair’s quick start guide, should generate around 5 dB at 300W, while under max load, it can go up to 35-36 dB. These noise levels aren’t as high as 30 dB, which is generally considered the noise level of a whisper. So, even under full load, you shouldn’t hear this PSU make any noise. 

In general, the Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply. It brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice.

It features a 135mm magnetic levitation or maglev fan with a zero RPM mode. This mode stops the fan altogether if sufficient load isn’t detected, resulting in absolute silent operation. The maglev fans use magnets to separate the fans and other working parts, ensuring less wear and tear and prolonging their lifespan. 

It also has a handful of protection features, such as Overpower Protection (OPP), Overvoltage Protection (OVP), Undervoltage Protection (OVP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), and Overtemperature Protection (OTP).

Overall, the RM750X offers excellent features and top-notch value, enabling it to fit in even the most high-end builds. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU offers the best balance between quality and price and is a well-liked option among those who have purchased it. One reviewer said: “Powering a Intel 12th gen system with a Nvidia 4070 4 hard drives with no issues. Very reliable, very stable, and barely audible even with your ear near it. I highly recommend Corsair's PSUs.”

If you have a microATX case or want a minimalistic 9950X build, we recommend another Corsair PSU, the SF850L. During the testing for this PSU’s review, it delivered great, efficient results that were second to none. 

To begin with, this is a small form factor or SFX PSU, meaning it has smaller dimensions than an ATX PSU. Its size is 30mm L x 125mm W x 63.5mm H (5.11” x  4.9” x 2.5”), which should be small enough to fit inside ATX and microATX casings with ease. So, there is a definite size advantage, but that means that fans need to be of high quality to keep the components cool, as they have less space between them. For more insight, take a look at our guide to the differences between SFX and ATX PSU.

The SF850L has a 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan, which is different from a maglev fan and allows the PSU to be mounted in different orientations without affecting the fan spin. Other than that, this is compatible with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0, which opens up the possibility of being paired up with next-gen components.

As a small form factor choice, it provides great power and performance with great efficiency at the cost of some sound drawbacks.

This has an 80 PLUS Gold and Cybernetics Platinum rating. These are two different standards, but both mean that its performance is incredible. During our testing, we found it to be 90.577% and 83.657% efficient at 115V and 5VSB, respectively. As for the 230V, it had an efficiency of 92.33% and 83.020% for 5VSB. 

These numbers are in line with the Cybernetics standard, so its Platinum rating isn’t just for show. You can rest easy knowing that maximum energy is being utilized with very little going to waste.

As for its noise level, it produced 36.09 dB and 35.92 dB for 115V and 230V, respectively. This isn’t comparatively louder than other PSUs, but it's understandable that its fan has to work harder, given its smaller size. That said, once again, its Cybernetics standard + rating was accurate. 

Despite being an SFX power supply unit, it can deliver 850W on the single +12V rail and 150W on the multi, +3.3V, and +5V rails. What this means is that you can pair your CPU with a higher-end GPU without worrying about whether this PSU would be able to handle the energy demand. 

This power supply unit, like our first pick, also comes with the same protection features as our top pick, with an addition of Catastrophic Failure Protection (CFP). This protects the PSU and your system by shutting it down in case of failure due to a fused PCB, fire, smoke, etc. 

Overall, the Corsair SF850L is a solid option and an excellent choice for the 9950X. Its features, design, and versatility make it a worthy PSU to invest in. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU has a quiet operation and excellent performance. However, many reviewers reported that the accompanying cables aren’t long enough. One reviewer said: “While the unit fit NICELY in my case with LOTS of room to spare, the problem was that the cables were nowhere near long enough!” Another user stated: “This small little power supply is a work horse. It's silent, and will work for us in the future when we finally upgrade our graphics card.”

If you’re also of the opinion that the PSU is a component that can’t be compromised on, the Corsair HX1000i is for you. This monster of a PSU performed exceptionally well during its review, and we were pleased with the results it showcased. 

First off, this PSU isn’t small as it has dimensions of 180mm L x 150mm W x 86mm H (7.09” x 5.91” x 3.39”), meaning you’ll need the best full tower case to accommodate it without things getting cramped up. 

This PSU has an 80+ and Cybernetics Platinum rating. As if that weren’t enough, it is fully modular, meaning cable management is easy with this PSU, as extra cables can be wrapped up and stored inside its box.

During our testing, it had a maximum efficiency of 93.93% at 706W load, but at idle, it hovered around 90%. So, according to Cybernetics, these figures put it in the titanium category, but their own testing showed an average efficiency of 89.9% and 91.4% for 115V and 230V, respectively. 

The Corsair HX1000i is an overall impressive power supply, with the power behind it and a long 10-year warranty making it a desirable long-term solution. Especially with the Platinum ratings it has ensured your system running costs are limited as well.

That said, it also has an “A” rating for noise level from Cybernetics which checked out at it had a noise level of 24.64 and 24.63 for 115V and 230V, respectively. On top of that, its 12+ single-rail has a maximum load of 83.3A, meaning with this GPU, there is plenty of room to overclock your CPU and GPU. 

It also comes with protective features like OCP, which will shut down the PSU if the voltage exceeds that limit, protecting your rig. 

A neat feature of this PSU is that it is compatible with the iCUE software. With this, you can manually set the fan curve depending on the load and temperature. So, if you’re located in a hotter region, you can increase the fan speed to keep the HX1000i cool. We also recommend using the best 140mm case fans to ensure efficient cross ventilation. 

Overall, the Corsair HX1000i is a beast, and its specifications and features confirm that. That said, great performance comes with a hefty price tag, but if you want to safeguard your next-gen components like the 9950X, no price is too great. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU is being praised for its performance, features, and build quality. One reviewer said: “The PSU itself: Exactly what you are paying extra for. Top notch hardware, whisper quiet performance when not pushing it to the limits, and enough headroom to avoid exceeding 75% consumption even with demanding setups using high wattage CPUs and GPUs. If you need switchable single/multi rails, and know what this means, this is PSU is one of your best options.”

The Ryzen 9 9950X is the flagship CPU of the Ryzen 9000 series, meaning it would make sense to pair it with a high-end GPU. However, if you're operating on a budget and pair it with an entry-level GPU like the RTX 4060 Ti, which we've reviewed, a normal PSU like the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W could power your rig until you decide to upgrade.

We recommend this PSU because, in our Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W PSU review, it performed decently for a budget power supply unit and should keep your components safe in case of a surge.

