· internal power supplies  · 14 min read

Top 10 Best 400 Watt PSU Reviews in 2024: Comprehensive Guide

Discover the best 400 watt PSU options in 2024. Our comprehensive guide evaluates key features, performance, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.

In the realm of computer hardware, a reliable power supply unit (PSU) is essential for ensuring the stability and longevity of your system. If you're seeking a budget-friendly yet efficient option, a 400-watt PSU is a great choice. To assist you in your quest for the best 400 watt PSU, we've meticulously researched and compiled a comprehensive evaluation of the top 10 products in the market. Our guide delves into each PSU's performance, quality, features, and customer reviews to empower you with all the information you need. Dive in and discover the ideal PSU for your computing needs.

Overview

Thermaltake Smart 400 Watt PSU: Reliable Power for Your PC Thermaltake Smart 400 Watt PSU: Reliable Power for Your PC

PROS

  • 80+ White certification ensures high energy efficiency and reduced power consumption
  • 120mm ultra-quiet cooling fan provides efficient heat dissipation and noise minimization
  • ATX 12V V2.3/EPS 12V compatibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of motherboards
  • Continuous power delivery ensures stable operation even under demanding loads
  • Compact size fits snugly into most PC cases

CONS

  • Limited modularity may restrict cable management options
  • Not ideal for high-end gaming systems or overclocking

The Thermaltake Smart 400 Watt PSU is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient power supply for their PC builds. Its 80+ White certification guarantees high-energy efficiency, reducing power consumption and saving on energy bills. The 120mm ultra-quiet cooling fan ensures effective heat dissipation while minimizing noise levels, providing a quiet and comfortable computing experience.

The ATX 12V V2.3/EPS 12V compatibility makes this PSU compatible with a wide range of motherboards, ensuring easy integration into various system configurations. Its continuous power delivery ensures stable operation, even under demanding loads, making it suitable for everyday computing and light gaming. Additionally, its compact size allows for easy installation in most PC cases.

EVGA 400 N1: The Perfect 400 Watt PSU for Budget-Minded Builds EVGA 400 N1: The Perfect 400 Watt PSU for Budget-Minded Builds

PROS

  • Delivers a stable 400 watts of power, enough for most entry-level and mid-range gaming PCs.
  • 80+ White certification ensures efficient operation, reducing energy consumption and heat output.
  • Compact design easily fits into most PC cases, making it a great choice for space-constrained builds.

CONS

  • Only comes with a 2-year warranty, which is shorter than some competing models.
  • May not be suitable for high-end gaming PCs or systems with power-hungry components.

The EVGA 400 N1 is an excellent choice for budget-minded PC builders who need a reliable and affordable power supply. With its 400 watts of power, 80+ White certification, and compact design, the 400 N1 is perfect for entry-level and mid-range gaming PCs. It is also a good choice for users who are looking to upgrade their power supply without breaking the bank.

One of the best things about the EVGA 400 N1 is its price. At under $50, it is one of the most affordable 400-watt power supplies on the market. Despite its low price, the 400 N1 is still a well-made product. It is built with high-quality components and has a sturdy construction. The 400 N1 also comes with a 2-year warranty, which is shorter than some competing models but still provides peace of mind.

APEIVA VENUS 450W: Dependable, High-Performance 450-Watt ATX Power Supply APEIVA VENUS 450W: Dependable, High-Performance 450-Watt ATX Power Supply

PROS

  • Impressive 450W power output, sufficient for mid-range gaming and everyday computing needs.
  • Intelligent auto-thermally controlled 120mm fan, optimizing cooling performance and reducing noise.
  • Comprehensive protection suite (OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, SCP) ensures the safety of your critical components.

CONS

  • Modular cable design not available, limiting cable management options.
  • SATA power connectors could be more plentiful for systems with multiple storage drives.

APEIVA's VENUS 450W power supply offers an exceptional blend of power, reliability, and thermal efficiency. With a generous 450W output, it effortlessly powers mid-range gaming rigs and handles everyday computing tasks. The standout feature of this PSU is its auto-thermally controlled 120mm fan. This intelligent fan automatically adjusts its speed based on the power supply's temperature, maintaining optimal cooling while minimizing noise. This PSU impresses with its robust protection suite. Overvoltage (OVP), Undervoltage (UVP), Overcurrent (OCP), Overpower (OPP), and Short Circuit (SCP) protections guard your valuable components from electrical hazards.

While it lacks the modular cable design preferred by some enthusiasts, the VENUS 450W's non-modular cables are of decent quality. Additionally, the number of SATA power connectors may be limiting for systems with multiple storage drives. Despite these minor drawbacks, APEIVA's VENUS 450W ATX Power Supply remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders or those seeking a dependable and efficient PSU for their mid-range gaming or everyday computing needs.

