The Best Modular PSUs for a Clean PC Build

After the debut power supplies from Gigabyte started burning aimlessly, many experts wrote off the brand and forgot about it. However, to their credit, the Taiwanese quickly did serious work on the mistakes and got back into the game. One of the company's hits was the "gold" power supply PG5 with a gold quality certificate, detachable cable noodles, and Japanese Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors that ensure high quality, reliability, and durability of this PSU.

The Gigabyte PG5 is manufactured on the MEIC platform. This is a relatively new platform which, despite good reviews, needs additional optimization to achieve the best results. The platform uses the ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 architecture, ensuring full compatibility with modern systems and requirements. It also supports the latest PCIe 5.0 and ATX 3.0 standards, necessary for powering particularly powerful graphics cards of the current generation.

Despite its modest cost (approximately 4000+ hryvnia for a 750W model), we are looking at a purebred mid-level power supply that matches the standards of models one and a half times more expensive. Considering this, we are ready to forgive it for not the best cooling system, which operates barely audibly at loads up to 50%, but starts to become noticeably noisy when the PC operates at its limits. There are also questions about the cables: for savings, the manufacturer used 2 EPS connectors on one cable, so the PSU can have issues due to overheating and voltage drop if particularly powerful and "voracious" components are connected to it.

To be honest, we are still not used to the fact that many Taiwanese manufacturers of PC components have recently started producing monitors, mice, and power supplies for PCs. However, you can't say no to progress, and MSI's products quickly became part of recommended items lists, and its "golden" power supply MAG A750GL has become one of the best-selling models of 2023 alongside Chieftec Polaris, Deepcool PK-D, and be quiet! Pure Power 12 M.

So, MSI MAG PCIE5 is an advanced and efficient power supply tailored for ATX 3.0 architecture, equipped with a 16-pin GPU connector and supporting the PCIe 5.0 standard necessary for powering the latest generation graphics cards, like NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4000 and similar solutions from Radeon. The cables are fully modular, allowing unnecessary ones to be detached and stored for better times. Conveniently, the 12VHPWR power connectors are painted yellow so the user can clearly see if the cable is fully plugged in. According to MSI, incorrectly connected cables were the most common reason customers visited service centers.

The unit is certified to 80 Plus Gold standards, guaranteeing high energy efficiency of the equipment (90% efficiency). Inside hides high-class components with a resonant LLC converter, synchronous rectifier, and DC-DC converters, allowing MAG PCIE5 to ensure maximum accuracy and stability of output voltage even at loads close to 100%. It also features essential protective tools, including overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and short-circuit protection. Overall, the capabilities of MSI MAG PCIE5 are suitable even for powering a powerful CPU and graphics card like Core i9-14900K and GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER.

The Deepcool PN-M PN750M power supply meets high-quality standards, which is confirmed by the 80 PLUS Gold certification. The model is characterized by a powerful +12V rail that supports up to a 750W load and optimal efficiency level at 90%, which is sufficient for modern gaming setups. The overall ATX 3.1 based concept guarantees stability and safety of power supply in high-performance systems. The power scheme utilizes active power factor correction, DC-DC converters, and Japanese capacitors, which have proven themselves favorably. Cooling is provided by a 120 mm fan with adaptive regulation technology based on temperature indicators. It is important to consider the noticeable noise of the latter even at moderate speeds.

The power supply is designed for enthusiasts of neat system units. Modular wires take up less free space in compact cases and facilitate cable management. The standard interface assortment features an 8+8 pin power line for the most powerful processors and 16 pin PCIe 5.1 standard for high-end graphics cards with power consumption up to 450W. It also offers 8 SATA and 2 MOLEX for drives of different generations. The wires are encased in braiding to enhance aesthetics and provide additional protection from mechanical damage.

The manufacturer offers an extended protection system against threats. Besides the usual output overload and short-circuit control mechanisms, input voltage stabilization, startup current smoothing, and safe operation in the absence of load are provided. The company offers a 10-year warranty, indicating high device reliability. The PSU protects its own components and connected parts in real-time, quickly responding to dangerous situations and withstanding short-term power overloads without shutting down.

The be quiet! Pure Power 13 M BP026 power supply allows you to create an efficient and quiet PC thanks to the use of quality components and modern technologies. The model is equipped with a low-noise (21 dB) 120mm fan of its own production with optimized blades to increase airflow while maintaining standard speeds. The cooling system operates in a semi-passive mode with fan shutdown at low load. The PSU uses a modular cable structure, which is the basis for neat assembly, eliminating airflow disturbance and the appearance of extraneous noise.

The technical component includes proven energy conversion schemes, efficient heat dissipation, performance enhancement, and protection from numerous threats for both the power supply itself and connected devices. An advanced active PFC module handles the unstable parameters of the power grid and raises the model's efficiency to 94% for confident and prolonged operation under high loads. The PSU complies with the gold energy efficiency standard by the 80+ and Cybenetics classification and can be freely used in high-performance gaming PCs, as well as systems for multimedia content processing, development, design. The main +12V rail is capable of providing stable 750W and handles short-term extreme loads. The model is compatible with advanced Intel/AMD AI-processors that require 8+8 pin comprehensive power, as well as top-segment graphics cards with a 16 pin (12V-2x6, 12VHPWR) connector. An optimal choice for enthusiasts and safe overclocking due to the extended protection system. The electronic components are resistant to current overloads, short circuits, unstable and low voltage.

SP Hydro G Pro is a top series of computer power supplies from a renowned Taiwanese brand, with wattage ranging from 650 to 1000W. It boasts an 80 PLUS Gold energy efficiency certification, a 10-year warranty, and support for both European 230-volt and American 115-volt power grids. The latter makes the PSU useful even in our parts, as it allows operation during severe power grid voltage drops, which especially often occur in suburban homes.

The platform of Hydro G Pro is fully modular, designed and manufactured by FSP, operating on a progressive DC-DC conversion scheme. High-temperature resistant (up to 105 °C) Japanese capacitors Hitachi, Nippon, and Rubycon are used. Even under maximum load, the internal electronic components of the PSU only heat up to 50°C. This is achieved thanks to effective cooling by a 12-cm Protechnic Electric fan with a durable hydro-bearing.

If under maximum load the noise of the FSP Hydro G Pro fan can be characterized as average, under load less than 30 percent, the PSU transitions to silent passive cooling. But if desired, for example, during hot weather, with the Eco button, it can be switched to constant light airflow mode. A special comfortable coating protects the printed circuit board and electronic components of the PSU from high air humidity (up to 95%).

Even the junior 650-watt version of the FSP Hydro G Pro has a single +12 volt rail power of up to 54 amperes (650W), which equals one hundred percent of the declared total power of all lines. And in peak mode, the PSU can provide a good hundred watts more. The processor connectors 4+4-pin are available in two pieces, the graphics card 6+2-pin — four. FSP also offers cheaper power supply options: Hyper 80+ Pro with a "white" 80 PLUS certificate and "bronze" Hydro Pro.