One of the absolute first things you should do when you’re trying to build the best PC, is buy the best power supply you can find. It’s absolutely crucial to set aside the time and money to get a PSU that you can just install and forget about. Without a reliable PSU, all those beautiful components that you just spent hundreds on could be, at the very least, losing out on power and efficiency – and they could even be at risk of catastrophic failure.
Trust us when we say that you do not want to go through dealing with a failing PSU. They’re just a nightmare waiting to happen, and the symptoms of failure might be hard to detect at first. It could be as low-key as some lost power efficiency, or it could be as in-your-face as having your PC just shut off for no reason. In some rare instances, faulty PSUs can fail so spectacularly that they actually start a fire! So, with that in mind, it only makes sense to just avoid all of those issues altogether, and just get yourself one of the best power supplies you can buy today.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great power supplies out there to choose from. Which is good, because everyone needs a good one. There are high-end powerful power supplies for beefed-up gaming PCs, or if you’re looking to save a dollar, there are some great budget options. There are even some power supplies that run almost silently if you enjoy your peace and quiet. Whatever it is you’re looking for, stay tuned for our list of the best power supplies – each of which has been tested by the TechRadar editorial staff.
Best power supply: Corsair RM750x
The best all-around power supply for your needs
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 750W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: Full | Warranty: 10-year
Zero-RPM fan mode
Modular Cables
750w max capacity small for power gamers
The Corsair RM750x tops our list for one simple reason: it’s the most well-rounded power supply on the market. On top of a 10 year warranty and an 80 Gold Plus efficiency rating, the Corsair has a fully modular cabling system. That means you only need to install the cables you need. Not having unused cables in your case is great for air-flow and for those who appreciate the value of good cable management.
Best budget power supply: EVGA 500 B1
Everything you need to get started
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 500W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Bronze | Modularity: None | Warranty: 3-year
Low price
6 SATA cables
500w rating
When you’re trying to keep the price of your PC similar to that of a console, you don’t want to blow a lot of your budget on a power supply. That’s where more economical options like the EVGA 500 B1 come in handy. This PSU is essentialist without neglecting the needs of its audience. For less than $50 USD, you can expect 500 watts of power transmitted through several SATA cables and two PCIe slots. A three-year warranty is merely icing on the cake.
Best silent power supply: be quiet! Straight Power 10
Quiet as the night
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 400W – 700W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: Semi | Warranty: 5-year
Quiet ATX and EPS support
A little pricey across capacities
Power supply fans seem to run the loudest, and unlike case fans, they aren’t quickly swappable. Fortunately the Straight Power 10 line up runs nice a quiet. Options range from 400w to 700w, and they’re SLI and Crossfire certified. They also have a modular design, letting you use only the cables you absolutely need to use. It’s also low-profile, freeing up even more space inside your computer tower.
Best compact power supply: Silverstone SFX Series SST-SX550
Perfect for Micro ATX and Mini ITX PC builds
Form factor: SFX | Capacity: 550W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: None | Warranty: 3-year
Compact size
ATX and EPS support
Limited number of connectors
Power supplies can occupy a ton of space in your desktop tower, however time has allowed for the units to get smaller while the power they emit only expands in magnitude. The Silverstone SX550 is almost half the size of other power supplies, so that you can better facilitate cables and airflow inside your computer. This makes it notably ideal for micro ATX and mini-ITX builds, though you could slide it into a mid- or full-size tower as well if you deem it necessary.
Best high capacity power supply: Corsair AX1500i
Monster power
Form factor: EPS | Capacity: 1500W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Titanium | Modularity: Fully | Warranty: 10-year
Titanium efficiency rating
Monster capacity
Huge price tag
Enormous size
This is an absolute monster of a power supply. This is for the serious builder who plans on powering multiple graphics cards, cooling systems, and perhaps a small village in rural North Dakota. It has the highest possible 80 Plus Titanium efficiency rating, and is fully modular so you only need to add the cables required by your build. If you have the money to go big, this is the power supply to get.
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
Source
http://www.techradar.com/news/best-pc-power-supply
