OCC Recommended Power Supplies List
This list was last updated on 3rd November 2008



Introduction

When it comes to putting together a list of components for a new build nowadays, power supplies aren't as overlooked as they once were.
More people generally appreciate that it is an important part of a system, so buying a unit of adequate quality is important.
Of course, this raises another issue: How do you know what a good PSU is?
This list aims to remedy that by providing you with a reference of units that can be trusted (to varying degrees of course), to supply power to your precious components.

At this point I could go into a lot of background detail about what exactly goes into making a good PSU, but I'll save you the reading for now.
One point I will make though is the importance of choosing a suitable power supply for the system you are building.
It is also worth noting that recently there has been a trend for manufacturers to release more and more powerful units.
1KW PSUs aren't that uncommon any more, there are a number of them out there. Units which exceed this rating are becoming more common also.
My personal opinion is that these have very limited use, but they will still be included on the list as they are generally high quality units and may be useful for extreme builds.

With an enthusiasts mindset of bigger/more powerful = better, it is easy to think that you might require one of these monsters.
The fact is that 95% of you (and that's a conservative estimate) won't.
Unless you're packing some serious multi-GPU action then you're not even going to get close to needing one. Unless you just like to brag of course.
Consider this seriously when you are buying and if you are not sure, then don't be afraid to ask. That's what we are here for
(I would suggest asking anyway, even if you are sure. It can't hurt)

If you are interested in reading more about Power Supplies and some of the information that has been used to compile the list, then check out the following links:

Evidence Collection for Power Supply Requirements

Everything You Need to Know About Power Supplies - Highly Recommended Reading
By: Gabriel Torres @ Hardware Secrets

How Much Power is Enough?
By: Steven Walton @ LegionHardware

Power Supply Fundamentals
By: Mike Chin @ SPCR

Why 99% of Power Supply Reviews Are Wrong
By: Gabriel Torres @ Hardware Secrets

Anatomy of Switching Power Supplies
By: Gabriel Torres @ Hardware Secrets

OEM Database @ JonnyGuru

XS Tiered PSU Manufacturer Brand Listing
By: perkam @ XtremeSystems

80 Plus Certified PSUs

Test Data From:

Jonny Guru
Silent PC Review
[H]ard|OCP
Hardware Secrets
PC Perspective
HardwareLogic
OverclockersClub


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The List

Power Supplies are listed by brand and important features are noted alongside the listing.
'Quiet' in this case means acceptable for use in what some may commonly call a 'silent' system.
Basically they are quiet enough to be matched with other 'silent' products such as case fans etc. without causing too much of an upset.
Be sure to ask if you are planning a quiet system as even those labelled as quiet will vary in noise level.
(note: Some of the PSUs may be quiet but haven't been labelled as such yet because of the lack of reliable evidence)
'Modular' should be a familiar concept, allowing you to add or remove power cables as needed.
Listings link to the official product page for the PSU/PSU Series in question
I will attempt to keep the list as up to date as possible, I'm sure you realise how quickly things move.
Take a deep breath, and begin:


Antec

- Earthwatts 380W - Quiet
- Earthwatts 430W - Quiet
- Earthwatts 500W - Quiet
- Earthwatts 650W
- NeoHE 380W - Modular - Quiet
- NeoPower 430W - Modular - Quiet
- NeoPower 500W - Modular
- NeoPower 550W - Modular
- NeoPower Blue 650W - Modular
- TruePower Trio 430W
- TruePower Trio 550W
- TruePower Trio 650W
- Antec TruePower Quattro 850W - Modular
- Antec Signature 850W - Modular


BeQuiet!

