Introduction
With PC hardware components getting ever more power intensive, the need for high-wattage 1000W power supplies is perhaps stronger than ever. The RTX 4090 and AMD RX 7000 series require up to four 8 pin GPU power connectors, meaning you’ll need a power supply with some significant oomph to get going.
Given how power-demanding building an exceptionally powerful PC has become, what kind of power supplies are on offer that can output 1000W, and which ones feature the new PCI-E 5.0 standard to rid the need for those nasty 3 or 4-way adapters?
Suggested Article: How to Choose the Right Wattage PSU for your Gaming PC
Best 1000W Power Supplies to Buy
Finding the right power supply for your build can be a difficult endeavour so we’ve picked out the best 1000W power supplies for a range of different builds. We’ve included both PCI-E 5.0 and 4.0 options alongside different efficiency ratings, and extra features for those that want the best PSUs money can buy. Check out the list below to see the best 1000W PSUs to buy:
1. Gigabyte P1000GM PSU
👑 The best budget 1000W power supply.
Introduction
First off in our roundup is Gigabyte‘s P1000GM power supply. This PSU offers a multitude of different cables and connections and is one of the cheapest 1000W power supplies that you can pick up. Sporting an 80+ Gold efficiency, the P1000M ensures delivery of 90% efficiency at 50% load which will lead to reduced power wastage as noise and heat. Keeping your PSU’s load around this level will keep costs down in the long run, which is ideal in the current economic climate.
The 120mm smart hydraulic bearing fan is designed to keep noise levels low, and will automatically stop once your usage is at less than 20% load. The bearing itself will also provide a longer lifespan for your PSU. Overall, the P1000GM is one of the best options available at a lower price point. You get access to a multitude of cables to install various peripherals and accessories, while keeping power consumption low due to the efficiency rating. This PSU unfortunately doesn’t support the new ATX standard, but for the price I’d say this is a small sacrifice to make.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte P1000GM PSU |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1000W |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Gold |
| Modularity | Fully Modular |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| Zero Fan Mode | Yes |
| Form Factor | ATX 2.0 |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Zero Fan Mode: For most gamers, the basics requirements from a power supply is to have enough power to keep their system running without any problems, whilst also remaining cool and quiet in the process. However, the latter can be quite difficult to achieve on a lot of PSUs due to the constant whirring of the integrated fan. That’s why gamers will be happy to hear that this power supply comes with a zero-fan mode, which shuts of the fan completely when it isn’t required to keep your system cool.
Good value: A power supply is typically one of the components that gamers try to cut costs on where possible in order to allocate more funds to the important components such as GPUs and CPUs. So as one of the cheapest options on the market, this reliable power supply is a great choice for those wanting a save some cash for other components.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of ATX 3.0: As a more affordable option of a PSU that is intended to fit into a high-end gaming PC, it is no surprise that this lower price comes with a few sacrifices. One sacrifice is that this PSU keeps the old ATX 2.0 design, which does limit the efficiency and reliability compared to other options on this list.
Efficiency could be improved: Whilst an 80+ Gold efficiency rating is not to be sniffed at, those wanting the best components possible for their PC will want to look for a platinum rated PSU instead. Whilst the 80+ rating system doesn’t always provide the full picture, it does offer a good indication of how cool and quiet you can expect your build to run with a specific power supply.
Summary
If you’re looking for a fairly affordable power supply that packs enough of a punch to run a 4K gaming system, the the Gigabyte P100GM is a great choice to consider. The lower price point does come with a few hiccups that might not make this the best power supply to use for the latest generations of Nvidia and AMD GPUs, but it will have no issues supporting builds that contain any of the previous-gen graphics cards.
Pros
- One of the cheapest available options.
- Fully modular cables.
- Offers a zero-fan mode, ideal for quiet systems.
Cons
- Doesn’t support the ATX 3.0 standard.
- Doesn’t offer higher efficiency ratings.
Where to Buy
Buy the Gigabyte P1000GM PSU on:
2. NZXT C1000 Gold
👑 The best mid-range 1000W power supply.
Introduction
NZXT‘s C1000 Gold is a power supply we’ve used in a number of PC builds due its reliability and consistency. Although this PSU doesn’t really offer much in terms of an aesthetic, NZXT know how to make a compact and sleek design that will blend in well with other components.
