Buying Guide
The Best 1000W+ PSUs for the RTX 5090
From the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II to the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W: five power supplies ranked on rated output and native 12V-2x6 cable count, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
An RTX 5090 draws far more power than other cards and uses the 12V-2x6 connector. Every pick is 1000W or more and lists at least one 12V-2x6 connector, ordered by wattage.
We sorted these picks by wattage, native 12V-2x6 cables and PCIe 8-pin connectors, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips PCIe 8-pin connectors, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G
Two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring.
Best for: Buyers who want two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring.
Our take Check price for ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W
Monitoring and control through be quiet!'s IO Center software at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting two native 12V-2x6 cables for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White
A magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Best for: Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Our take Check price for LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 (ATX 3.1)
100% Japanese capacitors.
Best for: Buyers who want 100% Japanese capacitors.
Our take Check price for Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 (ATX 3.1) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming PG-1600G has 1600W, two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring and eight PCIe 8-pin connectors.
Best for
- Buyers who want two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a 180mm depth needs a roomy PSU ba is a problem.
Why we like it
At 180mm deep it needs a large case. On rated output it ties with the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W at 1600W. On native 12V-2x6 cable count it ties with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at 2.
It shares a gold 80 plus rating with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White; the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 goes with a platinum 80 plus rating. Like the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000, it has a platinum cybenetics rating, while the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W uses a titanium cybenetics rating. At 180mm deep, compare it with your case's PSU clearance before buying. Its price falls between the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 1600W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 2
- PCIe 8-pin connectors: 8
- Warranty: 10 years
- Depth: 180mm
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- Cybenetics rating: Platinum
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Fan: 135mm
- Colour: Black
Pros
- 1600W of rated output for high-power cards
- 2 native 12V-2x6 cables
- 8 PCIe 8-pin connectors for older cards
- A 10-year warranty
Cons
- A 180mm depth needs a roomy PSU bay
- Costs more than the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The be quiet!
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W is built around monitoring and control through be quiet!'s IO Center software, with a switchable active or semi-passive fan mode on top. On the spec sheet, it offers a 1600W rated output and offers a 1 native 12V-2x6 cable count. It switches between multi-rail and single-rail modes, and it is Titanium rated at up to 94.9% efficiency.
A vibration-free Silent Wings fan keeps it quiet. It matches the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on rated output (1600W). It matches the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1).
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed 8-pin PCIe connector count, look to the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G instead: it offers 8, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 1600W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- 80 Plus rating: Titanium
- Cybenetics rating: Titanium
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Fan stop: Yes
- Colour: Black
Pros
- 1600W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- 80 Plus Titanium efficiency
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Costs more than the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II is the only 1000W unit here with two native 12V-2x6 cables, and it adds three PCIe 8-pin connectors.
Best for
- Getting two native 12V-2x6 cables for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: rated output of 1000W, behind the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (1600W).
Why we like it
MSI backs it with a 10-year warranty and 105°C capacitors throughout. Its embossed jacket cables bend easily, and eight protections guard the system. MSI lists RTX 50 series support.
It matches the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 on rated output (1000W). It matches the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on native 12V-2x6 cable count (2). Like the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White, it has a gold 80 plus rating, while the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W uses a titanium 80 plus rating.
No depth is rated for the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 1000W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 2
- PCIe 8-pin connectors: 3
- Warranty: 10 years
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Colour: Black
Pros
- 1000W of rated output for high-power cards
- 2 native 12V-2x6 cables
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Rated output of 1000W, behind the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (1600W)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White brings to the table is a magnetic dust filter over the fan, plus an Edge design meant to be shown off in glass cases.
Best for
- Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 1000W rated output and offers a 1 native 12V-2x6 cable count. A magnetic front dust filter lifts off for cleaning, and a native 12V-2x6 connector feeds RTX 40 and 50 cards. It is ATX 3.1 compliant.
It is ATX 3.1 compliant with enhanced resistance to transient spikes. On rated output it ties with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 at 1000W. On native 12V-2x6 cable count it ties with the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 at 1.
