Best Budget Power Supply Units Under $100

Choosing the right power supply unit (PSU) is crucial for the stability of your PC, as high-end models can significantly impact your budget. Here, we’ll explore the best budget PSU options that show you can secure dependable and efficient power without exceeding the best power supply under a $100 budget. In this guide, we will explain the most essential specifications and provide a top-selling but cheap power supply unit list on the market that you can easily buy today.

What Are Power Supply Units?

The power supply unit is undoubtedly the most crucial, yet frequently overlooked, component in any PC design. It transforms the alternating current (AC) from your wall socket into the low-voltage direct current (DC) needed by all your PC equipment. A high-quality budget PSU provides stable and clean power, which protects your expensive CPU and GPU from voltage spikes or drops. When finding the best budget power supply, discover a unit that combines a high level of efficiency and crucial protective features at an affordable price range. Spending less than $100 doesn’t have to mean compromising on the key features of a reliable and long-lasting PC foundation.

Which Efficiency Rating Is Superlative for the Best Budget PC Power Supply?

When you are looking for the best budget PC power supply, the 80 PLUS efficiency rating is your most significant benchmark. This certification reflects how much power is transformed into useful energy and how much is lost as heat. Check out this comparison chart for better understanding:

Quick Comparison

We recommend aiming for the 80 PLUS Gold certification for the best budget PSU. While a Bronze-rated power supply is initially cheaper, a Gold-rated unit is substantially more efficient, resulting in less wasted electricity and lower operating temperatures. Over the lifespan of your PC, the energy savings from a gold unit can frequently recoup the somewhat higher upfront cost compared to a bronze unit, making it the best value for a budget power supply.

Things You Consider to Buy Best Budget Power Supply

When the goal is to get the best power supply under 100, you need to be a discerning buyer.  Price shouldn’t be your primary guide. Here are the essential aspects to consider for a quality, affordable, and cheap power supply:

1.Wattage Requirement

Use an online PSU calculator to assess your system’s total power usage, such as CPU, GPU, fans, etc. Always buy a PSU with at least 20-30% more watts than your peak estimate to ensure the unit performs most efficiently at 50-70% load and has headroom for future upgrades. A 550W to 750W power supply unit is often the sweet spot for a modern mid-range gaming PC.

2.80 PLUS Efficiency Rating

As indicated, aim for 80 PLUS Gold.  It is the best compromise for energy efficiency, heat generation, and price point within the best budget psu category.

3. Modularity

1. • Non-Modular: All cables are permanently attached. Cheapest, but leads to poor cable management.
   • Semi-Modular: Only essential cables (24-pin, CPU) are attached; others are detachable. Good for a budget power supply.
   • Fully Modular: All cables detach. Easiest for clean cable management, highly recommended even in the best psu under a $100 budget.

4.Component Quality and Protections

Look for high-quality and reputable brands that use Japanese capacitors rated for $105^{\circ} \text{C}$ or higher. Essential safety protections like OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, SCP, and OTP are mandatory for protecting your components.

5.Warranty Length

A long warranty, like 7 to 10 years from the manufacturer, is a clear statement of trust in their build quality and reliability, even on a cheap power supply.

Best Power Supply Under 100 Dollars You Can Buy Now

It’s tough to find high-end power supply units (PSUs) priced under $100 due to their premium features like higher wattages, Platinum/Titanium efficiency, and the ATX 3.0 standard. However, during sales, or by focusing on slightly lower wattage (550W–650W) or older models, some of the listed units can briefly drop into the best budget psu price range.

Note: The products listed below are generally high-quality units. We are assessing their value if/when their price drops below the $100 mark or in comparison to the general budget market.

1. MSI PS MAG A650GL 650W 80 Plus Gold Fully-Modular ATX3.0

The MSI MAG 650W 80 Plus Gold Fully-Modular PSU is a great pick for a modern best budget PSU. It is often available as the best psu under 100 dollars option. This unit supplies consistent and clean power while supporting the latest gear with its ATX 3.0 standard.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Future-Proof: Includes the latest ATX 3.0 standard with a native 12VHPWR cable, essential for modern high-end GPUs.
• High Efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold rating ensures low heat and low running costs.
• Value: One of the best options for a budget build that needs modern connector support, potentially available at a great price for a 650W unit.

Reasons to Avoid

• Wattage Limit: 650W might be restrictive for very high-end GPUs or significant overclocking.

