Introduction
Hi friend! As an avid PC builder, you know that the heart of any system is its power supply unit (PSU). Investing in a quality PSU protects your valuable components and provides clean, stable power for peak performance.
But with hundreds of models available, how do you know which ones are safe, efficient, and reliable?
That‘s where the PSU tier list comes in. Compiled by expert reviewers at Cultists Network, this list categorizes over 700 PSUs into tiers from A (highest quality) to F (avoid at all costs) based on extensive testing and analysis.
In this guide, I‘ll showcase the best PSU deals in each tier. You‘ll get to see top models under $500 that provide excellent value and meet strict technical benchmarks. I‘ve summarized key specs in easy-to-read tables too.
Let‘s dive in and find the perfect PSU for your needs and budget!
PSU Tier A List (High-End)
For a PSU to qualify for the coveted A-tier, it needs to meet premium standards across efficiency, voltage regulation, ripple suppression, and safety features.
Tier A units are built with top-notch components like all-Japanese capacitors and fluid dynamic bearing fans. They deliver over 90% energy efficiency even at low loads. This saves electricity costs and generates less heat for cooler, quieter operation.
Their advanced DC-to-DC voltage circuitry keeps power steady. And ripple filtering ensures clean power delivery with less than 50mV ripple for the 12V rail (20mV is considered excellent).
Finally, Tier A PSUs have comprehensive protection features. This includes over-power (OPP) and over-temperature protection (OTP works below 200°C) to prevent catastrophic failures. Models are also required to operate quietly under 30 dBA.
Now let‘s look at some of the best deals currently available in the A-tier category:
| Model | Price | Efficiency | Modular | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsair RM1000x | $209 | 80+ Gold | Full | 1000W |
| NZXT C1200 | $219 | 80+ Gold | Full | 1200W |
| MSI MEG Ai1000P | $279 | 80+ Platinum | Full | 1000W |
As you can see, these Tier A PSUs range from 1000W to 1200W, meeting the needs of high-end gaming rigs with multiple GPUs. They offer 80+ Gold or Platinum efficiency to reduce electrical waste heat. And fully modular cabling enables cleaner builds.
Given their premium pedigree and 10-year warranties, the prices here are quite reasonable. So if you want a top-quality PSU for mission-critical use, check out Tier A.
PSU Tier B List (Mid-Range)
Now let‘s move one tier down and look at some mid-range PSU models that offer excellent value.
To qualify for Tier B, PSUs still need proper over-power (OPP) and over-temperature protection (OTP). But max ripple allowance is higher at 100mV for 110% load conditions. Models aren‘t necessarily tested here; a teardown confirming reported components is deemed enough. Noise level standards also aren‘t enforced.
What you get then is an affordable but well-built PSU perfect for mainstream gaming rigs. Protection circuitry and filters keep your parts safe. Cooling is decent but you may hear some fan hum during intense gaming sessions.
I‘ve highlighted some Tier B units with good reviews and excellent 5+ year warranties down below:
| Model | Price | Efficiency | Modular | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antec NeoEco Gold Zen | $94 | 80+ Gold | Non-modular | 700W |
| Corsair CX750F RGB | $170 | 80+ Bronze | Semi | 750W |
| EVGA 850 B5 | $150 | 80+ Bronze | Full | 850W |
You can see we have an excellent 80+ Gold unit from Antec at just $94. Then the Corsair and EVGA PSUs offer modular cabling and RGB bling at mid-range prices. Overall, Tier B gives you great bang for buck!
PSU Tier C List (Low-End)
Now for even more budget-focused builds, we dive into the entry-level C-tier PSUs. These lower-quality units cut some corners to achieve aggressive pricing.
Tier C models aren‘t held to the same standards we saw earlier. They feature basic protection circuitry and average ripple suppression. Cooling and noise profiles are unexceptional too.
But if chosen carefully, Tier C PSUs can still power general use gaming PCs safely. I would pair them with low-to-mid range GPUs and avoid overclocking. Some well-reviewed picks are shown below:
| Model | Price | Efficiency | Modular | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADATA Pylon 450W | $181 | 80+ Bronze | Non-modular | 450W |
| Corsair CV650 | $90 | 80+ Bronze | Non-modular | 650W |
| EVGA 500 BR | $50 | 80+ Bronze | Non-modular | 500W |
Here we see very wallet-friendly units meeting 80+ Bronze efficiency levels. These basic PSUs work for budget gaming builds but won‘t win any awards for performance. I would recommend upgrading to a tier B model in the future.
PSU Tier Comparison
Now that we‘ve surveyed the main tiers, let‘s directly compare some key metrics and technical data points:
| Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 80+ Gold or better | 80+ Bronze or better | 80+ Bronze or better |
| Voltage Regulation | Excellent (DC-DC) | Good (DC-DC) | Average |
| Ripple | <50 mV | <100 mV | Average |
| OTP Trigger Temp | <200°C | >200°C | Average |
| OPP, OCP | Multiple protections | Present | Present |
| Capacitors | All Japanese | Japanese/Taiwanese | Taiwanese/Chinese |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5-7 years | 3-5 years |
As we go down the tiers, voltage stability, ripple filtering, and temperature coverage degrade. Budget-focused tier C models utilize more low-cost components that impact product lifespan.
But all units include baseline protection features to safeguard your parts. Just ensure any power supply you choose has OPP, OCP, and OTP at a minimum.
How to Choose the Right PSU Wattage
When selecting a PSU, you obviously want sufficient wattage headroom over your PC‘s actual demand. But how much is enough? Here are my recommended PSU sizes based on system power draw:
- 300-500W: Budget office PC with integrated graphics
- 550-750W: Mainstream gaming PC with 1 mid-range GPU
- 850-1000W: High-end gaming rig with 1-2 premium GPUs
- 1200W+: Extreme desktop with multiple flagship GPUs
Always leave at least 100-150W of extra padding for transient power spikes. And favor higher PSU tiers for expensive, high-powered systems. Quality over quantity is key when choosing a PSU.
I hope this guide has helped choose the perfect power supply unit for your needs and budget! Let me know if you have any other questions.
){kind=link}