The new graphics cards from AMD and NVIDIA have arrived with very high power demands. This has forced the need for new power connectors and for the top range, such as the GeForce RTX 4090 or GeForce RTX 4080, 16-pin power connectors are required for PCIe 5.0 (12VHPWR), and the power supply must have a minimum recommended wattage. So, let's take a look at everything you need to know to choose the right power supply.
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Features to consider when choosing a power supply for the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080
Power
NVIDIA recommends a PSU or power supply with a minimum wattage for their top-of-the-range models. And that power is 850W minimum, and 1000W recommended.
Modularity
To avoid cooling issues, since a configuration with an RTX 4090 or RTX 4080 dissipates a lot of heat, it's best to choose a modular power supply, so you only add the wiring you strictly need, avoiding cables that interfere with clean airflow.
Efficiency
Find the official 80 PLUS certificationThe general rule of thumb is that the more efficient your power supply is, the more expensive it will be, but this could save you a lot of money in the future, especially if you're using your RTX 4090 daily, as it will be more power efficient, wasting less energy.
ATX 3.0 12VHPWR
The power supply you buy must support the ATX 3.0 standard, which was introduced to keep up with the increasingly demanding needs of the dedicated GPU industry. It must have the new 12VHPWR connector to supply the necessary power to the graphics card, otherwise there wouldn't be enough power available.
12VHPWR Adapter
As you know the power needed to feed this NVIDIA beast is 450W, so it needs the 12VHPWR connector that it can supply up to 600W Power. And, as you may have seen on social media or in the news, many users of this graphics card have had issues with the cable, which shouldn't bend and should be routed properly. That's why some brands like Corsair have taken the opportunity to produce their own unique cable instead of the 12-pin to 4-pin adapter. This could be a positive way to avoid these issues.
Power supply models we recommend
The recommended power supply models for the GeForce RTX 4090 or GeForce RTX 4080, they are:
Corsair 12VHPWR Adapter
For the RTX 4090 and high-performance configurations
ASUS ROG THOR 1200W
MSI MPG-A1000G
EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P5
EVGA GQ 1000W Gold PSU
For the RTX 4090 with modest configurations or for the RTX 4080 with any configuration
Seasonic GX-850
Corsair RM85
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 need a new power supply?
You don't necessarily need a new power supply; it just needs to meet the power requirements and have the 16-pin connector mentioned above. If yours already has one, it will work.
¿Does the PSU affect video game performance??
It could have an indirect impact if it does not supply the necessary power for high-performance components.
Is an 850W power supply enough for a 4090?
If you have an 850W PSU, it might be sufficient as long as you don't have other components that can consume more. For example, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 might be sufficient, but with models like the Core i9 or Ryzen 9, or even the Threadripper, it would be insufficient, so a 1000W power supply is recommended in these cases.
And be careful if you're going to use multi-GPU configurations...
Is the RTX 4090 worth it?
Honestly, if you have around €1500 to spare, then it's definitely worth it. However, for gaming and most tasks, a lower-end graphics card would suffice. Even the RTX 30 Series or AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series models are still very competitive. In other words, the RTX 4090 is a luxury, like buying a Ferrari instead of a SEAT...
The RTX 4090 lets you play the latest AAA titles in 8K resolution, but only a few can achieve that...
Do I need an 80 Plus Platinum rated power supply?
Not necessarily; it could be 80 Plus Gold, Silver, etc., but energy efficiency is important here given the enormous consumption we're talking about. Therefore, even if it costs a little more, an 80 Plus Platinum could save you a lot on your electricity bill in the long run.