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Watts In A Box
Pick The Perfect Power Supply

The lowly power supply is the Rodney Dangerfield of PC components. Installing a suitable power supply won’t improve your gaming frame rates, convert media any faster, or even make overclocking your components easier. And unless you have an acrylic case, there’s not even much of a bling factor outside of cable sleeving and LED fans. In short, the ultimate PSU is invisible to the end user’s computing experience.

The best you can hope for from a PSU is that it delivers consistent power to your PC components, runs quietly, and operates efficiently for the life of your system. Sounds simple enough, but, historically, power supplies have been difficult to test and rate without specialized equipment. Furthermore, it wasn’t until somewhat recently that PSU efficiency has been regulated, and some of the more inefficient models could only operate at between 20 and 50% of the rated load under typical thermal conditions. Seasonic’s SS-400HT Active PFC F3-80 Plus PSU, unveiled in September 2005, was the first PSU to bear the 80 Plus logo.

In the last three years, PSU manufacturers have begun developing PSUs that are more efficient at converting DC current, with the upper limits going from 80 to beyond 90%. But better efficiency isn’t just good for your electric bill; it also results in cooler and quieter PSUs and systems. The industry-wide efficiency improvements are largely thanks to standards bodies, including SPEC (Standard Performance Evaluation Corp.), the EPA, and the U.S. legislature.

The 80 Plus program, an electric utility-funded incentive program designed to ramp up the production of efficient PSUs for homes and businesses, is also responsible for nudging the industry in the right direction. The program requires PSUs to operate with energy efficiencies of at least 80%. The program consists of four levels and corresponding logos: vanilla 80 Plus; and 80 Plus Bronze, Silver, and Gold, which are awarded to desktop PSUs that achieve 80%, 85%, 88%, and 90% efficiency when operating at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads. The Energy Star Version 5.0 Specification, which states that all computers using an internal PSU must yield 85% minimum efficiency at 50% of its rated output and 82% minimum efficiency at 20% and 100% of its rated output by July 1, 2009, was finalized late last year.

While PSUs have been tending toward higher wattages for a few years, we’re also seeing fewer low-wattage units on the market. However, an 80 Plus-certified 400W PSU of today is just as efficient at supplying juice to an aging PIII running with integrated graphics as it would be for a more power-hungry system. Following a glut of 1kW+ PSUs that seemed to have been designed solely for Intel’s Skulltrail systems running SLI or CrossFire, we’re starting to see the number of ultra-high-wattage PSUs dwindle. Thanks to improved efficiencies and better components, 500 to 900W PSUs have become suitable for mid-range and, in some cases, even high-end systems.

Modular cabling, considered an enthusiast feature by some and an unnecessary voltage sacrifice by others, has also improved as of late. Many modular cabling systems have opted for a hybrid design that pairs solid cabling for the 24-pin ATX connector and 8-pin CPU connector with modular cables for drives and peripherals. In some cases, higher-capacity pins help minimize voltage loss on modular designs. Other trends we’ve noticed on higher-end PSUs are copper, or copper-plated aluminum, heatsinks that more effectively conduct heat away from the PSU components. High-quality, industrial-grade Japanese capacitors in multiple phases also contribute stable output at a variety of loads. Current PSUs also feature integrated circuits that deliver better acoustics by letting fan speeds adjust to meet cooling demands. Other specialized integrated circuits are designed to protect the system and components in the event of sudden spikes and dips in power and regulate voltage on each rail. Some PSUs also ship with ferrite beads around the connectors to help reduce EMI. Quality PSUs tend to feature large inductors and capacitors designed to filter out residual hum and clean up the direct current output.

Multiple 12V rails is another PSU feature that is somewhat controversial. For PSUs with multiple 12V rails that draw power from a single transformer, current can be exceedingly low, resulting in a less reliable PSU. Many quality PSUs that feature multiple 12V rails employ dedicated transformers to deliver sufficient power.

An EU mandate, and briefly Intel’s ATX12V specification, required multiple 12V rails if a single rail would exceed 240VA for safety purposes. Intel has since relaxed the spec, and quality single 12V rail PSUs commonly deliver more current along that rail but feature over-current protection circuitry. Either way, it’s the quality of the PSU’s components that matter more than the number of rails it has.

