Which is the Most Power Efficient PSU For Gaming?
Which is the most energy-efficient power supply for gaming? Here we'll take a look at the Seasonic PRIME Fanless PX-450, EVGA 750 GQ, Thermaltake Smart 700, and Corsair SF750.
But there are many more to consider. Which one should you buy? And how do you know which one will be best for your gaming system? Read on for our complete review of each unit.
Understanding Power Efficiency in PSUs
PSU power efficiency converts AC to DC power for gaming. It is measured as a percentage and found on the label. Efficient PSUs save power and lower bills.
The efficiency rating has various 80 PLUS certifications: 80 PLUS, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium.
Higher certification means higher power efficiency. For example, an 80 PLUS Titanium PSU is highly efficient, minimizing power wastage as heat.

How Power Efficiency Impacts Gaming
When it comes to gaming, the power efficiency of a PSU (Power Supply Unit) holds significant importance, impacting various aspects of the gaming experience in more ways than you might think:
- Energy Savings for Cost-Effectiveness: A power efficient PSU saves electricity, benefiting gamers who play for long periods. It reduces energy consumption, saving money on electricity bills, making gaming more affordable.
- Heat Reduction for Enhanced System Performance: Efficient PSUs prevent excessive heat, while inefficient ones cause performance issues and hardware failures. A power-efficient PSU keeps the system cooler, extends the lifespan of the gaming rig, and maintains optimal performance during long gaming sessions.
- Improved Gaming Performance with Stable Power Supply: Stable power supply essential for gamers. Efficient PSUs offer reliable and clean power, protecting hardware. Steady power supports demanding tasks, leading to smoother gameplay and better performance.
- Contributing to a Greener Environment: Using an energy-efficient PSU helps the environment by reducing power waste and your carbon footprint. As a gamer, choosing energy-efficient components minimizes strain on resources and the environmental impact.
Top Power-Efficient PSUs for Gaming
Now that we understand the importance of power efficiency in PSUs for gaming, let's take a look at some of the top options available:

1. Seasonic PRIME Fanless PX-450
The PRIME Fanless PX series, including the PX-450 PSU, offers a noise-free operation thanks to its fanless technology.
This high-quality power supply features a modern circuit design, fully modular cables for better cable management, and is 80 PLUS Platinum-certified, ensuring energy efficiency.
While more affordable than other fanless models, it maintains excellent performance with a regulated output voltage and less than 0.5 percent power consumption.
Ideal for high-performance systems, its passive cooling design not only ensures silent operation but also contributes to energy savings. It comes with a twelve-year warranty, making it a cost-effective and reliable choice for your computing needs.

2. EVGA 750 GQ
The EVGA 750 GQ and 850 GQ power supplies have a single +12 V rail with 62.4 A output. They feature Eco mode, quiet operation, and 80 Plus Gold certification.
These budget-friendly units come with a five-year warranty, but lack over-temperature protection and aren't the cheapest option available.
EVGA's T series has an efficient energy rating and a 10-year warranty. Competitors like Corsair's RM series and Super Flower also have noteworthy efficiency and compact design.
The Corsair RM750X has better warranty coverage than EVGA's 750 GQ, but a smaller, louder fan than the SuperNOVA P2. Price should be considered when making a decision.

