{
  "meta": {
    "title": "TechFuelHQ PSU Tier List 2026",
    "description": "A maintained tier database of current ATX 3.x-era power supplies. Each row's specifications come from the manufacturer page linked in the row; each tier placement leans on the professional review linked in the row. Rows we cannot source are omitted.",
    "updated": "2026-07-29",
    "schema_version": 1,
    "license": "CC BY 4.0",
    "field_notes": "watt_class is a space-separated list of the wattage buckets a family spans (750 = 650-750W, 850, 1000 = 1000W+, sfx). budget_class is an editorial price band from published MSRPs and review price commentary. low_load records published light-load efficiency where a source states it in text; null means no source published one."
  },
  "units": [
    {
      "tier": "S",
      "model": "Corsair RMx (2024, ATX 3.1)",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "wattages": "750–1000W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "Cybenetics Gold",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "KitGuru rated the RM850x (2024) 9/10 with a Must Have award for power quality, build quality and cabling, on a CWT platform. Corsair rates this generation via Cybenetics rather than an 80 PLUS badge (per KitGuru). Cybenetics also measured the lowest standby draw of any ATX unit here.",
      "low_load": "77.2% at 20W and 0.018W standby (Cybenetics, 115V); 89.5% at 100W in KitGuru's 240V testing",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/psu/cp-9020270-na/rmx-series-rm850x-fully-modular-power-supply-cp-9020270-na",
      "src_review": "https://www.kitguru.net/components/power-supplies/zardon/corsair-rm850x-atx-v3-1-3rd-gen-2024-review/all/1/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "S",
      "model": "NZXT C850 / C1000 Gold (ATX 3.1)",
      "vendor": "NZXT",
      "wattages": "850–1000W",
      "watt_class": "850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 600W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": "A",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters measured the C1000 (CWT CXT platform) at top overall performance for its class, quiet up to ~790W with strong light-load efficiency; KitGuru scored the white version 9/10. Its only recurring criticism is price.",
      "low_load": "Hardware Busters: efficient at light and super-light loads, high even at 2% load (~20W)",
      "src_manufacturer": null,
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/nzxt-c1000-atx-v3-1-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "S",
      "model": "FSP Hydro Ti Pro",
      "vendor": "FSP",
      "wattages": "850–1000W",
      "watt_class": "850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.0",
      "connector": "12VHPWR 600W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Titanium",
      "cyb_eff": "Titanium",
      "cyb_noise": "A++",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "KitGuru scored the in-house FSP Titanium platform 9.5/10. Cybenetics measured a 12.65 dBA average noise level — the quietest unit in this table — alongside a top-tier low-load result, which is exactly what a 24/7 box wants.",
      "low_load": "74.1% at a 20W (2%) load, 0.076W standby, 12.65 dBA average noise (Cybenetics, 1000W unit)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.fsplifestyle.com/en/product/HydroTIPRO1000W.html",
      "src_review": "https://www.kitguru.net/components/power-supplies/zardon/fsp-hydro-ti-pro-1000w-titanium-2023-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "S",
      "model": "be quiet! Dark Power 13",
      "vendor": "be quiet!",
      "wattages": "750–1000W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Titanium",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Club386 awarded the Dark Power 13 1000W Recommended for electrical performance, quiet running and thermal management, and Cybenetics measured roughly 18 dBA average noise — near-silent, with a solid mid-pack low-load result. Current pages state ATX 3.1 with native 12V-2x6; the reviewed launch build was ATX 3.0.",
      "low_load": "74.5% at 20W, 0.068W standby (Cybenetics, 115V, 1000W); Club386's own bench measured 72.0% at 20W and 92.5% at 80W",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.bequiet.com/en/powersupply/4042",
      "src_review": "https://www.club386.com/be-quiet-dark-power-13-1000w-psu-review-pcie-5-0-done-right/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "A",
      "model": "Seasonic Vertex GX (ATX 3.1)",
      "vendor": "Seasonic",
      "wattages": "750–1200W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": "A-",
      "warranty_y": 12,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters called the Vertex GX-1200 reliable and class-leadingly quiet — the reviewer runs them on his own test benches — while noting CWT-based rivals score 2–4% higher on raw performance and that it costs more. The ATX 3.1 refresh extended the warranty to 12 years, the longest in this table.",
      "low_load": null,
      "src_manufacturer": "https://seasonic.com/vertex-gx/",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/seasonic-vertex-gx-1200-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "A",
      "model": "Corsair HXi (2025, ATX 3.1)",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "wattages": "1000–1500W",
      "watt_class": "1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 cables (2×8-pin feed)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Platinum",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "A+",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters found the HX1200i (CWT semi-digital) tightly regulated, silent, and full-power-capable at 47C, with iCUE monitoring and per-rail OCP control. Held out of S for a transient response and light-load efficiency that trail the very best at this price. Worth knowing rather than holding against it: there is no native 12V-2x6 header — the 600W GPU cable feeds from two 8-pin sockets, an arrangement the reviewer considers safer.",
      "low_load": "Above 70% at 2% load (~24W on the 1200W unit) per Hardware Busters; low standby draw",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/psu/cp-9020307-na/hx1200i-fully-modular-ultra-low-noise-platinum-atx-1200-watt-pc-power-supply-cp-9020307-na",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/corsair-hx1200i-atx-v3-1-2025-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "A",
      "model": "Super Flower Leadex VII (XG / PRO)",
      "vendor": "Super Flower",
      "wattages": "750–1300W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "16-pin cable (8+8-pin feed)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "A-",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters names the Leadex VII XG the best-performing 850W unit in its category and rated the PRO's load regulation superb, on Super Flower's in-house platform. Docked from S here for the homelab dimension: measured under 70% at a 2% load, high standby draw, and a weak 5VSB rail — plus sky-high inrush current and no native 12V-2x6 header.",
      "low_load": "Below 70% at 2% load (~17W) and elevated vampire power (Hardware Busters, PRO 850W) — a gaming-first unit",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.super-flower.com.tw/tw/products-detail/163/",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/super-flower-leadex-vii-pro-850w-atx-v3-1-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "A",
      "model": "be quiet! Straight Power 12",
      "vendor": "be quiet!",
      "wattages": "750–1500W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Platinum",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "XDA Developers rated the 750W unit 9/10 as a solid high-end pick for current AMD, Intel and NVIDIA hardware, with price the main drawback. Platinum-class, 135mm Silent Wings fan, and the current pages carry native 12V-2x6. We found no published light-load measurements for it, so its homelab standing is unproven.",
      "low_load": null,
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.bequiet.com/en/powersupply/4110",
      "src_review": "https://www.xda-developers.com/be-quiet-straight-power-12-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "A",
      "model": "Corsair SF Platinum (2024, SFX)",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "wattages": "750–1000W",
      "watt_class": "sfx",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Platinum",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 7,
      "form": "SFX",
      "why": "KitGuru rated the SF850 9/10 Must Have — high-quality power and stellar build on a Great Wall platform — making this the default SFX answer. Cybenetics measured the SF750 at 75.7% even at a 20W load, strong for a small-form-factor unit. The 7-year warranty (vs 10+ elsewhere) keeps it out of Tier S under our criteria.",
      "low_load": "75.7% at 20W, 0.047W standby (Cybenetics, SF750)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/diy-builder/power-supply-units/sf750sf850sf1000-platinum-atx-31-everything-you-need-to-know/",
      "src_review": "https://www.kitguru.net/components/power-supplies/zardon/corsair-sf850-platinum-2024-psu-review/all/1/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "A",
      "model": "XPG Core Reactor II",
      "vendor": "XPG",
      "wattages": "650–1200W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 (current SKU)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Tech4Gamers scored the 1200W unit 9.3/10 Recommended as an excellent performance-per-dollar choice on CWT's upgraded CSZ platform, and Cybenetics measured the 850W at 71.5% down at a 17W (2%) load. Launched as ATX 3.0/12VHPWR; current pages state ATX 3.1 with 12V-2x6.",
      "low_load": "71.5% at a 17W (2%) load, 0.040W standby (Cybenetics, 850W)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.xpg.com/us/xpg/pc-components-core-reactor-ii",
