Buying Guide
The Best Budget Modular PSUs
We weighed five power supplies on rated output and native 12V-2x6 cable count; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W has the highest rated output, and the SAMA GT750 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Fully modular cabling is now common on budget units. Every pick is fully modular and cost $100 or less, ordered by wattage.
We ranked these power supplies on wattage, native 12V-2x6 cables and warranty using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these power supplies ourselves, and where a maker leaves out warranty, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Rated Output
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W
The highest rated output here (1000W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated output first.
Our take Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
darkFlash DG850
850W in a 140mm body.
Best for: Buyers who want 850W in a 140mm body.
Our take Check price for darkFlash DG850 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White
A dual-color 12V-2x6 cable.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-color 12V-2x6 cable.
Our take Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
SAMA GT750
A lower price than the darkFlash DG850 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Worth a Look
MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5
A 10-year limited warranty.
Best for: Buyers who want 10-year limited warranty.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest rated output here (1000W). | Buyers who put rated output first. | Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (opens in a new tab) |
| 850W in a 140mm body. | Buyers who want 850W in a 140mm body. | Check price for darkFlash DG850 (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual-color 12V-2x6 cable. | Buyers who want dual-color 12V-2x6 cable. | Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the darkFlash DG850 and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for SAMA GT750 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 10-year limited warranty. | Buyers who want 10-year limited warranty. | Check price for MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Rated Output1 of 5
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Thermaltake's Toughpower GT 1000W is only 140mm deep, short for its wattage, and ships with a native 12V-2x6 cable and flat modular cables.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated output first.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its warranty before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Its flat modular cables have colour-matched connectors, and a hydraulic-bearing fan with Smart Zero Fan keeps it quiet. Its 1000W rated output is the highest here; the darkFlash DG850 comes next at 850W. It matches the darkFlash DG850 on depth (140mm).
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. At 140mm deep, compare it with your case's PSU clearance before buying. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed warranty, look to the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White instead: it offers 10 years, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 1000W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- Depth: 140mm
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Fan: 120mm
- Fan stop: Yes
- Colour: Black
Pros
- 1000W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A short 140mm body
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- No published warranty
- Costs more than the SAMA GT750 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
darkFlash DG850 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
darkFlash's DG850 fits 850W into a 140mm body, with a native 12V-2x6 cable and fully modular cables.
Best for
- Buyers who want 850W in a 140mm body.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a shorter 5-year warrant is a problem.
Why we like it
Its warranty is 5 years. It is fully modular with a quiet HDB fan, and it carries a 5-year limited warranty with built-in protections. Its 850W output suits high-end CPU and GPU builds.
It matches the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White on rated output (850W). On warranty it trails the group at 5 years, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White offers 10 years. It matches the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on depth (140mm).
It also comes with multi-protection circuitry. The darkFlash DG850 comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. At 140mm deep, compare it with your case's PSU clearance before buying. It was priced above the SAMA GT750 and below the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 850W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- Warranty: 5 years
- Depth: 140mm
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Colour: Black
Pros
- A 850W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A short 140mm body
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- A shorter 5-year warranty
- Warranty trails the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White (10 years)
- Costs more than the SAMA GT750 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Steel Legend SL-850GW is a white 850W unit, 150mm deep, with a dual-color 12V-2x6 cable and a 10-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-color 12V-2x6 cable.
Skip if
- Skip it if depth matters most to you; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W offers 140mm.
Why we like it
Its compact 150mm-deep body helps in smaller cases, and iCOOL fan control adjusts speed to load. The white finish suits light builds. It matches the darkFlash DG850 on rated output (850W).
On warranty it ties with the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 at 10 years. Its 150mm depth is the deepest in this group; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W leads at 140mm. No other pick in this guide offers a white colour; compare the SAMA GT750, which has a black colour.
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. At 150mm deep, compare it with your case's PSU clearance before buying. It was priced above the darkFlash DG850 and below the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 850W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- Warranty: 10 years
- Depth: 150mm
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- Cybenetics rating: Platinum
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Fan: 135mm
- Colour: White
Pros
- A 850W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Depth trails the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (140mm)
- Costs more than the SAMA GT750 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
SAMA GT750 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SAMA's GT750 uses Japanese capacitors with an LLC and DC-DC design, a native 12V-2x6 cable and an ECO silent mode for low loads.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Pass if a published warranty matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Its ECO silent mode keeps the 120mm FDB fan quiet at low load, and Japanese capacitors with LLC and DC-DC topology support long-term stability. Embossed modular cables are easier to route. Its embossed modular cables improve airflow and make routing simpler.
