Buying Guide
The Best PC Power Supplies
Five ATX power supplies from 650W to 1200W for desktop PCs, including a white unit and two 1200W options.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A PC power supply should cover the whole system's draw with headroom. For most desktops that means 650W to 850W; workstations and high-end cards need 1000W or more.
We compared wattage, efficiency and warranty from each listing and Cybenetics data where listed; we did not test these units.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best PC Power Supply
be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W850W Platinum with a 140mm fan and zero-RPM mode.
Best for: Most desktops.
Check price for be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 1200W Gold
ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G1200W with a ten-year warranty.
Best for: High-end workstations and gaming PCs.
Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 750W Pick
be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W750W Gold with three 8-pin PCIe cables.
Best for: Mid-range desktops.
Check price for be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 1200W Platinum
Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W1200W Platinum with Cybenetics Platinum.
Best for: Long-running heavy loads.
Check price for Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best White PSU
SAMA GT650 WhiteA white 650W unit with a zero-RPM mode.
Best for: White builds.
Check price for SAMA GT650 White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 850W Platinum with a 140mm fan and zero-RPM mode. | Most desktops. | Check price for be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 1200W with a ten-year warranty. | High-end workstations and gaming PCs. | Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 750W Gold with three 8-pin PCIe cables. | Mid-range desktops. | Check price for be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 1200W Platinum with Cybenetics Platinum. | Long-running heavy loads. | Check price for Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A white 650W unit with a zero-RPM mode. | White builds. | Check price for SAMA GT650 White on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best PC Power Supply1 of 5
be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W
be quiet!'s Power Zone 2 850W carries Platinum ratings from both 80 Plus and Cybenetics, three PCIe 8-pin connectors and a native 12V-2x6.
Best for
- Most desktops.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SAMA GT650 White, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 140mm fan stops at low load. On rated output it sits mid-pack at 850W: the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G offers 1200W, and the SAMA GT650 White comes in at 650W. It shares a platinum 80 plus rating with the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W; the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W goes with a gold 80 plus rating.
No depth is rated for the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W and the pricier ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 850W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- PCIe 8-pin connectors
- 3
- 80 Plus rating
- Platinum
- Cybenetics rating
- Platinum
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Fan
- 140mm
- Fan stop
- Yes
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- A 850W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Costs more than the SAMA GT650 White at the time of writing
Best 1200W Gold2 of 5
ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G
ASRock's Steel Legend SL-1200G is a 1200W ATX 3.1 unit with a native 12V-2x6 cable, a 10-year warranty and a Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise rating.
Best for
- High-end workstations and gaming PCs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SAMA GT650 White cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It uses 100% Japanese capacitors for longevity and stable output. Check your case and component specifications before buying. It matches the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W on rated output (1200W).
Like the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W, it has a gold 80 plus rating, while the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W uses a platinum 80 plus rating. It also comes with a 5V boost function for stable standby voltage. No depth is rated for the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. When we checked, only the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W and cheaper picks cost less, and the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W cost more.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 1200W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- Warranty
- 10 years
- 80 Plus rating
- Gold
- Cybenetics rating
- Platinum
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Fan
- 135mm
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- 1200W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Costs more than the SAMA GT650 White at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed 8-pin PCIe connector count, look to the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W instead: it offers 3, while this one gives no figure.
Best 750W Pick3 of 5
be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W
be quiet!'s Pure Power 12 750W pairs a native 12V-2x6 with three PCIe 8-pin connectors, cooled by a temperature-controlled 120mm fan.
Best for
- Mid-range desktops.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SAMA GT650 White was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its airflow-optimised fan blades reduce turbulence, which helps keep it quiet under a gaming load. It suits a mid-range build that still uses an 8-pin graphics card, and be quiet! designs it to handle short power excursions from the GPU. Its 750W rated output ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W) and ahead of the SAMA GT650 White (650W).
Like the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, it has a gold 80 plus rating, while the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W uses a platinum 80 plus rating. No depth is rated for the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. It was priced above the SAMA GT650 White and below the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 750W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- PCIe 8-pin connectors
- 3
- 80 Plus rating
- Gold
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Fan
- 120mm
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Temperature-controlled 120mm be quiet! fan
Cons
- Costs more than the SAMA GT650 White at the time of writing
Best 1200W Platinum4 of 5
Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W
Super Flower's Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W carries Platinum ratings from both 80 Plus and Cybenetics.
Best for
- Long-running heavy loads.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SAMA GT650 White cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker specifies voltage regulation within 0.5% on the main rails and flexible ribbon cables. It is Cybenetics Platinum and 80 Plus Platinum, and all cables are ribbon-style for flexibility. It matches the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on rated output (1200W).
Like the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W, it has a platinum 80 plus rating, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G uses a gold 80 plus rating. The Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 1200W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- 80 Plus rating
- Platinum
- Cybenetics rating
- Platinum
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- 1200W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- Fully modular cables
Cons
- Costs more than the SAMA GT650 White at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed 8-pin PCIe connector count, look to the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W instead: it offers 3, while this one gives no figure.