      "src_review": "https://tech4gamers.com/xpg-core-reactor-ii-1200w-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Seasonic Focus GX (ATX 3.1, V4)",
      "vendor": "Seasonic",
      "wattages": "750–1000W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "A-",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "The internet's reflex recommendation now tests mid-pack: Hardware Busters found the GX-850 V4 well built with Cybenetics Platinum efficiency, but concluded the NZXT C850, Corsair RM850x and Leadex VII XG all outperform it, and criticized an aggressive fan profile and a high launch price. Still a sound in-house Seasonic platform with a 10-year warranty.",
      "low_load": "Above 70% at 2% load, but the reviewer called light-load efficiency unsatisfying (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://seasonic.com/focus-gx-atx-3/",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/seasonic-focus-gx-850-v4-atx-v3-1-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Corsair RMe (ATX 3.1)",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "wattages": "750–1200W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "A-",
      "warranty_y": 7,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "KitGuru rated the RM850e (2025, HEC platform) 8/10 Worth Buying — a decent mid-range performer for RTX 5070 Ti-class builds. It gives up measurable ground and three warranty years to its RMx sibling, and Cybenetics measured it at just 69.6% at a 20W load — the weakest 20W result among the tiered units here, and well off its own RMx sibling's 77.2%.",
      "low_load": "69.6% at 20W, 0.049W standby (Cybenetics, 115V) — weak for an always-on box; 89.3% at 100W in KitGuru's 240V testing",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/psu/cp-9020263-na/rme-series-rm850e-fully-modular-low-noise-atx-power-supply-cp-9020263-na",
      "src_review": "https://www.kitguru.net/components/power-supplies/zardon/corsair-rm850e-atx-3-1-2025-psu-review/all/1/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "MSI MPG A850G / A1000G PCIE5",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "wattages": "850–1000W",
      "watt_class": "850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 600W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": "Standard++",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters found the A1000G (CWT CSZ) fairly priced and genuinely ATX 3.1-compliant with a true 12V-2x6 header and strong light-load efficiency, but trailing same-platform rivals like the Toughpower GF3 and Core Reactor II on ripple suppression.",
      "low_load": "Strong at light and super-light loads per Hardware Busters (exact figures unpublished)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.msi.com/Power-Supply/MPG-A1000G-PCIE5/Specification",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/msi-mpg-a1000g-pcie5-atx-v3-1-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "MSI MAG A750GLS PCIE5",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "wattages": "650–1000W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "16-pin 450W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "A",
      "warranty_y": null,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters says the A750GLS (Huntkey-built at 650/750W) fixes the A-GL line's noise problem and takes the performance lead from the Corsair RM750e at an affordable price, measuring Cybenetics Platinum efficiency with an A noise rating. Held at B only because no source we found states its warranty — an odd omission MSI should fix, and the one thing standing between this unit and Tier A. If you want the best cheap Gold unit here, buy this over its older A850GL stablemate.",
      "low_load": "High efficiency across all load ranges including light loads (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.msi.com/Power-Supply/MAG-A750GLS-PCIE5/Specification",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/msi-mag-a750gls-pcie5-atx-v3-1-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Thermaltake Toughpower GF3",
      "vendor": "Thermaltake",
      "wattages": "850–1000W",
      "watt_class": "850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.0",
      "connector": "12VHPWR 600W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": "Standard+",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters rated the GF3 1000W (CWT CSZ) a decent ATX 3.0 unit with high build quality that shines at light and super-light loads and stays under 20 dBA up to 540W — but it gets loud beyond that (Cybenetics Standard+) and does not beat the RM1000x. Note a documented cable discrepancy: the review reports Thermaltake documentation putting the bundled 16-pin cable at 450W while the reviewer measured its sense pins configured for 600W. Thermaltake's current product page states 600W.",