For starters, this is an ATX PSU, meaning it requires a mid-tower or a full-tower PC case to house it comfortably. Due to its 150 x 140 x 85 mm dimensions, this PSU might not fit in your case if you have a low-profile build. It has a 120mm RGB fan which can switch the mode with the press of a button on the back. So, you need to install software to control the lighting effects, which is a plus.

Thermaltake’s Smart RGB 500W brings a strong value choice to the table. With a low price, it makes it a strong choice if you only need a 500W PSU on a low-powered system.

A downside to this PSU is that it is non-modular, meaning all the cables are permanently attached to it. So, even if you don't need the SATA cable, it'll still be there, and you'll most likely have to store it in the PSU compartment, which increases the clutter.

As for its noise level and efficiency, we'll look at the testing and results shown by Cybenetics. It has an 80 Plus rating, so its efficiency at 115V and 230V came around 82.838% and 85.490%, with the noise level coming at around 43.97 and 43.32 dB(A), respectively. So, the efficiency levels aren't that bad, but the noise level is much higher than what Thermaltake claims this PSU makes. According to Thermaltake, this power supply unit has a noise output of 27.1 dB at 100% load, but that isn't the case.

Overall, this is a decent power supply that will protect your high-end components from frying in case of a surge and while it might not have the best efficiency rating, it is easy on the pocket.

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this PSU provides excellent value for the price it comes at. One reviewer said: "The fan was about $38 when I purchased it, It looks amazing and works great for the cost. For only $4 more than the normal one it was a very good purchase, it looks great and sounds pretty good too."

How to select the best PSU for this CPU

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. Keeping those in mind should help you narrow down your list of options and select a PSU that has a good performance-to-value ratio and is the perfect fit for you. We’ve listed some of the factors below.

Power requirements 

The first factor you need to consider when deciding on a power supply is your setup's total power draw (TDP). You can do this by looking at the TDP of your CPU, GPU, and motherboard. Accessories like fans don’t need a lot of power, but your CPU and GPU are the main consumers. 

The TPD of the 9950X is 170W, so if you pair it with an RTX 4090, which we’ve reviewed,  that has a total graphics power of 450W, then a 500W or even 650W PSU would be cutting it too close. You always want 100-200W overhead in your PSU to cater to spikes and overclocking. 

So, depending on the components you install in your build, mainly the GPU, you’ll have to pick a PSU that can deliver power to every piece without falling short. 

Efficiency 

PSUs come with different efficiency ratings that show how efficient a PSU is at utilizing the energy being drawn and how much gets wasted. There are six standards: 

The higher you go, the more efficient the PSU is, which means lower electricity bills in the long run. 

Modularity 

There are three types of power supply units: fully modular, semi-modular, and non-modular. Fully modular PSUs allow you to attach only the cable you need, keeping the rest of the cables aside. This helps clear the clutter and make cable management easier. That said, these PSUs are the most expensive of the three. 

Semi-modular PSUs have some cables attached, while others can be attached or removed according to your needs. So, they are in the middle of fully modular and non-modular PSUs. 

Non-modular PSUs are the cheapest of the three, as these aren’t customizable. All the cables are permanently attached, and you can use the ones that are needed, like the 24-pin power connector, and stuff the rest of them in the PSU compartment of the casing. This cramps the space and makes cable management a bit more challenging.

If it's the lowest entry card that might not require all the power in the world or something like the RTX 5090 that requires a 1000W PSU, there are a range of wattages and efficiencies to choose from, ranging in budget from entry-level to more enthusiast-level.

A more recent feature to consider is whether your PSU is of an ATX 3 standard. This can provide Nvidia's RTX 50 or 40 series with a native 16-pin power cable. Capable of delivering enough power over one cable, that might help with Nvidia's cable melting issue. Or you can keep it safe with AMD's tried-and-tested RX 9070s using the more standard 8-pin connectors.

If you find yourself lost in the sea of options, we've come to help. We researched and even reviewed a variety of options to provide you with a range of models and designs to choose from. We also explain each, their benefits and drawbacks, and provide a guide to tell you what to look for when building out your gaming PC.

Products at a glance

How we picked

It comes as no surprise that PSUs don’t get the limelight that CPUs or GPUs get because they lack the bells and whistles or simply the “wow” factor. That said, a PSU is the most important component in any build as it is responsible for ensuring that every component gets the necessary power and saves them in case of a surge. 

So, considering its purpose, we take into account the efficiency, fan size, capacitors, form factor, and modularity of each PSU, test them in-house, and present you with a list of contenders that were able to tough it out. If you’re interested in learning how we test our CPUs, GPUs, routers, and printers, check out our PC Guide Testing Lab, where we explain the process in detail. Besides that, we’ve also explained how we test and review products to provide the utmost clarity to our readers.

Corsair is known for producing many components, and its power supplies are well-liked among users. We went with the Corsair RM750x for our top pick, which achieved a full five out of five in our review. 

This is an ATX power supply unit with dimensions of 150mm W x 86mm H x 160mm L (5.9” x 3.3” x 6.2”). What this means is that it doesn’t have the form factor you’d find in an SFX PSU, but it should comfortably sit in mid- and full-tower cases. An advantage of ATX power supplies is better heat management due to their size. Since the internal components aren’t cramped, the thermal output has more space to dissipate. 

The RM750x is also fully modular, meaning the cables aren’t attached to it. This should allow you to only connect the cables you want and put the rest of them back in the box, leading to less clutter and better cable management. As to what cables come with the RM750x, you should get the following:

These cables should be more than enough for even the most high-end setups and should ensure that you can power everything adequately in your build. 

In general, the Corsair RM750x is an all-around strong choice of power supply. It brings a middle-of-the-pack feature and performance that make it a strong value choice. Especially considering the price and longevity expected from it.

This PSU has an 80-plus efficiency rating of Gold, which means that it should be at least 87% efficient at 50% load. Considering the efficiency of any PSU at 50% load is a sweet spot as it isn’t under a lot of load or sitting completely idle. However, according to Cybernetic, the RM750x is 88.397% efficient at 115V and 90.485% efficient at 230V. 

These percentages are great as they showcase minimum electricity loss and maximum utilization of the PSUs draw from the socket. This also means lower electricity bills in the long run.  

Regarding its noise output, according to Corsair's quick start guide for RM750x, it should generate less than 5dB at 300W; for reference, a whisper, generally, is around 30dB. The higher you go, the more sound it’ll make, but at its maximum operational capacity, 750W, the noise level should be around 35-36dB. 

