The RTX 3090 Ti is a significant upgrade over its predecessors. Underpowering affects the performances and risks component damage while overpowering may disturb your overall budget. Hence, you need the right PSU that balances both.
With great performance comes greater requirements for resources. I will be discussing the power and other requirements shortly, but rest assured that you will find the perfect power supply for your RTX 3090 Ti-based PC build here.
Contents
- RTX 3090 Ti PSU Requirements
- 7 Best PSUs for RTX 3090 Ti in 2023
- 1. Best Overall: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2
- 2. Best Runner-Up: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3
- 3. Best with Zero RPM Mode: Corsair RM1200x Shift
- 4. Most Silent PSU: be quiet! Straight Power 11
- 5. Best for Gaming PCs: MSI MPG A1000G
- 6. Best with RGB Lights: GAMEMAX RGB-1050
- 7. Best Budget Option: GIGABYTE GP-UD1000GM
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
RTX 3090 Ti PSU Requirements
Factors | Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|---|
Power Output | 850W | 1000W |
Energy Efficiency | 80 Plus Gold | 80 Plus Gold |
Form Factor | Micro ATX | ATX |
Cables | Single 6+2 pin plug | 2 x 6+2 pin plugs |
Features | VRM | Overclocking, VRM |
VRAM | 12GB | 16GB |
Temperature | 27° C | 25° C |
7 Best PSUs for RTX 3090 Ti in 2023
The list has been created after evaluating over 14 power supplies that work with RTX 3090 Ti. Each of them was tested against several important factors including power efficiency, performance, cost vs value ratio, and future expandability.
In addition, the list offers a range of choices that suit various needs, specifications, and budget ranges. You can find premium, high-performing options, as well as mid-range value and an affordable yet dependable choice towards the end.
1. Best Overall: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2
- Capacity: 1300W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX
- Connector Type: PCI Express
EVGA, with years of experience in making overclocking motherboards and VGAs, is a very strong brand for PSUs.
Hardware Performance
The best part about this product line is that the 1000W model is slightly cheaper for those needing a smaller PSU.
With competitive pricing and efficiency, which by their claim is gold but performs pretty much as platinum, it is one of the most popular PSUs for gamers.
Design & Warranty
In terms of the design, it is packed within a nicely shaped matte finish metal box. The matte finish gives you a fingerprint and scratch-proof exterior.
The sockets are red and the switch is nicely placed on the front grill. The cables too are sleeved pretty nicely. This one comes with a giant 10-year warranty.
Conclusion
One can argue about the lack of a parallel rail as most modern-day PSUs come with multiple rails but with the ability of the single +12V rail’s 100A max current, you practically won’t feel the absence of multiple rails.
You are good to go with the number of connectors but a few more PCIe connectors would have been sweet.
Pros
- Consistent maximum current in a single rail
- Value for money
- Long warranty
Cons
- Single rail
- Bigger dimensions
2. Best Runner-Up: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3
- Capacity: 1350W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX 3.0
- Connector Type: PCI Express
The best thing about Thermaltake’s Toughpower GF3 PSU is that it can offer a power supply through dual connectors.
Hardware Performance
It comes with all the latest connectivity like PCIe 5.0 and ATX v3.0 which connects to all the latest Nvidia GPUs without any adapters.
Barring the noise that it makes, everything about this PSU is like a platinum-rated one despite it achieving gold ratings.
Design & Warranty
The cooling fan sure works overtime but not to an extent where you feel it’ll fly off. The airflow may be the reason for the overworked hydraulic bearing fan and not the performance.
But with a 10-year long warranty, you would be rest assured about any possible performance issue. With all the latest standards of connectors and form factor, it is really a surprise that this PSU isn’t rated platinum.
Conclusion
It has 6 PCIe (6+2) connectors along with a lot of peripheral connectors which is more than enough for your gaming PC.
On the inside, the PCB looks relatively smaller for a 1350W PSU and you’ll find the area around the PCB a bit overcrowded because of its form factor.
The quality of soldering and the metal body both speak of quality. The hydraulic bearing enabled the cooling fan to look premium.
Pros
- Supports PCIe 5.0
- Compatible with next gen GPUs
- No need for adapters
Cons
- Lower rating compared to the equipment
- Louder fan
3. Best with Zero RPM Mode: Corsair RM1200x Shift
- Capacity: 1200W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX12V / EPS12V
- Connector Type: PCI Express
Another modern day PSU for RTX 3090 Ti with the latest connector standard, RM1200x is a fine innovation from Corsair. For instance, the DC connector panel is positioned on the side.
This allows users to practice great cable management which then further improves the airflow and the overall burden on the fan. The word Shift in the name indicates the shifting of the modular panel from the back to the side.
Hardware Performance
It boasts a zero RPM mode for the fan which turns off completely at low and medium loads. This surely helps the power efficiency aspect.
It offers all kinds of protection for the unit which essentially means it shuts off power in case of over and under voltage, current, circuit power, and temperature.
Design & Warranty
The difference between Corsair’s lower capacities of PSUs with 100W+ ones is in the usage of high-quality parts to achieve full-bridge topology compared to the half-bridge topology that comes with 750W or 850W models.
This allows higher power output with low energy losses.
Conclusion
Besides the innovative placement of the panel, it has a very staple grill with a socket and a switch. The dynamic fluid-bearing fan is coated in white. This coating may become a dust magnet and may require regular cleaning.
The 10-year long warranty is standard at this price point and provides enough cover for your gaming usage. The best part about the design is its rounded edges compared to the sharp metal edges of some other power supplies compatible with RTX 3090 Ti.
Pros
- Zero RPM mode
- Innovative panel placement
- Latest connectivity standards
- Comes with lots of cables
- Good airflow and cable management
Cons
- High price
- Socket cluster
4. Most Silent PSU: be quiet! Straight Power 11
- Capacity: 1200W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Platinum
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX
- Connector Type: PCI Express
Apart from a catchy brand name, be quiet is also known for the robust and aesthetic casing for their PSUs. They brand this series of Straight Power 11 to be the most silent set of PSUs they have made.
The success of the previous generation of Straight Power 10 helps their claims as they were very popular for being silent PSUs. With a unique no-wire design and an appealing case, this one hits it out of the park with its competitive pricing as well.
Hardware Performance
The funnel-shaped wings of the fan hardly make any noise. This is down to the motor and redesigned bearings. It also comes with dual P8 connectors that ensure optimal load distribution.
Voltage stability and regulation are improved compared to the 10 series. The high-quality Japanese capacitors maintain the lowest possible ripple even amidst the heavy load generated by GPUs.
Design & Warranty
The upgrade from 10 is not just limited to wattage and exteriors. The 11 series has an upgraded range, and topology and has high-quality build material overall.
But above and beyond the usually strong performing be quiet PSUs, one thing that strikes out all its competitors at this price range is its 6-pole motor and the SIlentWing 3 fan that is almost inaudible most of the time.
Conclusion
The Straight Power 11 series boasts of a wire-free concept with all connections running through the PCB. This allows an uninterrupted airflow which in return optimizes the performance of the PSU.
Apart from the aesthetics and the airflow, the wire-free design also helps the PSU in maintaining the signals. The 5-year warranty might be the only thing you won’t like about this otherwise brilliant product.
Pros
- Minimal fan noise
- Cable-free interior
- Stylish case
Cons
- Low warranty
5. Best for Gaming PCs: MSI MPG A1000G
- Capacity: 1000W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX
- Connector Type: PCI Express
With a single rail design, MSI’s MPG A series of PSUs are designed to serve power-hungry gaming PCs and their performance-driven GPUs like the 3090 Ti. It is energy efficient and offers 0 RPM mode which switches the fan completely off below 40% TDP.
Hardware Performance
The hydraulic bearing fan is pretty functional but due to a crowded PCB, the noise levels are not as low as we are used to hearing.
At normal loads though, the fan is fairly silent. It is only when you ramp up your gaming PC with the 900W+ of consumption that the fan starts making noises.
Design & Warranty
It is a slightly compact PSU as well with a 150mm of form factor. This gives your gaming PC more space for external cable which provides better airflow to the entire case.
The PCB on the inside is fairly small. This means crowded component settings and difficult airflow. The load regulation is tight.
The leakage current is minimal as well. You can practically single out an MSI PSU because of their dual-done grills. The rear grill has a honeycomb design.
Conclusion
The overall finishing of the case will give you a flagship feel. The MPG branding looked a little too loud on the exterior but apart from that, the finishing looks pretty solid.
The power and 0 fan mode switches on the back look symmetrical and properly placed. There is a 10-year warranty which at this price point is pretty regular.
Pros
- Tight voltage regulation
- Good ripple suppression
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Loud fan noise at higher consumption
- Lower energy efficiency under light loads
6. Best with RGB Lights: GAMEMAX RGB-1050
- Capacity: 1050W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX
- Connector Type: PCI Express
This is probably the only PSU in the list that claims to be fully modular but in reality is only semi-modular. What it means is that the cables (a couple of SATA, 24-pin MB, 2×8 pin CPU) that go inside the PSU are not fully removable.
