Best gaming power supplies: ATX 3.1 and 12V-2x6 picks by GPU

The power supply (PSU) feeds every part of a gaming PC, and the graphics card draws most of that power. In 2026 the features to look for are ATX 3.1 compliance, a native 12V-2x6 cable for current graphics cards, and enough wattage for your GPU with some headroom. This guide groups current units by tier, based on list prices, and gives wattage guidance for each class of graphics card.

We write from manufacturer specifications and published reviews, mainly Tom’s Hardware’s best power supplies guide and its Montech Century II 850W review. Wattage guidance comes from the graphics card makers’ recommendations in our graphics card guide. We have not hands-on tested the products mentioned. Building a whole PC? See our gaming PC builds.

How to choose a gaming power supply

• ATX 3.1. The current Intel power standard. ATX 3.1 units are designed to handle brief power spikes from modern graphics cards; Corsair rates its units for spikes up to twice the rated GPU power for milliseconds.
• Native 12V-2x6. Many RTX 50 cards use the 16-pin 12V-2x6 connector (an update of 12VHPWR). A PSU with a native 12V-2x6 cable avoids bulky adapters. Push the plug in fully at both ends.
• Efficiency ratings. 80 Plus Gold is the common badge. Cybenetics tests average efficiency across many loads and also rates noise, so it says more about real use. Tom’s Hardware found the Montech Century II rated 80 Plus Gold but Cybenetics Platinum, because the two schemes measure differently.
• Fully modular cables. You connect only the cables you need, which makes building tidier.
• Warranty. Seven to ten years is common on quality units and is a good sign of the maker’s confidence.

How many watts do you need?

Use at least the board partner’s recommended wattage for your graphics card. These are the recommendations for the cards in our graphics card guide:

The “our pick” column adds headroom so the PSU runs quieter and leaves room for a future upgrade.

Checklist:

1. Wattage. At least the GPU maker’s recommendation, from the table above or the card’s spec page.
2. GPU connectors. A native 12V-2x6 cable for 16-pin cards, or enough 8-pin PCIe cables for AMD cards that use two or three.
3. PSU length. Check your case for a PSU length limit, for example 160 mm in the Lian Li Lancool 207.
4. Form factor. Standard ATX for mid-towers. Small Mini-ITX cases need an SFX unit.

Budget gaming power supplies

Corsair RM750e (2025). A popular fully modular ATX 3.1 unit with a native 600 W 12V-2x6 cable and Cybenetics Gold efficiency. At 140 mm long it fits nearly any case. Enough for cards up to the RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT. Seven-year warranty.

Montech Century II 850W. Tom’s Hardware found Cybenetics Platinum efficiency, a native 12V-2x6 cable and a fully modular design, and called it excellent value. Montech lists 100% Japanese capacitors, though Tom’s rates the secondary capacitors and silicon as second-tier. Ten-year warranty.

Mid-range gaming power supplies

Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 V3. Tom’s Hardware lists it among its best power supplies up to 850 W. It is built by LITEON, has three efficiency certifications (80 Plus Gold, PPLP.info Gold and Cybenetics Platinum) and a ten-year warranty. Tom’s found it loud at full load.

Premium gaming power supplies

Corsair RM1000x (2024). A 1000 W ATX 3.1 unit with a native 600 W 12V-2x6 cable, Cybenetics Gold efficiency and a Cybenetics A noise rating. Corsair says it can power flagship cards like the RTX 5090. Ten-year warranty.

NZXT C1500 Platinum. Tom’s Hardware’s pick at 1250 to 1500 W, with two 12V-2x6 connectors, 80 Plus Platinum and Cybenetics Titanium efficiency, and quiet running for its size. It is more than a single-GPU gaming PC needs.

About PSU tier lists: Community tier lists, such as the SPL PSU Tier List, rank units by their internal platform. They are a useful second opinion, but models change platforms over time, so check the list’s notes for your exact model and year.

Check current prices

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FAQ

Can I use my old PSU with a new RTX 50 card? If it meets the wattage and you use the adapter that came with the card, usually yes. A native 12V-2x6 cable is tidier, and an older or budget unit is worth replacing before a high-end GPU upgrade.

Is a bigger PSU wasteful? Not much. A PSU only supplies what the PC draws. A unit with headroom often runs quieter because its fan spins slower.

80 Plus or Cybenetics? Both are useful. Cybenetics tests more load levels and rates noise, so when both are listed, it gives the fuller picture.

Verdict

For 1080p and most 1440p builds, the Corsair RM750e or Montech Century II 850W covers you with a native 12V-2x6 cable. For an RTX 5070 Ti or RX 9070 XT, step up to an 850 W unit like the Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 V3 or the Montech. For an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090, buy the Corsair RM1000x. See which power supply we chose for each of our gaming PC builds.