Short answer: match the wattage to your card, add headroom for a top processor, then pick a well-reviewed ATX 3.1 unit at that size. Every pick below has a native cable for Nvidia's 16-pin plug and standard 8-pin cables too.
RTX 50 series
| Graphics card | Card power | Size | My pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 575W | 1000W | Corsair RMx (2024) 1000W |
| RTX 5080 | 360W | 850W | Corsair RMx Shift 850W |
| RTX 5070 Ti | 300W | 750W | Corsair RMx (2024) 750W |
| RTX 5070 | 250W | 650W | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W |
| RTX 5060 Ti | 600W (MSI) | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W | |
| RTX 5060 | 550W (MSI) | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W |
RTX 5090 to 5070 from PC Gamer's spec table; RTX 5060 series from MSI. Add about 100W for a top processor or overclocking.
AMD Radeon
| Graphics card | Size | My pick |
|---|---|---|
| RX 9070 XT | 750W to 850W (MSI) | be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 850W |
| RX 7900 XTX | 800W (per Tom's Hardware) | be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 850W |
Factory-overclocked AMD cards can ask for more. The RX 9070 XT Red Devil's box recommends 900W, according to Tom's Hardware, while AMD says other models need less. Check your exact card's box or product page.
RTX 40 and RTX 30 series
These are MSI's ranges. Use the lower figure for a mid-range processor and the higher one for a top processor with overclocking.
| Graphics card | Size range | My pick at the lower size |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 | 850W to 1300W | Corsair RMx Shift 850W |
| RTX 4080 / 4080 Super | 750W to 1250W | Corsair RMx (2024) 750W |
| RTX 4070 Ti / Ti Super | 750W to 1000W | Corsair RMx (2024) 750W |
| RTX 4070 / 4070 Super | 650W to 850W | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W |
| RTX 4060 / 4060 Ti | 550W to 750W | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W |
| RTX 3090 | 750W to 1000W | Corsair RMx (2024) 750W |
| RTX 3080 / 3080 Ti | 750W to 1000W | Corsair RMx (2024) 750W |
| RTX 3070 / 3070 Ti | 650W to 850W | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W |
| RTX 3060 / 3060 Ti | 550W to 750W | Seasonic Core GX ATX 3 650W |
Connectors: check before you buy
Wattage is only half the check. Recent high-end Nvidia cards use a single 16-pin connector, now the 12V-2x6 design. ATX 3.0 and 3.1 power supplies come with a native cable for it. Older units need an adapter, which adds more connections that each have to be fully seated.
AMD cards vary. MSI notes that RX 9070 XT models use two or three 8-pin plugs, or a single 12V-2x6, depending on the model. Tom's Hardware points out the 16-pin plug is rarely used on AMD cards.
Fitting a 16-pin card? Read the ATX 3.1 and 12V-2x6 guide first. It covers how to seat the plug properly and why it matters.
The picks in detail
- RTX 5070, 5060 and 4070 class · Tier ASeasonic Core GX ATX 380 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 650/750/850WCompact at 140mm deep, well built, but loud at high loads.Check 650W price
- RTX 5070 Ti and 5090 class · Tier ACorsair RMx (2024)80 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000WQuiet at everyday loads, with fan failure protection. Get 750W or 1000W to match your card.Check 750W price
- RTX 5080 class · Tier ACorsair RMx Shift80 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000WVery quiet in lab tests, with side-mounted sockets for tidy cables.Check 850W price
- AMD RX 9070 XT · Tier Bbe quiet! Pure Power 13 M80 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000/1200WAlmost silent in two lab tests, and good value in Tier B.Check 850W price
- RTX 5090 with a top processor · Tier ACorsair HXi (2025)80 Plus Platinum · Fully modular · ATX · 1200/1500W1200W, quiet and efficient, if your case takes a 200mm unit.Check 1200W price
Building small?
If you need an SFX unit, see the best SFX power supplies. The Corsair SF Platinum comes in 750W, 850W and 1000W, so it covers cards up to the RTX 5080 class.
Questions
What power supply do I need for an RTX 5080?
850W is the recommended size for a typical build. I would go to 1000W with a top processor.
What power supply do I need for an RTX 5090?
1000W is the recommended size. With a top processor or overclocking, 1200W.
What power supply do I need for an RX 9070 XT?
MSI recommends 750W to 850W. Some overclocked models ask for more, so check your card's box.
Do I need ATX 3.1 for an RTX 50 card?
It's the better choice, because it has the updated 12V-2x6 connector. ATX 3.0 units also have a native 16-pin cable.
Can I use my old power supply with a new card?
Check its wattage against the tables, whether it has the right connectors, and its age. See the upgrade guide.
Sources
- PC Gamer: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (RTX 50 series spec table)
- MSI: recommended PSU table for Nvidia 30/40/50 series
- MSI: best PSU for AMD RX 9070 XT
- Tom's Hardware: RX 9070 XT Red Devil packaging recommends 900W (February 2025)
- Tom's Hardware: why power connectors are melting, and what to do (June 2025)
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