This takes a lot of cable management out of the picture. But the aggressive pricing and sturdy performance are something that keeps this RTX 3090 Ti power supply pretty much in every discussion.
Hardware Performance
The unit offers a 91%+ efficiency at over 60% load which is quite amazing. At an overload or close to 100%, the efficiency still manages to hover around 89% which justifies the gold standard.
It has multi PCIe connectors (8-pin 6+2) that suit modern graphics cards. On the blower’s side, there is a dedicated chip to monitor the RPMs.
The RGB setting offers 256 color combinations to the 14cm long double bearing 9 blade fan blowers.
Design & Warranty
On the exterior, you have a neon or fluorescent color-coated blower which looks striking at first glance. RGB lighting on it is pretty sweet given how unique the blower’s color is.
On the back, you have a standard honeycomb grill and a neon switch that matches the blower. There are neon colors all over the branding and instruction stickers as well which makes the whole theme unique.
Conclusion
The coating of cables is also done in bright colors. This also adds to the dual-tone theme of the unit. The edges are pretty rounded and screwing and inner soldering looks pretty solid.
The only thing that stands out is the cable clog (tied up nicely with a cable clip) that goes inside the PSU from the back panel. The 10-year warranty is also a pleasant addition at this price point.
Pros
- Low pricing
- Attractive color combination
- Multiple connectors
Cons
- Non-removable cables
7. Best Budget Option: GIGABYTE GP-UD1000GM
- Capacity: 1000W
- Efficiency Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Modularity: Full
- Form Factor: ATX
- Connector Type: PCI Express
After a debacle from their previous P-GM line, Gigabyte came out with a line of PSUs built on a new platform, lower OCP (Overcurrent Protection) and OPP (Over Power Protection) trigger points, and a new PCB altogether.
The new line also comes with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatibility. It is a relatively smaller PSU compared to others. But a fully modular design allows just enough airflow for the blower to not hit more than 35-40 dBA most of the time.
Hardware Performance
Like any other PSU over a 1000W of capacity, this one too ranks low in efficiency at light loads. It comes to its best in terms of maintaining peak efficiency of over 91% only at near to full load.
The fan on the other hand was aggressively functional, meaning it would turn on with slight overload. Now you won’t be hitting the 900W load most of the time but if you do happen to hit that, you’ll see noise levels go even beyond 45 dBA.
Overall, it’s safe to say that this is not a quiet PSU.
Design & Warranty
You have a 120mm fan which some of you may find smaller. Plus there are bezels all over the fan. On the outside, it is pretty standard with a honeycomb grill and connector panel at each end.
The rifle-bearing fan is a 7-blade and a non-RGB one. It has a 10 year long warranty which is comforting for the users.
Conclusion
Overall the build quality is nice and compact but you have to be prepared for the fan noise under maximum loads.
Pros
- Low price
- Compact dimensions
- Near perfect trigger points for protection features
Cons
- Loud fan
- No RGB
Frequently Asked Questions
NVIDIA recommends a minimum of 850W, so yes, you should be fine with an 850W power supply for 3090 Ti. But it always makes sense to go for a little more for the future since the newer GPUs and CPUs offer better performance but with more power consumption.
Ideally, a 1000W PSU will take care of the present setup as well as future expansions of your gaming PC. Power supply is not something you would want to change while making a component upgrade so having a PSU with a little more than what you need now makes a lot of sense.
Most gamers found that overclocking on RTX 3090 Ti uses over 500W but for the next-gen CPUs like Intel’s 11th or 12th gen, it will surpass over 800W of consumption when overclocked.
Every new generation of components tries to improve efficiency but unfortunately, with higher performance at the core of the innovations, the energy consumption is surely going to go higher. 3090 Ti consumes a lot more than the 3070.
Verdict
Although PSUs are not to cut budgets, many people consider pricing to be the deciding factor when choosing a PSU. But the price should be a lot more than just the figure.
To define my top picks better, here are some of our categories and the leaders for those categories.
- Value for money: MSI MPG A1000G
- Bargain: GIGABYTE GP-UD1000GM 1000W
- Elite performance: Corsair RM1200x
- Best overall: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300
Take your pick based on what you think is your top criteria. If budget isn’t your constraint then you should surely opt for the premium ones like Corsair’s RMX1200x or EVGA SuperNOVA 1300. These PSUs ensure maximum performance along with efficiency.
If you want a budget PSU or one with great value for money then you should opt for either GIGABYTE GP-UD1000GM 1000W or the veteran MSI’s MPG A1000G. Notable mentions are the most silent one – be quiet Straight Power 11 Platinum 1200W and the most aesthetical – GAMEMAX 1050W.
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