Buying Guide
The Best PSUs for Video Production
Five power supplies ranked on rated output and native 12V-2x6 cable count, where the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G has the highest rated output; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Long exports keep the CPU and GPU loaded together, so video workstations need real headroom. Every pick is rated for 1000W or more, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh wattage, native 12V-2x6 cables and warranty as the makers state them; if a maker skips native 12V-2x6 cables, the guide says so 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.
Lowest Price Here
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000WUndercutting the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II the next step up.
Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables
MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 IIThe most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2).
Best for: Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first.
Check price for MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest Rated Output
ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200GThe highest rated output here (1200W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated output first.
Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W WhiteA magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Best for: Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Check price for LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
CORSAIR RM1000e White (2025)White housing with matching cables 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 CORSAIR RM1000e White (2025) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II the next step up. | Check price for Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest rated output here (1200W). | Buyers who put rated output first. | Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A magnetic dust filter over the fan. | Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan. | Check price for LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| White housing with matching cables 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 CORSAIR RM1000e White (2025) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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 MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if rated output of 1000W, behind the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W) rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its flat modular cables have colour-matched connectors, and a hydraulic-bearing fan with Smart Zero Fan keeps it quiet. It matches the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the CORSAIR RM1000e White on rated output (1000W). It matches the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1).
Like the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, it has a black colour, while the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White uses 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. At 140mm deep, compare it with your case's PSU clearance before buying. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II was closest.
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 of 1000W, behind the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W)
The catch
If you want a confirmed warranty, look to the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II instead: it offers 10 years, while this one gives no figure.
Most Native 12V-2x6 Cables2 of 5
MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II
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
- If budget leads, the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W was cheaper at our last price check.
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.
On rated output it ties with the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the CORSAIR RM1000e White at 1000W. On native 12V-2x6 cable count it leads this guide at 2, ahead of the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W (1). It shares a black colour with the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G; the CORSAIR RM1000e White goes with 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the pricier ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G, at the time of writing.
Key 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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
Highest Rated Output3 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 put rated output first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It uses 100% Japanese capacitors for longevity and stable output. Check your case and component specifications before buying. Its 1200W rated output is the highest here; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes next at 1000W.
It matches the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W 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 LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White uses a white colour. 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.
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
Also Consider4 of 5
LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White
What the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White brings to the table is a magnetic dust filter over the fan, plus an Edge design meant to be shown off in glass cases.
Best for
- Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan.
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
It also offers a 1000W rated output and offers a 1 native 12V-2x6 cable count. A magnetic front dust filter lifts off for cleaning, and a native 12V-2x6 connector feeds RTX 40 and 50 cards. It is ATX 3.1 compliant.
It is ATX 3.1 compliant with enhanced resistance to transient spikes. It matches the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the CORSAIR RM1000e White on rated output (1000W). It matches the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on native 12V-2x6 cable count (1).
The LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White 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 Edge Gold 1000W White, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. It was priced above the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and below the CORSAIR RM1000e White at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 1000W
- Native 12V-2x6 cables
- 1
- 80 Plus rating
- Gold
- Cybenetics rating
- Gold
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Colour
- White
Pros
- 1000W of rated output for high-power cards
- A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Magnetic dust filter over the fan
Cons
- Native 12V-2x6 cable count trails the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II (2)
- Costs more than the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on native 12V-2x6 cable count, where the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II offers 2.
Premium Pick5 of 5
CORSAIR RM1000e White (2025)
What the CORSAIR RM1000e White brings to the table is white housing with matching cables, plus Modern Standby support.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated output matters most to you; the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G offers 1200W.
Why we like it
It also offers a 1000W rated output and offers a 120mm fan. It uses 105°C-rated capacitors, and a 120mm rifle-bearing fan follows a quiet fan curve even at full load. The cables are fully modular.
It is Intel ATX 3.1 certified and handles 2x GPU transient spikes. It matches the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White on rated output (1000W). The CORSAIR RM1000e White 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 CORSAIR RM1000e White, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. Only the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Wattage
- 1000W
- ATX version
- ATX 3.1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Cabling
- Fully modular
- Fan
- 120mm
- Colour
- White
Pros
- 1000W of rated output for high-power cards
- ATX 3.1 compliance
- Fully modular cables
- White housing with matching cables
Cons
- Rated output trails the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W)
- No published native 12V-2x6 cable count
- Costs more than the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on rated output, where the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G offers 1200W.
