The motherboard, chassis form factor, and total power draw of all your PC components will dictate the PSU capacity you need. For gaming PCs, 750W is adequate unless you’re running the most power-hungry components, but you can go for higher wattage if you want more upgrading headroom. When buying a PSU, other specs you need to consider are power efficiency, build quality, and modularity. Take a look at our best picks.
The EVGA 750 GQ Power Supply Unit can deliver a solid performance even if you’re building a PC on a tight budget. This semi-modular PSU offers plenty of protection to combat over-voltage, short circuits, and other power-related accidents. Reducing your budget for such a heavy-duty PSU can allow you to invest more of your money in high-performance computer components.
Why we love it:
The compact Segotep GF750 SFX Power Supply is for your PC build if you’re using smaller form factor cases. It’s a practical solution, so you won’t worry about having a bump at the back of your case. This SFX PSU does more than save space in your case because it also solves ventilation problems due to congestion. Ultimately, the selling point is the efficiency and performance that are on par with ATX PSUs. Rated 80 Plus Gold, this unit delivers 90% efficiency on a typical load.
Why we love it:
If the processor is the so-called “computer’s brain,” the PSU is the heart that provides power to keep your build running. Knowing how much energy your build must draw is always helpful to keep the heart from palpitating. Make it a rule of thumb not to go beyond the 50% mark of your PSU’s maximum capability. When your PC components become power-hungry (e.g., overlocking), it’s ideal to have a wiggle room. A 750W unit can provide the optimal power output needed. Our list above provided you with the best 750W PSUs you can use in different scenarios. Invest now in your computer’s heart and start your build.
Modularity in power supply units (PSU) is all about cable management. Cables are detachable in fully modular PSUs. In a non-modular interface, these cables are all securely attached. On the other hand, the semi-modular interface has some cables attached to it while others are detachable.
All PSUs have the P1 cord or the main power connector attached to the pins on the motherboards. There are also cables for supplying power to computer peripherals such as the optical drive. Cables have also been developed that deliver additional power directly to other computer components such as processors, memory, and graphics cards.
Many of these cables become unused in mid-range computers, just collecting dust and cluttering your build. The non-modular interfaces are no longer in vogue in this sense. But they remain the preferred option for many builders due to their low cost.
With modular and non-modular PSUs, you have the option to set aside cables that aren’t needed. At the same time, these cables are readily available once you opt to upgrade your computer components. Such convenience improves cable management, optimizes airflow, and decreases temperature. These benefits positively impact your PSU’s longevity and reliability in the long run.
You need to do some math to calculate the total wattage needs. Typically, it includes the power draw of your motherboard, CPU, graphics card, memory, SSD, hard disk drive, and optical drive. There are available wattage calculators online for this. Make it a rule of thumb to choose a higher wattage PSU than your build’s total wattage requirement. This will give room for additional power needs for overclocking and other expanded functionality.
Robbie Jones has been a gamer for over 10 years. What started out as a way to pass some time with his friends turned into a full-blown hobby and obsession, and he’s figured out plenty of ways to use the knowledge for good. Whether it’s reviewing the latest game or accessory or checking out the best chairs and desks, he spends his time consumed by gaming industry news and now he’s here to distill it down and make it easy for everyone (including you) to understand.
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
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