what brands of PSUs are considered Tier 1 to you ?

[Mr Dohz]

Feel free to comment.

IMO , I think Seasonic and Corsair are very solid.
Have not tried other brands yet.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Since many brands, even reputable ones like Corsair, source their PSUs from different OEMs, it's hard to classify them Tier 1. Among the most popular brands, I think that leaves only Seasonic and Enermax as true Tier 1 vendors since they both manufacture and distribute supplies and thus have full control over quality, service, etc.

 

[BoomerD]

Since many brands, even reputable ones like Corsair, source their PSUs from different OEMs, it's hard to classify them Tier 1. Among the most popular brands, I think that leaves only Seasonic and Enermax as true Tier 1 vendors since they both manufacture and distribute supplies and thus have full control over quality, service, etc.

While most of that is true, (maybe all...) I still understand the OP's point.
For me, the ONLY PSU "brands" I'd consider putting in one of my builds are: (in no particular order)

Corsair
XFX
SeaSonic
Antec
NZXT (surprisingly, they review very well)

Of course, research is key, and not all models of all the above listed brands would be on the list of preferred PSU's.

 

[Necc]

Corsair all the way.

 

[Termie]

Since many brands, even reputable ones like Corsair, source their PSUs from different OEMs, it's hard to classify them Tier 1. Among the most popular brands, I think that leaves only Seasonic and Enermax as true Tier 1 vendors since they both manufacture and distribute supplies and thus have full control over quality, service, etc.

This is actually no longer entirely true about Enermax - they are outsourcing their most recent budget line: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/05/04/enermax_naxn_750w_power_supply_unit_review/

IMO, the only brand where you always know what you're getting is Seasonic. I wouldn't buy a high-end PSU from anyone else, and frankly, probably wouldn't buy a low-end PSU anymore (I own a cheap Corsair, but I wouldn't personally choose Corsair's current budget line).

 

[birthdaymonkey]

This is actually no longer entirely true about Enermax - they are outsourcing their most recent budget line: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/05/04/enermax_naxn_750w_power_supply_unit_review/

IMO, the only brand where you always know what you're getting is Seasonic. I wouldn't buy a high-end PSU from anyone else, and frankly, probably wouldn't buy a low-end PSU anymore (I own a cheap Corsair, but I wouldn't personally choose Corsair's current budget line).

Yes, I'm also a Seasonic fan for that reason... That and the fact that they review well, have always worked for me, and look nice.

 

[linje]

antec
corsair
seasonic
xfx

 

[Rifter]

Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, XFX.

Watch models and read reviews first of course, im not to impressed with corsairs builder series or the antec basic units.

 

[linje]

Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, XFX.

Watch models and read reviews first of course, im not to impressed with corsairs builder series or the antec basic units.

I've passed down a couple of antec basiq psu's.
Now they have never been stressed.
But still going strong after a few year's.
ymmv.

 

[PreferLinux]

I'd say pretty much anything made by Seasonic (such as Corsair and some Antecs) or Delta (recent Antecs). (In case you're not familiar with Delta, they are a big server PSU manufacture.)

 

[ElFenix]

yeah the antec delta units (EA 430D green, for example) seem really well put together. i've got one of those and have had a couple seasonics. all solid.

 

[tomoyo]

Hmm I guess I'd say Tier 1 is where 90%+ of the psus are high quality and it's a company that's been around long enough.
Of which there are only a few I can almost always trust as follows:
Corsair
Seasonic
Antec

 

[bryanl]

Astec
Zippy/Emacs
Enhance
Delta

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I never considered Kingwin a big player but the 550w Lazer Platinum did Outstanding in a review from JonnyGuru.

The Seasonic X series has some pretty good players in the lineup. I really like the 650w (as I also own one of these) and the 400w only because I have personally had the experience with working with them.

While I was a big Enermax fan for a while, the Infinity series threw me for a loop there. After that experience I really started paying attention to PSU reviews. I currently own two Enermax Revolution 950w PSUs. One of them is apparently better suited for the EVGA 760 motherboard.

If I were to drop some $$$ for a PSU today, I would go with the Kingwin Lazer for either my main machine or my game rig (don't plan on dual GPU, currently)

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'd say Seasonic or the brands that base their PSU's on the Seasonic platform, Antec for their higher end and Earthwatts series, Corsair's AX, HX, TX v2 series, and thats about all I'd consider for my main rig, I'm currently using a PCP&C Seasonic based unit thats held up for many years.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Don't forget Enermax, which is in my opinion at least equal to Seasonic in quality.

------

Also, realize that the best PSU's made by Corsair and XFX are actually Seasonic PSU's under the hood.

 

[muskie32]

Corsair is tier one for me.

 

[gevorg]

Seasonic is the gold standard.

Also check this out:
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/psu_manufacturers

 

[infoiltrator]

Seasonic X series.
BUT actually the lowest priced of the ones I trust at time of purchase.

 

[smakme7757]

I'm a big fan of Corsair PSU's. Never had any trouble with them and the build quality is very nice!

 

[videogames101]

Hmm I guess I'd say Tier 1 is where 90%+ of the psus are high quality and it's a company that's been around long enough.
Of which there are only a few I can almost always trust as follows:
Corsair
Seasonic
Antec

Truth

 

[gevorg]

BTW, Corsair does *not* build their own PSUs and uses Seasonic and some other OEMs instead.

 

[thescreensavers]

Seasonic for me, Anything with a seasonic inside of them are mostly good as well.

 

[skipsneeky2]

love thermaltake toughpowers the 750 or greater i had a old one last me over 2 years till i sold the system and im using one now a 775 version the modular xt cooler master is junk

 

[tomoyo]

BTW, Corsair does *not* build their own PSUs and uses Seasonic and some other OEMs instead.

Of course they don't. But have you seen anything they source turn out bad? Even the low reputation CX430 is pretty decent. And they've only worked with Seasonic, CWT, and Flextronics so far. I don't see any crap coming out of them.

Now I would have to say there's a very large Tier 2 out there. Some because the company is just too new. Some because the company puts out too many iffy products. Also it might be needed that a company actually has a good number of psu lines. Having only one line of psus doesn't really make a full company eh?

Some examples to me:
Enermax - They do have a lot of very good product, but some of their stuff is mediocre and the rebrands have been mediocre too. You can't really call yourself Tier 1 unless that part isn't there.
NZXT/Kingwin - They seem on their way toward being Tier 1, but definitely not enough history or product lines as of yet to put them in that regard.
XFX - Most of their stuff is pretty good Seasonic, but they've been around a pretty short time and it feels like it's mostly just Seasonic rebrands. I'd like to see more choices and some evidence of actual technical differentiation. Otherwise the only reason to pick them is because they put out cheaper Seasonic products.