Build Your Configuration
Select components below. The power estimate updates instantly.
Starter Builds
Jump in with a pre-configured setup. Each one is tuned for a specific budget and use case. Load any preset to see the power budget, then swap parts to match what you actually want to buy.
Budget Gamer
~$500 buildRyzen 5 5600, RX 6600, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe. Handles 1080p gaming at high settings without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range Workhorse
~$800 buildIntel i5-13400F, RTX 4060, 32GB DDR4, 1TB NVMe. Solid 1440p gaming and good for light video editing or streaming.
High Performer
~$1,200 buildRyzen 7 7700X, RTX 4070 Super, 32GB DDR5, 2TB NVMe. 1440p high-refresh gaming and comfortable content creation.
Enthusiast Rig
~$2,000 buildIntel i7-14700K, RTX 4080 Super, 64GB DDR5, 2TB NVMe + 4TB HDD. 4K gaming, heavy multitasking, and future-proofed for years.
Compare Saved Builds
Save up to 3 builds and compare their power budgets side by side. Great for deciding between a cheaper GPU now and an upgrade later.
Understanding Your Power Budget
Why TDP Is Not the Whole Story
TDP (Thermal Design Power) is the sustained heat output a cooler needs to handle. It is not peak power draw. A CPU rated at 65W TDP can spike to 90W or more under heavy all-core loads. Graphics cards are even worse, a 220W GPU can briefly pull 300W+ during scene transitions. This planner adds headroom percentages to cover these spikes, but the actual ceiling depends on your specific silicon and workload.
The Real Cost of a Cheap PSU
A no-name 600W power supply might claim 600W on the label, but deliver unstable voltage rails under load. Voltage ripple can degrade components over time. A failing PSU can take your motherboard, GPU, or storage with it. Stick to units with 80 Plus certification from known manufacturers. The price difference between a bad PSU and a decent one is usually $20-30. That is cheap insurance for a $1000 build.
Modular vs Non-Modular
Fully modular PSUs let you connect only the cables you need. This improves airflow and makes building easier. Semi-modular units have the 24-pin and CPU cable fixed but let you add PCIe and SATA cables as needed. Non-modular PSUs are cheaper but leave extra cables cluttering your case. For most builders, semi-modular Gold-rated PSUs hit the best balance of price and cable management.
When You Need More Than You Think
If you plan to overclock, add a second drive, or upgrade to a bigger GPU later, size up now. PSUs are most efficient at 40-60% load. A system drawing 350W runs great on a 650W unit. If you might upgrade to a 450W GPU later, jump to 750W or 850W today. PSU prices do not drop as fast as GPU prices, so buying headroom upfront usually costs less than replacing a PSU in two years.
Small Form Factor Builds
SFF builds use SFX or SFX-L power supplies, which are physically smaller than standard ATX units. They cost more per watt and top out around 850W. If you are building in a sub-20L case, check your case's PSU length limit before buying. Some SFF cases only fit units under 130mm deep. The planner flags builds that likely exceed SFF PSU availability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a single PCIe cable with a daisy-chain connector for a high-end GPU can overheat the cable. Use separate cables for each 8-pin connector. Do not reuse cables from a different PSU brand, modular cables are not standardized and can short your components. Check that your PSU has enough PCIe power connectors for your GPU before buying. And never run a PSU at 100% load for extended periods.