ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold PSU: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming 1200W Gold (model TUF-GAMING-1200G) is an internal PC power supply rated at 1200 watts. It is fully modular, ATX 3.0 compatible and 80 Plus Gold certified, and it is aimed at gaming PCs with powerful graphics cards.

What 1200 watts covers

A power supply must handle the combined peak draw of the processor, graphics card, drives and fans. A high-wattage unit leaves headroom for a power-hungry graphics card and for adding parts later. A larger unit than you need isn't harmful, but it adds nothing unless the system uses the power. Add up your components' rated draw and compare it with the supply.

ATX 3.0 and the 16-pin cable

ATX 3.0 is an updated power supply standard written with PCIe 5.0 graphics cards in mind. ASUS says this unit complies and comes with a 16-pin PCIe cable that can carry up to 600W to a PCIe Gen 5.0 graphics card. That single cable replaces several older 8-pin connectors on cards that use the newer connector. Check your card's connector type, and seat the plug fully, as the manual describes.

Fully modular cabling

Fully modular means every cable detaches from the unit, including the main motherboard cable. You connect only the cables your build needs, which typically means less clutter in the case and easier airflow and cable routing.

80 Plus Gold

An 80 Plus Gold certification means that the supply meets a set efficiency level at test loads, so less of the power drawn from the wall is lost as heat. ASUS ties the Gold level to Japanese capacitors and other components.

Build and cooling

• Military-grade components: ASUS says its capacitors and chokes pass demanding tests to achieve military-grade certification.
• Dual ball bearing fan: ASUS says dual ball bearings can last up to twice as long as sleeve bearing designs. The fan is an Axial-tech design, according to the listing.
• PCB coating: a protective coating on the circuit board guards against moisture, dust and extreme temperatures.

Size and warranty

The unit measures 5.9 x 5.9 x 3.4 inches (about 15 x 15 x 8.6 cm) and weighs 5.9 lb (about 2.7 kg). That is a little deeper than the smallest standard supplies, so confirm your case has the room. ASUS backs it with a 10-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits builders of gaming and workstation PCs with a high-end graphics card, who want modular cables and an ATX 3.0 connector. Fit it as the manual describes, and switch off and unplug the PC before opening it.

What to check before you buy

• Power draw: total up your components' wattage.
• GPU connector: check that your card uses the 16-pin connector or the standard 8-pin plugs, and which cables you'll need.
• Case fit: confirm the case takes a standard ATX supply of this length.
• Cable length: make sure the cables reach your motherboard and drives.
• Wall outlet: check that your outlet and circuit can support a 1200W supply.
• What's in the box: check the modular cables included.

The short version

• A 1200W fully modular PSU, model TUF-GAMING-1200G.
• ATX 3.0 compatible, with a 16-pin PCIe cable rated by ASUS for up to 600W.
• 80 Plus Gold certified.
• Dual ball bearing fan, PCB coating and military-grade capacitors and chokes.
• 10-year warranty.

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