It also features a 135mm magnetic levitation or maglev fan. Due to the magnetic separation, these fans don’t have any moving parts coming in contact. In other PSUs, bearings and fluid keep the fan spinning, but as time goes on, the fluid can dry up, leading to increased friction, noise, temperature, and the eventual failure of the fan or even the PSU. However, since maglev fans don’t have any moving parts coming in contact, they have a longer lifespan and almost no noise. 

This RM750x also has a Mean Time between Failure (MTBF) of 100,000 hours. To put things into perspective, that means the PSU or any internal component can fail in 11 years. While this isn’t a definitive value, and the output can change depending on various external factors such as temperature, surge, or physical damage, it is good to know that a reliable PSU is powering your rig. 

It also has a 10-year warranty, so if it fails, you can get it repaired or replaced during that time. What more could you ask for? 

Lastly, it comes with Overvoltage Protection (OVP), Undervoltage Protection (UVP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), Overtemperature Protection (OTP), and Overpower Protection (OPP). These protection technologies help ensure the PSU's longevity and prevent PC components from frying.

To help you understand these technologies, we’ve explained them below. 

Overall, the RM750x is a solid power supply unit with excellent protection features, an aesthetic design, a low noise output, and, best of all, its fully modular nature. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this power supply unit has a stable output, great efficiency, low acoustics, and the ability to power various setups. One reviewer stated: “I fully recommend this product if you want enough power to provide for any gaming build with a good amount of headroom for future hardware that may consume more power.”

Next, we have the perfect PSU for all the minimalist design enthusiasts or those with a smaller PC case, the Corsair SF850L. We had the pleasure of testing this PSU in-house, and in our review, we found that it has great performance and efficiency, but the small form factor contributes to some extra noise. 

This PSU has dimensions of 130mm L x 125mm W x 63.5mm H (5.11” x  4.9” x 2.5”), making it much smaller than ATX power supplies and enabling it to comfortably fit inside small PC cases. While SFX PSUs do have the advantage in smaller spaces, their internal components pay the price for it as they have less space between them.

This can lead to overheating issues if not adequately cooled down. That said, this power supply unit has a 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan, which should help keep its temperature at manageable levels. These fans are quiet and can be mounted in various orientations without compromising the fan spin.

That said, during our testing, it produced 36.09dB at 115V and 35.92dB at 230V. This aligns with its Cybernetics rating of Standard+, which is for the 35dB to 40dB noise range. While it isn’t very loud, generally, 40dB is compared to the sound level of a library or bird calls; it is comparatively more audible than other PSUs on our list. 

As a small form factor choice, it provides great power and performance with great efficiency. 

Regarding its efficiency, it has two ratings: 80 Plus Gold and Cybernetics gave it a platinum rating. However, its average efficiency in our tests was 90.577% at 115V and 92.33% at 230V. This means it certainly matches Cybernetics' platinum standard, so it's like getting a platinum PSU for the price of a gold PSU. 

This PSU is also fully modular, meaning you can pick and choose which cables to use and reduce the clutter of additional wires. With this PSU, you should get:

A neat aspect of this power supply is that despite its small form factor, it still has the capability to output 850W of power on the single +12V rail and 150W on the multi, +3.3V, and +5V rails. This means that you should be able to get more than enough juice to power your rig and comfortably overclock your GPU and the CPU without worrying about low power issues or crashing. 

Along with its small size, it is also fully modular, which is great for cable management but also allows you to add various components when the need arises. On top of that, it has the same 100,000 MTBF hours as our top pick. However, it only has a seven-year warranty, which is less than RM750x’s ten years, but it should still be enough to shield your PSU through various upgrades and any potential failure or damage.

Last, it comes with a handful of protection technologies, the same as the RX750x. However, it also has Catastrophic Failure Protection (CFP), which ensures that the PSU shuts down in case of failure due to flame, fused PCB conductor, charred PCB, smoke, etc. 

So, all things considered, the SF850L is another solid addition from Corsair, and given its performance and price tag, it is worth the investment if you’re on the market for an SFX PSU. 

What users say

The user reception of the Corsair SF850L is massively positive, and its reviews praise it for its compact design, efficiency, and stable performance. Many reviewers were pleased with its quiet operation, which should let you know that 35-36db isn’t deafening. One reviewer stated: “With its efficiency, reliability, modular design, and quiet operation, it provides everything you need for a high-performance system without compromising on space.” which we believe sums up this PSU perfectly.

For our third pick, the reign of Corsair continues with the HX1000i power supply as our best efficient pick. This PSU has a platinum efficiency rating from Cybernetic and 80 Plus. In our Corsair HX1000i review, we verified its operational efficiency with our test setup and were glad with its performance. 

This is a fully modular ATX power supply unit with dimensions of 180mm L x 150mm W x 86mm H (7.09” x 5.91” x 3.39”). These dimensions mean it needs a spacious casing to be comfortably housed, and it isn’t designed for mid-tower or mini PC cases. 

That said, it's full modularity means the cables won't be an issue even if you’re slightly tight on space but can manage to fit it. You can only connect the necessary cables, keep the rest stored away, and bring them out when you need to connect another component. As for what cables come in the package, you should get the following: 

These cables should be enough to connect and power various components, with enough left over for future upgrades. 

It has a 140mm FDB fan, which makes sense since it's a powerful PSU and requires adequate airflow to keep it cool. Cybernetics has rated this PSU as an “A” in noise levels, which means its range is 20-25dB. This noise level is barely noticeable, yet the fan does a good job of keeping the temperature under control. 

The Corsair HX1000i is an outstanding power supply, for a component that might not be at the forefront of your build it brings about so much more than the rest.

Regarding its performance and efficiency, our testing found that it remained at 90% efficiency when idle and peaked at 93.93% when tested against heavy workloads. So, not only does it provide a good overhead for extreme hardware and overclocking for your system, but it also keeps it running optimally and ensures low electricity bills in the long run.

Our findings matched the Cybernetic results, which claim that the HX1000i has an 89.9% average efficiency with 115V and 91.4% efficiency with 230V.

This PSU comes with 2 EPS and 5 PCIe connectors, meaning you should have enough cables to power various PCIe devices. The 12VHPWR connector, in addition to its ATX 3.0 support, should ensure you can effortlessly run modern Nvidia and AMD GPUs. 

The maximum load of its 12+ single-rail connection is 83.3A, which means you should have plenty of headroom to power an overclocked GPU. If the power draw exceeds that, the OCP should trigger a shutdown, saving your components from shorting. 

The HX1000i has a zero RPM mode, which means the fan won’t spin unless necessary. This should reduce the already low noise levels but ensure that the PSU won’t heat up, as the fan will start spinning as soon as load is detected. 