Dozens of the PSUs that follow are labeled Nvidia SLI-ready, but only a few bear ATI’s CrossFire-ready badge. For the most part, these PSUs, and others without a certification logo, simply haven’t undergone certification testing from the respective GPU maker. Regardless of its certification status, any PSU that has the appropriate number of native PCI-E connectors, enough current supplied to the 12V rails, and the wattage to handle multi-GPU configurations should be more than adequate for both SLI and CrossFire.

The power supply is what brings your PC to life. Unfortunately, determining the difference between your ideal PSU and one that burns a hole in your pocket, or worse, burns a hole in your motherboard and fries your components, isn’t always cut and dried. To make sure you’re putting the life of your PC in the tentacled-hands of a PSU that will do it right, we’ve gathered three dozen of the best that money can buy, including sub-500W varieties for average PCs, sub-kilowatt models for enthusiast systems, and even PSUs that blow past the kilowatt mark for truly over-the-top configurations. If one of these doesn’t suit your needs, then maybe it’s time to have a heart-to-heart with T. Boone Pickens.



801 Watts & Up

Sparkle Power Magna 1200
$285 • http://www.sparklepower.com

Why We Dig It: Sparkle Power isn’t a big name in PC components, but it’s been making PSUs for more than a decade, and it really shows on the Magna 1200. This 80 Plus Bronze PSU features a hybrid modular design, which maintains optimal stability on the 24-pin ATX connector while letting you minimize cable mess when powering your other peripherals.

Who Should Apply: If you’re an enthusiast with enough power-hungry hardware to utilize six 12V rails without breaking a sweat, then this is the PSU for you.

Total Power: 1,200 watts 12V rails: 6; SLI-ready


BFG EX-1200
$249.99 • http://www.bfgtech.com

Why We Dig It: BFG Tech’s EX-1200 employs a unique frequency conversion technology, which lets this PSU remain at least 80% efficient at any wattage, even under loads as low as 10% of the PSU’s maximum wattage. This hybrid modular PSU features gold-plated pins and Japanese caps to ensure consistent and reliable power for the life of your system.

Who Should Apply: The EX-1200 is ideal for enthusiasts who want a PSU that can handle the hardware they’re running now and the hardware they’ll be running in the future.

Total Power: 1,200 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


In-Win Commander 1200W
$319 • http://www.inwin-style.com

Why We Dig It: When we tested the 80 Plus Commander 1200W against a slew of other high-end PSUs (see “Power For The People” on page 19 in the April 2009 issue of CPU), it performed well against some stiff competition. This hybrid modular PSU also delivered consistent power regardless of the stress we put it under. And, perhaps most impressively, the Commander 1200W’s cooling fan remained whisper-quiet throughout.

Who Should Apply: If you have enough high-end components to keep this PSU’s two 20A and two 36A 12V rails busy, then you can’t go wrong with the Commander 1200W.

Total Power: 1,200 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


CoolMax CUQ-1200B
$299.99 • http://www.coolmaxusa.com

Why We Dig It: The CoolMax CUQ-1200B peaks at 87% power efficiency and backs its four 12V rails with 900 watts of output. This PSU is equipped with two fans to help it effectively exhaust heat under even the most demanding loads. And although it is fully modular, the CUQ-1200B features gold-plated terminals to minimize power loss. The five-year warranty is also a nice touch.

Who Should Apply: Users who have demanding hardware need a PSU that can step up, and the CoolMax CUQ-1200B delivers without breaking a sweat.

Total Power: 1,200 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


CoolMax CUG-950B
$159.99 • http://www.coolmaxusa.com

Why We Dig It: This 950W model from CoolMax is a fully modular unit that gives you the freedom to run just the cables you need. The CUG-950B dedicates 800 watts to a quartet of 12V rails (two 20A and two 25A). With a pair of 6-pin PCI-E connectors and another pair of 8-pin PCI-E connectors, an SLI or CrossFire multi-GPU system is easily within reach.

Who Should Apply: The CoolMax CUG-950B has more than enough juice to power an enthusiast system for gaming, media production, or professional applications.

Total Power: 950 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


Topower PowerBird TOP-900W
$189.99 • http://www.topower.com

Why We Dig It: Topower has been building PSUs for ODMs and OEMs for decades, and under its own brand, the PowerBird family of fully modular PSUs is more than capable of supporting most high-end hardware configurations and keeping excess wires to a minimum. Two main transformers in this PSU are designed to share the load to the six 12V rails for optimal stability.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is ideally suited to the demands of a quad-core system, 3/4-Way SLI/CrossFire rig, or both.

