The power supply is one of the most consequential components in any build, yet it tends to get less attention than it deserves. The key specs to focus on are wattage, efficiency rating (80 PLUS Bronze, Gold, Platinum, or Titanium), and modularity. ATX 3.1 compliance is increasingly important for modern builds, as it includes the 12V-2x6 connector that high-end GPUs now expect. A unit that is fully modular keeps cable management clean and avoids the bundle of unused cables stuffed behind the motherboard tray.

We compare PSUs from well-established names like Seasonic, be quiet!, Corsair, and Cooler Master alongside brands such as GameMax and FSP that tend to sit at more accessible price points. The range spans budget-friendly units suited to modest office builds right through to high-wattage flagship units designed for top-tier workstation and enthusiast rigs.

One practical consideration worth noting: it is generally better to buy a Gold-rated unit from a reputable manufacturer slightly above your budget than to save money on an unknown brand. A poor PSU can damage other components if it fails.