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With every new generation of graphics cards, power use just keeps going up. The latest RTX 50-series can take up to 575W of power, which might seem surprising given how hungry the RTX 40-series already is. Take the flagship RTX 4090, for example—our review showed it pulling over 430W under synthetic loads. Because of this, getting a 1200W power supply doesn’t feel like overkill anymore—it’s starting to become normal. A higher wattage power supply offers both stability and future-proofing, so you can upgrade your CPU/GPU down the lane without worrying about changing the PSU.
Of course, 1200W PSUs are still quite expensive, so it’s very important that you pick the right one. To help you out, I have rounded up the four best 1200W PSUs that I think are great in 2024. Over the past year, I have tested and reviewed more than 20 power supplies, and these four stood out for their performance, features, build quality, and overall value. I have also included my test results (maximum ripple, average efficiency, voltage regulation) of these PSUs, along with others, at the end of this page.
Here are my recommended 1200W PSUs, compared with each other side by side:
If you are not sure if a 1200W PSU is right for your setup, I highly recommend checking out our power supply wattage calculator. All you have to do is input your system configuration, and our tool will give you a list of recommended PSUs based on your PC’s power requirements.
Best 1200W Power Supplies
These are the 1200W PSUs that I think are worth buying.
- Best Overall: Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold
- Best Performance: Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum
- Best Quiet: Corsair HX1200i Platinum
- Best Budget: XPG Core Reactor II 1200W
Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold
Best Overall 1200W PSU
Specifications: Size: 160 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Gold | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1200W | Protection: OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | 12VHPWR Cable: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 3 | SATA: 16 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 3
Pros
- Long-lasting internal components
- 10-year warranty
- Solid performance
- Low noise
Cons
- Pricey for 80+ Gold
Read Our Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold Power Supply Review
My overall pick for a 1200W PSU has to be the Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold. No matter how you look at it, the PSU nails every aspect and is a great all-rounder for any PC. During my teardown, it was clear that Seasonic went all out, using components from reputable and trusted manufacturers. From the MOSFETs to the main transformer, everything is high-quality, which is also why Seasonic is offering a whopping 10-year warranty with this PSU.
My only complaint with this power supply is its high price tag, so it makes sense that Seasonic would use high-quality components to justify it. Similarly, I also expected exceptional performance out of it, and it delivers just that. With great thermals, minimal ripple, and outstanding efficiency, the Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold passed all of my test results. The PSU has enough performance to handle any overclocked PC reliably without breaking down.
Here’s what I said about the Vertex GX-1200W Gold in my dedicated review of the PSU:
The Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 is a high-quality, reliable PSU that handles demanding systems with ease. It’s fully modular, efficient, and operates quietly with a hybrid fan mode, making it a great choice for anyone looking to power a modern setup. The PSU is well-built with top-tier Japanese components, and the 10-year warranty adds peace of mind. It’s a solid performer, though its price might be a bit steep compared to some newer options on the market.
You want durability: Apart from the 10-year warranty, the Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold uses all the best-in-class internal components, so you can expect this PSU to last for a really long time.
You want an all-rounder: From efficiency to voltage regulation, the Vertex GX-1200W Gold delivers great performance in all tests, making it a very good choice for anyone who wants a PSU that can handle it all.
You don’t like too much noise: The PSU has a Hybrid Fan Mode, so the fans only started spinning when I put over 400W load on it. Below that, the PSU was completely silent.
What Makes It The Best Overall 1200W PSU?
If you value both reliability and performance and don’t mind the high price tag, it is hard to recommend any other PSU than the Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W Gold. From great efficiency and overall performance to quiet operations and durable components, Seasonic has packed it with all the features you would ever require for any gaming PC, making it the ideal choice for the best overall 1200W PSU.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 9/10 |
Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum
Best 1200W Performance PSU
Specifications: Size: 150 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Platinum | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1,200W | Protection: OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | 12V-2×6 12+4 Pin: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 3 | SATA: 8 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 4
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Ready for overclocking
- Premium, mesh-sleeved cables
Cons
- Expensive
Read Our Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum Power Supply Review
If you plan to push your setup to its limits with extreme overclocking and want a performance-packed 1200W PSU that can handle the load, I would recommend the Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum. It is an ATX 3.1 + ATX12VO PSU, which means it has the latest 12V-2X6 connector for the graphics card. Plus, the voltage is converted to 12V only (no 5V or 3.3V minor voltage rails) from the mains (120/240V AC), giving the PSU a very significant edge in efficiency, hence the 80+ Platinum certification.
Compared to other power supplies, the PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum also has a compact design (measuring 150 x 150 x 86mm). That’s why Enermax has packed the internals very densely, and yet the layout is quite neat. There are also plenty of thermal pads to keep it cool. As for performance, the PSU left all other competition in the dust, not just in efficiency but also in maximum ripple, which only got to 10.4mV at 100% load.
