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Best PC Power Supply / PSU 2014

Updated on February 21, 2014

Top Ten Power Supplies for the Money 2014

Whether you're thinking about building a gaming PC or an office computer, skimping on your power supply is the last thing you should do. As your power supply runs stable DC power to all of your components it's important that you purchase one that is reliable and will last you a long time.

In this post I'll take a look at my favorite power supplies in a variety of price ranges and give you a chance to vote on your favorite brand. This page is updated monthly, so be sure to come back with updated picks and information.

Power Supply Installed - Bottom Mounted
Power Supply Installed - Bottom Mounted

Understanding How Much Power Your Computer Needs

Whether it's for a future upgrade or to simply be on the safe side, most people purchase a PSU with more power than they actually need. To calculate how much power your computer needs I recommend you use a PSU calculator like Thermaltake's which allows you to add just about any component or piece you can imagine to the calculation. If you plan on upgrading, then simply add the additional components into the calculation.

What is power supply efficiency and is it important?

As a power supply is converting main AC from your wall to regulated DC power it loses energy in the form of heat in the process. While all power supplies lose some energy some dissipate considerably less in heat. For example, a 70% efficient power supply would require around 571 W in order to produce 400 W of DC while a 90% efficient power supply would only require around 445 W. In addition to saving money in the long-term, power supplies which are more efficient dissipate less heat and therefore run quieter as they aren't as difficult to cool. Power supplies are also very inefficient at low levels. So, if you're trying to stay efficient, then I highly recommend you purchase a PSU within 100 watts of your overall peak usage.

Best Value Power Supplies / PSU 2014 - Under $50 - OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W

If you're looking for a solid modular PSU that's 80 PLUS certified, then normally you won't find it; however, with this month's rebate from OCZ you can get just that.

PC Power & Cooling ModXStream Pro Series 700 Watt (700W) 80+ Semi-Modular Active PFC Performance Grade ATX PC Power Supply 3 Year Warranty OCZ700MXSP
PC Power & Cooling ModXStream Pro Series 700 Watt (700W) 80+ Semi-Modular Active PFC Performance Grade ATX PC Power Supply 3 Year Warranty OCZ700MXSP
Technical Details include; 700W max power, modular, 86% efficiency at typical load, 100k hours MTBF, connectors include; 2 x PCI-E, 2 x Floppy, 6 x SATA, 4 x Peripheral, 1 x 12V(8Pin), 1 x 12V(P4), 1 x Main connector (20+4Pin), and a 3 year parts and labor warranty.
 

Best PSU Under $50 Continued - Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500w (RS500-PCARD3-US)

There's a $10 rebate available for this power supply. Details include; 500 W max power, better than 70% efficiency, 100k MTBF, and connectors include 1 x Main connector (20+4Pin), 1 x 12V(4+4Pin), 5 x peripheral, 4 x SATA, 1 x Floppy, 1 x PCI-E.

Best Gaming Power Supply Under $100 - Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply

Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms ATX 700 CMPSU-600CXV2
Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms ATX 700 CMPSU-600CXV2
Connectors include; 1 x Main connector (20+4Pin), 1 x 4+4 Pin ATX 12V, 1 x EPS 12V, 2 x PCI-E, 6 x SATA, 4 x Peripheral and 1 x Floppy.
 

Best Power Supply Under $150

The rebate available this month for this product brings it below the $150 mark.

Antec High Current Gamer HCG-750, 80 PLUS BRONZE Power Supply

The rebate available this month for this product brings it below the $150 mark.

Cooler Master Silent Pro M 1000W Power Supply

A rebate is available for this product.

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