PSU Tier List 2024 – Complete Power Supply Unit Hierarchy

A PSU is much like that glossary at the end of a chapter, which is always ignored. But, if you have plans to redesign your gaming gear and don’t know where to begin, search for the best PSUs online. You will realize that several models are available made by hundreds of manufacturers.

With various options, there comes a question: Which one should you go for? Are they all the same, or is there any difference between them? What is the best PSU Tier List in 2024? As you’ve always ignored the PSU hierarchy, you need to know its basics.

This article will discuss all the details about the PSU hierarchy, where to buy one, and, most importantly, which are the best PSUs available in the market.

The Ideal PSU Tier Guide 2024

Are you searching for a compatible PSU with your PC and need clarification about the required features of a good PSU? Then you need to know about the PSU Tiers and ratings of different PSUs available.
In this section of the article, we will tell you about the ratings and tiers of the PSU and by which piece of hardware they are inspired.

Most people don’t realize this, but the PSU, AKA Power Supply Unit, is your PC’s essential and main component. The lifespan of other computer components solely relies on the choice of PSU because the wrong choice can get you into a lot of trouble.

PCU Hierarchy Tier List

Any PC building enthusiast needs to track down the most reliable components to go with the structure.

We have divided power supply units into tiers from the best to the least based on the overall performance, price point, and efficiency to make your journey bearable.

Tier S – The Crème De La Crème

The number of PSUs mentioned in this tier list is the best available in the market because of their Platinum and better 80 Plus rating, reliability, unique features, wattage range, price, and Japanese-made components. It would be a challenging task for you to find models better than these.

On the other hand, they are entirely suitable for enthusiasts who have a significant budget and don’t settle for less. Many NVIDIA GeForce Titan V GPUs complement the most recent Intel Core i9 because they are on the waiting list for these power supplies.

For an average gamer searching for a PC built reliably for playing AAA games on standard settings, all of these units turn towards the requirements and are the best.

PSU Tier 1 – Awesome Power

The units in Tier 1 are lower in price, yet they still offer unique power solutions with excellent reliability. On the other hand, they are better for demanding powerhouse equipment with expensive components to work.

Furthermore, if you are on a budget, there is nothing wrong with you in this tier, as it contains the most budget-friendly and performance-filled units ever. In addition, it is a wise option to go for Tier 1 when you want to future-proof a build and enable extra room for the internal components with demanding power requirements.

PSU Tier 2 – Expensive Quality

The Tier 2 goes down price-wise again, and the units are perfect for veteran builders who are in search of not just a good-looking but a reliable PSU without having to spend too much from their savings. You pay for quality products in this tier, and every penny is worth it.

However, first-time PSU buyers should stay transparent with the prices because it can still be an issue.

PSU Tier 3 – Reliable Power for Price

In this tier, we enter into a world of PSUs suitable for most gamers who desire a functional machine with commendable components that won’t fry or buck after heavy usage. In addition to this, the PSUs in this tier are both quality-filled and affordable as well.

PSU Tier 4 – Mid-Range Choices

We offer one of the most reliable models on the never-ending catalog of awesome PSUs on sale in the fourth tier. They work fine, but they do not contain any extra features.

On the other hand, efficiency is not sacrificed in the tier. In short words, the fourth tier represents mid-range, not-so-great PSUs that are acceptable in terms of price and performance.

PSU Tier 5 – Budget Choices

From here to the end, we are afraid to say everything is downhill. Tier 5 is basically for all the budget options, and if you are a PC gaming enthusiast, these units will give you goosebumps.

However, if any users can spend extra cash on a better CPU or GPU, these PSUs are beneficial.

PSU Tier 6 – Cheerful and Cheap

The Tier 6 PSUs are tricky ones; they may work well, but they may be useless. If you ask us, it is best to stay clear if your budget allows it.

It is easy for an enthusiastic PC builder to rant about the flaws of these PSUs. They offer the most basic and not-needed functions, and that’s pretty much it. In addition to this, these PSUs barely get an 80 Plus rating.