When we reviewed the PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum, this is how we summarized it:
The Enermax PlatiGemin 1200W Platinum takes the crown with its robust build, top-tier efficiency, and exceptional performance. It has a fully modular design, premium mesh-sleeved cables, superior voltage regulation, and excellent thermal management. The unique Dust Free rotation feature ensures long-term maintenance. Despite its high cost, it’s perfect for high-end gaming rigs and overclocking enthusiasts seeking a reliable, silent power source.
You plan to overclock: The Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum can deliver a whopping 235% of its 1200W power capacity during power excursions, which translates to around 2820W, making it a no-brainer choice for anyone into overclocking.
You’re after a top-performing PSU: Apart from its ability to handle overclocked PCs, the PSU’s efficiency (93.92%), the difference in voltage regulation across rails (0.49%), and maximum ripple (10.4mV)—all outperform other power supplies that I tested it against.
You prefer extra features: There are also several other features that make the PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum an easy recommendation. For instance, its dust-free rotation system reverses the fan direction for a few seconds at startup to keep it clean. Plus, the included cables are mesh-sleeved. Combined with the included combs, you get both easy cable management and a premium look.
What Makes It The Best 1200W Performance PSU?
The numbers speak for themselves, and among all the power supplies I have tested, the Enermax PlatiGemini 1200W Platinum’s results remain unbeaten. Apart from raw performance, its 235% power excursion capacity, premium mesh-sleeved cables, ATX 3.1 compatibility, and all other features combined make it the best 1200W performance PSU.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Efficiency: 10/10 |
Corsair HX1200i Platinum
Best Quiet 1200W PSU
Specifications: Size: 200 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Platinum| Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1200W | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 4 | SATA: 8 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 8
Pros
- Low noise profile
- Very low voltage ripple
- High-quality internals
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Large size may cause space issues
Read Our Corsair HX1200i Platinum Power Supply Review
If you’re into a quiet experience and don’t want a high-performance PSU that makes a lot of noise, I would suggest the Corsair HX1200i Platinum. When I tested this power supply, it stayed practically silent even when the PSU outputted 650W, making it one of the best power supplies in terms of audio that doesn’t compromise on other features.
That’s because Corsair has gone with 100% Japanese capacitors, so you don’t have to worry about reliability or durability. This is also why Corsair is offering a massive 10-year warranty to go along with this PSU. As far as performance goes, I measured a max ripple of barely 11.2mV at 100% load. That’s an extremely impressive number, especially if we factor in that it’s a high-wattage 1200W power supply, so you can pair it with the flagship components and easily enjoy overclocking without any hiccups. Furthermore, given its performance and durability, the PSU will also last you for the next several years before you need an upgrade.
Here’s a summary of the Corsair HX1200i Platinum from our hands-on review of the power supply:
The Corsair HX1200i offers excellent voltage regulation and ripple performance, making it ideal for overclockers and high-end system builders. While its efficiency is slightly below expectations for a Platinum-rated PSU, its superior voltage ripple control and solid thermal performance make it a strong contender in the market.
You don’t want a noisy PSU: Even when I put a 650W load on this PSU, the noise was barely audible, making it a good choice for anyone who wants a quiet gaming experience. Additionally, the fan does a great job at heat dissipation, as I measured 47.5°C max at the hottest point on the PSU, which is very good.
You want future-proofing: The HX1200i is made up of high-quality internals, which are known for their reliability. As such, this PSU will last you for quite some time.
You plan to overclock: Given its 1200W capacity and a max ripple of just 11mV, the HX1200i is an excellent choice for some extreme overclocking. The PSU can handle it all.
What Makes It The Best Quiet 1200W PSU?
The PSU’s fan stays completely silent thanks to Zero RPM Mode, spinning only when under load. Even when it does spin, the 140mm FDB fan operates quietly. However, what makes it the best quiet 1200W PSU is not just its low noise profile. It is also its exceptional performance at high loads, use of good quality internals, efficiency, and the infamously good customer service of Corsair.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Efficiency: 9/10 |
XPG Core Reactor II 1200W
Best Budget 1200W PSU
Specifications: Size: 160 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Gold | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1200W | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | 12VHPWR Cable: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 3 | SATA: 3 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 3
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Reliable platform
- Plenty of performance
Cons
- Hard sleeved cables
Read Our XPG Core Reactor II 1200W Gold Review
If you’re on a budget and want a high-wattage PSU that uses good-quality internals and won’t cause any reliability or stability issues, I would recommend the XPG Core Reactor II 1200W. You will have to compromise on some places, like hard-sleeved cables and no hybrid fan mode, but as far as performance and efficiency on a budget go, the XPG Core Reactor II 1200W is a no-brainer.
XPG has stuck with the reliable CWT platform, showing no signs of cutting corners where it counts. They’ve included key features like full ATX 3.0 compliance, and hence, the 12VHPWR connector, and 100% Japanese capacitors. Because of this, the Core Reactor II performed exceptionally well in our tests. It maintained an impressive 92% efficiency on average—close to the 80+ Platinum standard. Plus, with a maximum ripple of just 14mV, it’s more than capable of handling overclocking.