Total Power: 900 watts 12V rails: 6; SLI-ready


PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 860
$229.99 • http://www.pcpower.com

Why We Dig It: The Turbo-Cool name has been synonymous with efficiency long before it was “in” to be green. This model delivers 860 watts of continuous power and up to 930 watts peak. It features a single powerful (70A) 12V rail that can handle most demanding configurations. This unit also boasts a 200,000-hour MTBF, twice that of most PSUs, and a seven-year warranty.

Who Should Apply: If you want a PSU that will handle today’s equipment with ease and also be able to tackle tomorrow’s gear, then this is your perfect PSU. Tweakers will also enjoy twiddling with the voltage-adjusting potentiometers.

Total Power: 860 watts 12V rails: 1; SLI-ready


Zalman ZM850-HP
$249.95 • http://www.zalman.com

Why We Dig It: Zalman has built its reputation on innovative cooling, and its PSUs are no exception. The ZM850-HP is a hybrid modular 80 Plus PSU that couples an ultra-quiet, two-ball-bearing 140mm fan with copper heatpipe and aluminum-fin heatsinks to keep the unit cool under even the most demanding loads. Six 12V rails deliver independent power to the CPU, graphics card(s), motherboard, and peripherals.

Who Should Apply: This power supply is ideal for enthusiast systems stacked with plenty of high-end hardware. The modular cables also let neatnics keep their cases clean.

Total Power: 850 watts 12V rails: 6; SLI-ready


Thermaltake Toughpower 850W W0131RU
$259.99 • http://www.thermaltakeusa.com

Why We Dig It: Thermaltake’s Toughpower 850W, from the Toughpower Cable Management series, features a hybrid modular design with four 12V rails that deliver a combined 62A to your demanding components. The unit features an independent voltage circuit to provide consistent current under heavy load, industrial-grade components, and an above-average 120,000 hours MTBF rating.

Who Should Apply: This PSU features two 6-pin and two 8-pin PCI-E connectors for high-end graphics cards, making it more than adequate for 2- or 3-Way SLI and 2/3/4-way CrossFire systems.

Total Power: 850 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


Corsair CMPSU-850TX
$159.99 • http://www.corsair.com

Why We Dig It: Corsair’s TX Series power supplies are built with high-quality capacitors to ensure clean, consistent power under heavy and light loads for the life of the unit. The CMPSU-850TX features a single powerful 12V rail that delivers 70A at full load. The non-modular design also ensures minimal voltage loss between the PSU and your components and peripherals.

Who Should Apply: The 850TX features four 6-+2-pin PCI-E connectors for up to two high-end graphics cards, making it more than capable enough to power extreme gaming rigs.

Total Power: 850 watts 12V rails: 1; SLI-ready


Enermax Revolution 85+ 850W
$309 • http://www.enermaxusa.com

Why We Dig It: The Enermax Revolution 85+ 850W is a truly future-proof PSU that features hybrid modular cabling, near-silent operation, a 12-pin CPU power connector, C6 low-power state support, and a sharp aesthetic to boot. This PSU performed flawlessly in the 8-core Skulltrail system we tested it on earlier this year and earned a near-perfect rating in CPU as one of the best PSUs money can buy. (See “Power For The People” on page 19 in the April 2009 issue of CPU.)

Who Should Apply: This PSU’s price tag might put it out of range for most penny-pinching enthusiasts, but it’s the ideal PSU for users who value longevity and upgradeability.

Total Power: 850 watts 12V rails: 6; SLI/CrossFire-ready


Antec Quattro 850
$199.99 • http://www.antec.com

Why We Dig It: The Quattro 850 is an 80 Plus Bronze-certified PSU that is up to 85% efficient at low, moderate, and full loads. Features include four 12V rails backed by 25A each, a single low-noise 80mm fan, gold-plated connectors for minimal voltage loss, hybrid modular cabling, and racing stripes that give the PSU a distinctive look all its own.

Who Should Apply: The Quattro 850 is perfect for enthusiast systems with dual- or quad-core CPUs, one or two powerful graphics cards, and several hard drives and peripherals.