Best White PSU5 of 5
SAMA GT650 White
SAMA's GT650 White is a fully modular white unit with embossed white cables, a native 12V-2x6 cable and an ECO silent mode.
Best for
- White builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G offers 1200W.
Why we like it
Japanese capacitors support long-term durability, and a native 12V-2x6 connector feeds current graphics cards. It is 80 Plus Gold rated. On rated output it trails the group at 650W, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G offers 1200W.
A white colour is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G uses a black colour. The SAMA GT650 White comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the SAMA GT650 White, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W was the next step up.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 650W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Fan
- 120mm
- Fan stop
- Yes
- Colour
- White
Pros
- A 650W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Fully modular cables
Cons
- Rated output trails the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W)
The catch
If rated output is your priority, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These PC Power Supplies
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five power supplies on rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count, 8-pin PCIe connector count and 80 Plus rating from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 11 fields compared are stated for every pick, while 8-pin PCIe connector count and 80 Plus rating have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W to the SAMA GT650 White, state rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count and form factor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W and the SAMA GT650 White give no 8-pin PCIe connector count; the SAMA GT650 White gives no 80 Plus rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SAMA GT650 White ($50 to $100) to the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in PC Power Supplies
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated output
Here rated output runs from 650W on the SAMA GT650 White to 1200W on the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, an 85% spread. Start with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G if rated output decides it.
What to check at home
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter.
An 8-pin power connector held up to the camera Extras that separate them
The be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W: three PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6. The Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W: flexible ribbon cables. The SAMA GT650 White: embossed white cables.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the SAMA GT650 White and the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W; $100 to $150 buys the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G; $150 to $250 buys the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W at our last check.
Modular cable sockets on the back of a power supply Start from what matters most
Most desktops: the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W. High-end workstations and gaming PCs: the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G. Mid-range desktops: the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W.
How to Choose PC Power Supplies
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most desktops | be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W | 850W Platinum with a 140mm fan and zero-RPM mode |
| High-end workstations and gaming PCs | ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G | 1200W with a ten-year warranty |
| Mid-range desktops | be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W | 750W Gold with three 8-pin PCIe cables |
| Long-running heavy loads | Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W | 1200W Platinum with Cybenetics Platinum |
| White builds | SAMA GT650 White | A white 650W unit with a zero-RPM mode |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G leads on rated output at 1200W, ahead of the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W at 1200W. "Not listed" marks 8-pin PCIe connector count where the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W and the SAMA GT650 White leave the figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | PCIe 8-pin connectors | 80 Plus rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W | 850W | 1 | 3 | Platinum |
| ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G | 1200W | 1 | Not listed | Gold |
| be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W | 750W | 1 | 3 | Gold |
| Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W | 1200W | 1 | Not listed | Platinum |
| SAMA GT650 White | 650W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SAMA GT650 White was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SAMA GT650 White, be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W |
| About $100 to $150 | be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W, ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G |
| About $150 to $250 | Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W add over the SAMA GT650 White?
What it brings is rated output (1200W against 650W). On our last price check the SAMA GT650 White was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated output decides your purchase.
Why is the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W our Best 750W Pick?
It earns the label for 750W Gold with three 8-pin PCIe cables. It is aimed at mid-range desktops.
Do the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G differ on 80 Plus rating?
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W and the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W use platinum; the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and the be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W use Gold. The SAMA GT650 White has no 80 Plus rating listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
Will the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W work with my setup?
The Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the Super Flower Leadex VII XP PRO 1200W, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, as our Best 1200W Platinum pick, and second of 5 on rated output (1200W).
What extras do the be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G include?
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W: a 140mm Pure Wings 3 fan that stops at low load. The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G: a Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification. The be quiet! Pure Power 12 750W: a temperature-controlled 120mm be quiet! fan.
Bottom Line
The be quiet! Power Zone 2 850W suits most desktops, and the ASRock SL-1200G covers high-end systems. The Pure Power 12 750W suits mid-range PCs, the Leadex VII XP PRO is the Platinum 1200W pick, and the SAMA GT650 White suits white builds.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Power Supplies for Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best 1200W Power Supplies for Flagship GPUs and Workstations
- Related guideThe Best White Power Supplies for All-White PC Builds
- Lower budgetThe Best Power Supplies Under $75
- Similar guideThe Best SFX Power Supplies for Small Form Factor PCs
- ExplainerHow to choose a power supply for a PC build
- Explainer80 Plus Ratings Explained
- Check compatibility: graphics cardsHow to Read Graphics Card Names: Ti, Super, XT and OC Editions
- Similar guideThe Best 550W Power Supplies for Everyday and Entry-Level Gaming PCs
- Topic hubAll power supplies guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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