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Should I upgrade my PSU for RTX 4000 series GPUs?

Here are the power requirements of the RTX 40-series GPUs.
Last Updated on April 9, 2024
Compact black upgraded external power supply unit for RTX 4000 on a desk with colorful blurred background.
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If you’re currently confused about whether you should upgrade your PSU for RTX 4000 series GPUs or not, we’ve got you covered right here.

The RTX 40 series features some of the most powerful GPUs in the world, but most of them don’t consume as much power as you think. Compared to the last generation of GPUs, they perform more efficiently. However, it is pretty common to get confused about what power supply you should go for when selecting a GPU from the RTX 40 series.

In this guide, we’ll go over the power requirements of RTX 4000 series GPUs so you can get an idea about whether you should upgrade your current PSU or not.

Quick Answer

The RTX 4000-series GPUs require anywhere between a 850W to 550W PSU, depending on the card. If your current PSU meets the power requirement of the card you’re getting, then there is no need to upgrade it.

RTX 4000 series GPUs’ power requirements explained

Now, before we get into whether you should upgrade your current PSU, it is important to discuss the power requirement of each card first. Also, you should know that there is no need to upgrade your current PSU if it meets the wattage recommendations.

RTX 4090 power requierments

The RTX 4090 is currently the most powerful gaming GPU in the world, boasting a VRAM of 24 GB. In our RTX 4090 review, we tested the card and found that it delivers exceptional performance in 4K gaming and content creation tasks. As for its power requirements, it has a TGP of 450W, so you need at least an 850W power supply for it. If you have a powerful CPU, then you may need to aim for something more than 850W, such as the Corsair RM1000x, which is an ATX 3.0 1000W PSU.

An upgrade corsair rm1000x power supply unit for RTX 4000 in front of its packaging box.
Corsair RM1000x PSU – Image taken by PCGuide.com

RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super power requierments

The RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super also belong to the family of some of the most powerful gaming GPUs in the world. These two are also a great choice for 4K gaming. When it comes to power consumption, both GPUs have a TGP of 320W. This means that you need at least a 750W PSU for them to stay on the safe side.

RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4070 Ti Super, RTX 4070 Super, and RTX 4070 power requierments

Next, we have the RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4070 Ti Super, RTX 4070 Super, and RTX 4070, which are ideally the best options for 1440p gaming. The RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 4070 Ti super have a TGP of 285W, so you need a 700W PSU for them. On the other hand, the RTX 4070 has a TGB of 200W, so you’ll be fine with a 650W PSU for it. The same goes for the RTX 4070 Super.

RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4060 power requierments

Finally, we have the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4060, which are the budget GPUs in the RTX 40-series. For the RTX 4060 Ti, there are two variants; 12 GB and 8GB. The first one has a TGP of 165, while the second one has a slightly lower TGP of 160W. On the other hand, the RTX 4060 has a TGP of 115W. For all three of them, you need a 550W PSU, such as the Corsair TX550M.

An upgrade PSU for RTX 4000, a corsair power supply unit with cables on a table against a blurred background.
Corsair TX550M PSU – Image taken by PCGuide.com

Do you need a new PSU for the RTX 40-series GPUs?

From the last-generation of GPUs, the RTX 3090 Ti was the most power-hungry GPU. It required an 850W PSU, and the RTX 4090 needs the same. So, in short, if you already have a PSU that meets the power requirements of the RTX 40-series GPU you’re getting, then there is no need for you to upgrade it.

Triple-fan graphics card with RGB lighting and an upgraded PSU for RTX 4000 on a desk with colorful boxes in the background.
The RTX 4090 – Image taken by PCGuide.com

However, if your PSU is pretty old and hasn’t been performing well, then it will be wise to replace it with a new unit. This is because a fault PSU can end up damaging your GPU, so it’s better to invest in a new one, preferably an ATX 3.0 compatible PSU. Also, if you’re planning to get a new unit, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best PSUs.

Is 750W enough for RTX 4000?

For RTX 4080 Super or cards that are below it in the lineup, you’ll be more than fine with an RTX 750W PSU. However, for the RTX 4090, you need at least an 850W PSU.

What happens if your PSU is too weak?

If your PSU is too weak, it will fail to deliver the necessary power to the components, something that will prevent them from performing properly. This can lead to malfunctions and failures, so you should get a new PSU as soon as it gets weak.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows