Buying Guide
The Best Power Supplies Under $120
Five power supplies compared, from the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White to the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
From $80 to $120 power supplies reach 750W to 1000W and several modular designs. Every unit cost 80 to 120 when we checked and lists its wattage and form factor.
We sorted these picks by wattage, native 12V-2x6 cables and PCIe 8-pin connectors, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips native 12V-2x6 cables, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W
A 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit.
Best for: Buyers who want 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit.
Our take Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (opens in a new tab)
Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables
MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II
The most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2).
Best for: Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White
The cheapest way into this group, below the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W the next step up.
Our take Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W
Four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6.
Best for: Buyers who want four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
CORSAIR RM750e White (ATX 3.1)
White housing with matching white cables.
Best for: Buyers who want white housing with matching white cables.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR RM750e White (ATX 3.1) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit. | Buyers who want 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit. | Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (opens in a new tab) |
| The most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2). | Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first. | Check price for MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W. | Spending as little as possible, with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W the next step up. | Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White (opens in a new tab) |
| Four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6. | Buyers who want four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6. | Check price for be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W (opens in a new tab) |
| White housing with matching white cables. | Buyers who want white housing with matching white cables. | Check price for CORSAIR RM750e White (ATX 3.1) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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 want 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its flat modular cables have colour-matched connectors, and a hydraulic-bearing fan with Smart Zero Fan keeps it quiet. On rated output it ties with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at 1000W. On native 12V-2x6 cable count it ties with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W at 1.
It shares a black colour with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W; the CORSAIR RM750e White goes with a white colour. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper CORSAIR RM750e White and the pricier MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its 8-pin PCIe connector count; if that figure matters, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W offers 4.
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
- Costs more than the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White at the time of writing
Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables2 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
- Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White cost less when we checked.
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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on rated output (1000W). On native 12V-2x6 cable count it leads this guide at 2, ahead of the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1). Like the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W, it has a black colour, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White uses a white colour.
No depth is rated for the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed depth, look to the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W instead: it comes in at 140mm, while this one gives no figure.
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
- Costs more than the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 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
- Spending as little as possible, with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if rated output of 850W, behind the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1000W) rules it out for your setup.
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. On rated output it sits mid-pack at 850W: the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W offers 1000W, and the CORSAIR RM750e White comes in at 750W.
On native 12V-2x6 cable count it ties with the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W at 1. It shares a white colour with the CORSAIR RM750e White; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W goes with 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.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed 8-pin PCIe connector count should compare it with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W, which offers 4.
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
- Rated output of 850W, behind the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1000W)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
be quiet!'s Pure Power 13 M 750W offers four PCIe 8-pin connectors plus a native 12V-2x6, and its fan switches off at low load.
Best for
- Buyers who want four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6.
Skip if
- Skip it if native 12V-2x6 cable count matters most to you; the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II offers 2.
Why we like it
Cybenetics rates it Platinum. Its fan stops completely at low load, and one strong 12V rail handles GPU power spikes. LLC topology gives tight voltage regulation.
It is 80 Plus Gold with up to 94.3% efficiency and an ATX 3.1 design with a native 12V-2x6 connector. All 750W sit on a single 12V rail, which handles short GPU power spikes. It matches the CORSAIR RM750e White on rated output (750W).
It matches the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1). Like the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, it has a black colour, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White uses a white colour. It was priced above the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and below the CORSAIR RM750e White at the time of writing. It gives ground on native 12V-2x6 cable count, where the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II offers 2.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 750W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables: 1
- PCIe 8-pin connectors: 4
- 80 Plus rating: Gold
- Cybenetics rating: Platinum
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Fan stop: Yes
- Colour: Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- 4 PCIe 8-pin connectors for older cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Native 12V-2x6 cable count trails the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II (2)
- Costs more than the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
CORSAIR RM750e White (ATX 3.1) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the CORSAIR RM750e White brings to the table is white housing with matching white cables, plus 105°C-rated capacitors.
Best for
- Buyers who want white housing with matching white cables.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W offers 1000W.
Why we like it
It also offers a 750W rated output and offers a 120mm fan. It is Intel ATX 3.1 certified, handles 2x GPU transient spikes, and supports Modern Standby for fast wake times. The fully modular cables keep builds tidy.
