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The PSUs I mentioned are mostly ATX 2.2/2.5 models, similar to Super Flower or Corsair RMi/HXi/AXi units. Some Seasonic models offer two versions—ATX 2.5 and ATX 3.0. When Seasonic PSU is ATX 3.0, the name clearly indicates it. For example, PRIME TX lineup can be found here: https://seasonic.com/prime-tx/, and PIME TX ATX 3.1 is available at https://seasonic.com/atx3-prime-tx/. Seasonic Vertex starts with ATX 3.0. The PSUs I provided all correspond to ATX 3.0/3.1 models. According to the current ATX 3.0/3.1 specifications (see https://hwbusters.com/psus/intel-atx-v3-...d-briefly/), using a modern GPU like the GTX 10-series or newer, particularly the RTX 40-series, is recommended. These PSUs are built to handle short-term power surges from the GPU (they can maintain double their rated capacity for a few milliseconds during these spikes). Older ATX 2.2/2.5 units still work adequately, but if you want better protection against those spikes, opt for a PSU with around 200W more capacity so it has enough headroom. Additionally, ATX 3.0/3.1 units include a dedicated power cable (12VHPWR or 12V-2x6) that plugs directly into the RTX 40-series GPU. With ATX 2.2/2.5, you need an 8-pin PCI-E to 12VHPWR/12V-2x6 adapter. For instance, the RTX 4070 Super has a 220W GPU; its specs are available here: https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/ge...uper.c4186. Its transient power spikes can reach up to 1.5 times its TDP, meaning it might spike to around 350W. Although the specs suggest a 550W PSU, that’s on the lower side, so I’d prefer a 650W ATX 3.0/3.1 unit. If you choose an ATX 2.2/2.5, you’d need a 750W unit. What counts as GPU transient power spikes? A video to check is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnRyyCsuHFQ
A higher wattage PSU provides greater flexibility for increasing CPU or GPU performance, or when planning future upgrades to more powerful graphics within the next decade. Vertex offers a warranty of 12 years, matching the standard offered by the PRIME series. This extensive warranty is one factor encouraging me to own two Seasonic PRIME TX units. Seasonic Vertex, known for its build quality, sits between Seasonic Focus and Seasonic PRIME in terms of durability. I reached out to Seasonic directly to find out how their Vertex models fit into their PSU range when the first Vertex model launched in 2023. That was a smart decision.
Many people opt for cheaper PSUs, but a few are willing to invest in quality. It's a bit puzzling because most users don't face problems with high-end components, especially CPUs and GPUs. You can easily spend over $500 on a GPU without worrying. However, when it comes to PSUs, many choose to save money. High-end PSUs typically cost more than $500, while GPUs are often priced lower. For example, Vertex models are around $150, whereas I paid €206.80 and €205.50 for my units—one bought in 2016 and another in 2020.
It's important to remember that the PSU is the most critical part of a PC, as it supplies power to all components. A small difference in quality can make a big difference. A $100 variation in PSU can be crucial—either it might fail suddenly and damage your entire system, or it could provide reliable performance for about ten years.