      "low_load": "Highly efficient at light and super-light loads; sub-20 dBA up to 540W (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.thermaltake.com/toughpower-gf3-1000w-gold-tt-premium-edition.html",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/thermaltake-toughpower-gf3-1000w-atx-v3-0-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3",
      "vendor": "Thermaltake",
      "wattages": "750–850W",
      "watt_class": "750 850",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 450W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "A-",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters called the GF A3 850W (HKC-built sample) a worth-considering budget unit: Cybenetics Platinum efficiency and roughly 7 dBA quieter on average than the same-priced MSI MAG A850GL. Its flags: high inrush current, both EPS connectors sharing one cable, and under 70% efficiency at a 2% load.",
      "low_load": "Below 70% at 2% load (~17W); good at normal light loads (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.thermaltake.com/toughpower-gf-a3-gold-850w-tt-premium-edition.html",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/thermaltake-toughpower-gf-a3-850w-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Cooler Master GX III Gold",
      "vendor": "Cooler Master",
      "wattages": "750–1250W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 600W (3.1 SKU)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "Standard++",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters found the Lite-On-built GX III 850W efficient across all load ranges with a great APFC, but not competitive at the $170 it carried at review time, with weak ATX 3.x transient response and a fan the reviewer doubted would outlast the 10-year warranty. Cooler Master now sells a separate ATX 3.1 SKU with a native 90-degree 12V-2x6.",
      "low_load": "High efficiency in all load ranges incl. light loads (Hardware Busters); CM claims Titanium-level light-load efficiency at 115V",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.coolermaster.com/en-global/products/gx-iii-gold-850-atx-3-1.html",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/cooler-master-gx-iii-850w-atx-v3-0-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Cooler Master V850 Gold i",
      "vendor": "Cooler Master",
      "wattages": "750–850W",
      "watt_class": "750 850",
      "budget_class": "premium",
      "atx": "ATX 3.0",
      "connector": "12VHPWR 450W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Platinum",
      "cyb_noise": "Standard++",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters rated the Chicony-built V850i high-performance and high-build-quality with high efficiency at every load range, but called its $185 review-time price stiff against $100–165 rivals and the 'semi-digital' branding overstated (only fan control and monitoring are digital).",
      "low_load": "High efficiency on all load ranges incl. super-light loads (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": null,
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/cooler-master-v850i-gold-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "MSI MAG A750GL / A850GL PCIE5",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "wattages": "750–850W",
      "watt_class": "750 850",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.0",
      "connector": "16-pin 450W (marked 600W)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": null,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters called the A850GL (CWT GPX) decent, compact and well-priced with good ripple suppression — but noisy even at light loads, under 70% efficient at a 2% load, and shipping a 16-pin cable marked 600W that is actually configured for 450W. Warranty is contested (5 years per the review's spec table, 10 in current retail titles; MSI's own datasheet omits it), so we print neither.",
      "low_load": "Below 70% at 2% load (~17W); platform needs boosting at light loads (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.msi.com/Power-Supply/MAG-A850GL-PCIE5/Specification",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/msi-mag-a850gl-pcie5-850w-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "be quiet! Pure Power 12 M",
      "vendor": "be quiet!",
      "wattages": "550–1000W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.0",
      "connector": "12VHPWR 600W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Club386 concluded the HEC-built 1000W unit performs like a Dark Power in all but name, and its measured 74.9% at a 20W load is one of the better low-load results here — a quiet, homelab-friendly pick from the ATX 3.0/12VHPWR generation, backed by 10 years.",
      "low_load": "74.9% at 20W, 81.8% at 40W, 86.3% at 60W (Club386); Cybenetics: 77.0% at 20W at 230V",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.bequiet.com/en/powersupply/4072",