2. Be quiet! Straight Power 12 – power supply – 750 Watt

While often priced above the limit, securing this Platinum-rated unit makes it an exceptional and the best budget power supply investment for everyone. The be quiet! Straight Power 12 PSU is the perfect upgrade from a basic cheap power supply.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Silence: Renowned for its virtually silent operation, even under high load, a true premium feature for a best-budget-PSU seeker.
• Top-Tier Efficiency: Platinum efficiency is outstanding for a unit near the $100 price point, minimizing energy waste.
• High Power: 750W is sufficient for most mid-to-high-end gaming PCs.

Reasons to Avoid

• Price: This unit is usually well above $100 and only drops into the best psu under 100 categories during significant sales.

3. Cooler Master CoolerMaster PS MWE Gold 850 – V2 80+ Gold Full Modular

The Cooler Master MWE Gold V2 850W model provides a substantial power supply, which makes it one of the best power supplies under 100. It has gold efficiency and a fully modular design, which makes it easier to build a clean budget power supply.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Massive Headroom: 850W capacity allows for powerful CPUs and GPUs, making it a stellar long-term investment.
• Reliability: High-quality Japanese capacitors for longevity and stability, exceeding expectations for a budget power supply.
• Fully Modular: Excellent for clean builds and cable management.

Reasons to Avoid

• Price vs. Budget: The 850W model rarely hits the best power supply under 100 prices; a lower wattage model (650W/750W V2) is more likely.

4. Thermaltake Power Supply Tough Power GF A3 Gold 750W 80+ Gold Fully Modular

This Thermaltake Power Supply TOUGHPOWER model delivers 750W Gold-rated efficiency. It is well designed and a perfect blend of performance and features as the best budget pc power supply. The inclusion of ATX 3.0 technology makes it a smart choice over an older, but cheaper, power supply.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Modern Compatibility: Native ATX 3.0 and 12VHPWR support make it ideal for a modern gaming rig seeking a budget psu with new standards.
• Excellent Performance: 750W Gold-rated power provides reliable and stable output for demanding systems.
• Long Warranty: It comes with a strong warranty from manufacturers, which indicates solid build quality.

Reasons to Avoid

• Size: Before making a new purchase, check case compatibility, as some high-wattage ATX PSUs can be longer, although this model is relatively compact (140 mm depth).

5. Fractal Design PS Ion+560P 560W 80+ Platinum Full Modular

The Fractal Design Ion+ 560P is the best budget power supply for efficiency you can find, with a platinum rating. It is a highly efficient, fully modular unit that is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-cost power supply.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Unrivaled Efficiency: Platinum rating is fantastic value. It offers the best energy savings within the budget power supply range.
• User-Friendly Cables: Its ultra-flex cables are extremely flexible, which makes cable routing easy in tight spaces.
• Great for Modest Builds: Perfect for a power-efficient PC build that doesn’t use a top-tier GPU but prioritizes low noise and low heat.

Reasons to Avoid

• Low Wattage: 560W is limiting for mid-to-high-end graphics cards, restricting future GPU upgrade paths.

6. Seasonic PS PRIME GX-1000 1000W 80+GD ATX 12V 135mm Full Modular

The Seasonic PRIME GX-1000 fully modular is an enthusiast-grade power supply unit. It comes with a 12-year manufacturer warranty and boasts 1000W. It is also listed as the best psu under $100 as a cheap power supply (refurbished). Its famous excellence makes it the epitome of dependability.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Premium Quality: Seasonic is a top-tier brand, known for exceptional electrical performance and reliability.
• Lifetime Warranty: The 12-year warranty is unmatched, providing peace of mind far beyond what’s expected from a cheap power supply.
• Extreme Wattage: 1000W is overkill for a budget build but offers unlimited upgrade potential for a future enthusiast PC.

Reasons to Avoid

• Price: This is a high-end PSU; it will never be the best psu under 100 and is included here as a high-quality reference, only affordable in a budget if bought heavily used/refurbished.

7. Corsair PS SF750 750W SFX 80+ Platinum

The Corsair SF750 750W SFX 80+ Platinum PSU is the gold standard for small form factor (SFF) enthusiasts, although its price keeps it from being a true best budget PSU. Its small size and platinum efficiency make it the best power supply under 100 dollars for high-power mini-ITX builds during rare sales.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Small Form Factor (SFF) Champion: The go-to choice for mini-ITX and SFF builds, providing high power in a tiny package.
• Platinum Efficiency and Power: It offers outstanding performance for its size and minimizes the heat in compact cases.
• Premium Cables: Individually sleeved cables are highly flexible and crucial for SFF cable management.