Its price falls between the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed 8-pin PCIe connector count should compare it with the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, which offers 8.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 1000W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- Cybenetics rating: Gold
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Colour: White
Pros
- 1000W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Magnetic dust filter over the fan
Cons
- Costs more than the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 (ATX 3.1) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Seasonic's Vertex PX-1000 carries Platinum ratings from 80 Plus and Cybenetics, a native 12V-2x6 cable and 100% Japanese capacitors.
Best for
- Buyers who want 100% Japanese capacitors.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G offers 1600W.
Why we like it
It uses hybrid fan control. Seasonic lists it as ready for the RTX 5090 and AMD's RX 9000 series. It matches the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on rated output (1000W).
It matches the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1). No other pick in this guide offers a platinum 80 plus rating; compare the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, which has a gold 80 plus rating. It shares a platinum cybenetics rating with the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G; the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White goes with a gold cybenetics rating.
The Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. It was priced above the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and below the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 1000W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- 80 Plus rating: Platinum
- Cybenetics rating: Platinum
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Fan: 135mm
- Fan stop: Yes
- Colour: Black
Pros
- 1000W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Rated output trails the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (1600W)
- Native 12V-2x6 cable count trails the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (2)
- Costs more than the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five power supplies on rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count, 8-pin PCIe connector count and warranty, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G to the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000, state rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count and 80 Plus rating and share ATX 3.1 ATX version.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 give no 8-pin PCIe connector count; the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II ($100 to $150) to the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 1000W+ PSUs for the RTX 5090
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated output you need
Here rated output runs from 1000W on the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 to 1600W on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G. The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G is the pick for rated output.
Native 12V-2x6 cable count across these picks
Here native 12V-2x6 cable count runs from 1 on the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 to 2 on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G. The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II comes second for less money.
8-pin PCIe connector count across these picks
Here 8-pin PCIe connector count runs from 3 on the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II to 8 on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G. The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G is the pick for 8-pin PCIe connector count. No figure for the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000.
Cybenetics rating
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 list platinum; the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W lists titanium; the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White lists Gold. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
What to check at home
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G comes with 2 native 12V-2x6 cables, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter.
How to Choose a 1000W+ PSUs for the RTX 5090
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring | ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G | Two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W | Monitoring and control through be quiet!'s IO Center software at the highest price in the group |
| Getting two native 12V-2x6 cables for the least money | MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan | LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White | A magnetic dust filter over the fan |
| Buyers who want 100% Japanese capacitors | Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 | 100% Japanese capacitors |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G leads on rated output at 1600W, ahead of the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W at 1600W. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | PCIe 8-pin connectors | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G | 1600W | 2 | 8 | 10 years |
| be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W | 1600W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
| MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II | 1000W | 2 | 3 | 10 years |
| LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II was the lowest-priced pick and the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II |
| About $150 to $250 | LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White, ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G |
| About $250 to $500 | Seasonic Vertex PX-1000, be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II compare with the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on 8-pin PCIe connector count?
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G leads at 8, with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at 3. The be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W worth paying more than the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II?
On paper it adds rated output (1600W against 1000W). It does not win everywhere: the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II still leads on native 12V-2x6 cable count (2). The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W the Premium Pick?
It earns the label for monitoring and control through be quiet!'s IO Center software at the highest price in the group. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Do the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W differ on 80 Plus rating?
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White use Gold; the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W uses titanium; the Seasonic Vertex PX-1000 uses platinum.
What should I check before buying the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II?
The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II comes with 2 native 12V-2x6 cables, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W apart?
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G: two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring. The be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W: monitoring and control through be quiet!'s IO Center software. The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II: two native 12V-2x6 cables.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, chosen for two 12V-2x6 cables with temperature monitoring. Look at the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W for monitoring and control through be quiet!'s IO Center software at the highest price in the group, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White for a magnetic dust filter over the fan if those matter more to you.
Use the power supply's own 12V-2x6 cable instead of an adapter where possible.