AGV Power Supply: Reliable, Efficient 400W Solution for Your PC AGV Power Supply: Reliable, Efficient 400W Solution for Your PC

PROS

  • Reliable power delivery with 80 Plus Bronze certification for stable system operation
  • 5-year warranty ensures long-term peace of mind and durability
  • Non-modular design for a simplified installation process and cost-effectiveness

CONS

  • Lower wattage of 400W may limit future upgrades or high-power components
  • Non-modular cables can create some clutter within the PC case

For those seeking a dependable and affordable power supply for their PC, the AGV Power Supply emerges as a solid choice. Boasting an 80 Plus Bronze certification, this 400W PSU ensures consistent and efficient power delivery, reducing energy consumption and promoting system stability.

Backed by a reassuring 5-year warranty, the AGV Power Supply offers long-lasting peace of mind, guaranteeing its durability under normal usage conditions. Its non-modular design simplifies installation, making it a breeze to set up, especially for first-time builders. However, it's worth noting that the 400W wattage limit may restrict future component upgrades or support for power-hungry components. Additionally, the non-modular cables may contribute to some clutter within the PC case, so cable management may require extra attention.

Apevia ATX Spirit 600W Power Supply: Unrivaled Efficiency for Power-Hungry Systems Apevia ATX Spirit 600W Power Supply: Unrivaled Efficiency for Power-Hungry Systems

PROS

  • Generous 400W output capacity, more than sufficient for mid-range gaming rigs and everyday computing needs
  • 120mm auto-thermally controlled fan ensures whisper-quiet operation and optimal cooling

CONS

  • Limited modularity may not suit users with highly specialized power requirements
  • PCIe power connectors may be insufficient for graphics cards with high power consumption

The Apevia SPIRIT600W ATX Power Supply is an exceptional choice for budget-conscious builders and casual users alike. Its impressive 400W output capacity and auto-thermally controlled 120mm fan provide a solid foundation for a wide range of computing applications. The power supply features comprehensive protection mechanisms, ensuring the safety and stability of your system. While its non-modular design and limited PCIe power connectors might not be ideal for power-hungry gaming setups, the Apevia SPIRIT600W remains an excellent option for most users.

The auto-thermally controlled fan is a standout feature of this power supply. It automatically adjusts its speed based on the system's temperature, ensuring optimal cooling without excessive noise. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who demand a quiet computing experience. Additionally, the power supply's compact design makes it easy to fit into smaller cases, further enhancing its versatility.

APEVIA SFX-AP400W: 400-Watt, SFX-Sized Power Supply APEVIA SFX-AP400W: 400-Watt, SFX-Sized Power Supply

PROS

  • Compact SFX design for space-saving in small PCs
  • Provides 400 watts of continuous power to support mid-range systems

CONS

  • Limited wattage compared to full-sized PSUs
  • May not be suitable for high-end gaming or content creation machines

The APEVIA SFX-AP400W is an ideal power supply unit for compact system builds, offering a reliable and efficient power source in a small and convenient SFX form factor. With 400 watts of continuous power output, it can provide ample power for mid-range gaming or general-purpose systems. Its compact size makes it suitable for mini-ITX or micro-ATX motherboards, minimizing space constraints in small form factor builds.

Its high-quality components and strict voltage regulation ensure stable power delivery, reducing potential system instability and component damage. The modular cable design allows for easy cable management, improving airflow and minimizing clutter within the PC case. However, it's important to note that the 400-watt capacity of this unit may not be sufficient for high-powered systems with multiple graphics cards or other demanding components.

Apevia ITX-PFC400W: Ultimate Power Performance for Small Form Factor Systems Apevia ITX-PFC400W: Ultimate Power Performance for Small Form Factor Systems

PROS

  • Fully modular design offers exceptional cable management and reduced clutter
  • Active PFC provides stable, reliable power delivery even under fluctuating voltage conditions
  • Compact form factor seamlessly integrates into Mini ITX and Flex ATX builds
  • High-quality components ensure long-lasting performance and reliability
  • Quiet operation minimizes distractions during gaming or work sessions

CONS

  • May be slightly more expensive than some competing options, considering the wattage
  • Limited number of PCIe connectors may restrict multiple high-powered GPU setups

The Apevia ITX-PFC400W is a versatile and efficient 400 watt PSU tailored for small form factor builds. Its fully modular design allows for customized cable management, minimizing clutter and maximizing airflow within the compact dimensions of Mini ITX or Flex ATX cases. The active PFC ensures stable power delivery, ensuring reliable operation even under fluctuating voltage conditions.

Apevia's 400 watt PSU packs a punch with its high-quality components, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. It operates quietly, creating a distraction-free computing environment for gaming or work sessions. While it may be slightly more expensive than some competitors within its wattage range, the Apevia ITX-PFC400W offers exceptional value for its combination of power efficiency, modularity, and compact design, making it a top choice for small form factor enthusiasts.

