Choosing the right power supply unit (PSU) is crucial for any gaming PC build, as it ensures stable power delivery to all components, especially demanding modern GPUs. A key factor in PSU performance, particularly highlighted by experts at Hardware Busters, is transient response. This refers to how quickly and effectively a PSU can react to sudden changes in power demand, which is vital for maintaining system stability and preventing performance issues. Based on their rigorous testing and reviews, this guide highlights some of the best PSUs in 2024, focusing on models with excellent transient response and overall performance, perfect for powering your high-end gaming rig.
For gamers targeting high-performance graphics cards like the RTX 4080 and RX 7900 XT/GRE, an 850W PSU is generally recommended. Here are some top-tier 850W options that excel in transient response and overall quality:
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XPG Core Reactor II 850: Priced around €92, this ATX 3.1 certified PSU offers excellent value. It boasts a Gold efficiency rating (80+ Gold) and the model number COREREACTORII850G-BKCEU.
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be quiet! Pure Power 12M 850: Coming in at €119, the Pure Power 12M 850 is an ATX 3.0 PSU (model BN344) with a Gold efficiency certification. It’s a reliable choice from a reputable brand known for quiet operation.
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Super Flower Leadex VII XG 850: For around €133, the Leadex VII XG 850 (model SF-850F14XG) is another strong contender. This ATX 3.0 Gold rated PSU is well-regarded for its performance and build quality.
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NZXT C850: At €144, the NZXT C850 (model PA-8G2BB-EU) is an ATX 3.1 Gold certified PSU. NZXT is a popular brand in the PC gaming space, known for quality and aesthetics.
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Seasonic Vertex GX-850: Priced at €145, the Seasonic Vertex GX-850 (model VERTEX GX-850) is an ATX 3.0 Gold PSU from Seasonic, a manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality and reliable power supplies.
For even more demanding systems, especially those featuring flagship GPUs such as the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX, a 1000W PSU is advisable to provide ample headroom and stability. Here are recommended 1000W PSUs with top-notch transient response:
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1st Player NGDP 1000: The most budget-friendly option in this category at €133, the 1st Player NGDP 1000 (model HA-1000BA3) is an ATX 3.1 Platinum rated PSU, offering excellent efficiency at a competitive price.
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XPG Core Reactor II 1000: Slightly more expensive at €140, the XPG Core Reactor II 1000 (model COREREACTORII1000G-BKCEU) maintains the excellent value of the 850W model, providing ATX 3.1 compliance and Gold efficiency at 1000W.
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Super Flower Leadex VII Pro 1000: For €165, the Super Flower Leadex VII Pro 1000 (model SF-1000F14XP) steps up to Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.0, offering premium performance and reliability.
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NZXT C1000: Priced at €179, the NZXT C1000 (model PA-0G2BB-EU) is an ATX 3.1 Gold certified PSU, extending the NZXT C-series to higher wattage for enthusiast builds.
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Corsair SF1000L: At €186, the Corsair SF1000L (model CP-9020246-EU) is an ATX 3.1 Gold PSU, bringing Corsair’s reputation for quality and performance to this wattage range.
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Lian Li EDGE 1000: For €190, the Lian Li EDGE 1000 (model EG1000) stands out with its Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.1 certification, combining performance with Lian Li’s distinctive design.
For users pushing their systems to the limit with overclocked RTX 4090 or RX 7900 XTX setups, or those running power-hungry CPUs in addition to high-end GPUs, a 1200W PSU provides even greater headroom and stability. Here are some recommended 1200W PSUs:
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NZXT C1200: Surprisingly affordable at €159, the NZXT C1200 (model PA-2G1BB) is an ATX 3.0 Gold certified PSU, offering excellent value for a high-wattage unit.
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FSP Hydro G Pro 1200: For €170, the FSP Hydro G Pro 1200 (model HG2-1200) is an ATX 3.0 Gold PSU, providing a balance of performance and price from a reputable PSU manufacturer.
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FSP Hydro PTM Pro 1200: At €196, the FSP Hydro PTM Pro 1200 (model HPT2-1200M) steps up to Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.0, offering enhanced performance and efficiency.
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Corsair RM1200x Shift: Priced at €205, the Corsair RM1200x Shift (model CP-9020254-EU) is an ATX 3.1 Gold PSU, featuring Corsair’s innovative side-cable design for easier cable management.
For those seeking the absolute best and are building ultra-high-end systems, these “High-End” PSU options offer top-tier performance and features:
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FSP Hydro Ti Pro 1000: At €234, the FSP Hydro Ti Pro 1000 (model HTI-1000M) is an ATX 3.0 Titanium rated PSU, representing the pinnacle of efficiency and performance in a 1000W unit.
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Super Flower Leadex VII Pro 1200: For €212, the Super Flower Leadex VII Pro 1200 (model SF-1200F14XP) offers Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.0 in a high-performance 1200W package.
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XPG Core Reactor II 1200: Priced at €215, the XPG Core Reactor II 1200 (model COREREACTORII1200G-BKCEU) extends the Core Reactor II series to 1200W with Platinum efficiency and ATX 3.1 compliance.
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FSP Hydro PTM X Pro 1200: For €232, the FSP Hydro PTM X Pro 1200 (model HPT3-1200M) is an ATX 3.0 Platinum PSU, offering premium features and performance for demanding users.
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XPG Cybercore II 1300: At €230, the XPG Cybercore II 1300 (model CYBERCOREII1300P-BKCEU) is an ATX 3.1 Platinum PSU, offering a balance of high wattage, efficiency, and modern features.
- Seasonic Prime TX-1300: A premium option at €422, the Seasonic Prime TX-1300 (model SSR-1300TR2) is an ATX 3.0 Titanium PSU, representing the top-tier of Seasonic’s offerings with unmatched quality and performance.
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Seasonic Prime TX-1600: For extreme builds, the Seasonic Prime TX-1600 (model SSR-1600TR2) at €488 is an ATX 3.0 Titanium PSU, delivering massive power with exceptional efficiency and reliability.
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Super Flower Leadex 1600: Around €500, the Super Flower Leadex 1600 (model SF-1600F14HT) is an ATX 3.0 Titanium PSU, offering extreme power for the most demanding systems.
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Corsair AX1600i: Priced at €449, the Corsair AX1600i (model CP-9020087-EU) is an ATX 2.4 Titanium PSU, and despite being ATX 2.4, it remains a top-tier choice known for its digital control and exceptional performance.
Note: Prices listed are current prices (plus VAT) and may vary by region and retailer.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right PSU is a critical step in building a reliable and high-performing gaming PC. This guide, based on recommendations from Hardware Busters, highlights PSUs that excel in transient response and overall performance, ensuring your system can handle the power demands of modern components. While brands like Corsair and Seasonic are often considered premium, this list showcases excellent alternatives like XPG, Super Flower, and FSP, often offering better value without compromising on quality. When choosing your PSU, consider your system’s power requirements, desired efficiency rating, and budget to ensure you select the best PSU for your needs in 2024.