It matches the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 on rated output (750W). The SAMA GT750 comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the SAMA GT750, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the darkFlash DG850 the next step up. There is no published warranty figure, whereas the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White offers 10 years.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 750W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- Cybenetics rating: Gold
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Fan: 120mm
- Fan stop: Yes
- Colour: Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Fully modular cables
Cons
- No published warranty
- No published depth
Worth a Look5 of 5
MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MAG A750GL PCIE5 is a fully modular 750W unit with a native 12V-2x6 cable and a 10-year warranty, in a compact body.
Best for
- Buyers who want 10-year limited warranty.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W offers 1000W.
Why we like it
It is 80 Plus Gold rated and carries a 10-year limited warranty. On rated output it ties with the SAMA GT750 at 750W. It matches the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White on warranty (10 years).
It also comes with a compact body MSI markets for easier fitting. No depth is rated for the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. Its price falls between the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, based on our last check. If rated output is your priority, the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1000W) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 750W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- Warranty: 10 years
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Colour: Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Rated output trails the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1000W)
- No published depth
- Costs more than the SAMA GT750 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five power supplies on rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count, warranty and depth, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W to the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5, state rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count and ATX version and share ATX 3.1 ATX version and Fully modular cabling.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the SAMA GT750 give no warranty; the SAMA GT750 and the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 give no depth.
- Price range
- From the SAMA GT750 to the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Budget Modular PSUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated output
Here rated output runs from 750W on the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 to 1000W on the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W. The darkFlash DG850 comes second for less money.
Warranty across these picks
Here warranty runs from 5 years on the darkFlash DG850 to 10 years on the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White. The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White is the pick for warranty. No figure for the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the SAMA GT750.
Depth across these picks
Here depth runs from 150mm on the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White to 140mm on the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W. The darkFlash DG850 comes second for less money. No figure for the SAMA GT750 and the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5.
Fit and compatibility
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter.
Extras that separate them
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White: a 10-year warranty on a white unit. The SAMA GT750: an ECO silent mode for low load. The MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5: a compact body MSI markets for easier fitting.
Prefer ATX 3.1
ATX 3.1 units are designed for the brief power spikes modern graphics cards produce and ship with the revised 12V-2x6 connector. Older units can still work, but check the maker's guidance for your card.
How to Choose a Budget Modular PSUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated output first | Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | The highest rated output here (1000W) |
| Buyers who want 850W in a 140mm body | darkFlash DG850 | 850W in a 140mm body |
| Buyers who want dual-color 12V-2x6 cable | ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White | A dual-color 12V-2x6 cable |
| Spending as little as possible | SAMA GT750 | A lower price than the darkFlash DG850 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 10-year limited warranty | MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 | A 10-year limited warranty |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W leads on rated output at 1000W, ahead of the darkFlash DG850 at 850W. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | Warranty | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | 140mm |
| darkFlash DG850 | 850W | 1 | 5 years | 140mm |
| ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White | 850W | 1 | 10 years | 150mm |
| SAMA GT750 | 750W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
| MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 | 750W | 1 | 10 years | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W ahead of the darkFlash DG850 on rated output?
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W leads at 1000W, with the darkFlash DG850 at 850W. The MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 is at the other end of this group with 750W.
What does the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W add over the SAMA GT750?
On paper it adds rated output (1000W against 750W). The SAMA GT750 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W our Highest Rated Output pick?
It earns the label for the highest rated output here (1000W). It suits anyone who put rated output first.
Do the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the SAMA GT750 differ on cybenetics rating?
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White uses platinum; the SAMA GT750 uses Gold. The makers of the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the darkFlash DG850 and the MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 don't say.
Will the SAMA GT750 work with my setup?
The SAMA GT750 comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the SAMA GT750, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the darkFlash DG850 include?
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W: a 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit. The darkFlash DG850: 850W in a 140mm body. The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White: a dual-color 12V-2x6 cable.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, chosen for the highest rated output here (1000W). Look at the darkFlash DG850 for 850W in a 140mm body, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White for a dual-color 12V-2x6 cable and the SAMA GT750 for a lower price than the darkFlash DG850 and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Keep the spare cables in the box.