Lastly, the most cool aspect of this PSU is its compatibility with Corsair’s iCUE software. This should enable you to set the fan curve according to the workload and temperature, check the power settings, and more. This is a great addition, particularly for individuals located in hotter regions, as the components require more cooling due to ambient temperature. Setting custom fan curves should help with that. 

Overall, this is one of the best PSUs available, and while it does come at a premium, its performance and efficiency make it worth every penny.  

What users say

According to customer reviews on Amazon, this PSU has amazing performance, efficiency, and build quality. The almost noiseless acoustics of this power supply are a major hit among the reviewers, and one user stated: “I would wholeheartedly endorse this PSU and wouldn't hesitate to purchase it again.” 

For our more budget-conscious readers, we recommend giving the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W power supply a shot. In our Smart RGB 500W review, it had decent performance fitting for a budget option. 

This is a non-modular PSU, which means its cables are permanently attached to it. In terms of cable management, this means you won’t have the refinement of a fully modular PSU, and you’ll have to tie the unused cables and store them in the PSU compartment. As for the cables, it has the following:

This is 150mm in length, 140mm in width, and 83mm in height (5.9” L x 5.5” W X 3.3” H). These dimensions are seen in most ATX PSUs, which means the Smart RGB 500W can fit in a mid-tower case, but that wouldn’t be possible in a smaller casing. 

It features a 120mm fan with a maximum RPM of 1800. According to Thermaltake, it has intelligent RPM control, meaning it’ll adjust its speed according to the load and temperature. They also claim that it has a noise level of 27.1dB at 100% load. Our testing found that it reached 43.97dB and 43.32dB for the 115V and 230V versions, respectively. According to the Cybernetic noise level standards, this puts this PSU in the standard category. 

The Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W is a perfectly fine choice for a budget build when you want a good value option.

Regarding its efficiency, Thermaltake has rated it 82-86% efficiency at 20%-100% load. We tested its efficiency for the 115V and 230V versions, and it managed 82.838% and 85.490% efficiency, respectively, which makes sense since it has an 80-plus white rating. 

So, it delivers what it promises in terms of efficiency, but the acoustics are far from quiet, and if you want a noiseless build, this PSU wouldn’t be an ideal fit. 

The Smart RGB 500W PSU comes with an RGB lighting button on the back, which you can turn on/off for RGB effects. There are a multitude of effects available, and you should be able to choose the color that matches the aesthetic of your build. 

Regarding protection technologies, it features OVP, OPP, and SCP. These technologies should protect it from undervoltage or a power surge by turning it off immediately when the current exceeds the value set as the limit. The Overvoltage protection is set at the following values:

In addition, it has similar 100,000 MTBF hours but a 5-year warranty. That said, we need to keep in mind that this is a budget pick, and options with better features and warranties also come with a directly proportional price tag.

Overall, this is a solid budget PSU choice. While its fan noise might deter some from opting for it, this should work perfectly fine if you’re operating on limited cash and your setup doesn’t require a heavy PSU. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W PSU is a reliable and inexpensive option that delivers what it says. One reviewer said: “No experience with a warranty claim as I've never had to do that with these,” which tells that they are more than satisfied with their purchase and never experienced any faults.

For our last pick, we see Corsair making a comeback and planning to conclude things with a bang. For that, we’ve got the RM850x Shift White PSU. 

This is an ATX power supply unit with dimensions of 160mm L x 150mm W x 86mm H (6.2” x 5.9” x 3.3”). This means it's not as small as an SFX PSU but smaller than the HX1000i. So, it should fit snuggly inside a mid- or a full-tower case. 

That said, the Shift series from Corsair brought an interesting design change by moving the cable interface on the side of the PSU. This should allow for easier cable management, combined with its fully modular nature, and enable different installation settings. 

The RM850x Shift White is fully modular, which allows you to add or remove the connecting cables depending on the requirements. For example, if you want to expand your storage by installing an HDD, you can do so by connecting the HDD to the power supply and attaching a SATA cable to the HDD. As for what cables come with the RM850x Shift White, you should get the following:

In addition to the necessary cables, like the ATX power cable, the 4 PCIe cables should allow you to connect multiple PCIe devices, allowing you to customize and upgrade your build further. 

The Corsair RM850x Shift White brings plenty of innovation and uniqueness to the PSU market and updates the popular model.

This PSU has an 80-plus efficiency rating of Gold. This generally means that a PSU is 87% efficient at 20% and 100% load and 90% efficient at 50% load. This gives us an idea of how a particular PSU should perform under heavy loads and idle conditions. 

The higher the efficiency, the more electricity is utilized instead of wasted as heat, resulting in lower electricity bills. That said, according to Cybernetic, the RM850x Shift White is 88.672% efficient at 115V and 90.817% efficient at 230V, which puts it in the Cybernetic Gold standard as well. 

Cybernetic gave it an “A” for fan noise, meaning its noise output falls between 20 and 25 dB. According to the RMx SHIFT quick start guide, it should have an output of 20db at 680W and gradually move above the 30dB mark as the load reaches its maximum capacity of 850W. That said, even if you manage to draw out its full potential, 30db shouldn’t be bothersome as it is generally compared to the sound level of a whisper. 

It also features a 140mm fluid dynamic bearing or an FDB fan. These fans are better than rifle-bearing fans and can be mounted in different orientations without compromising the fan spin. Since it is a powerful PSU, the 140mm fan should keep it cool, and, as we discussed, it doesn’t make much sound either. On top of that, it has a zero RPM mode where the fan stops spinning if it doesn’t detect a significant workload. This should also contribute toward the unit consuming less electricity but ensure good cooling as it should start working as soon as the workload is detected. 

This RM850x also has a Mean Time between Failure (MTBF) of 100,000 hours. This means the unit or the internal components can fail once in 11 years. That said, it comes with a 10-year warranty, which is plenty of time. So, if it fails in that time frame, you can claim the warranty to replace or repair it. However, we recommend reading the fine print of the warranty claim as there are some factors that nullify a warranty claim, like water damage in the case of mobile phones and such. 

This power supply unit also has a handful of protection technologies that safeguard its operations. These technologies include the following: 

All of these safety measures ensure the PSU runs optimally, and any low voltage or power surge will shut it off before it damages itself or short-circuits your PC components.

Lastly, it comes with Overvoltage Protection (OVP), Undervoltage Protection (UVP), Short Circuit Protection (SCP), Overtemperature Protection (OTP), and Overpower Protection (OPP). These protection technologies help ensure the PSU's longevity and prevent PC components from frying.

