Buying Guide
The Best PSUs for Black Builds
Five power supplies ranked on rated output and native 12V-2x6 cable count, where the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G has the most native 12V-2x6 cable count; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
In a black build the PSU cables are the most visible part through the glass. Every pick is black and fully modular, so you fit only the cables you use, ordered by wattage.
The order reflects wattage, native 12V-2x6 cables and warranty from maker specifications; a missing native 12V-2x6 cables is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600GThe most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2).
Best for: Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Check price for ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua EditionA Noctua NF-A12x25 fan with a custom fan curve at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W costs less.
Check price for Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200GA Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification.
Best for: Buyers who want Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification.
Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W GoldMilitary-grade capacitors and chokes.
Best for: Buyers who want military-grade capacitors and chokes.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000WUndercutting the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G the next step up.
Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2). | Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first. | Check price for ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Noctua NF-A12x25 fan with a custom fan curve at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W costs less. | Check price for Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification. | Buyers who want Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification. | Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Military-grade capacitors and chokes. | Buyers who want military-grade capacitors and chokes. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G the next step up. | Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables1 of 5
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G
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 put native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a 180mm depth needs a roomy PSU bay.
Why we like it
At 180mm deep it needs a large case. It matches the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition on rated output (1600W). On native 12V-2x6 cable count it leads this guide at 2, ahead of the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition (1).
At 180mm deep, compare it with your case's PSU clearance before buying. You also get this: 1600W of rated output for high-power cards. You also get this: A 10-year warranty.
Worth noting: ATX 3.1 compliance. Another plus: fully modular cables. When we checked, only the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and cheaper picks cost less, and the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold cost more.
Key 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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition
The Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition is built around a Noctua NF-A12x25 fan with a custom fan curve, with Noctua-themed cabling on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W costs less.
Skip if
- Pass if a published warranty matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 1600W rated output and offers a 1 native 12V-2x6 cable count. Its fan stays off up to 50% load, and the Noctua NF-A12x25 fan with a custom grill is about 8-10dB quieter than the regular model. It is ATX 3.1 with a 12V-2x6 connector.
It matches the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on rated output (1600W). It matches the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1). No other pick in this guide offers a titanium 80 plus rating; compare the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold, which has a gold 80 plus rating.
The Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. Only the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 1600W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- 80 Plus rating
- Titanium
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- 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
- No published warranty
- Costs more than the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published warranty figure, whereas the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G offers 10 years.
Also Consider3 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
- Buyers who want Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W 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 ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold on rated output (1200W).
It matches the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1). You also get 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. It was priced above the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and below the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G at the time of writing.
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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published depth figure, whereas the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes in at 140mm.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold
What the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold brings to the table is military-grade capacitors and chokes, plus a protective PCB coating against moisture and dust.
Best for
- Buyers who want military-grade capacitors and chokes.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its native 12V-2x6 cable count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It also offers a 1200W rated output and offers a 10 years warranty. Japanese capacitors and dual ball-bearing fans are rated to last twice as long as sleeve bearings, and a 16-pin cable delivers up to 600W to PCIe 5.0 graphics cards. Its capacitors and chokes pass military-grade certification tests.
It matches the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on rated output (1200W). The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card. No depth is rated for the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. When we checked, only the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and cheaper picks cost less, and the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition cost more.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 1200W
- Warranty
- 10 years
- 80 Plus rating
- Gold
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- 1200W of rated output for high-power cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Fully modular cables
Cons
- No published native 12V-2x6 cable count
- Costs more than the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed native 12V-2x6 cable count, look to the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G instead: it offers 2, while this one gives no figure.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W
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
- Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G offers 1600W.
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 lowest in this group; the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G leads at 1600W. It matches the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1).
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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G the next step up.
Key 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
- Rated output trails the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (1600W)
- Native 12V-2x6 cable count trails the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G (2)
- No published warranty
How We Chose
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 set side by side five power supplies on rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count, warranty and depth from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 12 fields compared are stated for every pick, while native 12V-2x6 cable count and warranty have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G to the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, state rated output, 80 Plus rating and ATX version and share ATX 3.1 ATX version and Fully modular cabling.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count; the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W ($50 to $100) to the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a PSUs for Black Builds
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated output you need
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G tops rated output at 1600W and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W sits lowest at 1000W; 2 picks share the top figure. The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G is the pick for rated output.
Native 12V-2x6 cable count
Here native 12V-2x6 cable count runs from 1 on the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W to 2 on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, a 100% spread. Start with the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G if native 12V-2x6 cable count decides it. The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Power cables routed to a graphics card inside a PC Depth across these picks
Here depth runs from 180mm on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G to 140mm on the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, a 22% spread. If depth is your first filter, the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W sets the ceiling at 140mm. The Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold give no depth figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Setup checks
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G comes with 2 native 12V-2x6 cables, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card.
A PSU-side 8-pin cable connector held between two fingers Extras that separate them
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G: a 5V boost function for stable standby voltage. The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold: a protective PCB coating against moisture and dust. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W: flat cables for easier routing.
How to Choose a PSUs for Black Builds
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first | ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G | The most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W costs less | Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition | A Noctua NF-A12x25 fan with a custom fan curve at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification | ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G | A Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification |
| Buyers who want military-grade capacitors and chokes | ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold | Military-grade capacitors and chokes |
| Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G the next step up | Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | Undercutting the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on price when we checked |
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 Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition at 1600W. "Not listed" marks native 12V-2x6 cable count where the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold leaves the figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | Warranty | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G | 1600W | 2 | 10 years | 180mm |
| Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition | 1600W | 1 | Not listed | Not listed |
| ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G | 1200W | 1 | 10 years | Not listed |
| ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold | 1200W | Not listed | 10 years | Not listed |
| Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | 140mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W |
| About $100 to $150 | ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G |
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold |
| About $500 to $1000 | Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition compare with the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G on native 12V-2x6 cable count?
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G leads at 2, with the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition at 1. The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold 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 shallowest depth: the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W or the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G?
Between the top two, it is 140mm on the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W against 180mm on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, a 22% difference. The Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold are left out of this ranking because their depth isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition add over the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W?
On paper it adds rated output (1600W against 1000W). On our last price check the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated output decides your purchase.
Why is the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G our Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables pick?
It earns the label for the most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2). On native 12V-2x6 cable count it leads the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition, 2 against 1, a 100% margin. The price of that: the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the cheapest pick, still beats it on depth (140mm against 180mm). It suits anyone who puts native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Do the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G and the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition differ on 80 Plus rating?
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold and the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W use Gold; the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition uses titanium.
Will the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold work with my setup?
The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card. No depth is rated for the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, and fourth of 5 on rated output (1200W).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-1600G, chosen for the most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2). Look at the Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 Noctua Edition for a Noctua NF-A12x25 fan with a custom fan curve at the highest price in the group, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G for a Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification and the ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold for military-grade capacitors and chokes if those matter more to you.
Buy black sleeved extensions if the stock cables show through the glass.
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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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