As gaming PCs become more powerful, 1000W power supplies are no longer just overkill, they're pretty much essential for high-end builds. While budget and mid-range systems can get by with lower-wattage options, investing in the best PSU becomes critical as you scale up in performance and price.

A well-chosen power supply ensures system stability, efficiency, and longevity. For example, if you’re running a recent generation flagship GPU, an 850W PSU is often the minimum recommendation, but a high-quality 1000W unit offers extra headroom for quiet operation, overclocking, future upgrades, and improved efficiency. During our testing, we found Corsair’s latest 1000X Shift PSU to be one of the best money can buy, with a great balance of performance, reliability, and features.

How we choose and test power supplies

We test PSUs based on efficiency, fan size, capacitor quality, form factor, and modularity. Each unit undergoes in-house testing to ensure reliability and performance. If you want to learn more about our process, check out our testing lab for a detailed breakdown.

Best 1000W PSU

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Corsair RM1000X Shift

4.5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

Specifications

• Wattage: 1000W
• Form Factor : ATX
• Rating: 80 Plus Gold, Cybenetics Gold
• Design: Fully modular, side connectors

What We Think

Corsair’s RM1000X Shift makes building, upgrading, and managing those pesky cables an absolute doddle. With strong efficiency and incredibly reliable power, it provides a great choice for your next build, as long as you’re willing to pay the premium for it.

 

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent performance, reliable, with a long-lasting warranty
• Quiet operation
• New Shift model makes building slightly easier

Reasons to Avoid

• No specific cons

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Corsair is a top-tier PSU manufacturer known for producing reliable, high-performance power supplies. While other options may be more affordable, this model stands out with its impressive build quality, features, and reliability. Fully modular and compliant with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards, it also includes Corsair's Type 5 Gen 1 micro-fit connectors for easier installation. Designed for long-term efficiency with minimal noise, this PSU delivers stable power output for years to come. It fits any case that supports the ATX format (210mm / 8.3”).

Beyond its high efficiency, this PSU comes with a 10-year limited warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind.

While MSI may not be the first name that comes to mind for power supplies, the MPG A1000G proves its worth with a strong balance of features and performance. A top-tier choice for high-powered gaming PC builds.

This power supply is highly efficient, fully modular, and ATX 3.0 compliant, making it a solid choice for modern builds. It runs quietly, ensuring minimal noise even under load, and its compact design makes it ideal for space-saving setups. If you’re planning a next-gen PC build and need a reliable PSU that won't take up unnecessary room, this is one of the best options available. Plus, with premium components and excellent power delivery, it provides long-term stability for high-performance systems.

Do you actually need a 1000W PSU?

A 1000W power supply is considered a high-wattage option, and most gaming PCs don't require this much power. If you're building a budget-friendly system with an entry-level or mid-range GPU, a PSU of this size is unnecessary. However, for those investing in high-end components, a 1000W power supply can be a smart choice, providing long-term flexibility and ensuring your system is ready for future CPU and GPU upgrades.

Beyond gaming, a 1000W PSU is often essential for specialized builds. If you’re assembling a deep learning workstation, an advanced water-cooled rig with multiple GPUs, or a PC packed with RGB lighting and high-performance cooling solutions, the extra headroom is beneficial. Additionally, high-wattage PSUs typically offer better efficiency at lower loads, reducing power draw and heat output during normal use.

1000W vs 1200W: Is more headroom a good idea?

If your budget allows, it’s always a good idea to choose a power supply with more wattage than you currently need. A 1000W PSU is more than enough for most gamers and can easily handle an RTX 5090 with power to spare. However, high-quality power supplies are built to last, with many premium models offering 10+ year warranties. This longevity makes it worth considering future upgrades when selecting a PSU.

If you plan to invest in next-generation flagship GPUs or power-hungry components within the next decade, opting for a 1200W or even a 1300W power supply could be a smarter long-term investment. Higher-wattage units not only offer better efficiency at lower loads but also ensure your system remains stable even as power demands increase with evolving hardware. Future-proofing your build now can save you from needing to upgrade your PSU down the line, providing peace of mind and the flexibility to upgrade without limitations.

Conclusion

Overall, the RM1000X Shift is an excellent power supply for both current and future builds. With its high wattage, it can handle top-end hardware while maintaining efficiency and low noise levels. Its standout feature is the side-mounted connectors, making cable management easier and cleaner.

About the Author

Shaun Conroy

Shaun is the editor of SPCR and a contributor to PCGuide. Shaun has a broad interest in technology from all things PC gaming to standard household tech.