What users say

According to customer reviews on Amazon, this power supply unit is outstandingly efficient and reliable. It's modular and new design allows for easy cable management. Its low-noise fan is well-liked, and even at high loads, it's barely noticeable. One user stated, “I highly recommend the Corsair RM850x to anyone in need of a powerful, efficient, and silent power supply for their PC build. Corsair has once again raised the bar with this outstanding product.”

How to pick the best power supply 

Before you settle on any one power supply, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider. Keeping those in mind should help you narrow down your list of options and select a PSU that has a good performance-to-value ratio and is the perfect fit for you. We’ve listed some of the factors below. 

Power requirements

The first factor you need to consider is your power requirements. For example, if your setup has plenty of fans, RGB components, and an RTX 5090 paired with an 9950X3D, a 500W would be too underpowered, and either your system won’t boot, or it’ll keep crashing. In that case, opting for a 1000W or even a 1200W PSU would be better suited.

On the other hand, if you have a budget rig with more power-efficient components like the Ryzen 5 9600X paired with an RTX 5070, then a 750W or even 650W PSU should be able to power all of it without disruptions.

So, calculate how much power each component requires and opt for a PSU with a 100W overhead to the total number. For example, if your complete system requires 550W, a 650W PSU would be ideal. Using a website like PCBuilder, you can put in your parts to get an idea of how much power they will consume.

Form factor 

The next thing you need to consider is how much space your PC case has to accommodate a PSU. Depending on that, you’ll have to get an ATX or an SFX PSU. SFX PSUs are smaller in size and can easily fit into smaller cases. However, if space isn’t an issue, an ATX PSU should serve you well, and they have better thermal design. 

Efficiency

The PSU's efficiency rating determines how much energy is utilized and how much is wasted. For example, there are six standards: 

The higher you go, the more efficient a PSU is, and the less electricity is wasted. This results in lower electricity bills and peace of mind that your system is well protected, which is priceless. However, they tend to increase in price with a higher rating, so the initial price might be something to consider too.

Modularity 

There are three types of PSUs: modular, semi-modular, and non-modular. The modular PSU is fully customizable in the sense that you can only attach the cable you need and put aside the others. This leads to better cable management and less clutter.

Semi-modular PSUs only have a couple of cables attached, while the rest can be attached if needed. The attached cables generally include the ATX 24-pin, the 8-pin CPU connector, and others. 

Non-modular cables have all the cables permanently attached, meaning that you can’t remove any of them. With these PSUs, the cables that won’t get used are stuffed inside the PSU compartment, which leads to poor cable management and possibly overheating issues since everything is cramped up.  

Is a 1000 Watt PSU overkill?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and it varies from scenario to scenario. For example, if you’re running an RX 590 with an i7-4770 processor, a 1000-watt PSU is overkill, as a 500 or even 450W PSU could power that setup.However, if you’re running an RTX 5090 with an overclocked i9-14900K, a 1000W power supply should be a good fit, and some might even suggest going for the 1200W category. So, it all depends on your components and whether you’re overclocking them, but for most builds, it will most likely be too much.

Is 850W enough for a high end PC?

For most high end builds, an 850W PSU will be enough to keep it powered. As the top graphics cards, and the parts that dictate the most power consumption, just about reach those PSU recommendations. As the likes of an RTX 5080, Nvidia recommends an 850W rated supply, while AMD asks for 750W for the 9070 XT. It's only when you look to Team Green's flagship that you will have to go a step above to the 1000W.

Does a gaming PC raise your electric bill?

Yes, you will most likely notice an increase in your electric bill when using a gaming PC. For the most part, it will be during gaming and using it more, as at idle it's not as noticeable. However, when the full power use, something like 600W starts to kick in, that will be quite the load on your circuit and start clocking in on your meter.

The cost will, of course, depend on your tariff wherever you live, so if it's high you may want to consider a lower powered system if you are concerned about how much it will increase the price.

Design

Primarily the Corsair SF850L offers a smaller size, but being a strong power supply it has a strong offering without cutting out much. As the PSU is just a shrunken-down option it still is mostly the same as the standard ATX options, and unlike the RM1000X Shift we reviewed, the power connectors are on the usual end. It utilizes Type 5 cables, in case you want to swap them out, but provides a good range of cables and connectors by standard.

That includes being ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5 compatible, giving you the 12VHPWR connector out of the box and without faffing around with any adapters that haven't had the best reputation since it's included with RTX 40 series graphics cards. Along with a good range of connectors, the actual sockets are well spaced out, not bunched up right next to each other means it's a lot more accessible and easy to plug in and out the connectors. Although stacked on top, it requires some space to unclip each which might get in the way.

The Corsair SF850L doesn’t drop much even as a small factor choice

Otherwise, you get a simple-looking logo on the side and a model name with standard Corsair branding. On the other, you get the full specs and safety information of the unit and an essential warning about not opening it up. To note there is a hybrid choice, and you don't get control of the fan on board, which is a 120mm fluid dynamic bearing option providing it with a strong cooling choice.

Size

SF850L is an ideal choice for small form factor PCs with its SFX-L design. Measuring 125 x 63.5 x 130mm it does suit those mini builds but even then offers up an adapter if you want to use it in a bigger case, not that we would recommend doing so as it can stand out a bit.

With the micro fit cables and full modularity, it does offer a useful addition to many small builds, including cable management. In that small space, we see the fan take up most of the space on the intake. This should still be adequate for the cooling as the compact internals are likely to reach higher temps with the 850W rating and so might need some work so let's see how it fairs.

Sound and efficiency

Rather more importantly the performance of the PSU is key as well, and the SF850L does well in general to achieve a strong result. Although 80 Plus gives it just the gold standard, Cybenetics tests put it at a Platinum efficiency. At 115V the average efficiency archives 90.577% with the 5VSB efficiency at 83.657%. With the 230V version at an average of 92.33% and 83.020% for the 5VSB rail.

As for the sound of the PSU, it only achieves a Standard+ rating, as it averages 36.09dB(A) for the 115V, and a bit less at 230V with 35.92sB(A). That does leave it on the louder side of choices, but that is to be expected with the work it has to do to keep temps under wraps in such a small unit. Even then it's unlikely to be heard when you're engrossed in heavy tasks and there are other components taking the spotlight.

What GPUs to pair with the PSU

There's not really much you miss out on with this 850W PSU, although if you're going for an SFX PSU, then you're likely in a small build. This means you're going to want to get an ITX GPU or low-profile graphics card that can also actually fit into a narrow space.

