PSU tier list 2.0

[Someone Somewhere]

I think you still need another tier in the middle for "keep if you've already got it, but don't buy." Stuff that might not last long, but still has decent protections and won't make a light show when it goes.

For example,(and this is only a really small example):
Why is the EVGA SuperNOVA GS in tier 1? It's not as good as for example Andyson Titanium N from tier 2, FSP Aurum Xilenser from tier 3, even the InWin Glacier from tier 4 is probably the better PSU overall.

See, that's actually constructive criticism. I like to see that.

I guess it depends on exactly what we're scoring on - if I were writing the list, I'd have a public scoring formula, but that's me. It does look like the Glacier should probably be 2 from a quick read, though there was a weird issue with 3.3V ripple.

And then in tier 5 there is HEC, even HEC has better PSU's then the EVGA SuperNOVA GS series, not all are of course but they do exists.

Maybe, but we're just naming the brand then that's based on their worst units - I'm sure HEC makes some far lower quality units than the GS. Better units are specifically called out in other tiers.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I've seen about ten people so far say they would undertake this kind of project and make it better and more accurate. Then they see how "daunting" the project is, which it IS, and then quietly fade into the background. I haven't yet seen a better list than this one, so if you think you're the guy to do it, more power to you. Don't be surprised though when the next PSUgod comes along to tear it down though. There's always somebody that won't be happy with your end result or "work in progress" due to one thing or another. So long as you understand that, just as the guy who has put the work in here does, then I reckon it will live or die on it's own merit, which is as it should be.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

I guess it depends on exactly what we're scoring on - if I were writing the list, I'd have a public scoring formula, but that's me.

It's not possible to make a formula. There are to many variables

Yes, but at least a guide helps to keep things consistent. Exceptional cases that need manual adjustment are fairly rare. I don't know if they're actually published, but I've seen several PSU reviewers talk about having a framework for how they score them.

Maybe, but we're just naming the brand then that's based on their worst units - I'm sure HEC makes some far lower quality units than the GS. Better units are specifically called out in other tiers.

If that was true then there wouldn't be a brand in tier 1, maybe not even in tier 2. Almost all manufactures have low-end stuff, even manufactures like Seasonic, Super Flower, Delta.

And if you read the list, that's the case. No brands except in Tier 5 that I can see. A brand being in Tier 5 means that some of their PSUs belong in Tier 5. I've never said that all of them do. Usually, it's cases where they make many many low-quality ones and a few gems. Or just lots of low quality ones.

Make your own list, so it can be critiqued by the community as you've clearly decided you are well enough informed to do so, or shut the front door. Period.

Well maybe I'll do that, but that will take some time

We've heard that several times. People show up, say they hate our list and could do a much better job, and then come back a few months later saying it's "on indefinite hold" because it's "too daunting". And yes, those are direct quotes.

and at this moment you really don't give me the feeling that you actually want a good list.

We do. We also are not infallible and do not have infinite amounts of time. See above quote.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Plus, any tier list, of ANY kind, is going to be highly subjective by it's own nature. Which means having more than one that can be taken as a serious endeavor, even if they have differing opinions but are based on factual data, is a good thing. Some people like Mustangs. Some like Camaros. Others like imports. All have merit but are clearly not identical. There is room for more than one good thing no matter what is is, and so long as it's genuine and somebody has put the work in to make it that way, it can be respected as a useful tool, but nothing more.

There will be no 100% accurate list of any kind, ever. But being a useful tool in the process or to help those who have no clue at all not make a giant mistake is the important and underlying reason for having one in the first place. So long as it does that, is is a success in my book.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Stuff being one tier out from where you think it should be is IMHO fine - that falls into the 'opinion' category.

Two or more is probably an issue, but it depends on what you consider important. Thinking further, the reason the Glacier is Tier 4 is probably the out-of-bounds ripple. I think exceeding ATX specs was automatic 4, though given the spike is only every few seconds it could possibly be tier 3.

 

[Onus]

I've seen about ten people so far say they would undertake this kind of project and make it better and more accurate. Then they see how "daunting" the project is, which it IS, and then quietly fade into the background. I haven't yet seen a better list than this one, so if you think you're the guy to do it, more power to you. Don't be surprised though when the next PSUgod comes along to tear it down though. There's always somebody that won't be happy with your end result or "work in progress" due to one thing or another. So long as you understand that, just as the guy who has put the work in here does, then I reckon it will live or die on it's own merit, which is as it should be.

Plus, any tier list, of ANY kind, is going to be highly subjective by it's own nature. Which means having more than one that can be taken as a serious endeavor, even if they have differing opinions but are based on factual data, is a good thing. Some people like Mustangs. Some like Camaros. Others like imports. All have merit but are clearly not identical. There is room for more than one good thing no matter what is is, and so long as it's genuine and somebody has put the work in to make it that way, it can be respected as a useful tool, but nothing more.