Total Power: 850 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


501 Watts To 800 Watts

Seasonic M12D-750

$249.99 • http://www.seasonic.com

Why We Dig It: The M12D-750 is a hybrid modular PSU that sports a dual-12V rail design, backed by 38A each and solid capacitors for consistent, reliable power to your most demanding components. Temperature control comes courtesy of Seasonic’s Smart & Silent Fan Control coupled with a 120mm Sanyo Denki San Ace Silent fan. This 80 Plus Silver-certified PSU is up to 90% efficient. If all that doesn’t seal the deal for you, then maybe the five-year warranty will.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is ideal for mid-range systems and users who want a high power ceiling capable of supporting future upgrades and plenty of power-hungry components.

Total Power: 750 watts 12V rails: 2; SLI-ready


AeroCool 750HorsePower

$159.99 • http://www.aerocool.us

Why We Dig It: This PSU utilizes a hybrid modular design to ensure excess cables aren’t interrupting airflow. Speaking of airflow, the 750HorsePower features a large and practically silent 140mm fan in addition to over-current, over-voltage, and short-circuit prevention technologies. The unit’s four 12V rails are each capable of supporting up to 18A output current.

Who Should Apply: If you’re in the market for a good-quality PSU that will support most enthusiast configurations without breaking the bank, then the 750HorsePower is your ideal choice.

Total Power: 750 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


Corsair CMPSU-750TX

$139.99 • http://www.corsair.com

Why We Dig It: Like the 850W model, Corsair’s 750TX PSU is 80 Plus-certified and features Japanese capacitors for superior reliability and power efficiency when you need it most. The 750TX relies on a single powerful 12V rail that delivers up to 60A of power for your demanding hardware. This model also features solid cabling, which ensures minimal voltage loss between the PSU and your PC components.

Who Should Apply: The 750TX features the same connectors as the more expensive and powerful 850TX, making it ideal for a slightly scaled back gaming or enthusiast system.

Total Power: 750 watts 12V rails: 1; SLI-ready


CoolMax RM-750B
$89.99 • http://www.coolmaxusa.com

Why We Dig It: The CoolMax RM-750B is housed in an anodized aluminum chassis that dissipates heat like a large heatsink, and the 120mm fan does its part to cool the PSU. Another feature we liked is the three-speed fan switch on the back of the PSU that lets you manually adjust the fan speed depending on the demands at hand. Solid cabling and three 12V rails deliver sufficient power to even demanding enthusiast hardware.

Who Should Apply: This PSU supports two 6-pin PCI-E connectors to accommodate high-performance multi-GPU configurations.

Total Power: 750 watts 12V rails: 3; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Zalman ZM750-HP
$199.95 • http://www.zalman.com

Why We Dig It: Like this PSU’s more powerful sibling, the hybrid modular ZM750-HP makes cooling a priority, with a copper heatpipe and aluminum-fin heatsink and an ultra-quiet, two-ball-bearing 120mm fan. Zalman gave this unit gold-plated terminals and high-gauge wiring to minimize voltage loss. Blue LEDs also lend the ZM750-HP a cool aesthetic.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is a capable choice for gamers and enthusiasts who value reliability and stability and prefer multiple 12V rails for their main components.

Total Power: 750 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


CoolMax CTI-700B
$44.99 • http://www.coolmaxusa.com

Why We Dig It: For those with limited budgets, CoolMax offers its CTI-700B. This PSU comes with a pair of quiet 80mm fans that gauge current PSU loads and adjust speeds on the fly to ensure maximum cooling and stability. Three 12V rails deliver 18A (one rail) or 16A (two rails) to your demanding components. Solid cabling ensures minimal voltage loss between the PSU and components, and the five-year warranty is a nice touch, too.

Who Should Apply: Budget gamers will appreciate that this PSU features two 6-pin PCI-E connectors for your choice of SLI or CrossFire multi-GPU configurations.

Total Power: 700 watts 12V rails: 3; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Bgears b-Tarantula 650W
$109.99 • http://www.bgears.com

Why We Dig It: The b-Tarantula 650W features a 135mm fan coupled with an oversized heatsink to keep the unit’s components cool, even when running demanding apps. This PSU also features a unique SmartFlex modular cable design that lets you strap any excess cabling against the PSU to keep it out of the way. This unit also features up to 86% efficiency, dual 12V rails with 20A current output per rail, and a 6-+2-pin PCI-E cable for a powerful graphics card.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is ideally suited to SFF cases and is capable of powering some serious hardware.