- Dark Power Pro 430W - Modular - Quiet
- Dark Power Pro 530W - Modular
- Dark Power Pro 600W - Modular
- Dark Power Pro 750W - Modular
- Dark Power Pro 850W - Modular


BFGTech

- ES-800
- LS-550
- LS-680


Coolmax

- CUQ-1350B 1350W - Modular


Cooler Master

- Real Power Pro 850W
- Real Power Pro 1000W


Corsair

- HX 520W - Modular - Quiet
- HX 620W - Modular - Quiet
- VX 450W - Quiet
- VX 550W
- TX 650W - Quiet
- TX 750W
- HX 1000W - Modular


Enermax

- Pro82+ 525W - Quiet
- Modu82+ 625W - Modular - Quiet
- Galaxy 850W - Modular
- Galaxy 1000W - Modular


Etasis

- ET750
- ET850


FSP

- Green PS 300W (FSP300-60GLN)
- Green PS 350W (FSP350-60GLN)
- Green PS 400W (FSP400-60GLN)
- Blue Storm II 400w
- Blue Storm II 500w


Hiper

- Type R II 880W
- Type M 880W


Kingwin

- ABT-1220MA1S - Modular


NorthQ

- Giant Connector 850W - Modular


OCZ

- StealthXStream 500W
- StealthXStream 600W
- ProXStream 1000W
- EliteXStream 800W
- EliteXStream 1000W


PC Power and Cooling

- Turbo-Cool 510 SLI
- Turbo-Cool 510 ASL
- Turbo-Cool 860W
- Turbo-Cool 1KW
- Silencer 610
- Silencer 750 Quad


Seasonic

- S12II 330W - Quiet
- S12II 380W - Quiet
- S12II 430W - Quiet
- S12II 500W - Quiet
- S12 Energy+ 550W - Quiet
- S12 Energy+ 650W - Quiet
- M12 500W - Modular - Quiet
- M12 600W - Modular - Quiet
- M12 700W - Modular - Quiet


Silverstone

- Zeus ST65ZF
- Zeus ST75ZF
- Zeus ST85ZF
- Zeus ZM1200M - Modular
- Olympia OP650
- Olympia OP750
- Olympia OP1000
- Olympia OP1200
- Decathon DA750


Thermaltake

- ToughPower 550W
- ToughPower 600W
- Purepower RX 600W - Modular
- ToughPower 650W
- ToughPower 700W
- ToughPower 700W Cable Management - Modular
- ToughPower 750W
- ToughPower 750W Cable Management - Modular
- ToughPower 850W - Modular
- ToughPower 1000W
- ToughPower 1000W Cable Management - Modular
- ToughPower 1200W
- ToughPower 1200W Cable Management - Modular


Topower

- Powerbird 900W


Tuniq

- Ensemble 1200W


Ultra

- X-Pro 750W
- X-Pro 800w
- X3 1000w - Modular


Zalman

- ZM360B-APS
- ZM600-HP - Modular
- ZM750-HP - Modular
- ZM1000-HP - Modular - Quiet


Zippy

- GSM-6550P
- GSM-6600P
- PSL-6720P
- PSL-6800P - (available with PCIe x 4)
- PSL-6850P - (available with PCIe x 4)

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Credits:
Many thanks go out to the people behind all of the resources used to compile this list (check out the links at the top of this post), without them it wouldn't have been possible.


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A note on pricing: The cost of power supplies is certainly an important factor when you are going to buy, but as this can tend to vary over time and by region it is given a relatively small consideration when adding units to this list. If a PSU is good, then it's good and I'll leave the shopping around to you.

I hope that reading this has helped you make a decision on which power supply is right for you.
If you're still not sure, then please ask in the forums and we'll be very happy to help.
Even if you have made up your mind, run your decision by us for more input.

Feedback is always welcome.
Disagree with how a PSU is tagged? Think something does / doesn't deserve to be on the list? Then let me know.

The List has just received a major overhaul.

Wow, that is one good looking guide. Great job Jammin!!

Thanks (and you left out roadkill.. though I'm sure you didn't mean to )

I'll take this opportunity to encourage members to post feedback.