PSU Tier 7 – Base of the Drum

The PSUs in this tier for everything they have to offer shouldn’t even be in the market. In many ways, gamers should demand a price to use these units rather than actually using them because they are a waste of money.

Why is Your Power Supply Choice Important?

Here’s one very essential thing you must know:

• If you purchase a low-quality PSU, you won’t be able to switch to a high-end graphics card. In addition, your gaming power supply will not be strong enough to give you an enhanced gaming experience or a better frame rate, but a PSU is still an essential component.
• It would help if you made the right choice by keeping the sole purpose of creating a high-quality gaming computer in mind.
• A power supply of 800W-1000W is only enough if you use a multiple video card configuration and get extreme overclocking. However, you don’t need that much power to better your gaming PC.

7 Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a PSU

As mentioned above, there are some questions you need to ask yourself before you buy a PSU. If you search for the answers to the above-written questions, you will get a better clue about which PSU to get from the multiple available options in the market. Following are the seven major factors to consider before you purchase a PSU:

1. Should I buy a modular Power Supply?
2. Is it vital for me to save energy?
3. How many Watts are needed for my gaming PC?
4. What is meant by an 80Plus rating?
5. What is meant by the +12V Rail?
6. Does it have excessive Wattage?
7. Is it an excellent Power Supply for Gaming?

Stay calm about yourself if you need clarification about answering some of these questions. By this buyer’s guide’s end, you will have accurate answers and theories to what you will do.

Finding the Best PC Power Supply Unit

Power supply units are considered the essential part of your computer, which can turn this upside-down if not chosen correctly. If your PC is running completely fine without a Power supply unit, then that doesn’t mean that the system is okay like that. There often comes a time when your PC will demand more power than usual. For instance, when overclocking your PC’s RAM/CPU/GPU, there will be a high power consumption rate.

In that case, it is necessary to own a high-end PSU to provide the necessary power. Purchasing the right PSU means making a decision that will effortlessly support your future upgrading of components. However, finding the best PSU is not child’s play. You need to have enough knowledge about PSUs before purchasing one. There are several multiple factors that you must understand.

What happens if I purchase a cheap yet high-wattage PSU or an expensive one? The answer to that is simple; this is precisely how people fall into traps with power supplies in the first place. But it would help if you didn’t worry because this guide will significantly help you.

How Many Watts are needed for a PSU?

It does not make sense to buy a potent power supply you will never need. You can understand the kind of power necessary for your system to run with the help of some power consumption calculators.

Plenty of reliable power consumption calculators are available in the market, but we have created a list of some of the best ones that will help you.

• Cooler Master Power Calculator
•  MSI PSU Calculator
•  Seasonic Wattage Calculator

4 Necessary PSU Ratings Discussed

Power Supply Units are marked with the four most essential ratings, which give you an idea of what outputs you will get from the PSU.

1. Efficiency

An efficient PSU means minimum electric consumption and more affordable e-bills. The more efficient the power supply, the better outputs it can provide you with.

2. Stability

Stability is one of the essential features of a suitable power supply. If a power supply is unstable, it might shut down or deliver low performance under high temperatures or other situations.

3. Safety

The safety of your PC components depends upon the kind of power supply you use. A reliable power supply is always well-manufactured and features friendly safety mechanisms like UVP- Under Voltage Protector, OVP- Over Voltage Protector, etc.

4. Components used

The power supply features rectifiers, regulator circuits, filters, and transformers. Most power supplies often come with nice cooling fans. If all of these components are of good quality, your power supply will perform as well as possible and last a long time.

In conclusion, these factors play a vital role in the performance of the Power Supply Unit you choose. In addition to this, power supply units have the following type of ratings: 80+, Gold, Titanium, Bronze, Gold, and Silver, but some power supplies are not equipped with any ratings.

Sajid Ali

CEO, Lead Writer

Sajid Ali is a tech enthusiast and gamer who loves to write reviews about gaming hardware. He has a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Sajid studied Intermediate Computer Science at Degree College and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Computer Science from GSC. In his free time, you can find him testing out new hardware and software, or playing the latest video games. Sajid's in-depth understanding of computers and his love for gaming make him the perfect author to turn to for all things tech and gaming.