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Recommended Power Supplies
Submitted by Mike Chin on Fri, 2006-12-01 09:36.
Power | Reference|Recommended
Viewing page 1 of 2 pages. 1 2 Next
- Feb 19, 2011 - Demoted Nexus Valye 430 to recommended
- Sept 26, 2010 - Added Corsair AX850, Antec TP750
- Aug 15, 2010 - Added Seasonic X-400 Fanless
- May 14, 2010 - Added Enermax Modu/Pro87+ 500W
- Jan 12, 2010 - Added Nexus NX-5000, Enermax Eco80+ 500W
and Winmate 130W DD-24AX DC-DC Module
- October 18, 2009 - Added Seasonic X-650.
- September 8, 2009 - Complete overhaul of ranking system
- Updated March 14, 2009 - Added Nexus Value 430 and Silverstone
ST45NF
- Updated Dec 20, 2008 - A slew of changes - Added Seasonic M12D-850W,
Sparkle Power SPI250EP, TX650W. SilverStone Decathlon DA700, Antec Signature
650.
- Updated March 16, 2008 - Added Corsair TX650W.
- Updated March 2, 2008 - Added Seasonic MII-430 & SII-380,
Enermax Modu82+ 625; retired several now-discontinued models, and shuffled
rankings as necessary.
- Updated Aug 16, 2007 - Added Corsair VX450W
- Updated July 28, 2007 - Added two models to recommended
lists and retired a few older now-discontinued models
Dec 1, 2006
Until today, these recommended PSU lists were part of the Power Supply Fundamentals article. The lists and the fundamentals article have been separated for practical reasons. The single article was just getting too long and cumbersome. Separating them means it's a bit easier to update them more frequently. You're strongly urged to read Power Supply Fundamentals for a fuller understanding of the complexities around power supplies.
PRODUCTS CHANGE, often without notice. The information provided here is accurate at time of posting, but there is no way to guarantee that the samples we review are exactly the same as the ones you buy. There are just too many variables. Manufacturers often change or discontinue products, and change model names without notice. For a bigger sampling, please check the SPCR Forums for comments by owners/users.
GUIDE TO THE LISTS
The recommended PSUs are divided into three power categories:
- Up to 380W
- 381W to 650W
- Higher than 650W
There are two recommended ranks: Editor's Choice and SPCR Recommended. In previous iterations of this reference list, power supplies were ranked numerically on two scales of 1-10 for noise and quality. Now, the fine gradations have been put aside in preference for broader groupings. Products ranked as Editor's Choice are "best in class" for the various parameters we consider most important: Low noise, high efficiency, high build quality, good value, useful features (more or less in that order). Those that are Recommended are just that: Recommended for low noise and better than average performance on the other parameters.
The rationale for the broader groupings is as follows: PSUs that measure within a couple of decibels of each other (especially at below typical ambient levels) at low and mid power loads cannot be authoritatively differentiated in the context of a real PC system. So many other factors come into play: The ambient noise and temperature, the components being powered, typical usage patterns of the operator, etc. A PSU ranked 9 in the old system might have performed identically to one rated 8.5, depending on conditions. In other words, the fine differentiations could only be identified under our lab test conditions, not necessarily in real use by typical users. Hence, those ranking were not always useful.
Now, when a product is an Editor's Choice, you know that it's exceptional in most of the parameters that we consider important. Finding one that's "perfect" or "ideal" should not be critical because you will get similar results with any of them. If it is important to choose a product that's "ideal" for you, we encourage you to read all the relevant reviews carefully and use your own judgement.
- The Date indicates when the model was added to the list.
- Order of listing: The products are ordered by increasing power rating, from top to bottom
- Products in bright yellow
cells are new entries .
NOTES ON FANLESS PSUs
The ATX case design designates a certain portion of case cooling to the PSU; the ATX design specification assumes a PSU with a fan. Even though most of the fanless models listed here conform physically to ATX PSU standards, this does not mean they are suitable drop-in substitutes for any system. Due to the reduced airflow not only in the PSU but also through the system, thermal management is a serious consideration for successful use of fanless PSUs.
Ironically, the absence of a cooling fan in the PSU may require the addition of another case fan in the system. Fanless PSUs are generally more suitable for systems that run cooler and draw less power. Before opting for a fanless PSU, we urge you to read all the fanless PSU reviews and the associated forum discussions thoroughly. Plan for adequate system cooling and be prepared to experiment and fine-tune the system for thermal safety.
