Powering your PC doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Modular power supply units (PSUs) let you connect only the cables you need, reducing clutter and improving airflow in your case.
Budget modular PSUs now offer reliability and efficiency that used to cost much more.
When shopping for a budget modular PSU, wattage is your first consideration. Most gaming builds need 550-750 watts, but it’s better to have extra headroom.
Pay attention to the 80 Plus certification too – Bronze is good, but Gold offers better efficiency. We’ve found that cable quality and length matter just as much as the power rating.
The connectors included are another key factor. Make sure your PSU has enough PCIe connectors for your graphics card and SATA connectors for storage devices.
After testing dozens of budget options, we found the Corsair CX-M series offers the best balance of quality and affordability for most builders.
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Best Budget Modular PSUs
We’ve tested dozens of power supplies to find the best budget modular PSUs that won’t break the bank. These affordable options still offer the cable management benefits of modular designs while maintaining reliable performance for your PC build.
Our top picks balance quality, efficiency, and price to give you the best value for your money.
MSI MAG A850GL Gaming PSU
The MSI MAG A850GL is an excellent budget modular power supply that delivers reliable performance for gamers and PC builders who need quality power without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Fully modular design with high-quality cables
- 80 PLUS Gold certification for energy efficiency
- Impressive 10-year warranty coverage
Cons
- Cables feel somewhat rubbery compared to premium models
- Compact size might make installation tricky in some cases
- Limited color options (mostly available in black)
We’ve been testing the MSI MAG A850GL for several weeks now, and it’s truly impressive how much value this power supply delivers.
The unit feels solid and well-built right out of the box. At 850 watts, it provides plenty of juice for most gaming setups, including those with power-hungry GPUs.
What really stands out is the full modular design. We only connected the cables we needed, which made cable management much cleaner in our build.
The 80 PLUS Gold certification means this PSU runs efficiently, keeping our electricity bills lower while generating less heat inside the case.
The PSU runs whisper-quiet even under heavy gaming loads. We pushed our system with some demanding titles, and the MAG A850GL kept everything running smoothly without any noticeable fan noise. This is a huge plus for those who hate distracting sounds during intense gaming sessions.
Installation was straightforward, though the compact size meant we had to be a bit careful with cable routing.
The PCIe 5.1 and ATX 3.1 compatibility future-proofs this unit for upcoming hardware, which is excellent for a budget option. We particularly appreciated the 12-pin GPU connector that works perfectly with newer graphics cards.
The 10-year warranty really sealed the deal for us. It shows MSI’s confidence in their product and gives us peace of mind for the long haul. For the price point, finding this level of quality, efficiency, and warranty coverage is rare.
While the cables aren’t as premium-feeling as some higher-end models, they’re perfectly functional and hold connections securely. We’ve experienced zero performance issues or power fluctuations during our testing period.
Power Delivery Stability: The MSI MAG A850GL maintained rock-solid voltage even when we pushed our system to its limits with simultaneous CPU and GPU stress tests.
Corsair RM750e Power Supply
The Corsair RM750e is the best budget modular PSU for most builders thanks to its modern compatibility, quiet operation, and impressive reliability.
Pros
- Fully modular design keeps builds clean and easy
- Extremely quiet even under heavy loads
- ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compatible for newest components
Cons
- Cables are somewhat stiff for tight builds
- Slightly pricier than non-modular alternatives
- Power switch feels a bit flimsy
We recently installed the Corsair RM750e in our test system, and we’re genuinely impressed with how this budget-friendly power supply performs.
The fully modular design made our cable management so much cleaner. We only used the cables we needed, which reduced clutter significantly inside our case.
When pushing our system with demanding games, we noticed how whisper-quiet this PSU stays. The 120mm rifle bearing fan with its smart fan curve barely makes a sound, even when our GPU and CPU were working overtime. This is a huge improvement over budget power supplies that sound like jet engines under load.
The ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliance gives us peace of mind for future upgrades. We connected our RTX 4070 using the included 12V-2×6 connector with zero issues. The power delivery remained stable even during significant power spikes from the GPU, which is exactly what you need with modern graphics cards.
Build quality feels solid for a budget-friendly option. The 105°C-rated capacitors aren’t just marketing—we noticed consistently stable voltages when monitoring our system.
At 750 watts, this PSU gives most mid-range builds plenty of headroom without breaking the bank.
Quick Tip: The RM750e measures just 140mm in length, making it compatible with almost any modern case, including many smaller mid-towers!
We appreciate little features like Modern Standby compatibility, which gives us super-fast wake times from sleep. Our system comes back to life almost instantly now, and efficiency at low loads is noticeably better than our previous power supply.
Corsair RM850x Shift PSU
The Corsair RM850x Shift is worth every penny for builders who value cable management, whisper-quiet operation, and reliable power delivery.
Pros
- Side-mounted cables make building easier
- Extremely quiet with zero RPM mode
- High-quality Japanese capacitors for durability
Cons
- Higher price than non-modular options
- May not fit some case configurations
- White color might not match all builds
We recently installed the Corsair RM850x Shift in our test build, and the side-mounted cable design is truly game-changing.
Instead of fumbling with connections at the back of the PSU, all cables connect on the side facing you. This makes swapping components or troubleshooting so much easier than with traditional PSUs.
The build quality is impressive. Holding it in our hands, we could feel the solid construction that backs up Corsair’s ten-year warranty.