- Tell us what you like and don't like about how the list works (is it easy to use?)
- What other information would you like included (I'll be working on adding tags to PSUs which could be described as 'quiet' for starters)
Other possible information could include efficiency (whether units are 80+ certified) and pricing (though as this fluctuates it may actually be counter productive)
- Even whether colour effects the usability (do you like the neon green btw? I'm not sure if I do)

edit - neon snot green is out and pastel yellow is in, along with a nice lavender for the quiet ones

Hm... quiet... what does this actually mean? I mean, 'modular' is rather self-explanatory, but quietness.... I dunno.

For instance, the 92mm Noiseblocker fan on my XP-90 is spec'd "to German DIN standards" at 22dBA. It is silent to me. OT, but I do like how they tell you exactly how the fans were measured too. Very honest!

My friend bought all Akasa Amber fans, 92mm and 120mm, which are spec'd at 18dBA for both. He later changed to Xilence fans, as he just preferred the colour, which are spec'd at 19dBA for the 92mm and 21dBA for the 120mm (according to Aria description). He actually says the Xilence are noticeably quieter, regardless of the specs. I'm not sure if it's just a subjective thing, or if the specs are being measured slightly differently.

So, though numbers don't seem to be entirely indicative of "quietness", apparently, I still think it might be a good sort of "guideline" if they were included? :s Or maybe even a 'Silent' tag, or was that was quiet was meant to mean?



How about a tag indicating if it's single / dual / quad rails or whatever? Or are most dual / quad these days? I dunno!


I do remember when I was looking for a new PSU a while back, I was determined to find out what caps were being used as my current Antec is full of Fuj[something] ( sounds very much like f-you, ironically ) 110% garbage. It's hard to find from reviews what's actually inside, but I do think it would be kinda nice to include it if people want to report it. There might be a problem with varying slightly from unit to unit though, which would be a pain. My Antec TC 550 is purely f-you caps, even on the primary mains side! Most people, at the very least, seemed to have Rubycon's there!


I can't remember what the old list looked like now, but this one looks nice and simple!

Quiet is a bit different than Silent, even though manufacturers like to exchange the two words as if they were the same.
I should probably add a clear definition as to what the 'quiet' tag means.

Quiet in this case means acceptable for use in what some may commonly call a 'silent' system.
Basically they are quiet enough to be matched with other 'silent' products such as case fans etc. without causing too much of an upset.

I didn't want to tag them as 'silent' because they aren't. Only passively cooled PSUs are truly capable of that and don't really have a place in a list on a forum like this as far as I'm concerned.

You are right that manufacturers numbers cannot be trusted, and they also don't measure the 'quality' of the sound.
That's something that can only be done with subjective testing.


Each PSU that is labelled 'quiet' in the list is done so on the basis of review and consumer consensus.
Therefore some of the PSUs on the list may actually be quiet, but aren't labelled as such because of a lack of evidence (or research on my part).
If members can provide adequate evidence they can then also be tagged.
Most of the current 'quiet' PSUs are based on testing performed by SPCR, who's judgement I tend to trust in that regard.



As for labelling PSUs with multiple rails, that only serves to confuse things further I believe.
Most multi-rail PSUs aren't truly multi rail in any case, with all 12v lines being fed from the same source on the PCB.
I'm just trying to find some sources to refer you to on that one.
(edit - it's something Hardware Secrets refer to in PSU reviews quite often)

oh they are SO you darling

You so can't tell I'm doing a design degree can you.

why arent the antec truepowers series on there? arent they supposed to be good

I'll be adding the Truepower Trio series actually
They are Seasonic units, but you won't get quite the same build quality you'd get with Seasonic branded PSUs.

Edit - Added Antec TruePower Trio series.

Edit2 - Also added FSP Green PS series. These might be relatively difficult to find (pay attention to the product number in the brackets).
The 300W is currently sold at Newegg

Hmmmm... there is a noticable absence of Hiper Type M & R series PSU's

Yeah, I have to look into those a bit more.

I've been meaning to do some more updates to the list, so should probably do that in the next few days.
I'm sure there will be a few more I can add.

