Nvidia ’s newRTX 50 - seriesGPUs represent a saltation forward in gambling and content creation , but they also labor the boundaries of what ’s expected from your powerfulness supply . The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 , will be the first two models available for leverage go January 30 , and are expected to deliver improved public presentation over its predecessor — you may already see that in action in ourRTX 5090 review .

However , with great mightiness comes greater demands on your power provision . If you ’re planning to upgrade to either of these next - generation graphics cards , it ’s important to knowwhat kind of PSU ( Power Supply Unit)you take . insure your PSU meets or exceeds the recommended specifications is critical for avoiding crashes , insure system stability , and maintaining longsighted - terminus reliability .

Here ’s a breakdown of what to consider .

Understanding the power demands

Nvidia ’s flagship RTX 5090 comes with a maximum TGP ( Total Graphics Power ) of 575W , while the RTX 5080 is listed to cast up to 360W. These mogul demands are noticeably higher when compared to the RTX 40 - series where theRTX 4090has a 450W TGP while theRTX 4080draws up to 320W.

It is crucial to bonk that these office requirements are likely meant for the Founder ’s Edition variance . Board spouse models may go far with slightly high king requirement depending on their overclocking capabilities .

Additionally , the RTX 50 - series uphold to utilise the PCIe Gen 5 16 - pin ( 12VHPWR ) connector , which can birth up to 600W of baron . This connector has face durability take in the yesteryear when it was precede with the RTX 40 - series GPUs . report of unthaw connectorsmade headlines which cue the manufacture , let in Nvidia , to make damages on the flaws . Thus , the new12V-2×6 connectorwas designed with longer conductor terminals ( 12V and ground ) for improved conduction , as well as shorter sense pin .

This has also squeeze GPU display board partners to take additional safeguard . For instance , MSI and Zotac bring out new safety measures this year for their Modern RTX 50 - series GPU poser , such as yellow - tip adapters and rubber - indicator light-emitting diode .

For the RTX 5090 , Nvidia recommends a 1000W PSU for most organisation , depend on the rest of your hardware configuration . If you have a gamy - destruction processor or additional component like multiple storage crusade , a 1200W or above PSU might be advisable for extra headroom .

At the time of writing , the MSI MAG A1000GL is a pretty rich 1000W option bid a modular cable’s length excogitation and an 80 Plus amber rating with a 10 - class warranty . Priced around $ 150 , the PSU is also ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 compliant significance that it come with the novel 16 - bowling pin ( 12V-2×6 ) PCIe connector and bundled cable that can turn in up to 600W of exponent . The PSU is also available in a 1250W variant price around $ 180 .

Considering the Founder ’s Edition RTX 5090 has a much leaner phase agent than the RTX 4090 , it is possible to really fit the GPU in a variety of pocket-size form factor sheath . If you are someone who is planning to take that route , then the Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 1000W is one of the only options that come in an ATX 3.1 compatible form . It is expensive at $ 200 , but for that you get an 80 Plus Platinum rating and a in full modular pattern with build - in industrial grad potential protection .

The RTX 5080 is less index - hungry but still postulate . Nvidia intimate that an 850W PSU should answer for most users , though a larger PSU rated at 1000W or above may be needed for overclocking purposes .

The MSI MAG A850GL is an 850W rendering of the one mentioned above , and it ’s currently offer an fantabulous value at $ 110 . It number bundle with a 12V-2×6 line , ATX 3.1 and PCIE 5.1 ready , and comes with a 10 yr warranty with 80 Plus Gold efficiency rating .

Choosing the right PSU

When upgrading to the RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 , do think the following factor :

Wattage : Select a PSU with enough wattage to cover your GPU ’s power demands , as well as other components like your CPU , motherboard , and peripherals . For the RTX 5090 , a 1000W or gamy PSU is recommended , while the RTX 5080 should be pair with an 850W or higher unit .

Efficiency valuation : Opt for PSUs with an 80 Plus Gold or Platinum documentation to ensure higher efficiency and lower heat output . These certification are particularly important for mellow - power GPUs where 80 Plus Gold can bid up to 92 % efficiency while 80 Plus Platinum can go up to 94 % depend on the load .

16 - pin connection support : As name , both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will utilize the PCIe Gen 5 16 - pin connector ( 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 ) . To ensure compatibility and optimal functioning go for a modern ATX 3.0 or preferably an ATX 3.1 PSU which is project with aboriginal 16 - pin connexion , supporting the high-pitched power delivery and passing spike that these GPUs requirement . These units also meet strict power efficiency and stability requirements , making them ideal for the RTX 50 - series .

If you ’re using an older PSU , secure it comes with a dependable 16 - thole arranger . Most GPUs do ship with the adapter , but upgrading to an ATX 3.0/3.1 PSU is strongly recommended for beneficial longsighted - term compatibility .

Headroom : Allow at least 20–30 % wattage headroom beyond your system ’s peak power use of goods and services . This ensures stability during power spike and prolongs the life-time of your PSU .