Best Power Supply Units (PSUs) For Gaming Rigs In 2024 (2024)

At the heart of your gaming rig lie important components like the graphics card, lightning-fast processors, or what have you. But these units also require a stable power supply to keep them going. Often overlooked, the PSU is practically the lifeline of every part of your PC, ensuring a precise flow of power and seamless operation.

A quality PSU doesn’t just distribute energy; it is also responsible for dictating the longevity and efficiency of the entire system. This prevents power fluctuation and makes your gaming sessions more enjoyable. Which is why it is extremely important for you to choose the right PSU for your rig. But don’t worry, we did the homework for you on this one.

Updated on March 25, 2024, by Sai Vsr: Our latest addition to this list includes the Seasonic Focus Plus 850 Gold, a brilliantly quiet power solution for your gaming rig. Check it out below!

Best Power Supply Units (PSUs) For Gaming Rigs

Best For Quiet Operation

Seasonic Focus Plus 850 Gold PSU

As quiet as Santa when he comes down the chimney.

This fully modular 850W workhorse boasts 80 PLUS® Gold efficiency, a 10-year warranty, and advanced protection features, making it the ultimate choice for demanding systems that need a reliable, clutter-free performance.

Pros

• Demonstrates efficiency at typical loads.
• Quiet with semi-passive cooling.
• Fully modular cable design.

Cons

• Minor rails have transient response issues.
• 5VSB efficiency could be higher.

See at Amazon

One of the things that you will notice right away about this particular listing is that it's got an 80 PLUS Gold certification, which basically means it's super efficient, won't waste energy, or generate a ton of heat. A win for your wallet and the environment if there ever was one.

Coming to the reason we got this product onto this listing, the FOCUS Plus 850 Gold has a 120 mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan that's so quiet, you are probably not even going to notice it's on there. It's got this cool semi-passive mode where the fan doesn't even spin until the load hits 30 percent.

Again, not only does this keep noise levels down, but it also means the fan is going to last a really long time, let's say about 50,000 hours. And thanks to the sleek black modular cables and compact size, cable management is not too much trouble either. But Seasonic didn't stop there. They've loaded this PSU with every protection you can think of – OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, and SCP. Cherry on top? There's a 10-year warranty on this thing, making it a superb addition to your rig.

Best For Easy Installation

Corsair RM1200x Shift

Convenience and power.

Check out the Corsair RM1200x Shift: a fully modular ATX power supply with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compliance, Zero RPM fan mode, and 105°C-rated capacitors for efficient, reliable performance in modern gaming rigs.

Pros

• Fully modular with space-saving Micro-Fit PSU connectors.
• Zero RPM fan mode for silent operation.
• ATX 3.0 certified, supporting PCIe Gen 5 platform.

See at Amazon$210 at Best Buy

With its cutting-edge Micro-Fit connectors and compliance with the newest ATX 3.0 standard, the RM1200x Shift feels like it's from the future. One of our favorite things about this is how clean and organized it lets you be with cable management. Since it's fully modular, you only need to hook up the cables your build requires. This really helps reduce clutter and improves airflow inside your case. Oh yeah, you get that beautiful cable-free look every builder wants.

Another neat feature that shows Corsair put some thought into this is the Zero RPM fan mode. Your PSU fan doesn't even spin unless the unit is under heavier load. So, when you're just web browsing or doing lighter tasks, the RM1200x Shift will be virtually silent.

Now let's talk about what's under the hood - 100% Japanese electrolytic capacitors rated for 105°C. This focus on premium internals reinforces the future-proofing and long-term durability Corsair intended for the RM1200x Shift. Seem a bit overkill? Mayhaps. But if you want something that's going to give you a lot of power while not being too much of a hassle to install, you might wanna take a look at this little rockstar.

Best High-End

Corsair AX1600i

For the elite gamer.

With stable voltages, ultra-low noise, and CORSAIR LINK software monitoring, the Corsair AX1600i is the pinnacle of power supply innovation, tailored for the most demanding gaming setups.

Pros

• Advanced GaN MODFET technology for superior efficiency.
• Silent operation even under heavy loads.
• Custom tuning through an intuitive software.

