What is the best option for a high-quality low-cost PSU currently available?
What is the best option for a high-quality low-cost PSU currently available?
Power supply costs are really high these days. I’m not sure what’s pushing prices up, but it seems the demand for powerful graphics cards and CPUs is the main factor. This has really hurt the segment priced below $40, and items meant for $50–60 are now often closer to $100 or more.
I’m helping someone build a gaming rig on a very tight budget. The setup will likely include an R5 5500 and an RX 6600. For that card, a minimum power supply of 500W is recommended. My current system was built around in 2014 and uses an old Antec PSU from that era—just a couple years old then. I’m not confident about using it, but the budget-friendly options like the Thermaltake “Smart” series are available.
I’ve tried the “Smart” line for office builds without graphics power needs, but nothing that fits a card requiring extra power. The “Toughpower” series works in office setups too, though it’s out of my price range. Both should be cheaper than they are now. Corsair units are even more expensive, especially on the lower end.
Could there be a chance to find something near $40 without risking a fire? I’m open to non-modular options like ketchup and mustard. What I really need is something cheap yet dependable.
The overall setup will look like this:
- R5 5500, possibly upgraded to R5 5600 if possible
- A budget-friendly B550 motherboard with plenty of RAM slots
- An affordable A520 motherboard for cost savings
- One M.2 drive and a second 2.5" SSD (already owned)
- Two 8GB drives (likely Ripjaws or similar at a discount)
- The cheapest possible M-ATX case
- An RX 6600 or comparable performance card for 1080 gaming
- A budget around $400 total, with the CPU, board, GPU, and RAM all close to their current prices.
this is the most affordable option I suggest.
the second one offers a great offer if you apply the discount code.
Thanks, yes I’d like to move up to that Toughpower level but it’s out of their budget. That FSP unit is okay but the promo code price was $86.
If it were my money I’d be willing to spend more on a better quality, pricier model—it just isn’t available. Right now I might still use the old case. I could even recommend they switch to an older graphics card for a cheaper power supply, though its performance would likely keep the PC at a similar speed to the current setup. I might suggest they look into a 5500XT to save some money for that first recommendation.
Edit: OUCH, didn’t realize how much lower the 5500XT is compared to a 1080…
Before purchasing a PSU, check if your option appears on the provided list. If it’s marked "Tier F - replace immediately," think about alternatives. For a budget gaming setup, a "Tier B - Mid Range" model is ideal, not significantly inferior to "Tier C - Low end." But if you’re willing to gamble your CPU, GPU, and motherboard, any inexpensive PSU could work. It may serve you well for years or fail suddenly. Even reliable PSUs eventually stop working, though they usually protect against overloads enough to prevent total system failure.
Currently I’ve picked a R5 3600 with an A520 motherboard priced at $122 from MicroCenter. I just need to drive there, as technically it would push me over budget or require me to spend more. The motherboard alone would cost me about $30 if I buy it on Amazon, etc.
I chose the P3 Plus for $27, plus some Silicone Power Value Gaming RAM for $30, bringing my total to around $181. That leaves me needing a power supply, graphics card, and case. The cheaper 'Smart Power' 600W option would bring the build up to about $226, which is still over budget before taxes.
It seems I’m left with no other choice but to tell the buyer the budget isn’t enough. I’d suggest they see if they can add another $100 to make it feasible, which would allow for a better PSU and a new case.
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
If the buyer refuses to accept the case for a better PSU, will there be consequences if you install a very cheap one and their home is damaged? Remember, "the customer is always right" even if they're mistaken. It might be wise to choose a reliable solution to safeguard your reputation as an expert and ensure safety. A ready-made system with lower specs could be safer, though it may not perform well for gaming.
It's a nice point. Even calling what I do a "side hustle" would be misleading at this stage. My main income came from working in the older Dell business class, but after the W11 requirements were released I could no longer accept them (and did a few). This specific case isn't really profitable—I'm handling the build for free for this person.
I frequently dispose of outdated equipment and once donated nine Windows 7 laptops in 2017 to gifted high school students in a village I visit during my travels abroad. Hardware that appears old to us is welcomed enthusiastically, and it’s rewarding to breathe new life into it. In return, I receive the occasional bottle of local home distilled firewater.