When Abdul Hannan, our hardware tester reviewed the XPG Core Reactor II 1200W, this is how he concluded the PSU:
The XPG Core Reactor II 1200W PSU is a great choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking for a reliable PSU. It offers efficient performance and sturdy construction, ensuring your components get the power they need without any worries. With its modular cable design, you can customize your setup for better airflow and aesthetics. Just make sure your PC case has enough space for it, and you’ll be good to go for years of gaming.
You want performance on a budget: As seen in our review, the XPG Core Reactor II 1200W has all the performance you would ever need from a high-wattage power supply. The PSU’s 12VHPWR cable even sustained a full 600W load with ease at 11.93V voltage.
You are after reliability: Thanks to the CWT platform, the Core Reactor II uses high-quality components, so you can expect the PSU to last a long time.
What Makes It The Best Budget 1200W PSU?
Simply put, the amount of performance you get out of the Core Reactor II 1200W, considering its price, makes it a great budget choice for anyone looking for a 1200W power supply. I mean, the PSU is not too good to be true, as there are certainly price cuts in terms of extra features, but as far as the essentials go, XPG has nailed it, and that’s why I have picked it as the best budget 1200W PSU.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 10/10 |
| Features: 7/10 | Efficiency: 8.5/10 |
Performance Benchmarks Of Our Tested 1200W PSUs
We tested and reviewed plenty of 1200W PSUs to round up the top four benchmarks. The below gallery has our test results of all the 1200W PSUs we tested. The results include maximum ripple, average efficiency, and the percentage difference in voltage regulation on the 12V rail.
Power Supply Key Terms
Going over a PSU’s features, test results, and specifications can get a little too technical. To help you out, we have discussed below some of the key terms you should always know about whenever you’re shopping for a power supply.
- Voltage Ripple: Voltage ripple describes the minor variations in a PSU’s output voltage caused during the AC-to-DC conversion. While it’s impossible to achieve zero ripple, lower levels are better and contribute to improved system stability and better overclocking potential.
- Voltage Regulation: This refers to how consistently a PSU can deliver the correct voltage, even during changes in input or load. A high-quality unit will keep variations minimal—typically within 3%—for steady performance and improved overclocking potential.
- Efficiency: Efficiency measures how well a PSU converts wall power (AC) into usable power for your PC (DC). Ratings like 80+ Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium classify this performance.
- 12VHPWR Cable: Part of the ATX 3.0 standard, the 12VHPWR cable is designed to output up to 600W of power through a single 16-pin connector. NVIDIA’s high-end RTX 40-series cards were the first to use this power connector, but it will become a standard in future GPUs.
- Cybenetics Rating: Unlike the familiar 80+ certifications, Cybenetics offers a more thorough evaluation process, earning it higher regard in some circles. Its dual rating system includes ETA for efficiency and LAMDA for noise levels.
- ATX 3.0: This power supply standard is designed to include a native 12VHPWR power connector for the latest graphics cards. It has been preceded by ATX 3.1. The key distinction lies in the connectors: ATX 3.0 includes a 12VHPWR cable for high-end NVIDIA GPUs, while ATX 3.1 upgrades this to a 12V-2×6 connector, which is essentially the same connector, just redesigned for more reliability.
My Strategy For Testing The Best 1200W PSU
To narrow down our tested 1200W PSUs to the top four options only, we compared all the choices based on these four factors:
- Performance: As you can guess, the key consideration for my recommendations was the overall performance of the power supplies, which mainly depends on the maximum ripple in the voltage, average efficiency, and the difference in voltage regulation across different loads. Alongside these features, I also factored in the thermal performance and how well the PSU could sustain maximum load.
- Build Quality: A PSU is only as good as the quality of its components. The build quality not only impacts the performance, but also how well the PSU will work in the long run, directly impacting its durability, reliability, and stability. To test the build quality, I individually took apart each power supply I tested to thoroughly analyze the internal components used. I also took several pictures and uploaded them in each PSU’s review, so you should also check them out.
- Features: I also checked the extra features the PSUs offered, like noise profile, the type of cables used, fan quality, and more.
- Value: I made sure that all the power supplies I picked offered great value for the money. This doesn’t necessarily mean that I went for the most affordable options, as some of my picks are still going to be expensive, but the performance, features, and build quality they carry make up for the high price.
FAQs
Yes, a good quality 1200W PSU will be good enough for the RTX 5090, which is expected to pull around 575W maximum.
If a PSU uses high-end components like 100% Japanese capacitors and is from a reputable brand, it should last you for at least 8 to 10 years.
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[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]
Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions.
When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.
Skills:
- 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
- Majored in Software Engineering
- Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
- Specialized in IoT Solutions
- PC Enthusiast & PC Modder
In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.
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