$699 at Amazon$550 at Walmart

See Also

Legendary Overclocker KINGPIN Leaves EVGA and Joins PNY to Develop Next-Generation GPUs for Extreme OC

If you have a passion for gaming and the money to burn, the AX1600i should be the next natural step in the process of establishing your high-end gaming setup. With a mind-blowing 1600W of continuous power and 80 PLUS Titanium efficiency, you get access to a level of power supply that can only be described as best-in-class.

One of the most interesting features here is the usage of Gallium Nitride transistors in a totem-pole PFC configuration. This particular integration ensures you get more energy distribution while retaining a smaller build. The added flexibility that allows you toggle between single and multiple 12V rails is a feature that you will appreciate for sure.

Externally, you get a 140mm fan, which optimizes cooling at a stable temperature of 50 degrees. With added features like the CORSAIR LINK software, you’re also able to get in-depth monitoring capabilities on metrics such as PSU temp and fan speed, the AX1600i is practically the benchmark for excellence in power supply units.

Best Overall

MSI MEG Ai1000P

Precision in power.

MSI's MEG Ai1000P PCIe 5 PSU combines future-ready compatibility, Gallium Nitride transistors for enhanced efficiency, and software monitoring for in-depth insights. Additional features like toggle-able rails and stable voltages make this unit an absolute beast with great value for money.

Pros

• ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatibility.
• Real-time metric monitoring with MSI Gaming Intelligence application.
• Gallium Nitride transistors for compact efficiency.

Cons

• Load regulation could be tighter at 12V.
• 5VSB efficiency needs improvement.

$280 at Amazon$280 at Walmart

Aesthetics? Check. Top-tier performance? Check. Super-cool Warranty Period? Double check. The MEG Ai1000P is here to check all your boxes in this vastly oversaturated PSU market. With compatibility for both ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0, the Gallium Nitride transistor-powered supply unit delivers incredibly stable voltages with ultra-low ripple noise.

The sleek design makes it both functional and visually appealing, while the semi-digital monitoring platform from Channel Well further enhances user-intuitive computing. Flexibility in gaming setups is further refined, since this PSU also offers you the option of switching between single and multiple 12V rails, a feature that is only mostly seen in high-end supply units. But that’s not even the coolest thing, MSI is so confident in the longevity and durability of this unit that the Ai1000P actually comes along with a ten-year warranty.

Best Mid-Range

EVGA Supernova 550 GM

Mid-Range Mastery

Elevate your gaming experience with the EVGA SuperNOVA 550 GM: a PSU that is designed for those who don’t want to go overboard with the budget. With its silent DBB fan, Power ON Self Tester, and compact form, you get your money’s worth with this one!

Pros

• Efficient ECO Mode with silent DBB fan.
• Compact SFX form factor ideal for tight builds.
• Built-in Power ON Self Tester.

Cons

• Limited to 550W capacity.
• Generic design.

$265 at Walmart

The EVGA SuperNOVA 550 GM is a masterclass in balancing power and form. Under the hood, you get a 550W capacity designed to handle most setups effortlessly, while the ECO Mode, paired with a Double Ball Bearing fan, guarantees efficient cooling in a whisper-quiet operation style.

One of the more considerate additions in the unit also includes the Power On Self Tester, which gives gamers some peace of mind by making sure that it is game-ready at all times. Considering the price on this, it’s actually very surprising that you get all of this packed into an SFX form factor, a definite bonus for those who value space optimization. To top it all off, EVGA is also offering a whopping seven-year warranty, which only highlights the quality and durability of this product.

Best Budget

Thermaltake Smart 700W 80+ White Certified PSU

Power on a budget.

Looking for a power supply unit that doesn’t break the bank? Introducing the Thermaltake Smart 700W. With intelligent cooling, high-quality components, and a wide range of connectors, it's the perfect blend of affordability and performance.

Pros

• High-quality components ensure durability.
• Single +12V rail for consistent performance.
• Wide range of connectors for versatility.

Cons

• Bulky design.
• Noisy cooling system.

