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The Power supply is sometimes overlooked during the process of building a PC. However, it is arguably the most important component when building a gaming PC. A good power supply is efficient in terms of power consumption while fully supporting your desired components especially the graphics card. It should also produce lower heat, noise, and have the necessary protections to ensure that your system has a long lifespan. For that reason, we have put together a list of the top power supplies under $100. But first, let’s try to understand what factors to consider before buying a power supply.
What to look for when buying a power supply:
Choose Trusted Brands Over Generic Power Supplies
Brands such as EVGA, Corsair, and Thermaltake are prominent players in the power supply market so you can expect them to deliver a certain level of quality. On the other hand, generic power supplies are liable to be problematic in terms of performance and can adversely affect the lifespan of other components in your system.
Correct Power Rating
The power rating can be tricky at times to assess as simply reading it off the box is not enough. There are many factors at play such as the efficiency of the power supply. An important check is to ensure the +12 V line at least has 18 A of current. For normal usage, without any graphics cards, a wattage of 300w is sufficient.
80 Plus Efficiency Rating:
Multi Rails vs Single Rail
Multi rails and single rail power supplies have led to debate among the tech community. While some prefer the multi-rails due to their greater safety features in case of power outages and fluctuations, the rest lean towards single rail due to their greater power output. It all comes down to your usage and therefore, the decision should be made accordingly.
Right Physical Features
It is best to list the connectors that your power supply should have by checking the needs of the components in your computer build. Another important check is to see whether the PSU (Power Supply Unit) is ATX 12 V complaint. Along with the connectors, you should also factor in the size of the PSU to check whether it would fit in your rig’s casing. A power supply that is modular can also be beneficial.
Low Noise and Efficient
Low noise and power efficiency are 2 desirable features of power supplies. Look for PSU with large fans or temperature-controlled fans as they generally produce less noise. For power efficiency, look for 80 plus certification logo on the box as it verifies that this PSU passed the necessary tests and would consume a lower amount of power thus reducing electricity bills.
Top 7 Budget PSUs Below $100:
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EVGA Supernova 550 Ga, 80 Plus Gold
Among the vast array of PSUs, the EVGA Supernova 550 Ga definitely stands out as one of if not the best power supply under $100.This PSU is meant for people who want a very high-quality, efficient, and reliable power supply.
the EVGA Supernova 550 Ga is a fully modular PSU. Its80+ Gold rating indicates that it is 90% efficient, which is excellent. Also, the fully modular design allows you to use only the unnecessary cables for a less cluttered PC case. This PSU provides power over a single 12V rail for better stability and maximum power output. It is also very reliable. As far as durability goes, EVGA backs it up with a 10-year warranty.
Other features include an excellent double ball Bearing fan for quiet operation. The EVGA eco mode also allows for exceptional reliability. Lastly, you get a DC to DC converter and LLC resonant circuit design along with 100% Japanese capacitors that improve the 3.3V./ 5V. stability of this power supply.
EVGA Supernova 550 Ga Specs:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | 80+ Gold |
| Type | ATX12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 550W |
| Dimensions | 3.39″ x 5.91″ x 5.91″ |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Modular | Fully modular |
| Connectors | 1x 24 Pin ATX, 1x 8pin(4+4) EPS (CPU), 3x 8pin(6+2) PCIe, 6x SATA, 4x Four-Pin Peripheral, and 1x Floppy |
| Protections | Heavy-duty protections, including OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), and OTP (Over Temperature Protection) |
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Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W 80+ Gold
While most of us don’t really look at our PSUs all that often, but instead we just let them do their job, Thermaltake aims to cater to those who want a visible PSU. Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W comes with an RGB 140mm fan with 256 colors, which the user has the option to turn off or on.
This is a fully modular PSU, which means you only use the cables you need, and it provides power over a single 12V rail for better stability and maximum power output. It has an 80+ gold rating which guarantees efficiency and reliability. As far as durability goes, Thermaltake backs it up with a 10-year warranty.
With plenty of cables included and all the protections one could want, the Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W is a great PSU.
Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W Specs:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | 80+ Gold |
| Type | ATX12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 650W |
| Dimensions | 3.39″ x 5.91″ x 6.29″ |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Modular | Fully modular |
| Connectors | 1x 24-pin ATX, 1x 4+4pin EPS, 4x 6+2 PCI-E, 9x SATA, 4x Peripheral, and 1x Floppy |
| Protections | (UVP) Under Voltage Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection, (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OTP) Over Temperature Protection, and (OCP) Over Current Protection |
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EVGA 550 B3
The EVGA 550 B3 is a great shout when it comes to picking a quality PSU. With the EVGA ECO intelligent thermal control system, fan noise is nearly non-existent at low to medium levels of stress. The hallmark of any good PSU, the 80 Plus certification, is also present in its Bronze variant. Furthermore, it also comes with a 130 mm long-life sleeve bearing that maintains low temperatures even when under load. This PSU has been considered to be quite stylish in terms of looks. However, some have disliked the increase in noise levels during power-intensive activities such as gaming.
