Well here we are finally! This is an under-rated, least exciting topics to discuss and yet significantly important. You need the appropriate wattage to squeeze the full power out of your GPU,CPU and other internals. Before we dive headlong into the best and budget, Lets take a quick, yet useful glance at the pre-purchase guides of Best Power Supply for Gaming
PSU: Pre-Purchase Guide
Wattage
This my friend is the primary criteria to keep an eye on. When it comes to wattage there are two types namely Continuous and Peak. Just as they are named continuous means the unbroken, unfiltered supply continuously. Peak is the power attained at the maximum point, but will drop down for sure.
So stay away from peak and go with continuous. Next question is how many watts you actually need? Check Cooler Master’s Power Supply Calculator, it will do that job for you! Usually graphics unit demand the most power from the PC. Generally its about 300W for low-end cards and 500W for high-end gaming cards. Needless to say all these are listed in GPU specs.
Certification
| Percentage | 10% | 20% | 50% | 100% |
| 80 plus | 80% | 80% | 80% | |
| 80 plus bronze | 82% | 85% | 82% | |
| 80 plus silver | 85% | 88% | 85% | |
| 80 plus gold | 87% | 90% | 87% | |
| 80 plus titanium | 90% | 92% | 89% | |
| 80 plus titanium | 90% | 92% | 94% | 90% |
What the certification talks about is the efficiency of the PSU. Efficiency=Power output/Power input X 100%. A part of the input energy is lost mostly as heat and maybe sound. Conversion from alternating to direct current is the process taking place here. So bottom line higher the efficiency lesser the power from outlet. The best are the 80 plus category and they are further categorized as bronze, silver etc.
Motherboard and case compatibility
Most popularly found is the ATX psu. Nevertheless always check the compatibility before buying. There are also mini and micro-PSU that are build for the respective motherboards.
Modular and Non modular
This term refers to the power supply cables. The recommendation here is Modular because they are the cables that can be removed from the power supply side and minimize the cable hazel inside your PC case. Allows you to pin connectors of different parts and fit custom cables. In most cases all high-end PSU come with modular cabling.
With these shopping tips in mind,let’s get straight to the best of PSU For PC Gaming and then continue with the budget.
1.CORSAIR RM750x-Best Power Supply for Gaming
- Efficiency-80 PLUS Gold, ETA-A
- DC.output-750W
- Modular
- Operating temperature-0 – 50°C
- Dimensions-150 x 86 x 162 mm
- Form factor- ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
- Warranty-10 Years
This is our first recommendation for Best Power Supply for Gaming. It’s definitely an upgrade from the previous version, but quieter and more compact. The stand-out feature is the inclusion of a second EPS-connector for high-end CPUs.
When it comes to noise emission, intensity is only 15dB making it one of the quietest compared to its competitors. It has 4 PCIe connectors,2 EPS, and 1 ATX all equipped with capacitors. The only issue faced here is the distance between the connectors are slightly shorter than required.
Load regulation performance wise, this PSU is ranked somewhere in the middle whereas the Seasonic SSR regulates 12V the best. The hold-up time however is creditable surpassing over 17ms. This is the time that the PSU allows the PC to function during a sudden power outage. Also the inrush current is standard with both 115 and 230V.
This as the name suggests is the instantaneous current when the PSU is turned on. Efficiency is satisfactory in both situations where the load is higher and lower. Power consumption for the both 115 and 230V are lower under the appropriate measuring conditions.
The fan speed, noise, temperature are all satisfactory under different test conditions. Meaning there was no additional noise, higher temperature detected at different performing conditions(loads). Protection settings for temperature, voltage etc. are all further upgraded compared to its predecessor.
Final conclusion is that this is one of the best PSUs out there for high-end gaming. compact, low dimension build, extra eps connector and quieter are the key aspects that highlight the value for such a cheap price. Not to mention the 88% overall efficiency and 10 year warranty.