It uses 105°C-rated capacitors for steady power. It matches the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W on rated output (750W). Like the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, it has a white colour, while the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II uses a black colour.
The CORSAIR RM750e White has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card. When we checked, only the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W and cheaper picks cost less, and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W cost more. Rated output is its weakest area, and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W covers it better at 1000W.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wattage: 750W
- ATX version: ATX 3.1
- Form factor: ATX
- Cabling: Fully modular
- Fan: 120mm
- Colour: White
Pros
- A 750W rating
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Fully modular cables
- White housing with matching white cables
Cons
- Rated output trails the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1000W)
- No published native 12V-2x6 cable count
- Costs more than the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White at the time of writing
How We Chose These Power Supplies Under $120
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five power supplies on rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count, 8-pin PCIe connector count and warranty from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and native 12V-2x6 cable count and 8-pin PCIe connector count are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W to the CORSAIR RM750e White, state rated output, ATX version and form factor and share ATX 3.1 ATX version.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CORSAIR RM750e White gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the CORSAIR RM750e White give no 8-pin PCIe connector count.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White ($50 to $100) to the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in Power Supplies Under $120
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated output
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W tops rated output at 1000W and the CORSAIR RM750e White sits lowest at 750W; 2 picks share the top figure. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W is the pick for rated output.
Native 12V-2x6 cable count across these picks
Across these 4 picks native 12V-2x6 cable count spans 1 (the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W) to 2 (the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II). If native 12V-2x6 cable count is your first filter, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II sets the ceiling at 2. The CORSAIR RM750e White gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
How much 8-pin PCIe connector count you need
Here 8-pin PCIe connector count runs from 3 on the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II to 4 on the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W, a 33% spread. If 8-pin PCIe connector count is your first filter, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W sets the ceiling at 4. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the CORSAIR RM750e White give no 8-pin PCIe connector count figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
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. The CORSAIR RM750e White has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card.
Features beyond the spec table
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White: a 10-year warranty on a white unit. The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W: a fan that switches off completely at low load. The CORSAIR RM750e White: 105°C-rated capacitors.
How to Choose Power Supplies Under $120
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit | Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | A 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit |
| Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first | MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II | The most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W the next step up | ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White | The cheapest way into this group, below the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W |
| Buyers who want four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6 | be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W | Four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6 |
| Buyers who want white housing with matching white cables | CORSAIR RM750e White | White housing with matching white cables |
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 MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at 1000W. "Not listed" marks native 12V-2x6 cable count where the CORSAIR RM750e White leaves the figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | PCIe 8-pin connectors | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
| MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II | 1000W | 2 | 3 | 10 years |
| ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White | 850W | 1 | Not listed | 10 years |
| be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W | 750W | 1 | 4 | Not listed |
| CORSAIR RM750e White | 750W | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W, CORSAIR RM750e White, Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W |
| About $100 to $150 | MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II ahead of the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on native 12V-2x6 cable count?
The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II tops native 12V-2x6 cable count at 2; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W follows at 1, 100% apart. The CORSAIR RM750e White doesn't state a native 12V-2x6 cable count figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the most 8-pin PCIe connector count: the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W or the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II?
Between the top two, it is 4 on the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W against 3 on the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, a 33% difference. No 8-pin PCIe connector count figure is published for the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the CORSAIR RM750e White, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
How does the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White compare with the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on depth?
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes out best at 140mm, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White at 150mm. The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W and the CORSAIR RM750e White are left out of this ranking because their depth isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II worth paying more than the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White?
What it brings is rated output (1000W against 850W) and native 12V-2x6 cable count (2 against 1). The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated output and native 12V-2x6 cable count decide your purchase.
What makes the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II the Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables?
It earns the label for the most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2). The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W is next on native 12V-2x6 cable count at 1, so this pick's 2 is 100% further out. The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Which of these power supplies have fan stop?
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W have it. The makers of the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the CORSAIR RM750e White don't state fan stop, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, chosen for a 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit. Look at the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II for the most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2), the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White for the cheapest way into this group, below the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W and the be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W for four PCIe 6+2 connectors plus a native 12V-2x6 if those matter more to you.
A modular cable set makes a small case easier to build; check the unit's depth against your case.