Highlights
- The new PCIe 5.0 standard offers a powerful 12VHPWR connector (600W) for next-generation graphics cards.
- Matching your PSU’s wattage to your system’s needs is crucial for smooth performance and avoiding overload.
- The list contains the best PCIe 5.0 PSUs including PSUs from Corsair, be quiet! and MSI.
The world of PC hardware is constantly changing, and new products are taking over the old ones. One such case is with the graphic cards.
Now, the new graphic cards use the PCIe 5.0 standard, and over the past few months, this new interface has become a lot more common.
However, if you are going to use a good graphics card with a PCIe 5.0 interface, it is vital that you also have a good PSU that can support and help you unleash the full potential of your rig.
The main thing is that the new PCIe 5.0 interface now comes with the 12VHPWR connector and has 12+4 pins. This is different as most users are familiar with the 6+2 pin PCIe power cable array.
The new thing about the connector is that it can deliver a whopping 600W of juice, a significant jump from the 300W limit of the previous standard.
The good news is that many PSU manufacturers have already started selling “PCIe 5.0-ready” PSUs compatible with the new connector.
So if you are also interested in getting a PSU with PCIe 5.0 compatibility, this guide is for you. Today, we will list the best PSUs that are PCIe 5.0 ready.
A PCIe 5.0 Ready PSU, But What Wattage?
If you look for “PCIe 5.0 ready” PSUs, you will find PSUs offering different watts. That is why it becomes so important to understand your power needs.
Now, this majorly depends on the components that you are planning to add to your rig. For example, if you use high-end graphics cards, such as the AMD and Nvidia RTX 40 series, you will require a lot of power because these beasts are power-hungry.
Thus, a PSU with a higher wattage will be required. On top of that, you’re also looking at a large power demand when you consider a powerful CPU, the possibility of overclocking, and additional peripherals.
While this is not the most accurate representation, it will help you estimate your power needs:
- Low-power system (basic gaming/office): 450W-550W
- Mid-range gaming system: 650W-750W
- High-end gaming system (potential overclocking): 850W-1000W
- Extreme performance system (overclocked CPU & GPU): 1200W+
These are just rough estimates. To get a more accurate estimate of your power demands, the best thing to do is use an online power calculator. Then, you can also read the manufacturer’s power draw specifications for the particular components to obtain a more accurate picture.
It is always advised to select a PSU with some headroom—roughly 10% to 20% extra watts—to guarantee smooth performance and keep the device from overtaxing itself during periods of high demand.
Let’s Talk About the New Connector
You must be wondering why shift to a new interface all of a sudden. This is because of the new 12VHPWR connector.
Well, this is a single, high-density cable replacing the spaghetti junction of multiple PCIe power cables. The reason why it is better is that it simplifies cable management and unlocks the potential for higher power delivery.
So here are a few key points about the new 12VHPWR connector:
- Single-powerful connector: A single, strong connector streamlines appearance and eases cable management by eliminating the need for numerous 6+2 pin PCIe power cords.
- Higher power delivery: It can provide an incredible 600W, meeting the constantly rising power requirements of the hardware of the future.
- Sense pins: These pins enable real-time communication between the PSU and the graphics card, allowing for dynamic power adjustments and improved efficiency.
Note: You should be aware of a clever trick that some brands are using to sell their PSUs. They are selling PSUs in the name of “PCIe 5.0 ready” by offering adapters to connect existing PCIe power cables to the 12VHPWR connector.
So, it’s highly recommended to use the native 12VHPWR cable for optimal performance and safety because the adapters might not be able to handle the full power delivery capabilities of the connector.
Tips to Select the Best PSU
Now that you know about the new connector, here are some tips that will help you select the best PSU for your rig.
- Wattage: This is the most important thing to keep in mind. You have to choose a PSU that offers sufficient wattage to handle your system’s demands with some headroom.
- Efficiency Rating: If you are building a high-performance rig, you should look for PSUs with certifications like 80+ Gold or Platinum. These certifications indicate higher efficiency, meaning less wasted power as heat and lower electricity bills.
- Modular Design: Then you can look for modular PSUs that allow you to connect only the cables your system needs, reducing clutter and improving airflow within your case.