Keep in mind that we strongly weigh the acoustic performance at <200W when assessing the units for noise. This is because systems typically do not draw more than 200W, even at maximum power. Those seeking quiet systems should do everything possible to minimize power draw because low heat makes low noise much easier to achieve. For higher power PSUs, the noise performance >200W is considered as well, but the <200W is still weighted more heavily, because the vast majority of systems run at much less than full load >90% of the time. (Typically, the load is about at idle 90% of the time.)
In actual use, the difference between a fanless PSU and quiet fan cooled PSU is marginal, as the system using a fanless PSU still needs an exhaust fan which may sometimes have to spin slightly higher than the one in a similar system with a fan-cooled PSU. It is only when systems with the quietest fanned PSUs are pushed beyond ramp-up point of their fan controller that they become significantly noisier than systems with fanless PSU. However, the fanless PSU system will be more stressed thermally unless it has airflow from case fans — in which case, their acoustic advantage shrinks again.
REAL TIME PRICING information on the products can be found using the SPCR Shopping Engine (in the left column, or just click the link).
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SPCR EDITOR'S CHOICE POWER SUPPLIES
|
| Up to 380W |
Comments |
| PicoPSU (fanless) |
The picoPSU is tiny —
70 of them fit inside the casing of a normal ATX power supply. Its footprint
is that of a 20-pin ATX connector. It provides regulated +5V, +3.3V and
+5VSB lines. It passes +12V from an external AC/DC power brick, which can
be fanless. There are several models, rated for up to 150W. Perfect for
silent mini PC projects. Main weakness is reliance on power brick for 12V
line regulation (except for more expensive in-car version.) Reviewed.
Does not include AC/DC adapter, $30~$40. Aug 14/06 |
| Winmate 130W
DD-24AX DC-DC Module |
Fanless high efficiency DC-DC converter
for use with 18~28V AC-DC adapter, best for advanced PC hobbyists and silencers.
An alternative to the picoPSU. Added Jan 12/10. Review |
| Seasonic SS-300SFD
80 Plus |
Highly efficient,
powerful small form factor (SFX) PSU with Seasonic's excellent fan controller,
slightly marred by a mediocre fan. Reviewed.
Jan 3/06 |
| 381 to 650W |
Comments |
| Seasonic
X-400 Fanless (SS-400FL) |
A most impressive 80 Plus Gold efficient
PSU, fanless or fanned. Stellar electrical performance, extremely sturdy
and well-executed build, all-detachable cables delightfully user-friendly,
and tough under extreme heat over long hours of excessive load. The best
fanless PSU, more than just an X-series PSU without a fan. August 13/10 |
| Silverstone
Nightjar ST45NF (fanless) |
Higher power version
of ST30NF, with 80 Plus Bronze efficiency. Very good build quality, excellent
performance all around. Pricey (typically
$200) Reviewed.
Mar 14/09 |
| Nexus NX-5000 |
High efficiency,
excellent electrical performance, compact size, and acoustics that rank
with the best. Review
Added Jan 12/10 |
| Enermax Modu82+
625W |
One of the quietest,
offers modular cabling, extremely high efficiency, excellent electrical
performance, and acoustics that are incrementally quieter than most of the
best. Pro 82+ offers same performance w/o detachabl;e cables. Reviewed.
March 2/08. Caution: Some users report early fan noise
problems. |
| Enermax Modu/Pro87+
500W |
Gold 80 Plus efficiency
matches Seasonic X series. The 500W models are the most efficient
ATX12V PSUs with a sensible power rating, with noise/power curve better
than any PSU tested thus far, by a slim margin. Reviewed.
May 2010. |
| Antec Signature
650 (and 850) |
Innovative new
two-board design for improved cooling with an 80mm in-line fan, superb build
and component quality, Antec's first collaboration with Delta Electronics
is one of the most interested PSU to come along in years. It's also highly
efficient and very quiet. Reviewed.
Dec 20/08. Note: The 850 was not reviewed, but we know
from hands-on experience that it has the same qualities as the 650. |
| Seasonic X-650 |
First 80 Plus Gold
PSU with superb performance, totally modular cabling with patented DC/DC
converter + output connector PCB offers fanless operation at lower loads
and extremely quiet fan-cooled operation at mid-to-high power levels, with
>90% efficiency at mid-power levels. Reviewed.