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 compared five power supplies on rated output, native 12V-2x6 cable count, warranty and 80 Plus rating from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 10 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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W to the CORSAIR RM1000e White, state rated output, ATX version and form factor and share ATX 3.1 ATX version.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CORSAIR RM1000e White gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count; the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the CORSAIR RM1000e White give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W ($50 to $100) to the CORSAIR RM1000e White ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a PSUs for Video Production
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated output across these picks
Across these 5 picks rated output spans 1000W (the CORSAIR RM1000e White) to 1200W (the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G). If rated output is your first filter, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G sets the ceiling at 1200W.
How much native 12V-2x6 cable count you need
The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II tops native 12V-2x6 cable count at 2 and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White sits lowest at 1. The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II is the pick for native 12V-2x6 cable count. The CORSAIR RM1000e White gives no native 12V-2x6 cable count figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A 24-pin ATX power cable held in a hand Setup checks
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W comes with a native 12V-2x6 cable, so a 16-pin card plugs in without an adapter. The CORSAIR RM1000e White has no stated native 12V-2x6 cable; confirm the cable kit before pairing it with a 16-pin card.
Extras that separate them
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G: a 5V boost function for stable standby voltage. The LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White: an Edge design meant to be shown off in glass cases. The CORSAIR RM1000e White: Modern Standby support.
A 24-pin ATX connector seen from the pin side Budget
$50 to $100 buys the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W; $100 to $150 buys the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G; $150 to $250 buys the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White and the CORSAIR RM1000e White at our last check.
How to Choose a PSUs for Video Production
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II the next step up | Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | Undercutting the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put native 12V-2x6 cable count first | MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II | The most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2) |
| Buyers who put rated output first | ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G | The highest rated output here (1200W) |
| Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan | LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White | A magnetic dust filter over the fan |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W costs less | CORSAIR RM1000e White | White housing with matching cables at the highest price in the group |
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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at 1000W. "Not listed" marks native 12V-2x6 cable count where the CORSAIR RM1000e White leaves the figure out.
| Power supplie | Wattage | Native 12V-2x6 cables | Warranty | 80 Plus rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | Gold |
| MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II | 1000W | 2 | 10 years | Gold |
| ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G | 1200W | 1 | 10 years | Gold |
| LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White | 1000W | 1 | Not listed | Gold |
| CORSAIR RM1000e White | 1000W | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
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 CORSAIR RM1000e White the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Power supplies |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W |
| About $100 to $150 | MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G |
| About $150 to $250 | LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White, CORSAIR RM1000e White |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W compare with the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on rated output?
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G leads at 1200W, with the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at 1000W.
Which has the most native 12V-2x6 cable count: the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II or the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W?
Between the top two, it is 2 on the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II against 1 on the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, a 100% difference. The CORSAIR RM1000e White doesn't state a native 12V-2x6 cable count figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Why is the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G our Highest Rated Output pick?
The label rests on the highest rated output here (1200W). On rated output it leads the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, 1200W against 1000W, a 20% margin. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, 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 rated output first.
Do the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White differ on cybenetics rating?
The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G uses platinum; the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White uses Gold. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II and the CORSAIR RM1000e White have no cybenetics rating listed, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Will the CORSAIR RM1000e White work with my setup?
The CORSAIR RM1000e White 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 CORSAIR RM1000e White, so check the maker's page against your case's PSU bay. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick, and fifth of 5 on rated output (1000W).
What extras do the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W and the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II include?
The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W: a 140mm length, short for a 1000W unit. The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II: two native 12V-2x6 cables. The ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G: a Cybenetics LAMBDA A noise certification.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W, chosen for undercutting the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on price when we checked. Look at the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II for the most native 12V-2x6 cable count here (2), the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G for the highest rated output here (1200W) and the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White for a magnetic dust filter over the fan if those matter more to you.
Check the 12V-2x6 and 8-pin connector count against your GPU.
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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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