At 850 watts with 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, it handled our high-end GPU with power to spare. The white finish looked stunning in our light-colored case, though it might clash in darker builds.
What surprised us most was how quiet this power supply runs. Even during intense gaming sessions, the 140mm fluid dynamic bearing fan stayed whisper-quiet. The zero RPM mode means it’s completely silent during light tasks like web browsing or document work.
Cable management was a breeze with the fully modular design. We only connected what we needed, keeping the case interior clean. The Type 5 Gen 1 micro-fit cables take up less space than standard cables, making routing behind the motherboard tray much easier.
ATX 3.0 certification gives us peace of mind for future upgrades. The PSU easily handles transient power spikes from newer GPUs without shutting down. During our testing, power delivery remained rock steady even under heavy loads.
The side-mounted cable interface is genuinely useful, not just a gimmick. It made our build process noticeably faster and less frustrating.
One small drawback we noticed is that the side-cable design might cause issues in some compact cases where clearance is tight. Make sure to check your case compatibility before purchasing.
Thermaltake Smart 500W PSU
The Thermaltake Smart 500W offers reliable performance at an affordable price point, making it one of the best budget modular options for everyday PC builds.
Pros
- Impressively quiet 120mm temperature-controlled fan
- 80+ White certification with up to 86% efficiency
- Solid protection features against power issues
Cons
- Not fully modular (semi-modular design)
- Limited wattage for high-end gaming builds
- Basic cable management options
We recently tested this power supply in a mid-range PC build, and it impressed us with its reliable performance.
The 500W capacity handled our system components without any hiccups. During daily use, we barely noticed it was running thanks to the ultra-quiet 120mm fan that adjusts based on temperature.
The build quality feels substantial despite the budget price tag. We found the 80+ White certification delivered on its promise of decent efficiency, which means less wasted power and lower electricity bills.
The unit stayed cool even under moderate loads during our extended testing sessions.
Cable management is reasonable though not exceptional. While not fully modular, the design still allowed us to keep our case reasonably tidy. The included PCI-E connectors (two 6+2 pin) were sufficient for our graphics card needs, though very high-end builds might require more options.
For reliability, we were pleased to see multiple protection systems built in. The power supply includes safeguards against over-voltage, short-circuits, and power surges. This gives us confidence in its longevity, backed by Thermaltake’s 5-year warranty.
With a price that won’t break the bank and performance that exceeds expectations, this PSU represents exceptional value for budget-conscious builders.
Corsair RM850x Power Supply
The Corsair RM850x delivers exceptional value with its fully modular design, gold-rated efficiency, and future-proof ATX 3.1 compliance. This makes it our top pick for budget-conscious builders who need quality power.
Pros
- Truly silent operation even under heavy loads
- Flexible, embossed cables that are easy to route
- Native 12V-2×6 connector for latest GPUs
Cons
- Slightly bulkier than some competing models
- Cable combs could be sturdier
- Higher price than non-modular alternatives
We recently installed the Corsair RM850x in our test system, and it’s been a game-changer for cable management. The fully modular design means we only connected what we needed, leaving our case clean and airflow unobstructed.
No more hiding unused cable bundles!
The build quality impressed us immediately. Those Japanese 105°C capacitors aren’t just marketing fluff – we noticed rock-solid power delivery even when pushing our system to its limits with intensive benchmarks. The unit barely warmed up during our testing.
What truly stands out is how whisper-quiet this PSU runs. The 140mm fluid dynamic bearing fan spins so slowly during normal operation that we had to double-check it was even working.
It’s significantly quieter than our previous power supply while delivering cleaner power.
We appreciate the ATX 3.1 compliance and native 12V-2×6 connector. These future-proof features saved us from needing adapters for our newest graphics card. The embossed cables also look sharp through our case window while being surprisingly flexible during installation.
The 850-watt capacity hits a sweet spot for most gaming and productivity builds. We’re running a high-end CPU and GPU without any stability issues. The Cybenetics Gold certification means it operates efficiently, which should save a bit on electricity bills over time.
The 10-year warranty sealed the deal for us – Corsair clearly stands behind this product’s reliability.
Buying Guide
Choosing a budget modular PSU doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve put together some key factors to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Wattage Requirements
First, calculate how much power your system actually needs. Most modern gaming PCs run fine on 550-650W PSUs, while basic office builds might only need 450W.
Don’t overspend on excessive wattage you’ll never use!
A good rule is to add about 100W to your calculated needs for future upgrades.
Efficiency Ratings
PSU efficiency ratings directly impact your electricity bill and system heat output!
Look for 80 Plus certification, which guarantees at least 80% efficiency. Higher tiers like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum offer better efficiency but cost more.
Modular Types
There are three modular styles to consider:
| Type | Description | Best For |
| Fully Modular | All cables detachable | Clean builds, custom cables |
| Semi-Modular | Essential cables fixed, others detachable | Balance of price and cable management |
| Non-Modular | All cables attached | Lowest cost option |
Protection Features
Quality PSUs include multiple safeguards. Look for OVP (over-voltage), UVP (under-voltage), OCP (over-current), and SCP (short-circuit) protection at minimum.
Warranty Length
Warranty periods often reflect manufacturer confidence. We recommend looking for PSUs with at least 5-year warranties for peace of mind.