Oct 18/09. |
| Over 650W |
Comments |
| Corsair
AX850 |
80 Plus Gold model made by Seasonic
based on the X-series. Same great electrical performance. Only difference
from X-series seems to be straight voltage control fan instead of PWM. Totally
modular cabling with patented DC/DC converter + output connector PCB offers
fanless operation at lower loads and extremely quiet fan-cooled operation
at mid-to-high power levels. Dramatically increased quiet power range in
thermally advanced case. Sept 26/2010. |
| Seasonic
M12D 850W |
The first superpower
model from Seasonic is a 80 Plus Silver model, highly efficient,
modular, and equipped with a new top quality Sanyo Denki fan. With the Enermax
Modu82+, it's become the one to beat. Dec 20/08. |
| Antec
CP-850 |
An innovative PSU
with 120mm in-line fan only compatible with three large Antec cases, the
CP-850 is just about as quiet as the Nexus Value 430 at lower power, stays
extremely quiet and cool in those cases to >600W, with exactingly clean,
regulated voltages lines at a price that's a pittance for such quiet, abundant,
performance. Sept 08/09 |
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Caution: Not Brothers Under Their Skin
When it comes to the noise they make, PSUs of the same brand, even of the same series, are not that closely related sometimes. While some PSU brands are pretty consistently quiet (Seasonic is a good example), individual models still vary. Some brands are less consistent. This is especially true of brands whose power supplies are made for them by OEMs, often more than one at the same time, for the same or similar series. Which brands have their PSUs made by other companies? Why almost all of them — all but three names on our recommended lists: Seasonic and Fortron-Source / Sparkle (closely related), who actually manufacture their own products. Enermax used to, but some of their products are now subcontracted out; we don't know what percentage or to who.
So be warned. Don't assume that since Super Quiet 500 received an Editor's Choice award, the same brand's Ultra Silent 1000 must be very quiet too. If we have not reviewed it, if it's not on these lists, it's best not to assume. At least inquire in the forums. SPCR does not make assessments of products without examining them, and we generally choose not to review products that don't meet our minimum requirements for "quiet". The reviews take a great deal of time and effort, and we prefer to save it for better products. So... sometimes "holes" in our recommendations of products in a series may exist because those models simply did not make the grade. |
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SPCR RECOMMENDED POWER SUPPLIES
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| Up to 380W |
Comments |
| Seasonic SS-200SFD |
Very quiet 200W with sleeve-bearing
fan in smaller case (SFX form factor) for Flex-ATX case, smart S2FC fan
control for minimum noise. P4 12V connector. Good for custom small form
factor systems (used in Breadbox
PC) and as replacement for eMachine, HP, and other OEM PCs. 9/02.
|
| Sparkle Power SPI250EP |
80 Plus means 80% efficiency even
at a low 50W load. Decently quiet in stock form, it's a perfect 250W OEM
model for modders to silence even further for a low power, high efficiency
eco-box. Reviewed.
May be hard to find at any price. Dec19/08. |
| Silverstone ST30NF |
Heatpipes transfer the heat from internal heatsinks
to the heavy external casing, which is essentially a 6-sized heatsink. Near
80% efficiency comparable to Seasonic Super and Enermax Noistake series,
along with Active PFC. 12V current capability is adequate at 17~18A. LEDs
indicate thermal condition. It also looks sleek and high tech in natural
aluminum extrusion casing. Reviewed.
Oct 18/04. |
Seasonic S12II-380
|
The second generation S12 seems mostly
to be a refresh of the first, with only a few significant changes, including
incrementally higher efficiency. Seasonic's trademark fan control system
reamins just about the best in the business: Very quiet from idle to some
300W or higher, yet with good cooling when needed. Reviewed.
March 2008. |
| 381 to 650W |
Comments |
Silentmaxx Fanless 400W MX460-PFL01
|
A higher power version of the Fortron
Zen, sold under a different label. It exhibited similar characteristics
and higher output. Like the original, quite solid and silent. Reviewed.
Aug 14/06 |
| FSP Green PS FSP400-60GLN |
Environmentally friendly power supply
manufactured from recyclable and nontoxic materials offer high efficiency,
stable power, good cooling and low noise with lower component density, all
at a decent price. Availability seems spotty. Reviewed
Price: ~$70. Jan 03/6. |
| Nexus Value
430 |
Innocuous little
ATX12V power supply from silent component pioneer Nexus is a
quiet champ, offers unexceptional but yeoman-like performance. Efficiency isn't the best, and we've had a few reports of standby issues. Reviewed. Mar
14/09. |
Seasonic M12II-430
|
2nd gen of Seasonic modular cable
PSUs consists of only two models at the moment, the 430 and 500. They've
lost the secondary 60mm fan, which is a plus, but may still have higher
than usual turbulence noise at high load (compared to other Seasonics) due
to a plastic fan baffle. Still excellent noise and electronic performance.
Reviewed.