Total Power: 650 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EPS12V
$94.99 • http://www.pcpower.com

Why We Dig It: This ultra-quiet PSU really earns its Silencer namesake, thanks to what PC Power & Cooling calls a noise suppression gap, which is actually just a 1.5-inch gap between the fan inlet and the PSU’s internal components. It doesn’t sound like much, but that’s the point. This PSU is capable of operating 10dB quieter than more cramped PSUs. It’s no pushover, either; the single 12V rail is backed by a full 49A.

Who Should Apply: If you’re looking for a powerful single-rail PSU capable of handling a high-end graphics card and/or quad-core CPU in near silence, then the Silencer 610 EPS12V is your best option.

Total Power: 610 watts 12V rails: 1; SLI-ready


OCZ GameXStream 600W
$79.99 • http://www.ocztechnology.com

Why We Dig It: OCZ’s GameXStream 600W PSU puts enthusiasts, power users, and gamers squarely in its crosshairs. This solid cabling PSU is built with high-quality components that can handle demanding multi-GPU environments with ease. Features include a large 120mm fan with blue LEDs, a standard dimension chassis for use in cramped PCs, and a load-regulated fan speed controller, which increases fan speed under demanding loads.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is ideal for gamers and power users on a shoestring budget who don’t want to skimp on power.

Total Power: 600 watts 12V rails: 4; SLI-ready


Topower ZU-550W
$51.99 • http://www.topower.com

Why We Dig It: The Topower ZU-550 (Zumax-branded) features a pair of 80mm fans in the front and rear to rapidly exhaust air from inside this PSU and also draw air from the CPU. The fans also induce minimal internal air turbulence to keep noise levels low. If you’re running the system at a full load and want an extra boost, press the button on the back of the PSU to run the fans at full speed. The ZU-550W features two 12V rails and 20A max output per rail.

Who Should Apply: With a pair of 6-pin PCI-E connectors and an interlocking pair of 2- by 2-pin CPU connectors, this PSU is ideal for mid-range, quad-core and multi-GPU systems.

Total Power: 550 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Arctic Cooling Fusion 550RF
$79.95 • http://www.arctic-cooling.com

Why We Dig It: The Fusion 550RF sports an ultra-quiet 80mm Arctic F8 Pro fan that speeds up and slows down (between 700 and 2,000rpm) based on demand. An internal fan controller also regulates the rpm of up to two additional case fans based on load and temperature. The Fusion 550RF operates at up to 86% efficiency and employs a pair of 12V rails to power your demanding components. Arctic Cooling throws in a three-year warranty to sweeten the deal.

Who Should Apply: The Fusion 550RF features a pair of 6-pin and 8-pin PCI-E connectors, making it perfect for multicard gaming rigs.

Total Power: 550 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


BFG GX-550
$89.99 • http://www.bfgtech.com

Why We Dig It: BFG bills the GX-550 as the everyman’s modular PSU, and it’s hard to argue: There are very few sub-$100 modular PSUs available. This unit ensures minimal voltage loss to the motherboard and CPU via solid cabling but also lets you cut down on cabling by using only the cables you need for your peripherals. This PSU uses BFG’s Thermal Control Technology to vary the speed of the fan in response to load and temperature. Each of the dual 12V rails is backed by up to 18A.

Who Should Apply: The GX-550 features an 8-pin (4-+4-pin) CPU connector and 6-pin and 8-pin (6-+2-pin) PCI-E connectors to accommodate quad-core CPUs and enthusiast graphics cards.

Total Power: 550 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


500 Watts & Below

Seasonic M12II-500
$139 • http://www.seasonicusa.com

Why We Dig It: Seasonic’s M12II-500 is an 80 Plus-certified PSU. Keep on the lookout for the 80 Plus Bronze version, which is 85% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% system loads, available mid-May. The PCI-E and peripheral and drive power cables on this unit are modular, letting you reduce excess cabling to improve interior case airflow.

Who Should Apply: Seasonic calls this the ultimate modular gaming PSU, and although it doesn’t have the juice to run 3-Way SLI, it will run some serious graphics hardware and up to a quad-core CPU.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Thermaltake Purepower Standard (500W)
$89.99 • http://www.thermaltakeusa.com

Why We Dig It: The Thermaltake Purepower Standard 500W PSU is equipped with a bottom-mounted 120mm fan that speeds and slows between 1,500 and 2,400rpm based on loads and temperatures to keep it working as quietly as possible while maintaining system stability. This unit features fully sleeved cables, two 12V rails, up to 70% efficiency, and a mirror-like finish. The five-year warranty is a nice insurance policy, as well.