      "src_review": "https://www.club386.com/be-quiet-pure-power-12-m-1000w-psu-review-the-one-to-go-for/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Super Flower Leadex III Gold (ATX 3.1)",
      "vendor": "Super Flower",
      "wattages": "650–1300W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "mainstream",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 on 1000W+ (unconfirmed at 850W)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Vortez gave the 850W GOLD UP an award as the cheapest route into ATX 3.1/PCIe 5.1 at its $139.99 launch price, on Super Flower's in-house platform with a 10-year warranty. Check the exact SKU before buying: Super Flower's own catalog page states the native 12V-2x6 cable applies to the 1000W and 1300W models only, and we could not confirm from either source whether the 850W SKU bundles one.",
      "low_load": null,
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.super-flower.com.tw/tw/products-detail/195/",
      "src_review": "https://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/super_flower_leadex_iii_gold_atx_3_1_850w_psu_review,7.html"
    },
    {
      "tier": "B",
      "model": "Montech Century II Gold",
      "vendor": "Montech",
      "wattages": "550–1200W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": "26.9 dBA avg",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "The budget pick that punches up: Tom's Hardware gave the 1050W an Editor's Choice for solid electrical performance at a modest price, and Cybenetics' own report on the 850W measured ETA Gold with a 26.9 dBA average. Tom's cautions: a single 12V-2x6, and a young OEM (XWY, founded by ex-HKC engineers). Note Montech's marketing says Platinum; Cybenetics' report says Gold — we print the report.",
      "low_load": "Passable but not exceptional at very low loads (Tom's Hardware, 1050W)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.montechpc.com/century-ii-850w",
      "src_review": "https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/power-supplies/montech-century-ii-gold-1050w-atx-3-1-power-supply-review"
    },
    {
      "tier": "C",
      "model": "XPG Core Reactor II VE",
      "vendor": "XPG",
      "wattages": "650–850W",
      "watt_class": "750 850",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 7,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Tech4Gamers scored the CWT-built Value Edition 8.9/10 as a solid affordable pick performing above its Gold badge. It trades three warranty years (7 vs 10) and some refinement against the non-VE — and posts the lowest measured standby draw of any unit here (0.016W). A strong C, and a genuinely good cheap always-on unit.",
      "low_load": "72.6% at a 17W (2%) load, 0.016W standby (Cybenetics, 850W)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.xpg.com/en/xpg/pc-components-core-reactor-ii-ve?tab=spec",
      "src_review": "https://tech4gamers.com/xpg-core-reactor-ii-ve-850w-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "C",
      "model": "DeepCool PN750D / PN850D",
      "vendor": "DeepCool",
      "wattages": "750–850W",
      "watt_class": "750 850",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 600W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": "Gold",
      "cyb_noise": "Standard++",
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Hardware Busters found the PN850D (CWT GPW budget platform) ATX 3.1-ready with tight load regulation, full power at 47C and a 10-year warranty — but non-modular, louder than 33 dBA on average, under 70% at a 2% load, and at its $90 review-time price too close to better units.",
      "low_load": "Below 70% at 2% load; inefficient 5VSB rail (Hardware Busters)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.deepcool.com/products/PowerSupplyUnits/powersupplyunits/PN850D-V2-ATX3.1-Direct-Power-Supply/2024/18394.shtml",
      "src_review": "https://hwbusters.com/psus/deepcool-pn850d-atx-v3-1-psu-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "C",
      "model": "Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze",
      "vendor": "Thermaltake",
      "wattages": "550–850W",
      "watt_class": "750 850",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 3.1",
      "connector": "12V-2x6 300W",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Bronze",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 5,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "eTeknix found the BM3 850W hit a sweet spot for a decent gaming PC — semi-modular, compact, cool and quiet, with mid-load efficiency measuring at Silver-to-Gold levels despite the Bronze badge. Its 16-pin tops out at 300W, so pair it with mid-range cards only.",
      "low_load": null,
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.thermaltake.com/smart-bm3-bronze-750w-tt-premium-edition.html",
      "src_review": "https://www.eteknix.com/thermaltake-smart-bm3-850w-semi-modular-power-supply-review/12/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "C",