Purchase here->
2. Seasonic FOCUS Plus 750-Runner up
- Efficiency-80 PLUS Platinum, ETA-A (88-91%)
- Form Factor: ATX12V v2.4, EPS 2.92
- DC Output: 750W
- Cooling: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan (HA1225M12F-Z)
- Fully modular
- 10 years warranty
- Dimensions-152 x 86 x 142mm
This is our next recommendation for Best Power Supply for Gaming. Although this one has received the certification for low noise, it’s not as quiet as the corsair 750X. The sound intensity exceeds 25dB. Regardless the seasonic is an amazing PSU to hook up with your gaming rig.
Same as the Corsair this too comprises of two EPS connectors, and they consist of capacitors for regulation purposes. But the there are a few downsides associated with the product as usual. Voltage regulation is great, just like the corsair. In fact it is a key aspect with this PSU.
The hold up time and the inrush current however is creditable. Although with 230V it is a bit higher. In terms of efficiency this PSU completes one of the 80 plus platinum requirements. Efficiency is high at normal and light loads. Power consumption is lower with the 115V but not quite the same with the 230V. Seasonic has a semi passive mode which is associated with the fan speed, temperature control and output noise.
The over-power protection configuration is quite high, the over-current protection settings are at normal levels. For a cheap price it offers great performance with the low profile fan, quiet functionality. It is compact and has modular cables.
And of course the semi-passive mode which can be activated and de-activated as you please. These PSUs can handle tough operating conditions as a result of their recent upgrades by developers. Therefore it is still stands out as a great choice. Only issue is the lack of space between connectors, again just like the Corsair.
Purchase here->
3. Corsair CX Series 550 Watt-Best Budget Power Supply
- Efficiency-80 Plus bronze
- Form Factor: ATX12V 2.4/2.3/2.2/2.01 and EPS12V 2.92 standards
- DC Output: 550W
- Cooling: thermally controlled fan
- Semi- modular
- Five year warranty
- Dimensions-5.9 x 5.5 x 3.38 inches
This is our first recommendation for Best Budget Power Supply for Gaming, It might not output jaw-dropping performance like the Corsair RM750x, but it is a clear, trustworthy choice for the budget PC gamer. Voltage for input varies from 100-240V.
Certification is bronze which means this is the most productive choice for entry-level builders and not for guys looking for 4K video editing stuff with multiple GPU. Fan noise is relatively low during regular operation, maybe a little intense if you plan on overclocking.
Also it is semi-modular cabling, but the developers ensure that a hazel free build is promising with the CX550. Additionally the fan design is such that maximum airflow, heat dissipation is maintained alongside with temperature control during operation. Again this is might not be the best voltage regulator, or the quietest fan integrated PSU, but it has earned the trust of many consumers.
Purchase here->
4. EVGA 100-W1 500W– 500W Power Supply for Gaming
- Efficiency-80 Plus white
- Form Factor: ATX12V 2.4/2.3/2.2/2.01 and EPS12V 2.92 standards
- DC Output: 500W
- Cooling: thermally controlled fan
- Semi- modular
- Three year warranty
- Dimensions-5.51 x 5.91 x 3.35 inches
Our next recommendation for budget gamers. 80% efficiency for regular loads. Protection of this PSU is tightened with OVP (Over voltage protection), UVP (Under voltage protection, OCP (Over current protection), OPP (over power protection), and SCP (short circuit protection).
Normal operating temperature is between 0° to 40° C. There is one EPS connector, and unlike the high-end PSU these don’t consist of in-built capacitors. But this is a well recommended PSU by many experts for its performance, specially the low noise operation.
Purchase here->
Those are our Best and Budget Power Supply for Gaming recommendations based on user experience, positive customer reviews.
Power Supply Calculator
First of all use a PSU calculator, Cooler Master’s Power Supply Calculator is a good choice. The right PSU will protect your machine while overclocking, intense usage, power surges, hence don’t go cheap rather aim for something reliable with a long life span. Be smart! make a wise choice!
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