Understanding PSU Tiers List 2024

Tech markets today are flooded with a wide range of PSUs. Still, wondering which PSU suits you the best? Here’s an insight about PSU, PSU ratings, and PSU tiers which will turn to purchasing PSU pretty easy.

What is a PSU?

A power supply unit or PSU is a hardware component that supplies power to the computer and its other components. The Basic function of the PSU is to convert AC (Alternating Current) into DC (Direct Current).

The power supply ratings are done in terms of the watts they generate. Thus, a high-performing CPU/GPU requires a PSU with a good rating.

PSU Ratings

The efficiency and reliability of a PSU are measured by 80 plus PSU ratings.

80 Plus concepts were launched in the year 2014 by Ecos Consulting. This system of ratings is used to classify various PSUs into 6 different categories. Namely:

• Standard 80 Plus
• Bronze 80 Plus
• Silver 80 Plus
• Gold 80 Plus
• Platinum 80 Plus
• Titanium 80 Plus

The following chart makes the understanding of PSU ratings easy

Certification	20% load	50%load	100% load
Standard 80 Plus	80% efficiency	80% efficiency	80% efficiency
Bronze 80 Plus	82% efficiency	85% efficiency	82% efficiency
Silver 80 Plus	85% efficiency	88% efficiency	85% efficiency
Gold 80 Plus	87% efficiency	90% efficiency	87% efficiency
Platinum 80 Plus	90% efficiency	92% efficiency	89% efficiency
Titanium 80 Plus	92% efficiency	94% efficiency	90% efficiency

The 80 Plus system is called so because it denotes that a power supply is at least 80% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads.

The more efficient the power supply is, the less power it uses and the less heat it generates. This ultimately leads to a reduction in electricity bills.

What Are PSU Tiers?

Another metric to choosing a perfect PSU is by observing the PSU Tier list. These tiers are from 1 to 7 with 1 being the best in terms of performance while 7 being the worst.

PSU tiers are based on various factors such as stability, safety, efficiency, and components used.

#1. Efficiency

A PSU is considered efficient if it consumes less electricity and ultimately reduces electricity bills.

#2. Safety

The safety of all components of a computer depends upon PSU. Thus, the PSU must be well built and should have better safety mechanisms such as OVP (Over Voltage Protector) and UVP (Under Voltage Protector)

#3. Components Used

If the components used in the PSU are of good quality then the power supply will perform better and will last longer.

#4. Stability

A PSU is considered stable if it does not shut down or lower its capacity even under high temperatures.

PSU Tiers List

Here’s the list of PSU Tier. Check below;

Tier 1

Tier 1 is probably the best choice for you if your budget is not too limited. It allows extra breathing room for components that consume a lot of power. However, they’re the best fit for demanding powerhouse machines with costly components.

• Betfenix Whisper
• Be Quiet! Straight Power 11
• GIGABYTE AP850 GM Aorus
• P850W Modular
• Enermax Platimax D.F.
• Corsair Axi/Ax Series
• Corsair HX/HXi Series
• Aerocool Project 7
• Corsair RMi/RMx Series
• Corsair SF
• Bitfenix Formula Gold
• Corsair Vengeance

Tier 2

Tier 2 PSUs are costly but worth it. It is a good option for those veteran PC builders who want a reliable PSU at an affordable price.

• Cooler Master V Semi-Modular Series
• EVGA GS
• EVGA G1+
• Fractal Design Newton R3
• Thermaltake Toughpower DPS G
• EVGA GQ
• EVGA G3
• Enermax Digifanless
• Thermaltake Toughpower Grand series
• Seasonic G-Series
• Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB Series
• FSP Hydro G
• Seasonic M12II
• FSP Dagger SFX
• Seasonic S12G
• Kolink Continuum
• Be Quiet! Pure Power 11
• Corsair CX
• Fractal Design Edison M
• Fractal Design Tesla R2
• XFX XTR Series
• XFX TS Series Gold
• Gigabyte XP1200M
• Antec EDGE
• Cooler Master V Semi-Modular Series
• EVGA GS
• EVGA G1+
• Thermaltake Toughpower DPS G
• EVGA GQ
• EVGA G3
• Enermax Digifanless
• Thermaltake Toughpower Grand series
• Seasonic G-Series
• Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB Series
• FSP Hydro G
• Seasonic M12II
• FSP Dagger SFX
• Seasonic S12G
• Kolink Continuum
• Be Quiet! Pure Power 11
• Corsair CX
• Fractal Design Edison M
• Fractal Design Tesla R2
• XFX XTR Series
• XFX TS Series Gold
• Gigabyte XP1200M
• Antec EDGE

Tier 3

Tier 3 PSUs are the best fit for the majority of the gaming audience with affordable prices, yet reliable and qualitative components.

• Cougar GX-S
• FSP Aurum CM
• FSP Hydro X
• Aurum Pro
• Super Flower Platinum King
• Riotoro Onyx
• Zalman EBT
• Enermax Revolution SFX
• Vivo 24K
• Fractal Design Integra M series

Tier 4

Tier 4 is a mid-range PSU. It may not be the best, but healthy and acceptable PSU tier.

• Enermax Revolution X’t II
• Fractal Design Tesla R2
• Silverstone Strider Plus
• Cougar LX
• Cooler Master MasterWatt Lite
• Cooler Master GM Series
• Rosewill Capstone G
• EVGA BQ
• Thermal Take Paris
• Seasonic ECO

Tier 5

In case you’re looking for PSU Tiers that are affordable, Tier 5 proves to be a boon.

• Enermax NaXn
• Silverstone SFX
• Antec Basiq Series BP
• Rosewill Glacier
• EVGA BI
• XFX XT

Tier 6

When it comes to efficiency and reliability, tier 6 models are definitely not a good choice. They may work fine or they may prove to be useless.

• Silverstone Essential Series
• EVGA WI
• Corsair VS Series
• Cooler Master B2 Series
• Rosewill Hive

Tier 7

Tier 7 models are not at all worth purchasing as they don’t even meet the 80 Plus standards.

• FSP Hexa
• Cooler Master Elite Series
• Thermal Take TR2 Series
• EVGA N1

How To Make The Right Choice While Purchasing PSU Tiers?

If you’re curious, this also applies to a different scale like the 24v power supply used in houses. While selecting the right PSU model a lot of factors are to be considered as the wattage listed on the box is just a part of the story. Efficiency, reliability, price, safety, and noise may vary wildly between the models. Then how do make the right choice? Well, ultimately picking the best PSU tiers model which suits best to your needs depends on your requirements and what you actually plan to use your PC for.