2024 Power Supply Buying Guide

MSI MAG A1000G 1000W

Much like the Corsair RM1000e we just looked at, the MSI MAG A1000G similarly outputs around 1000W at 80 Plus Gold Efficiency. However, MSI is proving why they’re one of the hottest gaming brands around, as this PSU is both more compact and more stylish than pretty much anything else in its respective class. Aesthetics are a big part of PC building these days, as is performance, but thankfully the MSI MAG A1000G has plenty of both!

Features

• 80 PLUS GOLD CERTIFIED – An efficient power supply reduces system energy use & thermal loading; An 80 PLUS Gold rating (up to 90%) is ideal for power-hungry hardware, particularly high-end graphics cards, or demanding games & rendering engines
• ATX 3.0 FULLY MODULAR – With ATX 3.0, the PSU can handle up to 2x total & 3x GPU power excursions, supporting even the most demanding GPUs; A full modular format with flat black cables (storage bag included) helps reduce clutter & improve airflow
• PCIe 5.0 GPU SUPPORT – With the native 16-pin (12VHPWR) PCIe connector, the PSU can feed up to 600W of power to a PCIe 5.0 GPU (NVIDIA & AMD supported); The MPG A1000G PCIE5’s single-railed design provides ample power to the system
• 0% RPM MODE – 0% RPM Mode automatically deactivates the 135mm fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan when TDP falls below 40%, which increases energy efficiency & reduces unnecessary noise; A manual button at the rear can disable 0% RPM Mode
• DURABLE DESIGN – A half-bridge LLC with a DC-to-DC converter & active PFC design ensures reliable output (OCP, OVP, OPP, OTP, SCP, UVP protections); Japanese 105°C capacitors provide optimal stability; Includes a 10-year warranty

Efficiency is excellent on this PSU, and while Titanium and Platinum rated units are better, they also cost a lot more money, so 80 Plus Gold strikes a good balance for gamers, especially when the MAG hits over 92.6% efficiency at around 600-800W load, which is an ideal zone for a high-end gaming PC.

PC gamers often have to deal with spikes in power too, which requires that a power supply can handle the big increases in power as well as the transitions from one power state to another and the MSI MAG excels at both, with a peak output of 1265 Watts, around 27% over the rated 1000W!

While also dealing with rapid changes in voltage perfectly thanks to some of the best transients we’ve tested so far, such as this 0% to 100% load on the 5v rail demonstrated below.

Their PSU is based around a CWT design, but MSI modified it to allow for a larger 135mm fan and hybrid cooling mode, making it much cooler and quieter too, and capable of being completely silent under 40% load.

With the latest ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 standards, allowing for the latest 12VHPWR connector natively as well as a secondary one that runs from the PCIe slots, a good range of more traditional PCIe connectors and peripheral connectors, it’s more than capable of keeping up with both current and future PC demands.

Check out my full review of the MSI MAG A1000G PCIe5 Power Supply here.