- Fan Noise: While all PSUs produce some noise, a quiet operation provides a more pleasant user experience. Look for PSUs that include temperature-controlled fan curves, which regulate fan speed dependent on heat output.
- Brand Reputation: Choose famous brands that are known for producing high-quality power supplies with dependable performance and robust warranties.
Best PCIe 5.0 Power Supply
be quiet! Dark Power 13 1000W
The be quiet! Dark Power 13 1000W PSU is one of the best PSUs for PCIe 5.0 interface. This PSU is very good for people looking for a silent and powerful solution for their high-end builds.
This 1000W powerhouse comes with cool features like the be quiet! signature Silent Wings 3 fans. These fans offer near-silent operation even under demanding workloads.
On top of that, you get the 80+ Titanium certification, which means exceptional efficiency. So, the wasted power and heat generation will be minimal in your PC case. This also means the operating costs are lower, and your system also runs cooler.
Furthermore, it also comes with a fully modular design, allowing you to connect only the cables your system needs.
This results in a cleaner and more manageable build experience. Then, the high-quality flat cables further enhance airflow and improve the overall aesthetics of your PC.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Dark Power 13 series is its compatibility with the upcoming ATX 3.0 standard and the new 12VHPWR connector designed for PCIe 5.0 graphics cards. If you are building a high-end PC, this one is definitely one of the best PSUs you can get.
It delivers near-silent operation with its Silent Wings 3 technology for a peaceful computing experience.
The 80+ Titanium rating minimizes wasted power and keeps operating costs low.
The fully modular design and high-quality cables enhance airflow, improve aesthetics, and simplify cable management.
Long-term performance data is not yet available.
MSI MEG Ai1300P ATX 3.0 1300W
With a massive 1300W capacity, the MSI MEG Ai1300P ATX 3.0 PSU lays down the gauntlet in the high-wattage PSU market.
With heavily overclocked components and next-generation graphics cards that match power demands, this colossal PSU serves the needs of extreme system builders.
Some of the unique features of this PSU are the digital control and monitoring for accurate voltage management and system oversight.
For effective heat dissipation, you get a triple-fan cooling system, and addressable RGB lighting offers a customizable element for anyone looking for a unique look.
The MEG Ai1300P’s purported compatibility with the next ATX 3.0 standard and the new 12VHPWR connector made for PCIe 5.0 graphics cards is arguably its most exciting feature.
It is perfect for extreme systems with hefty power requirements.
It offers precise voltage regulation and system monitoring capabilities.
Comes with a sleek and modular design.
It can get a bit noisy at high loads.
A bit pricey.
Corsair HX1000i
Next up, we have the Corsair HX1000i. This, again, is a PCIe 5.0 compliant PSU and the one that is in budget for most people building a high-end PC.
The Corsair HX1000i is great for PC enthusiasts who want a sophisticated and strong power supply for their high-performance systems.
This 1000W completely modular ATX power supply boasts a well-rounded feature set that prioritizes clean aesthetics, efficient operation, and quiet performance.
In terms of capacity, the HX1000i has 1000W of power, which is plenty for powerful gaming PCs with overclocked CPUs and high-end graphics cards. Even with the most demanding system setups, you won’t have to worry about surpassing the capacity of your power supply.
The 80+ Platinum certification indicates high efficiency, which translates to lower electricity bills and less heat generation in your case. This not only saves you money in the long run but also keeps your system cool.
The HX1000i also has a zero RPM fan mode, which allows for very silent operation when your system is not under severe load.
Furthermore, the entirely modular design allows you to connect only the wires your system requires, resulting in a cleaner and more manageable assembly experience, which is especially useful for optimizing airflow within your case.
The build quality is really good.
It operates silently.
The iCUE software allows for many customizations.
High inrush at 230V
The performance is not as competitive as others.
Final Thoughts
Those are some of the best PCIe 5.0 PSUs that you can use on your PC. The important thing to understand is that this is still a new interface, and brands are just starting to make PSUs using the PCIe 5.0 interface. With the increase in popularity, we will see more PSUs that are PCIe 5.0 compliant.
We hope this guide helps you to get the best PSU for your build. In case of any queries, feel free to reach out to us.
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