TechPowerUp Power Supply of the Year

Seasonic Prime PX-1600

We had practically no PSU reviews this year as we are just getting started with our new reviewer, but in in the meantime, we are collaborating with Hardware Busters and our long time TPU PSU reviewer and friend Aris Mpitziopoulos to bring you his top three picks of PSUs from this year. The Seasonic Prime PX-1600 is Aris's pick for the all-round best PSU of 2023. This beast meets Cybenetics Platinum and 80 Plus Platinum switching efficiency, is contemporary with ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 certification. The Seasonic PX-1600, despite slightly higher noise and a 0.71% efficiency difference, is favored over the pricier TX-1600. Noise aside, the PX-1600 offers better value, especially for loads above 1000 W. Acknowledging imperfections, Seasonic is urged to fine-tune the power factor converter and lower OCP and OPP for improved protection under high temperatures. Notably, the PX-1600 excels in handling the 1000 W BIOS on RTX 4090, showcasing the best performance with a 200% transient load. Limited 1600 W ATX v3.0 options exist due to the challenge of building platforms resilient to 3200 W loads. For the quietest option, choose the TX-1600, or opt for the more affordable PX-1600. Anticipate the market release post-Computex, with both models labeled as ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatible. The bundle includes an ATX 24-pin 90° adapter with an integrated PSU tester, marked with the "ATX 3.0" designation on the PSU model number.

TechPowerUp Hardware of 2023 Runner Up

ADATA XPG Cybercore II 1300 W

An unexpected meteoric rise in the power supply space, ADATA XPG worked hard on their PSU lineup in 2023, to develop the Cybercore II series of enthusiast-class PSUs that offer a good balance of efficiency and connectivity, albeit at a steep price. It is based on a solid CWT platform, top-tier Nidec fan, and extensive cable options. Outperforming the MSI MEG Ai1300P PCIE5, priced at $320 MSRP, the XPG offers a better deal, even factoring in the extra cost of the Nidec fan. Notably, it excels in transient response at 12 V, achieving an impressive 11.63 V during a 200% transient load test. For the best ATX v3.0 transient response performance, the Cybercore II 1300 Platinum is recommended.

Notable Mentions

The Super Flower Leadex Titanium ATX v3.0 1600 W is a strange new PSU that appears to be designed specifically for the 115 VAC market, in which it scores a perfect Cybenetics Titanium rating for switch efficiency, but drops to Cybenetics Silver with 230 VAC due to the phenomenon of vampire power in standby mode. It still meets all requirements for ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specs, and provides some of the best transient performance levels.