There will be no 100% accurate list of any kind, ever. But being a useful tool in the process or to help those who have no clue at all not make a giant mistake is the important and underlying reason for having one in the first place. So long as it does that, is is a success in my book.

These. Any tiered list will be colored by opinion. Each is a tool, to be used some of the time, for part of the "job" of selecting a PSU.
The ideal tool, imho, would start out with quality ONLY, to yield a go/nogo decision. The "Go" side can then break out into options, like modularity, efficiency, whether or not there's a Berg connector, and other piddling details that are still a part of what people may want.
...which is sort of funny, because when I look for a PSU, I go in the opposite direction, filtering by the features I want, like wattage/amperage, modularity and efficiency, and then finding a unit of sufficient quality.

 

[Darkbreeze]

There is a difference between an opinion and being completely wrong. Saying that the Cooler Master GM series is better then the Antec VPF series or the other way around, is an opinion. The Delta made Antec has the better caps and overall better build quality but the CWT made Cooler Master is more silent, has longer warranty and the better looks. That's a matter of opinion.

With this list it's not a matter of opinion, because probably more then 50% isn't were it belongs and many of those are two tiers or more from the right place. It isn't a problem if you don't see that, but please don't say it isn't true.

There are currently approximately 135 listings in tiers 1 through 4. There are 48 listings in tier 5. Please list 67 units from tiers 1-4 that are not placed where they belong according to your ideals. If there are brands listed in tier 5 that you feel don't belong there in their entirety, please indicated those as well along with what models they sell that you believe should be in a higher tier and include links to proof showing why they don't belong there. If you can do that, then your statement is valid. If not, then it's just more unsupported snark.

 

[Onus]

Ultra LSP has a lifetime warranty. Does that improve their quality? Apevia has some really cool-looking PSUs with transparent cases and multi-colored fans; should that move them up the tier list? I'll take that plain-looking Delta-built Antec over PSU-shaped objects like those every time.
Think of anyone's tier list as a coarse tool. You may not get the best possible results from one or another of them, but none are likely to lead to bad results. If you see where a bad result might be obtained, I'm quite sure the author of any list with a truly bad placement would appreciate your supporting evidence.

 

[tiny voices]

Not sure. Budget unit for 390X? 750 B2 would be a better choice. I'm not finding much reason to recommend the GQ line either.

No that would be a really bad idea.

 

[CTurbo]

Another good thing about this tier list is the you're more likely to find a good model rated too low than a poor model rated too high. That makes choosing from tiers 1 and 2 a safe choice. That is certainly helpful to a noob needing a psu on the fly.

 

[tiny voices]

^ definitely!

 

[g-unit1111]

Ultra LSP has a lifetime warranty. Does that improve their quality? Apevia has some really cool-looking PSUs with transparent cases and multi-colored fans; should that move them up the tier list? I'll take that plain-looking Delta-built Antec over PSU-shaped objects like those every time.
Think of anyone's tier list as a coarse tool. You may not get the best possible results from one or another of them, but none are likely to lead to bad results. If you see where a bad result might be obtained, I'm quite sure the author of any list with a truly bad placement would appreciate your supporting evidence.

I wouldn't touch Ultra with a 10 foot pole, and especially now that SYS (Ultra / Tiger Direct's parent company) has gone bust. Does anyone know what the future of the Ultra brand is, or is that tanking with the demise of SYS?

Another good thing about this tier list is the you're more likely to find a good model rated too low than a poor model rated too high. That makes choosing from tiers 1 and 2 a safe choice. That is certainly helpful to a noob needing a psu on the fly.

You will see that happening in Newegg reviews, which is one of the reasons why I'm against store reviews. Poor models get rated too low, and good models don't get the praise they deserve because of bad refunds. :lol:

 

[Mr Kagouris]

While I'm not here to bash anyone, I'd say the tier-based list model has a few flaws. Instead, wouldn't it work better if we rated PSUs based on where they belong? For example why not have "categories" such as "low end gaming rig acceptable", "high end gaming rig acceptable", "office computer acceptable" and so on and so forth (with a "trash" category of course)? This kind of system would have its merits as putting the PSUs in tiers seems to drive people away from lower tiers for any use, while tier 4s are perfectly acceptable for a simple office computer or basic HTPC.
Instead, why not tell people *directly* what the PSUs can be used for? That way, instead of having people with budget rigs that barely consume 200W be afraid of CX series (just one example) because they think it's gonna kill all their components and set their house on fire, they'll just see that they *can* use it for a low power rig but it wouldn't be a good idea to put it in something with higher power draw.
I mean that's kind of what these kinds of lists mostly do, serve as reference for builders trying to find a PSU to use in their specific build, whether it be a low or high powered gaming rig, a home NAS, or just a basic use computer, so wouldn't it make more sense to rank PSUs for that specific use?