You can easily power even the likes of the RTX 4080 Super and RX 7900 XTX, as they are easily powered by the 850W. With only a TBP of 320W and 355W respectively. However, depending on your case and space, it might not be feasible to fit those in with their large cooling solutions, and instead looking down towards an RTX 4070 Super or RX 7800 XT might be more reasonable.

Corsair SF850L is a handy dandy little PSU

Warranty and support

The SF series of Corsair power supplies has a tad bit shorter warranty period than its longest option of 10 years as seen in the longest ranges. But it's still on 7 years of warranty and support for the unit since purchase. Providing you a length period of knowing you are going to be covered and how long it might last you. As it is a strong choice for your next build, no need to spend any more just re-use and that is a key consideration for the long term. Especially with the long-term features on it.

Conclusion

The Corsair SF850L is a handy dandy little PSU. As a small form factor choice, it provides great power and performance with great efficiency at the cost of some sound drawbacks. However, it costs as any standard ATX choice and does not come with any tax for being more unique. Whilst also providing a strong future-proof choice considering the native ATX 3 support available that will give you many years of changes and upgrades.

Design

The Seasonic Focus GX-850 is a rather simple yet refined-looking power supply. Without much standing out but a more elegant combination of black and gold, accents the writing and key areas to focus on. It gives the power supply a nice styling and refined look as it makes the PSU an attractive sight and easy to read before you put it in at least seeing as it's the only time you will see it.

elegant combination of black and gold, accents the writing and key areas to focus on

It also offers full modularity as a great way for cable management and swapping out for custom cables if the standard ones aren't enough for you. They are on the bulkier side of sizing but provide a good range of options, as there are five CPU and PCIe sockets for your build allowing even overclocking alongside the high-powered processors and graphics cards. Along with four peripherals and SATA for all the additions to your rig.

For its cooling solution, it has within it a 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, which gives it a strong cooling performance and keeps temperatures under wraps at a good sound level. The latest model also features the PCIe 5 standard allowing you to use the latest gen without an adapter and getting the 16-pin connector by default reduces the risk of any problems.

Size

The Seasonic Focus GX-850 isn't different than a standard ATX PSU, it's not an SFX model and comes in at a size of 140 x 150 x 86 mm. That makes it an easy addition to any PC case if it's not a small form factor. Plus with the interchangeable connectors, you don't have to manage as many cables as you don't need, but a standard case basement will be plenty of space to fit it all in.

Sound and efficiency

If you're about the sound and efficiency then the Seasonic is a strong contender for both with the GX series. It's not the top-spec but it comes in at an average rate so you don't have to spend a tremendous amount on it. The power supply is rated Gold for efficiency by 80 Plus and Cybenetics, giving it a strong average level overall.

At 115V, it gets an 88.845% across-the-board efficiency, along with the 5VSB average reaching 80.848%. Whilst at 230V that jumps up to 90.962% and the 5VSB average is up to 79.360%. That provides you with a strong conversion rate of what electricity you're paying for compared to what you're using. The sound of the component reaches 30.73 dB(A) and 30.82 dB(A) respectively keeping it relatively low and well adjusted to ambient, as Cybenetics testing shows with the rating it achieves.

If you're about the sound and efficiency then the Seasonic is a strong contender for both with the GX series

What GPUs to pair with the Seasonic GX-850

As an 850W power supply, there's not much you can't run with this choice. As the graphics card is the dominant factor in how much power you need to supply to your system. But even the top-end hardware available now doesn't need much more. That's why matching it up with the best 4080 Super, or RX 7900 XTX is a good capability. Those have a typical board power of 320W and 355W respectively, which means the recommendation is 750/800W PSU, which makes the Seasonic a perfect choice. Especially with a decent mix of value to efficiency and not wanting to splash higher for it.

Warranty and support

Seasonic is a well-known brand for power supplies and they keep you covered well. That is also the case for the GX-850 as you will have 10-year support for it. That gives you some peace of mind for using the PSU, and not just for one system, as with an 850W power it will be a strong choice for any future builds. This will give you a lot more value for anything in the future as you don't have to rebuy one of the key components.

Conclusion

In general, the Seasonic GX-850 is a strong universal power supply, and as gold standards are the norm, the Seasonic sits strongly in that rating. Without a great deal of noise either, and running good temps doing so means you can have a great overall experience using it. Plus with the 850W rating, it is a great general choice as the Focus looks to a wider audience and a whole lotta years that you can keep using it.

Design

For a general design, the Thermaltake Smart RGB is a bit limited in what it offers, which is kind of expected for the budget option that it is. First of all the big drawback is the non-modularity of the power supply, compared to fully and semi-modular it does make it a lot less customizable and flexible to what you do with it. Stuck with the ketchup and mustard of the old, it does bring some nostalgia, but limits your ability to change them out and how much you have plugged in. Although at 500W you're unlikely to get much more, length can be a big issue depending on your PC case and routing.

Stuck with the ketchup and mustard of the old, it does bring some nostalgia, but limits your ability to change them out and how much you have plugged in

Although that is part of the low budget, not providing much customization or changes but keeping things simple. But that is differentiated by the color aspect, included. The Thermaltake PSU puts in a 120mm RGB fan for the cooling solution, which is easily switched in mode via a button on the back like the power switch. Allowing you to switch through 15 modes that are remembered in the built-in memory for easier use between your sessions.

To also keep costs down the power supply limits itself to a minimum spec of hardware inside. You won't be seeing the famed Japanese capacitors inside but something more minimal and low-quality electrolytic caps. Although these may not be as common and popular they shouldn't cause any harm as we see with the warranty on offer. Although the performance and protections aren't as effective as they could be.

Size

As with any other ATX power supply, it is a full-size option, measuring 150 x 140 x 85 mm which makes it a standard choice for a range of builds. That does not make it a suitable SFX PSU and is limited to those sizes. Whilst the non-modularity puts all the cables to one side, and without replugging options, makes it a lot easier to handle. But it does bulk up the cable management required and hide away whatever you're not using that needs some space in the basement of your case.

Sound and efficiency

Looking at the testing done on the power supply, we look at what the Cybenetics standards testing showed about it. This does show why it's rated so low, as the 80+ White rating and Bronze awards from the testing do show it is not an ideal choice for those looking to get the most value for money in the long term, as the input power conversion to useful electricity is not as good as it could be.

The Smart RGB 115V version averaged an efficiency of 82.838%, which doesn't seem too bad, but the 10W and 5VSB efficiency drops further making it a hard choice when under high loads. That is the same for the 230V, although the average reaches 85.490% it also does not fare well in the specific uses. The fan is not quiet either, reaching 43.97 and 43.32 dB(A) respectively, although not a sound to hear throughout your build it still is higher than others and not an ideal choice for a quiet build.

