Building a new PC or upgrading an old one doesn’t have to drain your wallet, especially when it comes to the power supply. Finding a reliable unit under fifty dollars is a realistic goal that can power a surprising range of systems. The key is identifying which models offer the best balance of wattage, efficiency, and essential protections without cutting critical corners.
This roundup focuses on the best budget power supplies available in 2025. We have compiled a list of nine top contenders from trusted brands to help you make an informed decision. Whether you need power for a basic office computer, a home theater PC, or a modest gaming rig, there is a cost-effective option here for you.
Our Top Picks for Budget Power Supplies
- Power Supply 600W 80+ Bronze Certified PSU (ARESGAME)
- Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU
- EVGA 450 W3, 80+ WHITE 450W, 3 Year Warranty
- Cougar VTX450 Power Supply 80+ Bronze Certified 450W
- AeroCool Integrator 400W Power Supply, 80 Plus
- Cooler Master MWE White 450 80+ White 450W PSU
- EVGA 100-N1-0400-L1 , 400 N1, 400W
- CORSAIR CX550 80 Plus Bronze Non Modular ATX 550 Watt
- EVGA 500 W1, 80+ WHITE 500W Power Supply
Power Supply 600W 80+ Bronze Certified PSU (ARESGAME)
For builders seeking a higher wattage on a tight budget, the ARESGAME AGW600 is a compelling option. Its 600W output provides ample headroom for systems with mid-range components, and the 80 Plus Bronze certification ensures a minimum of 85% efficiency, which helps reduce energy waste and heat generation. The unit is designed to deliver stable voltage, which is a fundamental requirement for consistent system performance.
A notable benefit for those concerned with aesthetics is the fully black cabling. This eliminates the unattractive “ketchup and mustard” colored wires often found on budget power supplies, allowing for a much cleaner look in a case with a window. This combination of solid power output, improved efficiency, and a cleaner appearance makes it a strong value contender for a basic gaming or workstation build.
Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU
The Thermaltake Smart 500W is a well-known name in the entry-level segment, offering reliable continuous power for basic systems. It complies with modern ATX standards and includes Active Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) for cleaner and more efficient power draw from your wall outlet. With a rated MTBF of 100,000 hours, this unit is built for long-term reliability in a home or office environment.
This power supply also accommodates systems that may need a dedicated graphics card, as it supports two PCI-E 6+2pin connectors. The 120mm cooling fan is designed for ultra-quiet operation, keeping noise to a minimum during normal use. It’s a straightforward and dependable choice for users who need a proven 500W solution from an established brand.
EVGA 450 W3, 80+ WHITE 450W, 3 Year Warranty
EVGA’s 450 W3 power supply brings the brand’s reputation for quality and customer support to the budget market. The 80 Plus White certification provides a baseline of efficiency, and the 450W output is sufficient for entry-level desktops without a discrete graphics card or with very low-power GPUs. Its compliance with current Intel standards ensures broad compatibility with modern motherboards and CPUs.
A significant advantage of this model is the included 3-year warranty, which is longer than what many competitors offer at this price point. This provides extra peace of mind, knowing the product is backed by the manufacturer for an extended period. For those building a reliable office PC or a simple home system, the EVGA W3 is a trustworthy and well-supported option.
Cougar VTX450 Power Supply 80+ Bronze Certified 450W
The Cougar VTX450 stands out in the sub-500W category with its 80 Plus Bronze efficiency, reaching up to 88%. This higher efficiency rating means less energy is lost as heat, which can contribute to lower system temperatures and a reduced electricity bill over time. It is engineered to support the power demands of current and next-generation multi-core CPU platforms.
This unit is also ready for modern graphics cards, featuring an 8-pin PCI-E connector to power mid-range GPUs. Cougar includes an ultra-silent fan to ensure the power supply operates quietly even under load. If you are looking for better-than-average efficiency and modern connectivity in a 450W package, the VTX450 is an excellent candidate.
AeroCool Integrator 400W Power Supply, 80 Plus
The AeroCool Integrator is designed for entry-level systems where a reliable 400W output is adequate. Its 80 Plus certification guarantees a baseline of efficiency, and the single +12V rail design offers high compatibility with a wide range of components by providing a strong, unified current output. Compliance with the ATX12V v2.4 standard ensures it works with the latest motherboard specifications.
Aesthetics are also considered with this model, which features an elegant black casing and fully black mesh cables. This attention to visual detail helps maintain a clean and organized look inside your computer case. It’s a solid, no-frills power supply perfect for basic computing tasks and home theater PCs.
Cooler Master MWE White 450 80+ White 450W PSU
Cooler Master’s MWE White 450 employs a DC-to-DC circuit design, a feature that provides more reliable and stable power to sensitive components like the CPU and motherboard. This technology is often found on more expensive units, making it a noteworthy inclusion here. The single +12V rail ensures consistent power delivery across all connectors.
Noise levels are kept in check by a 120mm HDB (Hydro-Dynamic Bearing) fan, which is known for its quiet operation and long lifespan. The fan’s responsive speed control means it only spins as fast as needed based on the power supply’s temperature. With its flat black cables and stable power delivery, this PSU is a great choice for a quality-focused budget build.
EVGA 100-N1-0400-L1 , 400 N1, 400W
The EVGA 400 N1 provides essential power for the most basic computer systems. Its 400W output is suited for builds that use integrated graphics or very low-power components. The 120mm sleeve bearing fan is designed for quiet operation, and an intelligent auto-control feature helps minimize noise during low-load scenarios.
