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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W
Undercutting the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
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)
Highest Rated Output
ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G
The highest rated output here (1200W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated output first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White
A magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Best for: Buyers who want magnetic dust filter over the fan.
Our take Check price for LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White (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.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR RM1000e White (2025) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Spending as little as possible.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II was closest. 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.
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
- Rated output of 1000W, behind the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G (1200W)
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
- 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 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 Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at the time of writing
Highest Rated Output3 of 5
ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. It was priced above the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G and below the CORSAIR RM1000e 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: 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
Premium Pick5 of 5
CORSAIR RM1000e White (2025) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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. It gives ground on rated output, where the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G offers 1200W.
Key dimensions & 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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Price
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing.
- Connectors
- We recorded native 12V-2x6 cables and PCIe 8-pin connectors where the listing states them.
- Build and warranty
- We checked depth, modular cabling, fan-stop modes and warranty length.
- Wattage
- We compared rated output with NVIDIA's or AMD's recommended system power for the card.
What to Look for in a PSUs for Video Production
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: rated output
Among these picks, rated output runs from 1000W on the CORSAIR RM1000e White to 1200W on the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1200G. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
Match the power connector
Most RTX 40 and RTX 50 cards use a single 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) plug, while many Radeon cards use two or three 8-pin plugs. A native cable avoids bulky adapters.
Push the 16-pin plug fully home and avoid a sharp bend right at the connector.
Compare efficiency ratings
80 Plus and Cybenetics ratings describe how much power turns into heat. Gold is the usual target for a gaming PC; Platinum and Titanium run cooler and cost more.
Check depth and cabling
Deeper units can clash with drive cages or front radiators. Fully modular cables make routing easier in tight cases.
Start from the card maker's PSU figure
NVIDIA and AMD publish a recommended total system power for each card, and partner cards often state their own. Treat that figure as the floor, then add headroom for a high-power CPU.
More wattage than you need does not harm anything; it mostly costs money.
How to Choose a PSUs for Video Production
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | 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 | 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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
Which pick leads on native 12V-2x6 cable count?
The MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II, at 2. The Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W follows at 1, while the LIAN LI Edge Gold 1000W White has 1.
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the Thermaltake Toughpower GT 1000W at our last check; if you can stretch, the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIE5 II is the next step up and the CORSAIR RM1000e White the priciest.
Does a Platinum unit save much on electricity?
Only a little for most gaming PCs. The main gains are less heat and often a quieter fan.
Is an ATX 3.0 power supply still fine?
Generally yes. ATX 3.1 mainly revises the connector to 12V-2x6 and relaxes some spike requirements; check your unit's cable is rated for your card.
Can I reuse the power supply from my old PC?
Only if it meets the card's wattage and connector needs and is still under warranty or in good health. Very old units lack modern connectors.
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.