You’ve got access to fully modular cable management, affording you the option to pick and choose your cables at will, reducing any frustrating cable clutter than comes with non-modular designs. This PSU also sports an 80+ Gold efficiency rating, reducing any power lost as heat or noise, and delivering 90% efficiency at around a 50% load. This makes this PSU a great choice for those looking at a competitively-priced 1000W power supply unit.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | NZXT C1000 Gold |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1000W |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Gold |
| Modularity | Fully Modular |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| Zero Fan Mode | No |
| Form Factor | ATX 2.0 |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Minimalist design: Anyone familiar with NZXT will know that their products tend to adopt a minimalist design. And whilst this can often be a divisive design choice, but the cleaner look works nicely on power supplies in particular, as they are usually covered up anyway and the cleaner look makes it easier to understand where certain cables need to be connected up to.
Fully modular: Speaking of cables, this PSU is a fully modular design. This means that builders can pick and choose which cables are hooked up to the power supply, which helps to reduce clutter by removing unused cables, stopping them from being tangled up with the useful ones.
Things We Don’t Like
No zero-fan mode: Unfortunately, those wanting to keep the noise of their PC down to a minimum will struggle to achieve that with this power supply, as it doesn’t include a zero-fan mode. On top of the constant noise from the integrated fan, the lack of a zero-fan mode can also lead to a power supply having a shorter lifespan due to the fan having to operate at all times, even when it isn’t necessary.
Lack of PCI-E 5.0: Though the full modularity on this PSU is a nice inclusion that is slowly becoming the norm for modern power supplies, the lack of a PCI-E 5.0 connection does limit the amount of clutter that can be cleared within a build. Whilst one cable won’t add much to the general tidiness and cable management of a gaming PC, a PCI-E 5.0 is a small improvement that goes a long way with enthusiasts.
Summary
Overall, the NZXT C1000 is a fairly affordable power supply that features a minimalist design that makes the building process straightforward. With a 80+ Gold efficiency and fully modular design, this PSU will be able to handle the power of high-end systems while keeping cables to a minimum. However, the lack of PCI-E 5.0 support and zero-fan mode does put a mark on the otherwise squeaky-clean design.
Pros
- Minimalist design.
- Fully modular cable management.
- 80+ gold efficiency rating.
Cons
- Doesn’t support PCI-E Gen5.
- Doesn’t offer a silent zero-fan mode.
Buy the NZXT C1000 Gold on:
3. MSI MPG A1000G
👑 The best value 1000W power supply.
Introduction
MSI‘s MPG A1000G is another power supply that we’ve used in quite a few builds, and also covered off in a full, in-depth review. The A1000G offers a compact and sleek design, featuring MSI’s signature MPG branding. This unit is ideal for top-end builds that need plenty of wattage to sustain a high load. The 80+ Gold rated efficiency ensures lower energy consumption allowing you to maintain high performance.
This PSU features a fully modular design, equipped with flat cables which allow you to easily manoeuvre and manage the cables throughout your case with no kinks or unsightly bends. The Zero Fan mode located next to the power switch allows you to enjoy absolute silence when your overall TDP is below 40%, further further demonstrating how efficient A1000G is, and keeping the whole PC build nice and quiet.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MPG A1000G |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1000W |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Gold |
| Modularity | Fully Modular |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| Zero Fan Mode | Yes |
| Form Factor | ATX 2.0 |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Compact design: Though most cases have a designated slot for the power supply to slot into, it can still be quite the squeeze to get one into a compact gaming PC, and that’s before you start messing around with cables. Luckily, this PSU has a slimmer design that will have less problems fitting into a more compact build, whilst leaving more wiggle room when hooking up cables.
Zero-Fan mode: More good news comes from the inclusion of a zero-fan mode, which will help keep the noise down when the TDP is less than 40%. Along with the increased longevity that this provides to a power supply, it will allow gamers to play in silence when needed, making stealthy all-night gaming sessions much easier to execute!
