If you’re looking for the best 500 watt power supply, this article can help.
A power supply is an instrumental part of a gaming PC. A good power supply will provide clean and reliable power to all your system components.
If you’re building a high-end gaming PC, high quality 500 Watt Power Supplies should be on your list of components to look for.
Not only will they provide the power needed to run all your hardware, but they also offer a range of special features that make them unique and ideal for high capacity gaming PCs.
When building a computer, choosing the right power supply is crucial for ensuring everything runs smoothly. A 500w power supply is a popular choice for many builds, providing enough power for most mid-range systems. However, not all power supplies are created equal, and it’s essential to choose one that meets your specific needs.
When looking for the best 500w computer power supply, there are a few critical things to consider. One of the most important is efficiency. A more efficient power supply will waste less energy, generate less heat, and ultimately save you money on your energy bill. Another crucial factor is reliability. A high-quality power supply will be built with durable components and come with a long warranty, ensuring it will last for years to come.
At our site, we spent hours researching and testing several 500w computer power supplies to identify the ones that offer the best combination of efficiency, reliability, and performance. We considered factors like noise level, cable management, and overall build quality to narrow down the options. In this article, we’ll share our findings and help you choose the best 500w power supply for your needs.
Best 500W Computer Power Supply
We know how crucial it is to have a reliable and efficient power supply for your computer. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best 500W computer power supplies on the market. Whether you’re a gamer, a graphic designer, or simply looking to upgrade your current power supply, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each product to ensure that only the best ones make it to our list. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best 500W computer power supplies.
EVGA 500 W1, 80+ WHITE 500W Power Supply
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly power supply, the EVGA 500W 80 PLUS is a great choice. It’s compact, easy to install, and offers the connections and protections needed for basic system builds.
Pros
- Unbeatable value
- Heavy-duty protections
- Ultra-quiet fan design
Cons
- Cables are a bit short
- Not suitable for high-end systems
- Lacks “quality of life features”
We were impressed with the EVGA 500W 80 PLUS’s value for the price. The heavy-duty protections, including OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, and SCP, provide peace of mind that your components are safe. Plus, the ultra-quiet fan design keeps noise levels to a minimum.
One downside to this power supply is that the cables are a bit short, especially the CPU power cable. Additionally, it’s not suitable for high-end systems, so if you’re looking to build a top-of-the-line gaming PC, this might not be the right choice for you. Finally, it lacks some “quality of life features” that more expensive power supplies might have, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.
Overall, we would recommend the EVGA 500W 80 PLUS for anyone building a budget-friendly system. It’s a great value and provides the necessary connections and protections for basic builds.
Thermaltake Smart 500W Power Supply
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable power supply for your computer, we recommend the Thermaltake Smart 500W Power Supply.
Pros
- Delivers continuous output with high energy efficiency up to 86%
- Equipped with powerful single +12V rail for stable and reliable performance
- Comes with industry-grade protections for safety and reliability
Cons
- Stiff harnesses may make it difficult to manipulate the wires in smaller cases
- Limited SATA cables may require adapters for some builds
- Not modular, which may make cable management more challenging
We have used the Thermaltake Smart 500W Power Supply in several builds and have been impressed with its performance and reliability. The power supply delivers continuous output with high efficiency up to 86%, which helps save energy and reduce electricity bills. The single +12V rail design ensures stable and reliable performance, even under heavy loads.
The power supply also comes with industry-grade protections, including over power protection, over voltage protection, and short circuit protection, ensuring safety and reliability. The 120mm cooling fan delivers excellent airflow at an exceptionally low noise level, making it a great choice for quiet builds.
However, the harnesses can be stiff, making it difficult to manipulate the wires in smaller cases. Additionally, the limited SATA cables may require adapters for some builds. Finally, the power supply is not modular, which may make cable management more challenging.
Overall, the Thermaltake Smart 500W Power Supply is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable power supply for their computer. With its high energy efficiency, powerful single +12V rail, and industry-grade protections, it delivers stable and reliable performance for any mainstream build with the most demanding requirements.
RAIDMAX Vortex 500W Power Supply
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient power supply for your computer, the RAIDMAX Vortex 500W Power Supply is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- 80 Plus Bronze Certified for efficient performance
- Provides reliable power output of 500W
- Quiet operation, even under heavy loads
Cons
- Cables are of low quality
- Only one 6+2pin connector with a pigtail
- Feels and looks like a cheap 500W power supply
We’ve been using this power supply for a while now and it has been performing well. The 80 Plus Bronze certification ensures that it’s efficient and reliable, with a power output of 500W that’s more than enough for most systems. We also appreciate the quiet operation, thanks to the low-noise fan and optimized cooling system.
On the downside, the cables are of low quality and we would have preferred more connectors. The power supply only has one 6+2pin connector with a pigtail, which can be limiting for some setups. Additionally, the power supply feels and looks like a cheap 500W power supply, which may be a turn-off for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the RAIDMAX Vortex 500W Power Supply for those who are looking for a reliable and efficient power supply for their computer. Just keep in mind the limitations of the cables and the appearance of the power supply.
EVGA 500 GD
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient power supply without breaking the bank, the EVGA 500 GD is a great choice.
