Buying Guide
The Best PSUs for Photo Editing
We weighed five power supplies on rated output and native 12V-2x6 cable count; the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White has the highest rated output, and the MONTECH Century II 650W costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Photo editing PCs rarely draw much power, so reliability and warranty matter more than wattage. Every pick is 650W to 850W, ordered by warranty length.
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 native 12V-2x6 cables, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
MONTECH Century II 650WThe lowest price among these power supplies at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G.
Check price for MONTECH Century II 650W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750GA 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor.
Best for: Buyers who want 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor.
Check price for ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Output
ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW WhiteThe highest rated output here (850W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated output first.
Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
LIAN LI SP750 V2A two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated.
Best for: Buyers who want two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated.
Check price for LIAN LI SP750 V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W PlatinumThe top of this price range, adding a 120mm fan, larger than standard SFX.
Best for: Spending more than the LIAN LI SP750 V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these power supplies at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G. | Check price for MONTECH Century II 650W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor. | Buyers who want 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor. | Check price for ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest rated output here (850W). | Buyers who put rated output first. | Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated. | Buyers who want two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated. | Check price for LIAN LI SP750 V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a 120mm fan, larger than standard SFX. | Spending more than the LIAN LI SP750 V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
MONTECH Century II 650W
Montech's Century II 650W brings a native 12V-2x6 cable, fully modular cables and a 10-year warranty to a low-cost 80 Plus Gold unit.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White offers 850W.
Why we like it
Its 135mm FDB fan has a zero RPM mode, and it uses 100% Japanese capacitors. On rated output it trails the group at 650W, while the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White offers 850W. The MONTECH Century II 650W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter.
No depth is rated for the MONTECH Century II 650W, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. Another plus: ATX 3.1 compliance. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G, since it offers the lowest price among these power supplies at the time of writing. It undercut the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 650W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- Warranty
- 10 years
- 80 Plus rating
- Gold
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Fan
- 135mm
- Fan stop
- Yes
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- A 650W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Rated output trails the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White (850W)
The catch
The trade-off is rated output; for more, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White offers 850W.
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G
ASRock's Phantom Gaming PG-750G has a 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor, braided cables and a 10-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MONTECH Century II 650W was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is 150mm deep and rated Cybenetics Platinum. It is fully modular with braided cables and a 90-degree PCIe 5.1 connector that has a temperature sensor. ASRock rates its efficiency 2% above the Gold standard.
The 12V-2x6 cable is dual-color and rated to 105 degrees C, and ASRock lists iCOOL intelligent fan control and 220% total power excursion. It measures 5.91 x 5.91 x 3.39 inches, and ASRock notes it is not compatible with all prebuilt systems. On rated output it ties with the LIAN LI SP750 V2 and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum at 750W.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G 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. Its price falls between the MONTECH Century II 650W and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 750W
- 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
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Costs more than the MONTECH Century II 650W at the time of writing
Highest Rated Output3 of 5
ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White
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 put rated output first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MONTECH Century II 650W, which cost less when we checked.
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. Nothing else here matches its 850W rated output; the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G comes closest at 750W.
No other pick in this guide offers a white colour; compare the LIAN LI SP750 V2, 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 ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G and below the LIAN LI SP750 V2 at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Costs more than the MONTECH Century II 650W at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
LIAN LI SP750 V2
Lian Li's SP750 V2 is an SFX unit with a two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether the plug is fully seated.
Best for
- Buyers who want two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MONTECH Century II 650W, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has a 10-year warranty. A 92mm FDB fan keeps it quiet, and its upgraded 3A standby rail helps USB devices while the PC sleeps. Lian Li backs it with 10-year hardware protection.
It matches the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum on rated output (750W). The LIAN LI SP750 V2 comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the LIAN LI SP750 V2, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. It was priced above the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and below the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 750W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- Warranty
- 10 years
- 80 Plus rating
- Gold
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- SFX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Fan
- 92mm
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- A 10-year warranty
- ATX 3.1 compliance
Cons
- Costs more than the MONTECH Century II 650W at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on native 12V-2x6 cable count, where the MONTECH Century II 650W offers 1.
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum
The ROG Loki is an SFX-L unit, so it uses a 120mm fan instead of the 92mm fan common in SFX.
Best for
- Spending more than the LIAN LI SP750 V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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 carries 80 Plus Platinum, a LAMBDA A noise rating and a 10-year warranty. It is Lambda A certified at under 25dB, and a 16-pin cable delivers up to 600W to PCIe 5.0 cards. ROG heatsinks cool key parts.
It matches the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G and the LIAN LI SP750 V2 on rated output (750W). It is the only pick here with a platinum 80 plus rating; the MONTECH Century II 650W has a gold 80 plus rating instead. It also offers a 120mm fan, larger than standard SFX and ROG heatsinks over key components.
The ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card. At our last price check it topped the group, with the LIAN LI SP750 V2 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 750W
- Warranty
- 10 years
- 80 Plus rating
- Platinum
- Form factor
- SFX-L
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Fan
- 120mm
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- A 750W rating
- A 10-year warranty
- 80 Plus Platinum efficiency
- Fully modular cables
Cons
- No published native 12V-2x6 cable count
- Costs more than the MONTECH Century II 650W at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed native 12V-2x6 cable count, look to the MONTECH Century II 650W instead: it offers 1, while this one gives no figure.
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.
- What we compared
- 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, and native 12V-2x6 cable count and depth are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MONTECH Century II 650W to the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum, state rated output, warranty and 80 Plus rating and share Fully modular cabling.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count; the MONTECH Century II 650W, the LIAN LI SP750 V2 and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum give no depth.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MONTECH Century II 650W ($50 to $100) to the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a PSUs for Photo Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated output
Here rated output runs from 650W on the MONTECH Century II 650W to 850W on the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White, a 31% spread. The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G comes second at 750W, in the same price tier as the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White.
Setup checks
The MONTECH Century II 650W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. The ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card.
A 24-pin ATX power cable held in a hand Extras that separate them
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White: a 10-year warranty on a white unit. The LIAN LI SP750 V2: a 92mm FDB fan. The ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum: ROG heatsinks over key components.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the MONTECH Century II 650W, the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White; $100 to $150 buys the LIAN LI SP750 V2 and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum at our last check.
A 24-pin ATX connector seen from the pin side Start from what matters most
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G: the MONTECH Century II 650W. Buyers who put rated output first: the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White. Spending more than the LIAN LI SP750 V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum.
How to Choose a PSUs for Photo Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G | MONTECH Century II 650W | The lowest price among these power supplies at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor | ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G | A 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor |
| Buyers who put rated output first | ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White | The highest rated output here (850W) |
| Buyers who want two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated | LIAN LI SP750 V2 | A two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated |
| Spending more than the LIAN LI SP750 V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum | The top of this price range, adding a 120mm fan, larger than standard SFX |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White leads on rated output at 850W, ahead of the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G at 750W. "Not listed" marks native 12V-2x6 cable count where the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum leaves the figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | Warranty | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MONTECH Century II 650W | 650W | 1 | 10 years | Not listed |
| ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G | 750W | 1 | 10 years | 150mm |
| ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White | 850W | 1 | 10 years | 150mm |
| LIAN LI SP750 V2 | 750W | 1 | 10 years | Not listed |
| ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum | 750W | Not listed | 10 years | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MONTECH Century II 650W was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | MONTECH Century II 650W, ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G, ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White |
| About $100 to $150 | LIAN LI SP750 V2, ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest rated output: the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White or the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G?
Between the top two, it is 850W on the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White against 750W on the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G, a 13% difference. The MONTECH Century II 650W is at the other end of this group with 650W.
What does the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum add over the MONTECH Century II 650W?
What it brings is rated output (750W against 650W). On our last price check the MONTECH Century II 650W was in the $50 to $100 tier and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated output decides your purchase.
Why is the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White our Highest Rated Output pick?
It earns the label for the highest rated output here (850W). On rated output it leads the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G, 850W against 750W, a 13% margin. It is aimed at anyone who puts rated output first.
Do the MONTECH Century II 650W and the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum differ on 80 Plus rating?
The MONTECH Century II 650W, the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White and the LIAN LI SP750 V2 use Gold; the ASUS ROG Loki SFX-L 750W Platinum uses platinum.
Will the MONTECH Century II 650W work with my setup?
The MONTECH Century II 650W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. No depth is rated for the MONTECH Century II 650W, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and fifth of 5 on rated output (650W).
What extras do the MONTECH Century II 650W and the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G include?
The MONTECH Century II 650W: a 10-year warranty at a low price. The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G: a 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor. The ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White: a dual-color 12V-2x6 cable.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MONTECH Century II 650W, chosen for the lowest price among these power supplies at the time of writing. Look at the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG-750G for a 90-degree 12V-2x6 cable with a temperature sensor, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-850GW White for the highest rated output here (850W) and the LIAN LI SP750 V2 for a two-tone 12V-2x6 cable that shows whether it is seated if those matter more to you.
A longer warranty usually signals better components.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Power Supplies for Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best 850W Power Supplies for a Single-GPU Gaming PC
- Related guideThe Best SFX Power Supplies for Small Form Factor PCs
- Lower budgetThe Best PSUs Under $100
- Higher budgetThe Best PSUs for High-End GPUs
- ExplainerHow to choose a power supply for a PC build
- Explainer80 Plus Ratings Explained
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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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