Choose the best PSU for your needs.
Choose the best PSU for your needs.
So here’s what I discovered nearby that’s worth looking into:
Corsair RM850x (2021)
- 150 USD
Cooler Master V850 SFX
- 130 USD
MSI MPG A850G PCIE5
- 150 USD
Corsair RM850e (2025)
- 155 USD
MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5
- 130 USD
Anything more affordable in my local area is either over 850W or too costly for my budget.
I also found this PSU Tier List.
That's a neat list.
🤔
Up-to-the-date and unbiased as well, while nicely describing the tiering criteria. Did skim over it and for the some specific brands that i looked closer, the tiering is on-point.
Though, the list doesn't contain older PSUs for some of the brands. While the oldest units in list are from 2010, not all brand older units are listed. E.g oldest Seasonic unit listed is 2016, but Seasonic had good PSUs from 2009 (S12II Bronze), 2010, 2011, 2012. Then again, no-one should be buying 10+ year old platform regardless.
So, overall, the best PSU tier list i've seen as of late.
Thanks for share.
👍
Do note that this is SFX PSU and not ATX PSU. It is smaller than regular PSU and to use it, you need to use ATX to SFX PSU adapter bracket.
E.g this thing, amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Techn...01BYB33J8/
Two Corsair units. RMx is better build quality and despite it being ATX 2.x, i'd still pick it over inferior quality (mediocre quality) RMe which is ATX 3.x PSU.
Two MSI units. MAG is poor quality (as you can see from the PSU tier list you included). MPG is good unit with ATX 3.x revision.
Overall;
If you want ATX 3.x PSU with dedicated 12-6x2 connector for RTX 50-series, then MSI MPG A850G PCIE5 is the best choice.
If you want absolute the best build quality, Corsair RM850x is best option. It is ATX 2.x PSU and doesn't have the dedicated 12-6x2 connector but RX 9700 XT doesn't use it anyways (12-6x2 is Nvidia thing). Still, if you go with RM850x, there are adapters out there than convert 8-pin PCI-E to 12-6x2 connector (that adapter should be included with GPU).
Up to you which one to pick.
It includes an adapter.
The wires are shorter and may not extend to the CPU power when using bigger cases.
Damn, I wasn’t aware of the ATX 3.0 vs 2.x restrictions.
For my future upgrade to an RTX 5070 Ti, I think I’ll need a PSU for ATX 3.0. Are they still suitable for ATX 2.x GPUs?
If I connect an ATX 2.x PSU with a 3.0 GPU via an adapter, what are the risks and will it affect performance?
ATX 2.x power supplies remain compatible with the latest graphics cards. Just ensure the included adapter is used when necessary. The referenced articles explain the distinctions between ATX 3.x and the older ATX PSU versions, as well as details on using the new power cables and adapters. When employing an adapter, avoid bending it only at the connector area for the GPU. There are no performance changes with ATX 2.x supplies, as they deliver the same +12V output as ATX 3.x. Factors like voltage regulation, ripple, and response time depend on the specific power supply unit, not just the ATX standard. The adapter essentially consolidates multiple 8-pin PCI-E connectors into a single 12-6x2 connector, which is compatible with modern GPUs such as those in the RTX 50-series and RTX 40-series. AMD Radeon GPUs continue to use the traditional 8-pin PCI-E configuration for power delivery.
Sure, I’m considering an ATX 3.0 PSU.
Here are the two choices left:
MSI MPG A850G PCIE5 - 150 USD: Tier A PSU, sold by a local shop with questionable after-sales support.
Corsair RM850e (2025) - 155 USD: Tier B+ PSU, from a store known for strong after-sales service.
We’re facing a tough decision.
After-sales service is only needed when something is wrong with the hardware you bought. Good/great quality PSUs last a decade and i don't think you'd have issues with good PSU, to warrant a RMA (warranty claim).
E.g the Seasonic units that i've used and still are using - none of them had any issue.
My Seasonic PSU portfolio (from oldest):
S12II-520 80+ Bronze - bought brand new, in use for 3 years (had 3 year warranty), now retired.
M12II-850 Evo 80+ Bronze - bought brand new, in use for 5 years (had 5 year warranty), now retired.
PRIME TX-650 80+ Titanium - bought brand new, in use for 9+ years (has 12 year warranty), still in use, powering my main build, Skylake.
Focus PX-550 80+ Platinum - bought brand new, in use for 7+ years (has 10 year warranty), still in use, powering my old main build, AMD.
PRIME TX-650 80+ Titanium - bought brand new, in use for 5+ years (has 12 year warranty), still in use, powering missus'es build, Haswell.
(My builds full specs with pics in my sig.)
So, with good quality components, chances that it dies within warranty period, are slim. And unless you know for a fact that you are facing issues (e.g buying cheap hardware), there's no reason why to stress over after-sales service issue.
Personally, i'd go with MSI unit due to better build quality (heck, i'd go with Seasonic instead or Super Flower if no Seasonic is present).