Reasons to Avoid

• Form Factor Premium: SFX PSUs carry a price premium due to their compact engineering; they’re one of the most expensive units per watt and are not true best budget PSUs.

8. Silverstone PS 700W 80+ Platinum SFX-L

The Silverstone PS 700W 80+ Platinum is another powerful SFX-L option. It targets the SFF market with platinum efficiency and a quieter 120mm fan. It represents a slightly more budget-conscious alternative to the Corsair and still offers top-tier best psu under 100 performances when on sale.

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Quiet SFF Option: The SFX-L form factor allows for a larger 120mm fan, which is generally quieter than the 92mm fans found in standard SFX PSUs.
• Platinum Efficiency: Excellent energy efficiency for a compact build.
• SFF Power: Provides 700W, enough to power most high-end SFF gaming systems.

Reasons to Avoid

• SFX-L Fit: Check your SFF case carefully, as SFX-L is longer than SFX and may block certain cable routes or mounting points.

Why Choose Direct Macro for Buying the Best PSU Under 100?

Direct Macro understands that securing the best budget psu is about finding a delicate balance between cost and quality. We specialize in sourcing and offering high-quality and reliable IT components that meet the best power supply under 100 dollars’ requirements Our selection focuses on units with verified 80 PLUS Gold or Bronze certifications that ensuring you get high efficiency and overall protection features even on a budget power supply. We provide detailed specifications and transparent pricing, which allow you to confidently select a best psu under 100 dollar that powers your system safely and efficiently.

Quick Tips to Buy Cheap Power Supply

When searching for the right cheap power supply, consider these important guidelines to acquire the greatest budget psu that gives amazing performance and reliability:

1. Prioritize the Gold Standard

Stick to 80 PLUS Gold-rated PSUs.  While slightly pricier initially, the lowered heat and power waste save you money long-term, making it the genuine best budget psu investment.

2. Wait for Sales

High-quality PSUs frequently go on sale. Monitor big shops and top sellers like Direct Macro for the best price that brings premium models into the best psu under 100 dollar price range.

3. Don’t Over-Wattage

Accurately calculate your PC’s power demands and add 20%. Buying a 1000W PSU for a PC that only needs 500W is wasted money that could have been spent on a greater efficiency rating.

4. Accept Semi-Modular

If a fully modular unit is too expensive, choose a semi-modular unit. It’s slightly difficult to manage cables, but it offers the majority of the modularity benefits at a cheaper cost, which makes it an excellent budget power supply option.

5. Check Professional Tier Lists

Consult reputable PSU tier lists like those found on PC enthusiast sites that rank power supplies based on their internal components and performance, and make sure that your cheap power supply is not dangerous.

6. Verify the Warranty

Always choose a unit with a minimum 5-year warranty from the manufacturer. A longer warranty from a reliable brand is a solid indicator of internal component quality and manufacturer trust.

Final Thoughts

You can easily find the best power supply under $100, especially if you stick to the 80 PLUS Gold standard and choose a sensible wattage of 550W to 750W, which is appropriate for most setups. The most important thing to remember when purchasing a power supply is not to go with a cheap, unknown brand. A high-quality budget PSU not only saves you money on electricity but, more importantly, protects all your other valuable PC components. Be careful when choosing a gold-rated, fully or semi-modular unit from a reputable manufacturer to make sure that your new build has a dependable and efficient PSU, demonstrating that power and performance do not always require a premium price tag.

To receive swift and dependable assistance for all your computer parts requirements, call us at (855) 483-7810, or get in touch with our specialized team for bulk order inquiries by completing a submission form.

FAQs

1. What do I look for in a budget PSU?
   You need to look for an 80 PLUS Gold rating and at least a five-year warranty in a budget PSU.
2. Which type of PSU is more budget-friendly?
   A non-modular or semi-modular cheap power supply with an 80 PLUS Bronze rating is typically the most budget friendly.
3. Is it okay to buy a refurbished PSU?
   It is okay to buy a refurbished PSU only from a reputable vendor with a short warranty on the best budget power supply.
4. Which type of PSU do I need to buy for the RTX 4090 GPU?
   You need a high-wattage (1000W+) ATX 3.0 best power supply under 100 with a native 12VHPWR connector for the RTX 4090 GPU.