 

[Onus]

^That's not a bad idea at all. The only point it might miss is durability, but even that can be addressed in a notation.
You can still arrange them in "tiers" so to speak, to account for a suggestion like "If the power in your area is bad, move up a tier (or two), or make sure you use a good surge protector or UPS."

 

[Karadjgne]

That would work, except it's not what posters I've seen here are asking for. Where would you put a 550w psu? High end is where? My rig is all good quality, but not all that powerful, a 550w G2, 3770k,msi mpower, STRIX 970. Does cost donate high end? Or performance. Having very broad scope of abilities, quality and performance all in the same category would be as useless as having gaming, workstation, junk or good, bad, don't buy. There needs to be some separation, where they really good are separated from good, acceptable, mediocre, bad and junk. This list, and others like it, are accessed by more than just 1st time builders, or ppl looking for upgrades, so imho there has to be a balance struck somewhere. The lists done by turkey3_scratch and aris_mp are highly technically based, I just had a discussion overthe 550w GS being technically a better psu than the 550w G2.

All I'm saying, as I've said before, this list is a tool. It complicated enough for advanced users and simple enough for beginners to understand.

It ain't broke, it dont need fixing, just a touch up in the paint job. And those not willing to supply the paint, or pick up a brush have no right to complain about the color.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Additionally, that's already been suggested in one form or another and is kind of irrelevant anyhow as there are really no units that are only for one thing or another once you get to a certain point. Mainstream machines with no specific or outrageous requirements will run fine with any power supply that doesn't belong belong tier 3, and probably would be ok in most cases with some of the tier 4 units, and any unit above that will work with any machine, so it's kind of unnecessary to filter units by specific application. What works fine for an overclocked machine will work fine for a gaming machine will work fine for anything else as well. Server quality power supplies that are required to run 24/7 and cannot afford to ever be down if possible would be the only application specific units that might absolutely need to be tier 1 or server specific form factors.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Not sure. Budget unit for 390X? 750 B2 would be a better choice. I'm not finding much reason to recommend the GQ line either.

No that would be a really bad idea.

Why?

 

[superninja12]

hey dtorrent thank you for this list I've been active a few weeks on the forum now and i prevented a lot of broke cx unites for gaming pcs, thank you

 

[okcnaline]

Um... You realize that Corsair CX isn't a bad unit for a much cheaper price, right? There are worse.

 

[superninja12]

not for gaming rigs that are 800+dollar

 

[okcnaline]

Yeah, good. You get why CX is bad. When I deck out prices, I am always like, "Dang it, Corsair. There are much better units at your price".

 

[Karadjgne]

Quote from Corsair.

CX-M AND CX SERIES

CX-M and CX Series PC power supplies are an excellent choice for basic system builds and desktop PC computer upgrades.

Not for Enthusiast Class pc's, which are generally considered higher-end gaming units running large gpu(s) and overclocked cpus. Soon as ppl figure out that distinction, they'll be less bs over 'bad' units and more praise for units that make decent OEM replacements. Unfortunately, ppl think more about saving $10 on the psu only to spend an extra $50+ on a larger gpu.

 

[Explicitlol]

Hey guys, I was curious about which you would recommend.
I have an i5-3470, ASROCK z75 Pro3 and going to purchase a gtx970.

My options so far: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151121&cm_re=seasonic_platinum-_-17-151-121-_-Product at $89.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088&cm_re=seasonic_650-_-17-151-088-_-Product at $109.99

and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139042&cm_re=corsair_ax-_-17-139-042-_-Product at 129.99 after rebate.

What do y'all recommend. I couldn't find the seasonic platinum under the tier list since I'm not sure if its classified as platinum series.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

The Seasonic Platinum 660 is actually $80 after the rebate and promo code. Still one of the best power supplies on the market and at that price a steal since it's usually around $130. I have one and would recommend that unit. It's an upgrade over the more expensive X series 650w you listed. I believe that Corsair is also based on the same Seasonic Platinum platform but it's more wattage than you will need by far. The 660w will be fine for any single graphics card you can buy. Using mine with an overclocked 2600k and a 980 Ti. The 760w Corsair would leave you room for multiple cards in the future though.

Jeez how many times can I edit one post..... 😛

 

[Explicitlol]

The Seasonic Platinum 660 is actually $80 after the rebate and promo code. Still one of the best power supplies on the market and at that price a steal since it's usually around $130. I have one and would recommend that unit. It's an upgrade over the more expensive X series 650w you listed. I believe that Corsair is also based on the same Seasonic Platinum platform but it's more wattage than you will need by far. The 660w will be fine for any single graphics card you can buy. Using mine with an overclocked 2600k and a 980 Ti. The 760w Corsair would leave you room for multiple cards in the future though.

Jeez how many times can I edit one post..... 😛

Thanks so much I'll go ahead and purchase the platinum 660. For $80 I can't go wrong.