PSU Hierarchy 2021 – Power Supply Unit Tier List - TecHamster (2024)

The following is the ultimate list-based hierarchy of all power supply units. We’ve rated them in 8 different categories so you can see if your PSU is good or not. Any seasoned PC-builder knows that starting a new build is a demanding endeavor.The search for the right components requires hours of scouring enthusiast websites.

It quickly descends into a state of utter boredom. Sleep will be disrupted by feverish dreams swimming in a litany of benchmark results, spec details, and models, merging into an overwhelming mess of choice.

Sorting wheat from chaff is not an easy task. It’s hard enough to choose between dozens of graphics cards, let alone hundreds of power supplies.

To make this task more bearable, we have classified power supply units into tiers ranging from the top of the class to the completely useless. The following list is based on price point, efficiency, and overall performance.

It’s our hope that this heavily researched and up-to-date tier list will make the process of choosing a PSU for your next build much easier.

This tier of PSUs is among the best available on the market due to their reliability, Platinum and above-80-Plus ratings, wattage range, Japanese components, unique features, and price. It’s hard to find a better model.

They are, however, only for enthusiasts with a significant budget who will not settle for anything less than the best. These power supply units are likely to be used with multiple Nvidia GeForce Titan V GPUs and the latest Intel Core i9.

These units are overkill for the average gamer starting out on a PC build capable of running AAA games on decent settings.

Tier 1 units drop down the price ladder while still offeringvery good power solutions with unmatched reliability. They are better suited to demanding machines with expensive components.

You can’t go wrong with this tier if your budget is not too limited. It is a good idea to invest in a tier 1 power supply in order to future-proof a setup and provide extra breathing room for components that consume more power.

Once again, Tier 2 drops in price. These units offer a comfortable middle ground to veteran PC builders who want a reliable power supply without spending their savings.Despite paying for quality, it feels like every dollar is well spent.

While they are more affordable than the previous tiers, first-timers on a tight budget may want to stay away as these prices are still eye-watering to the uninitiated.

Now, we’re in territory that should suit the majority of gamers who want a powerful machine with solid components that won’t crash after extended use.The PSUs in this tier are more affordable, but still deliver a good performance.

Tier 4 welcomes you. We are approaching, but not quite reaching, the more questionable models on the market, among the seemingly endless assortment of power supplies available.However, they do not have any additional bells and whistles.

Efficiency takes a hit without being too severe. All in all, mid range; not great, not bad, but healthy and resoundingly acceptable.

We fear it will be a whirlwind downhill from here.

Tier 5 consists of budget options. These units might send shivers down your spine if you’re a PC gaming enthusiast. You can spend your money on a bet if you want.

It’s a gamble with Tier 6 PSUs; they may work fine or they may prove useless. If your finances allow it, you should stay clear.

A serious builder would happily rant at length about how awful these are. The only thing they do is provide the most basic functions of a power supply.With a predominance of white scores, these units barely reach 80 Plus Ratings.

All things considered, power supply units in this tier shouldn’t even exist. Many gamers should be paid to use these instead of wasting their earnings on packaged garbage.

Stay away from these PSUs, and if you do, you’ll pay the price.