For example, it looks as though the Seasonic s12 II should be available soon (despite the incredible lack of information about it from Seasonic themselves).

I think an update about once a month to keep it fresh should be alright.

Yeah they are not too bad. Mine has been running virtually 24/7 since April 2006.

They are nowhere near as quiet as stated though. While they are still quieter than A LOT of units, I know of others that are quieter. Gotta love the modular systems though.

Hopefully jammin will be able to root out some information on them. Keep up the good work squire

Yeah, I'll do my best.

This is a recommended list, so if in my research I find that a particular supply is good, but gets outclassed by several other PSUs in the same price bracket, it makes it harder to add to the list.

Basically, there is no point in me adding something that when asked about I will just turn around and say "get this other one instead".
This is more true as the list gets longer (with the potential for some to get axed from the list should something better come along).

Of course I still want there to be plenty of options available.

Added FSP Blue Storm II
Removed GameXstreme 1010W

I'm looking in a bit more depth at the Enermax Infinity line, which seems to be pretty impressive on first impressions.

I'm also looking into some of Hiper's models in a bit more depth.

looks great jammin

Hey Jammin Just wanted to update the Antec Earthwatts 500 is close to silent also. I can barely even hear the air flow from the fan with my ear next to it.

Good to hear (or not, as the case may be ). I'm tentative on labelling PSUs as a certain thing unless I can get confirmed reports about them.

edit -

Added OCZ StealthXStream 600W - virtually identical to GameXStream (lacks some power connectors. Slightly varied minor internals.)
Tagged Antec Earthwatts 500W as 'quiet'

Someone posted this link in a topic awhile back: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108088

I think it might be a good idea to link to it so people can get a general idea based on the manufacturer if it's not listed here.

Yeah, I believe someone posting that was what triggered the need to create the updated list as it is now.

I'll add it to the read links in the introduction, as it does provide a pretty good overview of what is good and what isn't.

The reason the list here didn't take a similar structure to that one, is that recommending based on brand can get confusing (with different models within a brand using different designs and even different OEMs at times).

I agree. Even that list has different lines from the same brand in different tiers. I think it makes a good supplement though.

SinTek makes pretty beefy power supplies with great warranties too.

Right, it's getting on for two months since the last update here.

I've been busy recently so I'm not completely up together with new releases on the PSU front.

Strong candidates for addition to the list are the updated Seasonic S12II series and Corsair's VX PSU's.
Gigabyte's Odin also looks like a potential recommendation.

Any other suggestions are welcome as usual.

Can you add a "frickin' awesome" tag for the HX?

Havn't checked out this list in a while, really like the newer format

Update:

Added Seasonic S12II series
Added Corsair VX Series
Removed Coolmax Green Power CUG Series - Recent reviews suggest not up to standard.

Note: Older original Seasonic S12 series may be removed from the list once it is phased out and becomes unavailable. It will remain for the moment though.

Alright, I am starting the process of getting this list bang up to date again so it will be a decent reference for anyone asking about PSUs.

Your help is welcomed in the process, as always.
I do ask that if you submit a suggestion to have a PSU added or removed that you back it up with a good reason, and with reliable test data where possible.

Only a couple of minor changes implemented so far, which are:

Added OCZ EliteXStream 1000W - based on [H] Enthusiast Review Data

Removed Coolmax CTG Series and XClio PSUs - not enough reliable test data available.

Added BFGTech ES-800 - based on [H] Review Data

Removed Seasonic S12 - discontinued


I should catch a lot of the obvious updates (new PSUs from Corsair, Enermax, Seasonic), but pointers to anything less obvious would be appreciated.

Nice guide there Jammin, I have been keeping a little guide of my own.

http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/f76/updated-...y-guide-137927/

Though I have heard that some Alienware power supplies are made by silverstone, any truth to this?

I don't keep track on what PSU OEMs the big pre-built guys use to be honest with you.
I'm sure it would be pretty easy to work out with a few pictures and specs or some hands on examination.