EVGA 400 Watt PSU: Supreme Power Supply for Budget-Conscious Builders EVGA 400 Watt PSU: Supreme Power Supply for Budget-Conscious Builders

PROS

  • Exceptional performance and stability at a budget-friendly price.
  • Compact design allows for easy installation even in small form factor builds.
  • Equipped with multiple protection features, ensuring system safety and longevity.
  • Backed by a reliable brand with excellent customer support and warranty coverage.

CONS

  • May not be sufficient for high-end gaming systems or intensive workloads.
  • Limited modularity options compared to more expensive power supplies.

The EVGA 400 Watt PSU 100n10400l1 is an ideal choice for budget-conscious builders seeking a reliable and efficient power supply. With its 400 watts of continuous power, it can handle most entry-level and mid-range gaming systems without breaking a sweat. The compact design makes it suitable for smaller cases, and the included cables are long enough to reach all essential components.

The 400-watt power supply from EVGA is not only budget-friendly but also boasts impressive performance. It delivers clean and stable power, ensuring smooth operation of your system. Moreover, it features multiple protection mechanisms to safeguard your valuable components from electrical hazards. The 100n10400l1 comes with a three-year warranty, providing peace of mind and long-term reliability. Overall, the EVGA 400 Watt PSU is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable power supply for their next PC build.

S-Union 400 Watt PSU for HP Desktops S-Union 400 Watt PSU for HP Desktops

PROS

  • Compatible with a wide range of HP desktops, including the 280, 288, 285, 480, 600, 680, 800 G3, and G4 series.
  • Delivers 400 watts of continuous power, ensuring stability and efficiency for your system.
  • Adheres to industry standards for safety and performance, providing peace of mind.
  • Features a compact design that fits easily into most desktop cases, maximizing space utilization.

CONS

  • May not be suitable for high-end gaming PCs or systems with multiple graphics cards.
  • Limited documentation and support materials available.

The S-Union Upgraded 400W Power Supply is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and compatible power supply for their HP desktops. Its wide compatibility with various models ensures seamless integration and operation. The 400-watt power output provides sufficient power for everyday computing needs and supports modest graphics cards. Its compact form factor allows for easy installation in most desktop cases, making it a practical solution for space-constrained environments.

The power supply adheres to industry standards, ensuring safety and performance. It features built-in protections against overvoltage, short circuits, and overloads, safeguarding your system from potential damage. While it may not be ideal for high-power gaming setups, the S-Union 400W Power Supply is a reliable choice for general-purpose computing, office use, and budget-conscious users seeking a stable and efficient power solution for their HP desktops.

MSI 400 Watt PSU: Reliable Power for Budget-Friendly Builds MSI 400 Watt PSU: Reliable Power for Budget-Friendly Builds

PROS

  • Budget-friendly option for entry-level gaming systems
  • Compact size ensures easy installation even in smaller cases

CONS

  • Limited wattage may not support high-end graphics cards
  • 80 Plus Bronze certification indicates average efficiency

The MSI MAG A550BN Gaming Power Supply is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers looking to power their entry-level gaming systems. Its compact size makes it easy to install even in smaller cases, and its 80 Plus Bronze certification ensures reliable performance. While its 550W wattage may not be suitable for high-end graphics cards, it should be sufficient for most mainstream systems. Overall, the MSI MAG A550BN is a dependable power supply that won't break the bank.

One of the key advantages of the MSI MAG A550BN is its compact size. Measuring just 140mm in length, it can easily fit into smaller cases where space is limited. This makes it an excellent option for mini-ITX or micro-ATX builds. Additionally, the fully modular design allows for easy cable management, reducing clutter and improving airflow within the case.

After thoroughly examining the 10 best 400 watt PSUs, we've concluded that the Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU stands out as the top choice. Its exceptional combination of features, performance, and budget-friendliness makes it an unbeatable option. For those seeking a slightly higher wattage, the EVGA 100-N1-0400-L1 400W PSU offers a reliable and efficient alternative. Ultimately, the best 400 watt PSU for you depends on your specific requirements and budget. By carefully considering the factors discussed in our guide, you can make an informed decision and power up your system with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 400 watt PSU offers the best balance of features and affordability?

The Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU is widely regarded as the best 400 watt PSU for its exceptional combination of performance, features, and budget-friendliness.

Is a 400 watt PSU sufficient for a mid-range gaming PC?

Yes, a 400 watt PSU is generally sufficient for mid-range gaming PCs with a single graphics card. However, if you plan to upgrade to a more power-hungry GPU in the future, consider opting for a higher wattage PSU.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a 400 watt PSU?

When selecting a 400 watt PSU, pay attention to its efficiency rating, modularity, available connectors, cooling system, and overall build quality.

Are there any reputable brands known for producing reliable 400 watt PSUs?

Yes, Thermaltake, EVGA, Apevia, AGV, and MSI are reputable brands offering high-quality 400 watt PSUs.

What is the recommended lifespan of a 400 watt PSU?

With proper usage and ventilation, a quality 400 watt PSU can have a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years.

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