March 2008. |
Antec NeoHE 430
|
Middle model in series offering ~80%
efficiency, detachable output cables, multiple 12V lines, APFC, auto-range
AC input, quiet fan and intelligent fan controller. The 80mm fan is a very
quiet ball-bearing Adda. Other models likely have similar acoustics and
performance. Only a touch louder than the Seasonic S12-330, 380 & 430 models
in actual use. Reviewed.
High incompatibility issues appear to have been largely solved in
the first quarter of 2006. |
| Antec EarthWatts 430 |
It's basically an 80 Plus certified, non-detachable
cable version of the NeoHE with a slightly louder fan. Still pretty quiet,
even to a fairly high power load. Reviewed. |
| Corsair VX450W |
80 Plus level efficiency, even down
to pretty low output load, very quiet to a very high output level (300W
on our test bench), made by Seasonic, very well priced, hard to fault. Reviewed.
Aug 16/07. |
|
Zalman ZM460-APS
|
Based on the Fortron Green but with
a better quality fan, this is the quietest PSU from Zalman yet. Pretty high
efficiency, good cooling, and low noise to >200W load on our test bench
make it a reasonable alternative to other top quiet recommendations. Reviewed
$90~100. April 5, 2005. |
| Enermax Eco80+
500W |
Good all around
performance and very low noise that just misses Editor's Choice class performance;
the fan ramps up at a slightly lower load than most EC power supplies. Review
Added Jan 12/10 |
| Silverstone Element ST50EF-Plus
|
80 Plus certification and high efficiency
competitive with the best, along with good acoustics to >250W load, and
a nice fan controller, with a tendency to coil whine at very low loads (not
unusual). Reviewed.
Nov 17/06. |
| Antec Truepower Trio 550 |
120mm fan model, Good overall performance, quiet
up to ~200W load. Surprisingly inexpensive. Reviewed.
July 28, 2007 |
| Corsair HX520/620 |
Combines the modular cabling of the
Seasonic M12 with the quieter single 120mm fan cooling configuration of
the S12. Highly efficient. About the best balanced of Seasonic's current
offerings (under its own brand or other brands.) Reviewed.
Nov 17/06. |
Nexus NX-8060
|
120mm fan 600W PSU with modular cabling from one of silent
computing's oldest names. Good performance, cooling, and efficiency, but
flawed by linear controller that speeds up the fan a bit too soon. It's
quiet at lower loads, but needs a separate thermal chamber to stay quiet
at higher loads. Reviewed.
July 28, 200. Also see NX-8060
PSU improved |
| Corsair TX650W |
80 Plus efficiency, very quiet to
a high output level (300W on our test bench), made by Seasonic, well priced,
hard to fault. It's basically a higher power version of the VX450W. Reviewed.
March 16/08. |
| Over 650W |
Comments |
Antec
TruePower New TP750
|
Virtually silent to ~250W load, pretty
quiet to near 400W, and better in a thermally advanced case. It's another
one made by Seasonic. Modular design with good 86% maximum efficiency, with
very good electrical performance and modest pricing. For those with lower
power needs, 650W and 550W models have the same heatsinks, so should have
the same noise/power curve. Sept 26/2010 |
SilverStone Decathlon DA700
|
It's quite quiet to about 300W load,
beyond which the fan ramps up to high speed quickly. A modular design with
good efficiency, our sample may have had a subtly damaged fan. Reviewed.
Dec 20/08. |
| Coolermaster Silent Pro M700W |
High efficiency, good build quility,
low noise at lower power, marred by too linear a fan controller. Still,
it can be easily integrated into a quiet system, getting louder only when
pushed to gaming power levels. Reviewed.
Sept 09. |
| Chill Innovation CP-700M |
Very quiet up 135mm fan up to ~500W,
not quite the highest efficiency, available primarily in the EU. Worthwhile
alternative for quiet-seeking gamer. Reviewed.
Sept 09. |
| Nexus RX-8500 |
Another one with a 135mm that very
quiet at low and mid loads even if a bit fast to ramp up as power load increaes.
Still very quiet at full and near full load. Reviewed.
Sept 09. |
| Zalman ZM1000-HP |
It's a 1000W PSU, and it's quiet
enough to take on all comers. It starts at ~20 dBA@1m and stays under 30
dBA till around 600W load. We never thought we'd say it, but it's a kilowatter
that even silencers would like. Electrical performance is not tops, however,
and efficiency could be better. Reviewed.
Dec 20/08. |
Please go to the next page for the Retired Recommended PSUs.
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Articles of Related Interest
Power Supply Fundamentals
Power Distribution within Six PCs
Desktop CPU Power Survey,
April 2006
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