Short answer: every unit on the list is worth buying. The tier tells you what kind of build it suits. A is for high-end builds, B for most gaming PCs, and C is the safe budget choice.
Why a tier list?
There are hundreds of power supplies on Amazon, and the box tells you very little about what’s inside. Two 850W Gold units can look identical and be very different underneath. The list narrows that down to units worth buying, then sorts them by the kind of build they suit.
How a unit gets on the list
- It’s available on Amazon.
- It supports ATX 3.0 or newer, so it works with current graphics cards.
- It has a good track record for build quality, protections and reliability.
If a unit doesn’t meet all of that, it isn’t here, however popular it is.
What each tier means
| Tier | Best for | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A | High-end builds: top components, long warranties and headroom for flagship cards | 77 |
| B | Most gaming PCs: solid units with no corners cut that matter | 32 |
| C | Budget builds: the safe choice when price matters most | 7 |
What the list looks like
| Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully modular | All 77 | 28 of 32 | 1 of 7 |
| Most common rating | Gold and Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
| Titanium units | 11 | None | None |
Across all three tiers there are 116 units from 31 brands. 850W is the most common size, followed by 1000W and 750W.
How to use it
- Work out your wattage with the wattage guide.
- Pick the tier that matches your build and budget.
- Within the tier, choose on size, noise and features. My take on each product helps here.
Which tier should you buy?
| Your build | Tier | Why |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 or RTX 5080, or a PC you’ll keep for years | A | Best components and the longest warranties |
| RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT | A or B | B saves money with nothing that matters cut |
| Entry-level gaming on a tight budget | C or cheaper B | Safe, simpler units at the lowest prices |
| Small form factor case | A | Most SFX units on the list are Tier A |
What the tiers don’t tell you
- Noise. A Tier B unit can be quieter than a Tier A one. See the best quiet power supplies.
- Size. Some units are longer than others. Check your case.
- Price. Prices change daily, so a Tier A unit on sale can cost less than a Tier B one. Check each on Amazon.
Units within a tier aren’t ranked against each other. I check the list every month and remove units that drop off Amazon.
Popular picks from each tier
- Tier A favourite · Tier ACorsair RMx (2024)80 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000WQuiet at everyday loads, from 750W up.Check 850W price
- Tier B favourite · Tier Bbe quiet! Pure Power 13 M80 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000/1200WAlmost silent in two lab tests.Check 850W price
- Tier C favourite · Tier CGigabyte UD-GM PG5 V280 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000WGold and fully modular on a budget.Check 850W price
Questions
Is Tier C safe?
Yes. Every unit on the list meets the same rules. Tier C units are simpler, but still a safe choice.
Is Tier A better than Tier B?
The tiers are about the kind of build a unit suits, not a score. Tier A is built for high-end PCs. For most gaming PCs, a Tier B unit does the job just as well and often costs less.
Why isn’t my power supply on the list?
It may not be on Amazon, may not support ATX 3.0, or may not meet the bar for the list.
Are units ranked within each tier?
No. Within a tier, choose on wattage, noise, size and price.
How often is the list updated?
I check it every month and remove units that drop off Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and stock are on Amazon.