Who Should Apply: Get the Purepower Standard 500W if you’re in the market for an inexpensive PSU to power your mid-range components reliably for a long time.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Antec EA 500
$89.99 • http://www.antec.com

Why We Dig It: Antec’s EarthWatts PSUs are some of the most efficient models you can buy. The 500W mod-el is 80 Plus-certified to deliver up to 85% efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% system loads. The PSU features a quiet 80mm cooling fan and industrial-grade capacitors to ensure quality operation for years. Antec equipped this model with one 12V rail dedicated to the CPU and a second dedicated to your motherboard and peripherals. The EA 500 also comes with a three-year parts and labor warranty.

Who Should Apply: The 500W model features a pair of 6-pin PCI-E connectors making this PSU ideal for systems with one high-end or two midrange graphics cards.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Antec EA380
$52.99 • http://www.antec.com

Why We Dig It: Like its more powerful sibling, the EarthWatts 380 PSU prides itself on its 80 Plus certification and an 85% efficiency rating achieved at a variety of system loads. It also comes equipped with a quiet 80mm cooling fan and high-quality Japanese capacitors to ensure that it operates reliably for years. This model also features two 12V rails, one for the CPU and the other for your motherboard and peripherals. The EA380 features a three-year parts and labor warranty.

Who Should Apply: This plucky PSU is perfect for entry-level systems, home-theater PCs, and any other system where quiet operation and low power are a priority.

Total Power: 380 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


BFG LS-450

$89.99 • http://www.bfgtech.com

Why We Dig It: As one of BFG’s more affordable PSUs, the LS-450 features a typical efficiency of up to 85% and a single powerful 12V rail for minimal voltage loss. This PSU also features BFG’s Thermal Control Technology, which adjusts fan speeds based on the system load and internal case temperature. Other features include specialized circuitry to prevent over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit issues from damaging your components.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is powerful enough for most mainstream systems and is capable of supporting quad-core CPUs and a mid-range graphics card.

Total Power: 450 watts 12V rails: 1; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Corsair CMPSU-450VX
$79.99 • http://www.corsair.com

Why We Dig It: Corsair built its VX family of PSUs using Japanese capacitors for superior performance and reliability. The Corsair VX incorporates a single 12V rail capable of sustaining demanding components even under the heaviest of loads. This 80 Plus-certified PSU is 85% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% system loads, ensuring you get the most bang for your energy buck. A five-year warranty and 24/7 on-demand support are also nice bonuses.

Who Should Apply: This PSU is more than adequate for basic productivity machines and even a decent graphics card or quad-core CPU.

Total Power: 450 watts 12V rails: 1; SLI-ready


CoolMax ZP-480B
$49.99 • http://www.coolmaxusa.com

Why We Dig It: This entry-level PSU from CoolMax has earned 80 Plus certification, meaning that it is better than 80% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% system loads. The ZP-480B features a quiet 120mm fan and a gold-tinted fan guard. The two 12V rails deliver power to the CPU and motherboard and peripherals, respectively. CoolMax also backs the ZP-480B with a limited three-year warranty.

Who Should Apply: This PSU just features a 4-pin P4 connector, making it better-suited to single- and dual-core CPUs, but the two 6-pin PCI-E connectors make SLI and CrossFire a possibility.

Total Power: 480 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


FSP Group SAGA+ 400R
$45.99 • http://www.fspgroupusa.com

Why We Dig It: The SAGA+ 400R features a low-noise 120mm fan coupled with an advanced thermal control circuit capable of cooling the PSU based on the load demand. The SAGA+ 400R also features a unique white case and comes with specialized circuitry to protect your system from over-voltage and over-current output issues.

Who Should Apply: FSP Group’s SAGA+ 400R is only capable of 350 watts of continuous power and a maximum of 400 watts, but it’ll perform well with most mainstream hardware currently available.