Pros
- Boasts 80 Plus Gold certified efficiency, ensuring a minimum of 90% efficiency under typical loads.
- Features a single 12V rail and DC-DC converter to improve 3.3V/5V stability.
- Comes with heavy-duty protections, including OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, and SCP, ensuring your PC is safe from power surges and short circuits.
Cons
- The fan can be noisy when idle, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
- The cables may be a bit stiff, making cable management a bit challenging.
- Some users have reported issues with coil whine, but this appears to be rare.
We recently installed the EVGA 500 GD in our gaming PC, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The power supply is easy to install and comes with all the necessary cables. The 80 Plus Gold certification means that it’s highly efficient, which is great for reducing your electricity bill and keeping your PC cool. We also appreciate the heavy-duty protections, which give us peace of mind that our PC is safe from power surges and short circuits.
One minor downside is that the fan can be a bit noisy when the PC is idle. However, this isn’t a dealbreaker, and the noise level is still within acceptable limits. We also found that the cables can be a bit stiff, which can make cable management a bit challenging. However, with some patience and a bit of effort, we were able to get everything organized.
Overall, we think the EVGA 500 GD is an excellent power supply for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient unit at a great price. The 5-year warranty and unparalleled EVGA customer support are also big pluses, giving us confidence that we’ll be taken care of if anything goes wrong. If you’re in the market for a 500W power supply, we highly recommend the EVGA 500 GD.
Coolmax I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly power supply that gets the job done, the Coolmax I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply is worth considering.
Pros
- The single +12V output design ensures stable power delivery to your components.
- The 120mm low noise cooling fan keeps the power supply running cool and quiet.
- The ATX12V version 2.0 ensures compatibility with most modern systems.
Cons
- The power supply is not compatible with PCI-E.
- The cables are not modular, which can make cable management difficult.
- The build quality is not as robust as some higher-end power supplies.
In our experience, the Coolmax I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply has been reliable and efficient. The single +12V output design ensures that your components receive stable power, which is essential for system stability and longevity. The 120mm low noise cooling fan keeps the power supply running cool and quiet, which is especially important if you’re building a system that needs to be as quiet as possible.
While the power supply is not compatible with PCI-E, this is not a major issue for most users. However, it’s worth noting if you plan to use a graphics card that requires a PCI-E power connector. Additionally, the cables are not modular, which can make cable management difficult. This is something to keep in mind if you’re building a system with a small case or limited space for cable routing.
Overall, the Coolmax I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders. While the build quality is not as robust as some higher-end power supplies, it gets the job done and is backed by a 4.2-star rating from over 900 reviewers on Amazon. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable power supply, the Coolmax I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best 500w computer power supply, there are a few important features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
Efficiency Rating
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a power supply is its efficiency rating. The efficiency rating is a measure of how much power is lost as heat during the conversion process from AC to DC power. The higher the efficiency rating, the less energy is wasted and the more money you can save on your electricity bill. Look for power supplies with an 80 Plus certification or higher.
Modularity
Modularity refers to the ability to detach cables from the power supply unit. A modular power supply can make cable management much easier, as you only need to use the cables you need, reducing clutter and improving airflow. Semi-modular and fully modular power supplies are available, with fully modular being the most customizable.
Connectors
Make sure the power supply you choose has the necessary connectors for your computer components. This includes connectors for the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, and any other components you may have. Check the specifications of your components to ensure compatibility.
Fan Noise
The fan in a power supply unit can be a source of noise in your computer. Look for power supplies with a low noise level, measured in decibels (dB). A power supply with a fan that operates at a lower RPM (revolutions per minute) can also help reduce noise.
Warranty
Finally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty can provide peace of mind and protection against any defects or issues that may arise. Look for power supplies with a warranty of at least three years.
In summary, when choosing a 500w computer power supply, consider the efficiency rating, modularity, connectors, fan noise, and warranty. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best power supply for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best 500W power supplies for gaming PCs?
When it comes to the best 500W power supplies for gaming PCs, we recommend checking out the Corsair CX500, EVGA 500B, and Seasonic S12III 500. These power supplies are known for their reliable performance and excellent build quality.
Is a 500W power supply enough for an RTX 3080?
No, a 500W power supply is not enough for an RTX 3080. The recommended wattage for an RTX 3080 is 750W. However, if you are on a budget, you can go for a 650W power supply, but we do not recommend going any lower than that.
What is the best budget 500W power supply?
If you are looking for a budget 500W power supply, we suggest checking out the Thermaltake Smart 500W, EVGA 500W1, and Corsair CX500. These power supplies are affordable and offer reliable performance.
Which brand makes the most reliable 500W power supplies?
There are several brands that make reliable 500W power supplies, including Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, and Thermaltake. These brands are known for their quality products and excellent customer support.
What is the recommended wattage for a gaming PC power supply?
The recommended wattage for a gaming PC power supply depends on the components you are using. As a general rule, we recommend getting a power supply with at least 600W for a mid-range gaming PC and 750W for a high-end gaming PC.
What are the top-rated 500W power supplies according to Reddit users?
According to Reddit users, some of the top-rated 500W power supplies include the Corsair CX500, EVGA 500B, Seasonic S12III 500, Thermaltake Smart 500W, and EVGA 500W1. These power supplies offer reliable performance and excellent value for money.