What GPUs to pair with the Thermaltake Smart RGB

For the low 500W PSU you don't want to overload it with high-powered and best graphics cards. Instead, the low-end selection is what can be managed, as it pairs up with the entry-level choices even the new-gen option. The likes of the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 are both good choices to match the power supply's capability.

Most of your system's power is dictated by your GPU, as their TDP or power consumption is the greatest out of the entire PC build. With a 115W and 165W typical board power respectively for the cards, they only require a 500W PSU and go well with the Thermaltake choice as it also covers the one or two power connectors they might require. There is even potential to jump up to an RTX 4060 Ti if you need a bit more from your graphics power.

perfectly fine choice for a budget build when you want a good value option

Warranty and support

The lower choice Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W has a more limited support system than compared to a higher choice power supply, such as the RM1000X Shift we also reviewed. It comes with about half the life support with only 5 years from when you purchase the power supply from a retailer, and it might not be a strong choice for multiple systems. It might be a good pick for a budget pick now but might not be strong enough for the next build in years to come.

Conclusion

Overall, the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W is a perfectly fine choice for a budget build when you want a good value option. Lacking the looks and customizability, you want to make sure it suits your needs with the limited-length cables and their red and yellow looks. But when efficiency doesn't matter too much either and instead you want better components, it is a perfectly strong choice of power supply.

Ion+ 860P design

As far as PSU designs go, the Fractal Design Ion+ 860P keeps things simple. No lights or mixing things up it keeps to the basics to focus on the internals. With a two-piece design with a slight change in tone between the top and bottom, it's sleek and to the point considering you don't see it most of the time, it's not exactly a necessity.

As for the connector side, it's quite a standard setup, although fairly limited in combination. However, an 860W PSU might not need all too much in total. But the supply combines the ATX 12V and PCIe into the same range of connectors, which gives you only that much for both CPU and GPU combined. That will be plenty for most standard builds as the Fractal PSU comes with two 4+4 pins and six 6+2 pins.

Fractal Design Ion+ 860P source: BGFG

You also get plenty of SATA and peripheral options with four individual connection ports. On the side facing into your PC case as well, you can find the "zero RPM mode" switch, giving you flexibility to the noise levels, although you may not require much attention anyway when it comes to performance.

From the main power side, there's not much but the off-on switch and plenty of ventilation to exhaust out the back of your system. That is also where the incredible cooling comes into play. Featuring a huge 140mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, that comes with little impediment to keep temps down for a top performance choice.

Ion+ 860P size

There's not much too different in the sizing of the Ion+ 860P as it offers up a standard ATX form factor. Unlike the RM1000X Shift, it doesn't need any considerations when building it into your case. But it's also not a small form factor choice, as you compare the ATX vs SFF standard it's not the ideal pick for something small.

With dimensions of 150 x 150 x 86mm, it is a more standard fit and a lot more compatible with a wide range of choices making it an easy fit. But beware of the cables as usual, be sure to fit all the modular cables you need before having to reach into the basement and blindly figure things out.

Sound and efficiency of the Ion+ 860P

The sound and efficiency are where the Ion+ 86-P prospers, making it a top choice for both quiet and efficient operation. Especially with the newer standard from Cybenetics rewarding it with an A+ and Platinum for those functions respectively. That makes it both basically silent in operation as well as ensuring most of the electricity you pay for actually is used for running your PC.

That makes the Ion+ 860P a strong power supply for efficiency with basically no noise.

In terms of the Cybenetics testing done on the PSU, we can see in detail what it does to gain that award. There we see that at 115V it averaged an efficiency of 89.952% with the 5VSB efficiency lower at 76.311%. Whilst the average noise output was only 18.05 dB(A). Whilst at 230V that improves even more, as the average efficiency sits at 91.727% and 5VSB goes to 76.109%, while the noise averages up to 17.99 dB(A). That makes the Ion+ 860P a strong power supply for efficiency with basically no noise.

What GPUs to pair with the Fractal power supply

As an 860W power supply, it's the less conventional wattage compared to the 50W increments you see others utilize. Even still that makes it a rather powerful choice for anything you might want to pair with it. Considering even the top-end graphics cards, which are the ones dictating your power needs, only ask for 850W this PSU can handle anything really.

In that case, we'd suggest the AMD RX 7900 XTX or even RTX 4080 Super to go with the Ion+ 860P. Giving it great efficiency and performance to keep your system nice and quiet. They have a TDP of 355W and 320W and suggest an 800W and 700W PSU respectively. So you can easily achieve it with this power supply and have a good run for years to come.

Warranty and support

Fractal Design offers up a strong warranty for its power supply as you'd hope for. With the part integral to the safety of your entire system you do want to make sure you can trust it and have help if needed. In that case, the Ion+ 860P has a 10-year warranty giving you reassurance for many years from the first time you build with it. Allowing you to get many systems powered with it and get great value for your money.

high power rating and top-of-the-line efficiency, it makes for a universally great power source

Conclusion

The Fractal Design Ion+860P, in general, is a strong choice for a power supply. With a high power rating and top-of-the-line efficiency, it makes for a universally great power source. Especially when it comes to a long-term commitment, where you can also enjoy an efficient use of power for your money. However, at this point, there is a second-generation choice that you can enjoy with minor improvements when considering what new-generation graphics might need.

Is the Fractal Design Ion+ 860P worth it?

Today it's not going to be worth getting considering there is a 2nd generation choice you can get hold of. But also if you are after an ATX 3.0 PSU with native support for the latest choice of hardware that can save you plenty of distress it's not the choice either. However, for efficiency and low noise, it is a top choice.

RM1000X Shift design

Of course, the first thing you notice on this power supply is the shifted power connector locations. Instead of sitting on the opposite end of your AC cable, the connectors are now on the side of your side panel. No more reaching into the base of your PC case and fumbling around to try and unplug or plug in that cable you forgot. This PSU makes it a lot simpler where you can now see the cables and access them more easily.

Overall the RM1000X Shift is an excellent choice of power supply for your current or any future builds. With such a high wattage it will power even the top end of hardware. But it also does so with great efficiency and without much noise on top.

But this is very much case-dependent, if you already had easy access it might not be too big of a difference. But it does affect most standard choice cases and makes life just that bit simpler. As long as the case is compatible, the sizing and connections are different than the standard as we'll see below.