Total Power: 400 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


XClio GoodPower 500W
$75 • http://www.xclio.com

Why We Dig It: The XClio GoodPower 500W is constructed using industrial-grade components to ensure the PSU delivers consistent and reliable power to your system for a long time. This PSU features a vibration-reducing rubber coating, a quiet 120mm ball-bearing fan, and up to 70% efficiency at full load. The unit also features an LED that lights when the PSU is receiving power. Two 12V rails provide 16A and 17A, respectively, for the motherboard, peripherals, and CPU.


Who Should Apply: With one native PCI-E connector (a second is available with the included adapter), this is a good PSU for a budget gamer.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; SLI-ready


Seasonic S12II500
$109 • http://www.seasonicusa.com

Why We Dig It: Seasonic bills the S12II as its silent, power-efficient model, and this PSU has the features to back that up. It features ultra-low-resistance solid capacitors on both of the 12V rails, up to 85% efficiency, a temp- and load-reactive fan controller, and a 120mm fan to keep everything cool and quiet. Seasonic also backs the S12II with a three-year warranty.

Who Should Apply: With a wide range of connectors, this PSU can power most mainstream systems and even an enthusiast graphics card or two.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified


Cooler Master Silent Pro M 500W
$109.99 • http://www.coolermaster-usa.com

Why We Dig It: The Silent Pro series PSUs from Cooler Master feature Japanese capacitors for reliable performance and a single powerful 12V rail that provides up to 50A to your demanding hardware. The Silent Pro M 500W also features flat modular cables, which improve airflow and simplify cable management. Additional features we like are antivibration silicon pads and quiet cooling, the latter coming courtesy of a load-controlled 135mm fan.

Who Should Apply: Expandability is the name of the game here. With two PCI-E 6-+2-pin connectors, even enthusiast graphics are possible in SLI and CrossFire flavors.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; SLI-ready


Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500w
$49.99 • http://www.coolermaster-usa.com

Why We Dig It: The eXtreme Power Plus is reliability and affordability all rolled into one. This PSU features over 70% efficiency under typical loads, a tiny 120mm fan, and dedicated circuitry for over-voltage, over-current, over-power, and short-circuit protection. This unit features dual 12V rails that provide 18A each for your power-hungry components.

Who Should Apply: The eXtreme Power Plus PSU is a budget builder’s best choice and features cable support for mid-range PCI-E graphics cards and high-end CPUs.

Total Power: 500 watts 12V rails: 2; Not SLI/CrossFire-certified

Nice post, you didn't Copy and paste all that did you?? DM?? LOL!!

Great Info however, mines in there and I love it I have the tx750w Corsair.

Plenty of Power and then Some for my needs. Plus it ships with a Really sweet Velvet Black Bag !

@ The EGG, man they are Cheap now too, 120 Bucks!! What a Deal!!

GO:: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139006



Voted Best Power Supply Manufacturer by Custom PC 2008

Runs cool, ROCK SOLID, works Flawlessly and it's not a PC Power and Cooling Unit,

Though they make nice ones as well, but over priced, IMO, for what you get.

Blue

Yes I did copy and paste.

Good for you DM, cop to it, feel better now, LOL!!

Great Info Though and a MUST read!! IMO!!

Here's PC Power and Cooling 750 PSU

Link:: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817703019



I like the Color, but that's where it stops, this PSU, I would not BUY, period.

Read the reviews...

Blue

Yours is Sweet too HJ!!

I have that same PSU Blue The Corsair TX750. I only paid 119.99 back in July from newegg and really nice power supply.

i have the OCZ xtreme gamer 700watt right now and it still works . it started out as a 600watt about 1 1/2yrs ago. when i did a rma they sent me this 700watt in its place so yeah OCZ is now my go to psu now. since tagan has now become my Official sht list psu!! since i got my 900watt back from them this Monday and it doesnt even work. and this is after they had it for 3 months!! and it is missing 2 case screws and 1 of the case fans is so stiff it turns very hard!!

and they said since i had it sleeved i void the warranty i was lucky they did anything. lucky? OMG i got pictures of what lucky looks like from them to.


here is the same dam box i shipped it to them lol


an d this show what it looks like hooked up to my psu tester


this is hook up to a ultra 600watt psu this shows it is working


now the POS tagan


so i am glad that tagan or abs tagan never made the list as a good psu list they should make the top 3 of not to buy psu!! and i am not alone on that 1. i know someone that got there same psu as i have that it shot out sparks! when they hook it up for the 1st time after they got it back from there so call repair department! so yeah they to no longer buy from as well.