Best PSUs for AMD Ryzen 7 3800X in 2020

Ryzen 5 3600X
Ryzen 5 3600X (Image credit: Windows Central)

The AMD Ryzen 7 3800X may not be the most power-hungry processor around, but it still requires a PSU with modest capacity. We'd still recommend a PSU with at least 500W of power for a single GPU build, but just be sure to set aside some budget to cover the cost as you really shouldn't cut corners with the power supply.

EVGA SuperNOVA P2 650

EVGA SuperNOVA P2 650

Tried & Tested

When it comes to choosing a reliable PSU for your PC, you cannot go wrong with EVGA. We're big fans of the SuperNOVA P2 for its reliability, high build quality, and performance. It's also backed by a 7-year warranty.

NZXT E500

NZXT E500

Smart Power

NZXT makes not only PC cases and AIO coolers, but also power supplies. What makes NZXT's PSU line-up even more appealing is the fact Seasonic makes them. The E series is a smart PSU, allowing you to connect it to your motherboard via USB and enjoy accurate monitoring capabilities. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.

EVGA 500 W1

EVGA 500 W1

Budget-friendly

We returned to EVGA with the 500W W1, rocking an 80+ White certification. It's not the best PSU out there, nor will it allow you to throw in a second GPU, but it's affordable without cutting corners. You only get a 3-year warranty with this PSU.

Seasonic Prime PX-1000

Seasonic Prime PX-1000

Enthusiast-grade

You don't require 1,000W of power with this processor, but it will leave room for upgrades and expansion in the future. If you fancy diving into overclocking and plan to upgrade at a later date, this PSU from Seasonic is an excellent choice, rocking a 12-year warranty.

Choosing the right PSU is important

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Don't get the PSU wrong. You shouldn't save too much money choosing one as the barebones basic power supplies you can find for $10 will likely fail within a few years and could take a few of your components with it. Is it better to spend an extra $30 on a better PSU or risk forking out an additional $300 to replace the GPU?

For this reason, it's why you won't see us recommending a "cheap" PSU, but a more affordable one. Overall, our best pick goes to the excellent 650W EVGA SuperNOVA P2, which may be a little on the expensive side, but you get a great PSU that will last years and has enough capacity for a single GPU enthusiast build. This PSU also comes with a 7-year warranty.

The E500 from NZXT and Seasonic is a particular PSU for those wanting a little more from their power supply. It allows you to check accurate data and make sure everything is running within desired parameters. All you need is a free USB 2.0 internal header on your motherboard. A 10-year warranty also comes with this PSU.

Cheap PC accessories we love

Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.

Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)

Whether on a desktop or laptop PC, you always need more ports to connect things to. This hub gives you an additional four USB 3.0 Type A ports.

Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)

This IKEA cable management kit is your ticket to a clean setup. It's simple and functional.

NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)

This clever little accessory has powerful magnets on the rear to make it stick to any of the metal panels on your PC case or anything else. It's great for hanging accessories like headsets.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.