The PSU market has become considerably more crowded in recent months, which means it will be more challenging to keep this list focused (the aim is for it to be as user friendly as possible).

Hrmm Would be nice if there was a site to keep track of what companies made what power supplies.

This is the only thing I have found that comes close.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=...&ndar_id=24

I don't think it is complete though. I mean, most of the listings next to the company say some this brand some that brand, but that doesn't really help us when we reccomend specific models of power supplies.

Most recent decent PSUs are limited to a handful of OEMs, so that makes things a bit easier.
UL numbers can also be helpful, but often the brand involved will get their own number so it hides who originally built it.

I could probably give you all the OEMs for PSUs on the list off the top of my head (but don't ask me to do it ).

If you notice, there is a link to Jonny Guru's OEM database in the introduction to the list
(All of those links are really worth checking out if you haven't already btw).


I should get a decent update done by the end of tomorrow.

Added Corsair TX 650W and TX 750W - Review data Here, Here and Here

I have been reccomending the TX's alot more than the HX's lately..

I'd still take an HX over a TX personally, but I have my own reasons for that.

Anyway...

Added Antec TruePower Quattro 850W - Review data Here, Here and Here.

[H] express some concern about ripple noise, specifically on the 3.3v rail. I'm willing to give Antec the benefit of the doubt on this one, especially considering there are similar PSUs already on the list.

I'm the opposite way, I hold single 12V railed Power supplies slightly higher than multi railed ones, even though one couldn't go wrong with either an HX or a TX.

That's why I like PPC&C.

The single rail vs. multi rail debate has been discussed at length in several places I believe.

It is my personal opinion that in a lot of cases the argument is moot. Performance between the two is often indistinguishable.
How it is implemented on a PSU by PSU basis also comes into it.

I'm with Jammin on the HX vs. TX debate, mainly for the sake of noise (as I believe that that's his main concern)

Noise, I love Noise. But of course I realize most people go for aesthetics..

Aesthetics on a PSU? I doubt most people go for that first. Only perhaps in terms of the modular aspect, but you can't even see the darned thing!

However, noise only inevitably ends up getting progressively worse over time. For me, noise can ruin a potentially amazing system, especially seeing as *most* PSUs don't have effective fan adjustments or load adjustments (you know, more load = faster fan etc) for the fans used. Shame really.

I don't know, it seems the vast majority of people look for a power supply based on it's looks first and only then look for ones on the performence or quality aspect.
I don't do that, I just think most do. I know that the elite computer builders such as ourselves care more about performance and quality than looks.

Clear cases or at least clear side panels are more popular than ever, and it will only grow, people love to see the insides of their computer, so I do think this is why many companies attempt to make thier power supplies look "cool" and "flashy" and modularity has only added to that.

Of course it is all up to individual preference..

As for the noise, I know I am the extreme minority here when I say that I like noise. But that is to say, I like the white noise, when I sleep it is very pleasant. I know that most don't sleep with their computers on so they may perfer less noise.

But yea, once again, it is all personal perference.

Added Enermax Modu82+ 625W - Review data Here and Here.

Note that it is likely the 425W and 525W versions will provide very similar performance, as well as the non-modular Pro82+ versions.
Waiting for more review data for those, but you can pretty much consider them added.

Also note the Modu82+ is now the quietest PSU on the list.

Added Corsair HX1000 - Review data Here.

Note: This PSU is built on the same CWT platform as the similarly rated Thermaltake Toughpower series units, though it appears to have improved build quality and component selection.

Hope this is the right place to ask this:
I have a Raidmax Volcano 630W Power supply. I have used the program HWMonitor but I cannot see how to paste the results on the post. At any rate, the concern I have is the Voltages:
+12v: +3.97 to +7.42
-12v: -1.73 to -1.73
-5v: -1.92 to -0.77
Not sure if HW Monitor is the best program to use but it does seem to be activly tracking the voltages.