Corsair RM1000X Shift, source: BGFG

Being a 1000W PSU there is plenty of power behind it but also a lot of cables included. There is a total of seven PCIe connectors for all your GPU or add-in card needs. Plus it includes the 16-pin connector as a native PCIe 5 PSU, making it a lot easier to use on your next best GPU particularly Nvidia ones that opt for the new standard.

One drawback of the original cables included with the power supply is the short distance between the peripheral connectors. So if you're looking to connect up further away components it might be a bit more difficult. But being a fully modular PSU makes it a lot simpler to swap out for custom cables, but do make sure they are compatible with the pin out of the power supply.

RM1000X Shift size

The RM1000X Shift is a standard ATX PSU but with a bit of extra length added on. As it extends to 180mm, less of a cube than most lower power supplies but should still mostly fit any standard cases. Especially considering there are no power cables at the front to interfere with anything in front of it.

But there is also a consideration for the PC case compatibility. With the connectors next to the side panel, now you have to make sure you have enough room for your connectors. For a good clearance amount, it is suggested you have a case 210mm (8.3") wide in total. So those cases that we struggle to close with our rat's nest cables won't quite make the cut. Or it might be easier with the modularity and ease of access to the power supply.

Corsair RM1000X Shift, source: BGFG

Sound and efficiency

Corsair has put the power supply through its paces. The RM1000X Shift is both rated by 80 Plus and Cybenetics to a Gold standard, whilst the latter also gives it an A sound rating. The Cybenetics results also provide insight into how the PSU works. It runs at a temperature range of 30-32°C (86-89.6°F) and keeps incredibly quietly doing so.

As the testing shows, at 115V the average efficiency was 88.494% with the average 5VSB efficiency at 76.997%. Whilst the fan keeping the temps down only produces an average noise output of 23.62dB(A). Whilst at 230V the average efficiency is up at 90.176% as the 5VSB is up at 78.295% and doing so with slightly less noise at 23.59dB(A).

What GPUs do we recommend for the Corsair PSU?

As a 1000W PSU, there are no modern GPUs the RM1000X Shift can't handle. Even the top-end Nvidia or AMD GPUs don't need anything more. That means you can easily pair it up with the best RTX 4090, RTX 4080 Super, or RX 7900 XTX quite easily.

It's especially useful for the top choice Nvidia graphics cards considering the 12VHPWR connector that comes with the unit. That means it's a lot cleaner without the use of any adapters that might not look too nice out front or cause any issues that the cable was known for before.

Warranty and support

The great thing about the Corsair RM1000X Shift is that it comes with a ten-year warranty. It gives you great peace of mind that you can get it fixed so many years down the line. Considering it is a 1000W PSU it means it's a future-proof choice for any of your future builds, saving you a decision and purchase down the line. It also comes with a great protection system for good transient response and properly set overcurrent and overpower protection. That means you shouldn't be getting any problems with your power but even then you can get support if you do have any issues.

Overall the RM1000X Shift is an excellent choice of power supply for your current or any future builds.

Conclusion

Overall the RM1000X Shift is an excellent choice of power supply for your current or any future builds. With such a high wattage it will power even the top end of hardware. But it also does so with great efficiency and without much noise on top. Its main difference and innovation is the side connectors making it a strong choice for building and managing your cabling. As long as you are willing to pay the extra $30 or so for the privilege.

Is the Corsair RM1000X Shift worth it?

When you need all the power for a good safety margin, along with some strong efficiency, and minimal noise then the RM1000X is a worthy purchase. As long as you take advantage of the side connectors as well, since the markup over the standard choice can be pretty hefty. It brings with it a great design and build quality that does cost a bit more than most but should last you plenty of builds and years.

When it comes to building or upgrading a PC, one of the crucial decisions lies in selecting the right power supply unit. Now, PSUs come in different shapes and sizes, and you need to choose the one that is suitable for your build. Many people, especially beginners, get confused between SFX and ATX PSUs, but the difference between the two isn't that much.

Well, we have tested both types and have enough knowledge to let you know what differentiates the two. So, without any further ado, let's dive in!

SFX vs ATX PSU - what's the difference?

Let's take a look at some major differences between SFX and ATX PSUs.

Size

The biggest difference between SFX and ATX PSUs is the size. ATX PSUs are larger in size and have been the standard form factor for PCs for many years. A standard ATX PSU typically measures 150mm in width, 86mm in height, and 140mm in depth.

On the other hand, SFX PSUs are smaller in size and are hence compact. These typically measure 100mm in width, 63.5mm in height, and 125mm in depth.

Usually, full-tower or mid-tower cases are designed to accommodate both SFX and ATX power supplies. However, compact, SFF, and mini-ITX cases are meant for only SFX PSUs due to their small size. Therefore, keep the size of your case in mind before getting a PSU.

Cooling capabilities

Generally, ATX power supplies tend to have better cooling capabilities than SFX power supplies. This is primarily because ATX PSUs are larger and can accommodate larger fans and heatsinks, which allows for more effective heat dissipation. On top of that, cases that can accommodate ATX PSUs typically have more room for airflow and ventilation, something that further aids in cooling the PSU.

SFX power supplies, on the other hand, are smaller and have less space for cooling components. While the latest SFX PSUs offer improved cooling, they may still be prone to heating up more quickly under heavy loads compared to their ATX counterparts.

Portability

SFX power supplies are small in size, so they weigh less than ATX PSUs. This is why they are preferred for portable PC builds, as they don't significantly increase the overall weight of the PC, thus allowing you to carry it easily wherever you go. On top of that, if you ever plan to upgrade to a bigger PC case in the future, you can easily fit your SFX PSU inside it.

SFX vs ATX PSU - which one should you choose?

Now, coming down to the main question, which one should you choose? Well, it all depends on your requirements.

If you have a large PC case, then it would be better to opt for an ATX PSU. This is because they usually have better cooling capabilities, and your case can accommodate them as well. As Intel claims, too much heat can cause your overall system to slow down, and an ATX PSU with a large fan can definitely help out with this. On the other hand, if you're looking for a compact PSU that is small in size and doesn't weigh a lot, then you'd want to opt for an SFX PSU. In case you want to explore some options, you can check out our top picks for the best SFX power supplies.

Should the PSU fan spin when turned on?

Usually, PSU fans spin only when needed. When you're engaged in a task that isn't drawing much power, the fans won't spin as there won't be enough heat generated.

How often should PSU be replaced?

A high-quality PSU can last between five and ten years. However, you should replace your PSU as soon as it starts performing poorly, as a faulty power supply can end up damaging other components.