Things We Don’t Like
80+ Gold efficiency: In a similar fashion to the previous entries to this list, this PSU has an 80+ Gold rating, which is fairly reasonable in the general. However, with high-end gamers demanding the best out of the components they are shelling out lots of money for, anything but 80+ Platinum won’t suffice for gamers wanting the most luxurious gaming experience possible.
Expensive ATX 2.0 option: Whilst this power supply provides consumers with lots of perks that are hard to find on more affordable options, it does come with a price tag that is pretty steep for an ATX 2.0 design. Though most gamers able to afford a system that requires this much power won’t struggle to find the funds for this power supply, the jump from this PSU to a more efficient and futureproofed design is fairly small.
Summary
The MSI MPG 1000G is a great power supply that offers a wide range of features at a reasonable price point. Whilst the value is slightly lowered by the price being similar to more efficient ATX 3.0 alternatives, this power supply is still one of the best PSU deals on the market. And with a compact design that includes a zero-fan mode, this PSU is a perfect fit for compact systems and less experienced builders.
Pros
- Supports the new PCI-E standard.
- Compact design is ideal for smaller cases.
- Offers a silent zero-fan mode.
Cons
- Only an 80+ gold efficiency rating.
- Quite expensive.
Buy the MSI MPG A1000G on:
4. Corsair HX1000i
👑 The best ATX 3.0 1000W power supply.
Introduction
Corsair‘s HX1000i is the upgrade you need for the latest batch of ATX 3.0 builds. This PSU sports an 80+ Platinum efficiency rating, allowing for sustained, high loads, with the latest and most demanding PC upgrades now and into the future. Including the ATX 3.0 standard also removes the usage of pesky adapters, allowing you to pick and choose exactly what cables you want without frustration.
The HX1000i is also one of the most tuneable power supplies in our roundup, something which can easily be configured with Corsair’s industry leading iCUE software. The unit connects to a front panel USB 2.0 header through a USB connection on the power supply unit itself. In Corsair iCUE, you can change the fan curve, voltages, and monitor system wide information all through one application. The HX1000i is perfect for users that have the newest series of GPUs that want ultimate control over their system.
| Key Specs | MSI MPG A1000G |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1000W |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Platinum |
| Modularity | Fully Modular |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 5.0 |
| Zero Fan Mode | Yes |
| Form Factor | ATX 3.0 |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
ATX 3.0 design: Power supplies with an ATX 3.0 design are the perfect match for the latest generation of graphics cards from both AMD and Nvidia, as these power supplies are able to produce enough juice required through a single 16-pin cable, instead of the multiple cables needed on ATX 2.0 units. This is a great quality-of-life improvement to high-end builders, as the single cable makes it easier to keep the inside of a system nice and tidy.
80+ Platinum efficiency: Unlike the previous options in this roundup, this PSU has been awarded an 80+ Platinum efficiency rating. This means that this model should remain cool and quiet under intense workloads, so no need to worry about your system when playing the latest games at 4K high settings.
Corsair iCUE software: Here in the GeekaWhat office, we’re big fans of Corsair’s iCUE software, so it’s always a bonus to see it integrated into a product in one way or another. This PSU is one of the many products to take advantage of the iCUE software, allowing users to monitor and adjust the power usage of their system.
Things We Don’t Like
Expensive: As a premium PSU with a wattage capable of powering up the most expensive components out right now, it makes sense for this power supply to have an equally expensive price tag. Even though the features included with power supply does somewhat justify the hike in value, it is still a lot of cash to part with.
No RGB: Normally, the lack of RGB isn’t really worth mentioning on a power supply due to them being tucked away in most cases. However, due to the premium pricing and utilisation of Corsair’s iCUE on this power supply, it feels like somewhat of a missed opportunity within this particular design.
Summary
In terms of features and performance, Corsair’s HX1000i is simply one of the best 1000W power supplies on the market. With an ATX 3.0 form factor, an 80+ Platinum efficiency rating, and a zero-fan mode, this PSU has all the tools a high-end gamer for a cool and quiet gaming experience with of the latest GPUs.
Pros
- Ideal for high performance systems.
- Supports the latest generation of PCI-E.
- Offers a zero-fan mode.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
- Need to use up a USB 2.0 header for the iCUE customisation.
Buy the Corsair HX1000i on:
5. ASUS ROG THOR 1000 Platinum II
👑 The best RGB 1000W power supply.