For system protection, this unit includes safeguards like Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). These features help prevent damage to the power supply and your other components in the event of a power anomaly. It’s a fundamental, cost-effective solution for non-demanding applications.
CORSAIR CX550 80 Plus Bronze Non Modular ATX 550 Watt
The CORSAIR CX550 is often considered a tier above many other budget options due to its strong performance pedigree. As an 80 Plus Bronze certified unit, it delivers up to 88% efficiency and provides full continuous power at 550W, meaning it can reliably output its rated wattage. This makes it a fantastic choice for systems with a mid-range graphics card.
Cooling is handled by a thermally controlled 120mm fan that remains low-noise at lower loads and only spins faster when necessary under heavy stress. CORSAIR’s reputation for building quality power supplies adds significant value, making the CX550 one of the most recommended units for budget-conscious gamers who do not want to compromise on fundamental quality.
EVGA 500 W1, 80+ WHITE 500W Power Supply
Completing our list is another reliable offering from EVGA, the 500 W1. This power supply delivers 500W of continuous power with 80 Plus White efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of standard desktop configurations. The ample wattage provides a good foundation for systems that may include a entry-level to mid-range graphics card.
Like other EVGA models, it comes with essential protections to safeguard your components. The design focuses on providing solid, basic performance without unnecessary extras, which helps keep the cost down. For someone who needs a straightforward 500W power supply from a reputable manufacturer, the EVGA W1 is a consistently popular and reliable choice.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best PSUs Under $50 in 2025
When I’m looking for the best PSUs under $50, my first rule is to never, ever cheap out. A bad power supply can take your entire system with it if it fails, so you need to be smart. The goal here is to find a unit that offers reliability and safety without breaking the bank. Here’s what I focus on.
First and foremost, I check for an 80 Plus certification. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s a basic indicator of build quality. In this budget range, you’re mostly looking at 80 Plus Bronze units. This is perfectly fine and tells me the manufacturer at least invested in some level of component quality. I avoid any power supply that doesn’t have at least an 80 Plus White or Bronze rating; it’s a huge red flag.
Wattage is the next big thing. For a budget build, you generally don’t need a 1000W monster. A quality 500W to 650W unit is the sweet spot for most budget to mid-range systems. Think a CPU like a Ryzen 5 and a GPU like an RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6600. I always calculate my system’s total power draw and add about 100-150W of headroom. This keeps the PSU running efficiently and quietly, as it won’t be constantly stressed.
The physical build and protections are critical. I always look for a list of safety protections: Over Power Protection (OPP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Under Voltage Protection (UVP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP) are the absolute minimum. A fully modular design is rare at this price, but semi-modular options are becoming more common. Semi-modular is a great find because it means fewer cables to manage, making your build much cleaner.
Finally, I do my homework on the brand and warranty. I stick with known names like Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, and be quiet! even for their budget lines. A 3 to 5-year warranty is standard and gives me peace of mind. I spend a lot of time reading user reviews, specifically looking for comments about coil whine and long-term reliability. Remember, the power supply is the heart of your PC; a few extra dollars spent wisely here can save you from a massive headache later.
FAQ
Is a $50 power supply good enough for a gaming PC?
Yes, but with important caveats. A $50 power supply can be perfectly adequate for a budget or mid-range gaming PC that doesn’t have a super high-end graphics card. We’re talking about systems with GPUs like an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or an AMD RX 6600. The key is to pick one from our list of the best PSUs under $50 in 2025, ensuring it has the proper wattage (around 550W-650W) and safety certifications. I would not use a $50 PSU for a high-wattage system with an RTX 4080 or similar.
What is the most important feature to look for in a budget PSU?
For me, it’s a combination of safety protections and the 80 Plus rating. The protections (OPP, OVP, SCP) are what stop the PSU from damaging your other components if something goes wrong. The 80 Plus Bronze certification is a good indicator that the unit isn’t a complete bottom-of-the-barrel model and should have decent efficiency and component quality. I prioritize these over flashy features like RGB lighting.
How many watts do I actually need?
You probably need less than you think. For a typical budget build with a modern 6-core CPU and a mid-range GPU, a 550W power supply is often more than enough. I use online PSU calculators from sites like Newegg or OuterVision to get a rough estimate of my total system draw. Then, I add about 20-30% headroom to that number. This headroom ensures the PSU isn’t running at its limit, which improves efficiency, reduces noise, and gives you a little room for future upgrades.
Are semi-modular PSUs available under $50?
They absolutely are, and they are becoming more common. Finding a semi-modular PSU at this price is a fantastic win for cable management. In a semi-modular design, the essential cables like the 24-pin ATX and CPU power are attached, but the SATA and PCIe cables are detachable. This means you only plug in the cables you need, resulting in a much cleaner-looking build with better airflow. It’s a feature I always look for.
Can a bad power supply damage my computer?
Unfortunately, yes. This is the biggest risk with a low-quality power supply. A poorly built unit with inadequate safety protections can fail catastrophically. When it fails, it can send a power surge through your system, potentially frying your motherboard, CPU, GPU, and storage drives. This is why I always stress buying from a reputable brand, even on a tight budget. It’s much cheaper to spend a few extra dollars on a reliable PSU than to replace your entire computer.
How long should a budget power supply last?
A good quality budget power supply should easily last 3 to 5 years, which often aligns with its warranty period. Many can last even longer. The lifespan depends on the quality of its internal components, like the Japanese capacitors that some brands use, and your usage environment. Keeping it clean from dust and ensuring it has good airflow in your case will help it last as long as possible.