EVGA 550 B3 Specifications:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | 80 PLUS BRONZE |
| Type | ATX12V / EPS12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 550W |
| Dimensions | 3.35″ x 5.90″ x 5.90″ |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Modular | Yes |
| Connectors | 1 x power 24 pin ATX, 1 x power 8 pin EPS12V, 2 x 8 pin PCI Express, 3 x 4 pin internal power, 6 x 15 pin Serial ATA power, 1 x 4 pin mini-power connector |
| Protections | OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), and OTP (Over Temperature Protection) |
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Cooler Master MPY-6501-AFAAG-US MWE 650 Gold
The Cooler Master MPY-6501-AFAAG-US MWE is a great option for anyone interested in a top-notch power supply under $100. It has the ability to output full power at high ambient temperatures and its 80 Plus Gold rating makes this is a very good power supply.
This is a fully modular 650W 80+ gold-rated power supply. Which means it’s at least 90% efficient under typical loads, and the single 12V rail should provide power in a reliable manner.
Additionally, it comes with a durable and silent LDB bearing fan that keeps noise to a minimum. The Full modular flat cables of this PSU are easy to install. The modularity of their cables also reduces clutter and maximizes airflow. In general, this PSU is very well-liked for its performance.
Cooler Master MPY-6501-AFAAG-US MWE Specs:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | 80+ Bronze |
| Type | ATX12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 650W |
| Dimensions | 3.39″ x 5.91″ x 6.30″ |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Modular | Fully modular |
| Connectors | 1x MB 20+4 pin, 1x CPU 12V 4+4Pin, 4x PCI-e 6+2 Pin, 8x SATA, 6x Peripheral 4 Pin, and 1x FDD Cable 4 Pin |
| Protections | OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection) |
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SeaSonic S12III 650
SeaSonic may not be that well-known as a standalone PSU maker, but they actually make power supplies for a lot of other brands that sell them under their own name. They’re known as some of the most reliable PSUs out there, which is why we had to include the S12III650 on our list of best power supplies under $100.
As its name indicates, this is a 650W power supply that’s 80+ Bronze rated. This means it’s at least 82% efficient under typical loads, and the single 12V rail should provide power in a reliable manner. The cabling is fixed, so no modularity here, but at this price, we aren’t complaining.
We loved the silent fan on the PSU because it’s a 120mm sleeve bearing fan that is regulated according to the PSU’s needs. An excellent option if you need 650W.
SeaSonic S12III 650 Specs:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | 80+ Bronze |
| Type | ATX12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 650W |
| Dimensions | 86mm x 150mm x 140mm |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Modular | No |
| Connectors | 1x ATX, 1x EPS, 4x PCIe, 6x SATA, 3x peripheral, 1x Floppy |
| Protections | OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection) |
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EVGA 650 N1
EVGA is constantly among the top brands when it comes to power supplies. Their SuperNOVA series of PSUs show up in power-hungry builds quite a bit, but if you’re looking to get something on a budget, they’re likely out of your reach. What isn’t, however, is the 650 N1power supply. It’s a 650W model that should work fairly well in moderately powerful systems.
Inside is a 120mm sleeve bearing fan which is as quiet as possible, and won’t work unless it’s necessary. This is something we don’t see with many power supplies, but it’s a really nice addition if you want to keep your system silent. To add to this, even though the PSU isn’t modular, you get all the necessary connectors for a midrange build.
Add to this protections that include OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, and SCP, as well as EVGA’s 2-year warranty, and you’re looking at a reliable PSU that’s still going to save you money.
EVGA 650 N1 Specs:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | / |
| Type | ATX12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 650W |
| Dimensions | 85mm x 150mm x 140mm |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Modular | No |
| Connectors | 1x ATX, 1x EPS, 2x PCIe, 6x SATA, 3x peripheral, 1x floppy |
| Protections | OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection), and OTP (Over Temperature Protection) |
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Thermaltake Smart 600W
If you want to save as much as possible, but still get a powerful PSU that will easily push a midrange single GPU system, the Thermaltake Smart 600W should be right up your alley. At a very affordable price, you get a 600W power supply with a 5-year warranty and a single 12V rail for reliability.
This is an 80+ certified power supply, which isn’t particularly impressive, but it’s still a certified PSU which is something you should always aim for. To add to this, it has overvoltage protection, over-current protection, and short circuit protection, so nothing should affect the reliable power you’ll be getting.
We love the fact that the fan is extremely quiet, yet does provide adequate airflow for the PSU. Overall, if you’re on a strict budget, but do need the 600W, by all means, take a look at the Thermaltake Smart 600W.
Thermaltake Smart 600W Specs:
| Efficiency Certification Rating | 80+ |
| Type | ATX12V |
| +12V Rails | Single |
| Maximum Power | 600W |
| Dimensions | 85mm x 150mm x 140mm |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Modular | No |
| Connectors | 1x ATX, 1x EPS, 2x PCIe, 6x SATA, 3x peripheral, 1x floppy |
| Protections | OVP (Over Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection) |
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