Introduction
For our final pick, we’ve chosen the ASUS ROG THOR Platinum II. This PSU is perfectly designed for those that want to build a system with the latest generation of graphics card, whilst giving you the option to make an awesome looking system. The ROG THOR is extremely unique in that it has an OLED display located on the side, allowing you to monitor performance and efficiency in real-time. The OLED display looks awesome, and blends in well with the fully customisable RGB which can be configured with a variety of different lighting effects and colours.
The ROG THOR features a Lambda A++ certification alongside its 80+ Platinum efficiency. This Cybenetics certification is a widely recognised rating that describes the noise level of a product or components. The A++ rating of the ASUS ROG THOR demonstrates that this PSU is stealthily quiet sporting very low noise levels even when under a significant load.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI MPG A1000G |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1000W |
| Efficiency Rating | 80+ Platinum |
| Modularity | Fully Modular |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 5.0 |
| Zero Fan Mode | Yes |
| Form Factor | ATX 3.0 |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Incredible RGB design: It is very easy to argue that the ASUS ROG Thor is one of the best-looking power supplies on the market. This specific variant has a stunning black and silver combination, accented by a hint of customisable RGB. But the standout feature has got to be the OLED screen which displays the power usage of your system in real-time, letting gamers keep tabs on their system and prevent any issues before they cause major damage to components.
80+ Platinum & Cybernetics A++ efficiency: As a power supply that is targeted at the most enthusiastic gamers, it shouldn’t come as much of a shock to see that it has been awarded with top-tier efficiency and performance. On top of the 80+ Platinum accreditation, this PSU has also received a A++ noise rating from cybernetics, meaning you can expect this power supply to be whisper quiet, even during the most demanding gaming sessions.
Things We Don’t Like
Very expensive: Even gamers with the most expensive of tastes will be second-guessing the price of this power supply. Whilst this PSU is packed with plenty of features that puts it above the majority of other 1000W options available, whether it is worth the leap in price is up for debate. Builders that choose to pick up this power supply for their system are guaranteed some of the best performance and efficiency from a 1000W offering, but there are plenty of other options that offer similar performance for a fraction of the price.
Limited use for RGB: Though the inclusion of RGB lighting and an OLED display is a nice touch that is sure to bolster the aesthetics of any gaming PC, it’s going to be wasted in a lot of systems due to the location of the power supplies. Most cases tend to cover up the power supplies, so anyone planning on using these features should double-check to see if their current case will leave the side of the power supply exposed.
Summary
As one of the most luxurious 1000W options available, the ASUS ROG Thor Platinum II is without a doubt one of the best power supplies for a gaming PC filled with the latest high-end components. On top of the solid performance and highly-rated efficiency, this PSU features a stunning look thanks to the integrated RGB lighting effects and OLED display. Whilst this design is going to be overkill for most gamers, those willing to shell out the cash will gain a statement piece that will take their high-end system to the next level.
Pros
- 80+ platinum rated and Cybenetics certification.
- Plenty of RGB lighting.
- Supports the latest PCI-E standard.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- RGB might be pointless dependent on orientation.
Buy the ASUS ROG THOR 1000 Platinum II on:
Do You Need 1000W for a Modern Gaming PC Build?
As I alluded to in the introduction, the need for 1000W units is growing, even in builds that you would previously classify as being ‘upper mid-range’. Five years ago, building a PC that needed a 1000W PSU was reserved for only the priciest systems, but with modern CPUs and GPUs more power hungry than ever, the need for a 1000W unit is becoming very real.
It is also bearing in mind that a 1000W power supply isn’t really going to output the full 1000W, all of the time. Instead, the high wattage is useful for dealing with power draw spikes from the GPU and CPU that occur at the start of high load periods.
You also lose some power to efficiency, with even the best units out there sacrificing some of their maximum output as heat or noise. The 80+ efficiency rating of a power supply is always worth a look, as this shines on a light on the units efficiency.
Can You Buy a PSU With Too Much Wattage?
Despite the clear increase in wattage requirements, there is a bit of a balancing act when it comes to finding the right wattage for your build. There are a number of guides and configurators online which will pick out the power supply that you need based on the components you’ve picked. But, the biggest flaw to these websites is that they don’t take into account other factors such as efficiency, longevity and sometimes even boosting behaviour.