$50 at Amazon$56 at Walmart$50 at Best Buy

Budget-friendly doesn’t always mean that you have to compromise on power or performance, and the Thermaltake Smart is a brilliant example of that. With a capacity of 700W, you get some great power backup, while the Single +12V rail design ensures superior performance without having to worry too much about the system load.

The unit has also been integrated with high-quality components that give durability and prevent issues like capacitor leakage. Adaptability is a given, considering the wide range of connectors that go along seamlessly with various components. The design does leave a lot to be desired in certain areas, like form factor and bulkiness, but considering the price point, this is definitely the answer to your gaming needs.

Best Compact

SilverStone SX1000 SFX-L PSU

Compact and powerful.

SilverStone's SX1000 Platinum offers a blend of compact SFX-L design, 1000W output, and 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency. Featuring all-Japanese capacitors, a single +12V rail, and flexible flat cables, it's the go-to choice for compact gaming setups.

Pros

• 80 PLUS Platinum certified efficiency.
• Fully modular design with flexible flat cables.
• Silent 120mm dual ball bearing fan.

Cons

• Limited to 50°C operating temperature.
• Fanless mode only bears up to 20% load.

$289 at Amazon$316 at Walmart

When it comes to power supplies, the more compact it is, the better. And the SIlverstone SX1000 Platinum is one of the smallest but most powerful form factors there is. The unique design and build quality demonstrate a strong commitment to miniaturization without compromising on power.

With a staggering 1000 watts, this unit is ready to power your gaming setup any time, whether you are in the studio or on the go. It also comes with a 120mm fan which is designed for silent operation, ensuring that you get optimal heat dissipation without having to deal with all the noise. The SX1000 also has a modular aspect to it, making compact setups easier by allowing for more efficient and clean cable management. At the same time, the robust +12 single rail is perfect for managing high-end components in small-factor builds.

Best RGB

ASUS ROG Thor 1000W Platinum II

Illuminate. Power. Play.

Designed for gamers seeking both performance and style in their setup, the Asus ROG Thor 1000W PSU delivers gaming flair and studio aesthetics with great ease.

Pros

• High-end cooling system.
• Customizable with OLED displays and decals.
• Stunning RGB lighting aesthetics.

Cons

• Requires compatible motherboard for full RGB control.
• Bulky design.

$295 at Amazon$299 at Walmart

Want the same gaming power but with a bit of an added flair? Asus has got you covered. The new ROG THOR P2 is all about delivering gaming excellence while also bringing some aesthetics to your setup. The 1000W ATX12V capacity ensures your rig gets the juice that it needs, while the 80 PLUS Platinum gives you some great energy efficiency.

What truly sets it apart, though, is the beautiful in-built RGB lighting which is bound to take your gaming setup to a whole new level. Build quality is only further enhanced when you take the years of experience the brand has in the gaming sector. The cooling fan technology is definitely a nod to the high-end graphics cards from Asus, keeping the unit cool even during prolonged gaming sessions. Additionally, you also get visual touches like replaceable decals and OLED displays, both of which go a long way in adding a touch of personalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the power supply unit important for gaming?

Having a power supply unit is crucial for gaming setup because it supplies consistent and stable power to all the components in your rig. This, in turn, can protect your system from power surges, fluctuations, and outages, ensuring the longevity of the gaming components. Always consider investing in a good quality, decent PSU that gives your CPU and RAM the power to function optimally.

How do I determine the right wattage for my gaming PSU?

The right wattage entirely depends on the power requirements of your computer. In case you have a setup that has a relatively high-end CPU or GPU, then it’s definitely going to end up consuming more power. Calculate the total power consumption of all the components and then add a 20-30 percent buffer so the PSU is not running at maximum capacity all the time.

How does the fan size and type in a PSU affect my gaming experience?

Due to the massive and constant flow of power supply to the components, your unit has a high chance of getting overheated. This is where the cooling system comes in. Size-wise, a larger fan can cool the rig more effectively at a lower RPM, which ensures that there is minimal noise during operation. Some of the higher-end models also feature zero RPM modes, where the fin only basically spins under heavy loads.