3. Corsair SF750
The CORSAIR SF750 80 PLUS Platinum SFX Power Supply is a compact yet extremely powerful PSU, ideal for advanced small-form-factor PCs.
It features a silent 92-mm fan and premium 105-degree Japanese capacitors, ensuring efficient thermal performance. While it's compatible with both SFX and large ATX cases, its high cost might deter budget-conscious users.
However, its impressive efficiency, including a high efficiency rating of 80% at full load and a power factor of 0.99, makes it a top choice for gaming systems. The SF750 meets ERP standards, utilizing less power in idle state.
Although not optimal for low-end gaming builds, it's an excellent choice for high-end systems requiring robust power supply. Additionally, it's small enough to fit in various cases with an adaptor for ATX compatibility.
Video about Power Supply For PC
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Power-Efficient PSU
When selecting a power-efficient PSU for your gaming rig, it's crucial to consider various factors to ensure optimal performance, compatibility, and future-proofing.
Here's a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Wattage and Power Requirements
Start by calculating the power requirements of your gaming system. Sum up the power consumption of all components, including the graphics card, CPU, RAM, storage drives, and peripherals.
It's essential to choose a PSU with a wattage rating slightly above the total power consumption to provide headroom for future upgrades and to ensure the PSU operates efficiently under heavy loads.
- Modular vs. Non-Modular PSUs
Power supplies come in two main designs: modular and non-modular. Modular PSUs allow you to detach unnecessary cables, reducing cable clutter inside your PC case and improving airflow.
This results in better cooling and a cleaner-looking build. On the other hand, non-modular PSUs have fixed cables, which might lead to some unused cables creating an untidy build.
For better cable management and a more organized build, opt for a fully or semi-modular PSU.
- PSU Efficiency Rating
PSU efficiency is rated using the 80 PLUS certification system. The higher the certification level, the more power-efficient the PSU is.
However, higher certification levels often come with higher price tags. Consider your budget and the level of efficiency you need based on your usage patterns.
For most gamers, an 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum PSU should be sufficient to strike a balance between energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

- Brand Reputation and Warranty
Choose a power supply from reputable brands known for producing high-quality and reliable products.
Brands like Corsair, Seasonic, EVGA, be quiet!, and Thermaltake have established themselves as trusted names in the PSU market. A reputable brand ensures you're investing in a well-built and durable product.
Additionally, check for PSUs with extended warranties, as this indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's longevity and reliability.
- Connectivity and Future-Proofing
Ensure that the PSU has sufficient connectors to support all your gaming components.
Pay attention to the number of PCIe connectors for your graphics card and SATA connectors for storage drives.
If you plan to upgrade your system in the future, consider getting a PSU with additional connectors to accommodate new components.
Future-proofing your PSU ensures it remains compatible with upcoming gaming hardware.
- Noise Levels and Cooling
Look for PSUs with advanced cooling technologies and quiet fans.
Efficient cooling not only prolongs the life of your PSU but also contributes to a quieter gaming environment.
Quiet operation is particularly essential for gamers who prefer an immersive gaming experience without distracting background noise.
- Safety Feature
Prioritize PSUs with various safety features, such as overcurrent protection (OCP), overvoltage protection (OVP), undervoltage protection (UVP), short-circuit protection (SCP), and over-temperature protection (OTP).
These safety mechanisms safeguard your gaming components from potential damage due to electrical issues, ensuring a more reliable and secure gaming setup.

6 Installation and Safety Tips for Power-Efficient PSUs
Installing a power-efficient PSU requires meticulous attention to safety and proper installation procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Follow these detailed tips for a smooth and safe PSU installation:
- Unplug and Discharge: Disconnect your PC from the power source and press the power button to discharge residual power. This prevents electrical hazards and protects your components.
- Cable Management: Proper cable management is essential for airflow and preventing damage. Use ties, straps, or channels to organize and secure PSU cables, improving aesthetics and cooling efficiency.
- Mounting the PSU: Mount the PSU securely in the designated bracket, aligning it correctly with the fan facing outward for cooling. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating during long gaming sessions.
- Connectors and Cables: Take care when connecting PSU cables to components. Consult manuals to identify correct connectors and sockets. Insert connectors gently, ensuring they fit securely.
- Testing and Monitoring: After installation, power on your system and conduct a comprehensive check to ensure proper functionality. Verify component recognition by your system's BIOS or UEFI.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly maintain power-efficient PSUs by inspecting for wear or damage. Clean PSU and surrounding components to remove dust and debris, ensuring proper cooling efficiency.
Conclusion
Being a passionate gamer, I've been on a journey to find the most power-efficient PSU for my gaming rig.
Realizing the significance of power efficiency in PSUs has shown me how this small component can greatly affect my gaming experience. It saves money on electricity and keeps my system cool and stable for any demanding gaming session.
After extensive research, I've narrowed down my choices to a few standout options: the Seasonic PRIME Fanless PX-450, EVGA 750 GQ, Thermaltake Smart 700, and Corsair SF750.
Each of these power supplies brings something unique to the table, catering to different budgets and gaming needs.
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