      "model": "Corsair CX750 (2023, non-modular)",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "wattages": "550–750W",
      "watt_class": "750",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": null,
      "connector": null,
      "cert": "80 PLUS Bronze",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 5,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "PC Guide rates the current non-modular CX750 4/5 as a strong budget choice at the right price, at the cost of efficiency and modularity. No page we found states an ATX 3.x claim or a 16-pin connector for this SKU, so treat it as a classic 8-pin-era budget unit; Corsair's newer CX-M (2025) refresh is the ATX 3.1 semi-modular sibling.",
      "low_load": null,
      "src_manufacturer": "https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/psu/cp-9020279-na/cx-series-cx750-750-watt-80-plus-bronze-atx-power-supply-cp-9020279-na",
      "src_review": "https://www.pcguide.com/psu/corsair-cx750-review/"
    },
    {
      "tier": "C",
      "model": "MSI MAG A750BN PCIE5",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "wattages": "750W",
      "watt_class": "750",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": "ATX 2.4",
      "connector": "12VHPWR 300W (fixed cable)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Bronze",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": null,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "Do not let the PCIE5 branding fool you: LTT Labs' lab test identifies this as an ATX 2.4 unit with a permanently attached 300W 12VHPWR cable and no UVP protection — though it passed their testing and measured Gold-level efficiency below half load. A fine strictly-budget choice if you understand exactly what it is.",
      "low_load": "Gold-level efficiency below ~50% load, dropping to Bronze at high loads (LTT Labs)",
      "src_manufacturer": "https://storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/power-supply/id/MAG-A750BN-PCIE5.pdf",
      "src_review": "https://www.lttlabs.com/products/power-supplies/mag-a750bn-pcie5"
    },
    {
      "tier": "C",
      "model": "EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 GT",
      "vendor": "EVGA",
      "wattages": "650–1000W",
      "watt_class": "750 850 1000",
      "budget_class": "budget",
      "atx": null,
      "connector": "4×6+2 PCIe (12VHPWR adapter included)",
      "cert": "80 PLUS Gold",
      "cyb_eff": null,
      "cyb_noise": null,
      "warranty_y": 10,
      "form": "ATX",
      "why": "The one row here with no independent lab test — no major outlet published one for the GT line — so it rests on first-party experience: we ran one under an RTX 5080 build for an extended period and rated it 4.3/5. Specifications come from EVGA's launch announcement rather than a live product page, since evga.com no longer serves them. EVGA's wind-down also means the nominal 10-year warranty may have no service behind it. Clearance or used pricing only, valued as a zero-warranty unit.",
      "low_load": null,
      "src_manufacturer": null,
      "src_review": "/reviews/evga-supernova-1000-gt-review-2026/"
    }
  ],
  "avoid": [
    {
      "family": "Gigabyte GP-P750GM / GP-P850GM",
      "problem": "Documented catastrophic-failure pattern: over-power protection set at 120-150% of rating, a sample that exploded during Tom's Hardware testing, and — as reported in that same Tom's Hardware coverage of GamersNexus' investigation — half of a ten-unit GamersNexus sample failing.",
      "status": "A revised version exists (new PCB, OPP lowered), but revised stock is externally indistinguishable from pre-fix stock — Tom's Hardware advises against buying unless the production batch is certain.",
      "sources": [
        {"outlet": "Tom's Hardware (expert response)", "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/news/psu-expert-aris-mpitziopoulos-responds-to-gigabyte-exploding-psu-shenanigans"},
        {"outlet": "Tom's Hardware (revised-unit review)", "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gigabyte-gp-p750gm-power-supply-review/6"}
      ]
    },
    {
      "family": "No-name case-bundled units (exemplar: Equites T500)",
      "problem": "Teardown coverage documented a decorative iron block adding fake weight, no input protections including OCP, and a real capability estimated at roughly half the labeled 500W.",
      "status": "The class is still sold bundled inside ultra-cheap cases. Buy only safety-certified units from brands that appear in professional test databases.",
      "sources": [
        {"outlet": "Tom's Hardware", "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/power-supplies/redditor-finds-heavy-block-of-iron-shavings-inside-cheap-psu-also-appears-to-lack-safety-protections"},
        {"outlet": "PC Gamer (via Yahoo syndication)", "url": "https://tech.yahoo.com/general/articles/disaster-psu-good-reminder-why-120834715.html"}
      ]
    }
  ]
}