Any thoughts on a replacement power supply (if this one is truely bad).
Possibly: Gigabyte ODIN Pro 800W(GE-M800A-D1) At least that is what Gigabyte responded back to me in an E-mail request as to the recommended power supply for the set-up I have.

GA-EX38-DQ6, 8800GT OC 512mb, Patriot Ram, Seagate 500GB SATA, DVD/RW, CD/RW, Audigy Z2, Q6600 CPU and I also have an exteranl Firewire Vantec HDD, Cannon P6000D, Mustek Scanner, Samsung 226BW 22" and 3 each case fans.

Thoughts suggestions?? Hope some of you seasoned pros out there can help!
(As with most - I do not have "bottomless pocket" for the purchase of the power supply).

Firstly, most software isn't going to give you useful data unless it's tied to the right kind of hardware (the kind that costs more than is worth your while unless you test a lot of Power Supplies).

I don't know where HW Monitor is reading those voltages from, but they look far enough off to be completely unreliable.


As for recommendations for a replacement, firstly a company that sells something is obviously going to have a slight(!) conflict of interest when giving out advice.
Your system certainly doesn't need as much as 800W. It'd be hard pushed to peak at even close to half that total.

Are you having any problems with your system apart from being concerned about software readings?
If not then you could well get by on your current PSU, despite it's dubious quality. The fact that it isn't completely bargain basement (at least on price), means that hopefully there are some half decent components inside it. It does appear to be an old design based on the specs though (huge amp values on the 3.3v and 5v lines, which nothing really taxes nowadays).


So you probably could just keep your current PSU and be just fine.
If you feel you want to replace it with something of better quality then something like Corsair VX450 would power your system just fine. If you have plans of high end multi graphics card set ups in the future than you could probably bump that up a bit for piece of mind.

Far as I am concerned the only good raidmaxs power supplies are the Topower/Tagan models.....

Thanks for the reply. I'm a little surprised that 450W is enough for this set-up. I did buy the MB so I could upgrade in the future as needed. So I will most likely "bump-up" the capacity a bit to compensate future expansion. The next up from the 450 is HX620? Which I am guessing is the next best choice. I would also guess my system would not run at the "read" voltages by HWMonitor and that they are totally off. With a different power supply Corsair or the Gigabyte ODIN (which is not referenced on your reviews), will the readings change to the appropriate values? As with anyone, I would feel more comfortable if I knew the voltages were correct and I had the capacity to OC with a good stable power supply. Thanks again for your input.

Software readings really aren't relevant, so I just wouldn't worry about them.
Even readings taken with a multimeter aren't that useful.

The next PSU up, at least in the Corsair line up is the VX550.
Of course that isn't the only option, and there are plenty of other PSUs on the first page of this thread that would be suitable.
It just depends what qualities are more important to you (price, noise, output tolerances, modular cables etc.) I merely picked the VX450 as a good competitively priced example.
If you want to be a bit more specific with your requirements we could likely narrow down your choices further (I would suggest starting a new thread for that if you do).




As a side note - The Gigabyte ODIN 800W should actually be a pretty good PSU if it exhibits similar qualities to the 550W version, which should maybe be on the list already. In fact, versions of the ODIN with the software PSU control are probably the most suitable if you want to monitor what your power supply (and system) is doing, but as is pointed out in the jonny guru review this really isn't that useful for the average user (think testing power requirements of components etc.)

Added NorthQ Giant Connector 850W - Review data Here.

Note: Enhance built (there are already a few Enhance built PSUs on the list.. the CM Real Power Pro being an example). You are also likely to only find this unit in Europe, so if anyone spots one Stateside then let me know, as I would be interested to see how they would price it over there.

I dont think OCZ deserves to be on the list (due to low efficiency at high loads and high ripple issues on nearly all there units) but thats just my opinion and a preference that i would never trust them on any of my builds. Add SPI, and Mushkin then you will have a great list.