Dependent on the kind of PC that you’re putting together, although meeting the power requirement for your components is arguably the most important factor, there are definitely other considerations that need to be made. If you’re the kind of user that plans on upgrading to the latest generation of components within the next few years you’ll definitely want some legroom for your power supply in the event that your required wattage increases further. This means that if you’re overall build power requirement is 850W, we’d recommend bumping this up to 1000W or even more.
Do I Need The New PCI-E 5.0 Standard?
The 16 and 12-Pin power connectors were seen with the introduction of Nvidia’s RTX 3000 Founders Edition cards, and we’ve seen them carry through to the RTX 4000 series. The difference is that the 3000 series used only the connector shape, and not the digital connectivity the cable provides. While the cable is not necessary, it helps to tidy up the aesthetic and cable management of a build, and keeps things streamlined.
Why You Can Trust Us
Before getting into the details for each recommendation, we wanted to inform you on our decision-making. Our team of PC hardware experts spend a number of hours with all of the products that come into our office, making sure they are tested in a wide range of everyday gaming and productivity scenarios. For those wanting to learn more about the GeekaWhat team, check out the About Us section. Here, you can also find our editorial promise, which details what we do to make sure our work remains impartial from influence from brands and external parties.
How We Picked the Best 1000W Power Supplies
At GeekaWhat HQ, we test a wide range of power supplies on a regular basis. Whether it’s shoving them into a PC build packed with the best components for a video, running them in a benchmark rig and playing all the latest competitive titles, or just inspecting them thoroughly for an in-depth review, we gain a concrete understanding of each of the products we get our hands on.
After we’re happy with our final verdict, this information is released into the wild, often in the form of a YouTube video, in-depth review, or buyers guide like this one. When we relay our thoughts on a particular product, we try to provide a general overview of the features that said product does or does not possess, along with an indication on what type of gamer of PC builder would benefit from the features on offer.
Looking at power supplies in particular, the main considerations we take note of are the power, efficiency, modularity, noise, and any other design features. From this, we can then provide an overview of how the features will impact the experience of PC builders.
For a more in-depth look at our evaluation methods and procedures, take a look at our reviews for various power supplies below:
| PSU | Review Link |
|---|---|
| Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 1000W | Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 1000W Gold Review |
| MSI MPG A1000G | MSI MPG A1000G PSU Review |
| Corsair RM1200x SHIFT | Corsair RM1200x SHIFT Power Supply Review |
| MSI MEG Ai1300P | MSI MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 Power Supply Review |
Conclusion
After carefully considering all of the options in this roundup, our pick for the best 1000W power supply is the Corsair HX1000i. As an ATX 3.0 design, this power supply is a very efficient option that will easily handle all of the latest components. But the main selling point for this model is the Corsair iCUE integration, as the ability to monitor the power settings of a system in real-time is a very useful asset that helps protect the expensive components that will go alongside this fairly pricey PSU.
Those looking for a more affordable option should consider the MSI MPG A1000G, as this is offers a great amount of efficiency for a reduced price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 1000W PSU for my gaming PC?
Whether you need a 100W power supply will depend on the components in your PC build. Generally, we recommend 1000W power supplies for a gaming PC build that contains an higher-end graphics card such Nvidia 4000 series or Ryzen 7000 series GPUs.
How do I know what power supply I need for my PC?
The graphics card typically acts as the best indicator for how much wattage your PC build requires. GPU manufacturers usually provide a recommended PSU wattage for each product on their website. Alternatively, websites such as PCPartPicker calculate the estimated wattage of a system for you.
What does 80+ efficiency mean on a power supply?
80+ is a certification that provides an indication of the efficiency of a power supply. An 80+ Platinum rating suggests that a PSU is very efficient, whilst an 80+ Bronze PSU is deemed to be less efficient, but should still provide some benefits to consumers.
Should I buy a higher wattage PSU for my gaming PC?
Whilst a gaming PC should operate normally if you stick to the recommended PSU wattage, we always suggest picking a power supply at least 100 watts above the recommended level, as this provides a safety net for your system and leaves plenty of room for upgrades.
