The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is a powerful mid-range graphics card released in 2021.
With its impressive performance capabilities, many gamers want to pair the RTX 3060 with their PC build or upgrade.
However, one important consideration is ensuring you have an adequate power supply to run the card.
In this guide, we’ll look at the power requirements for the RTX 3060 and recommend suitable power supplies.
RTX 3060 Power Requirements
The RTX 3060 has a total board power rating of 170W. This means the card requires a minimum of 170W from the power supply to operate properly.
Nvidia recommends using a 550W power supply for an RTX 3060 based system.
A higher wattage PSU like 650W gives more headroom and upgradability.
The RTX 3060 can use up to 200W of power for peak power draws. So the power supply needs to be able to deliver at least 200W on the +12V rail for the graphics card.
The card needs supplemental power from either a 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connector from the PSU. Nvidia includes a 12-pin to 1x 8-pin adapter in the RTX 3060 box.
Having the best monitor for 3060 ti is also important to experience the next level gaming.
Choosing a Compatible Power Supply
When selecting a power supply for the RTX 3060, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. Wattage
As mentioned earlier, a minimum of 550W is recommended for an RTX 3060 system.
However, a higher wattage PSU like 650W or 750W gives more headroom for overclocking and future upgrades.
The overall system configuration also impacts the wattage needed. Power-hungry CPUs like Intel Core i9 or Ryzen 9 paired with the RTX 3060 needs a 750W or higher PSU.
2. 12V Rail Amperage
The +12V rail provides power to key PC components like the GPU. For the RTX 3060, the PSU requires at least 20A on the 12V rail. Higher is better for upgradability.
3. PCIe Power Connectors
Most RTX 3060 cards need either a 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe connector. Some overclocked models require dual 8-pin connectors.
Make sure the PSU has the appropriate cables and connectors. Modular PSUs make cable management easier.
4. 80 Plus Efficiency Rating
Get a PSU with at least an 80 Plus Bronze efficiency rating.
Higher ratings like Gold and Platinum indicate greater energy efficiency and reliability. This results in less excess heat and lower electricity bills.
5. Reputable Brand
Stick with well-known PSU brands like Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, and Thermaltake.
They build units with high-quality components that meet their rated power output. Cheaper no-name PSUs often overstate their capabilities.
Recommended Power Supplies for RTX 3060
Here are some excellent PSU options to power an RTX 3060 gaming rig:
- Corsair RM650x – 80 Plus Gold, 650W, fully modular cables
- EVGA Supernova 650 G5 – 80 Plus Gold, 650W, fully modular
- SeaSonic Focus GX-650 – 80 Plus Gold, 650W semi-modular
- Cooler Master MWE Gold 650 – 80 Plus Gold, 650W semi-modular
- Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 650W – 80 Plus Gold, modular cables
- Corsair CX650F RGB – 80 Plus Bronze, 650W, semi-modular
- EVGA BQ 600W – 80 Plus Bronze, 600W, semi-modular
The Corsair RM650x and EVGA Supernova 650 G5 are top-tier options with 10 year warranties.
The SeaSonic, Cooler Master and Thermaltake models are also great mid-range choices.
The Corsair CX650F RGB and EVGA BQ 600W deliver solid performance at lower prices for budget builds.
Power Supply Sizing for Future Upgrades
If you plan to upgrade to a more powerful graphics card in the future like an RTX 3080 or RTX 3090, get a higher wattage PSU now. Here are the recommended PSU upgrades:
- For RTX 3080 – 750W to 850W unit
- For RTX 3090 – 850W to 1000W unit
This leaves plenty of headroom for overclocking and future CPU or GPU upgrades. The RTX 3080/3090 can spike over 350W during gaming usage.
Also make sure the PSU has multiple PCIe power connectors. The RTX 3080/3090 cards require triple 8-pin or 8+8+6 pin connectors.
Signs of an Underpowered Power Supply
Here are some signs that indicate an underpowered PSU for the RTX 3060:
- System randomly shuts down during graphic intensive gaming sessions
- Screen glitches and graphical artifacts during gameplay
- PSU fan spins loudly for extended periods
- PC refuses to boot or POST
If you experience any of these issues, your existing PSU likely can’t provide sufficient clean power to the RTX 3060. Upgrade to a higher wattage PSU that meets the card’s needs.
Conclusion
The RTX 3060 delivers a great balance of performance, power efficiency and value. Pairing it with a suitable 550W+ PSU from a reputable brand enables the card to operate reliably for years.
Choosing a higher capacity 80 Plus Gold PSU gives you plenty of headroom for overclocking and future upgrades.
With the right power supply, you can unlock the full potential of the powerful RTX 3060 in your gaming rig.
FAQs on Power Supplies for RTX 3060
Ques 1: Is a 500W PSU enough for RTX 3060?
Ans: Nvidia recommends a minimum of 550W PSU for RTX 3060. 500W can work with a lower power CPU, but gives very limited headroom. Better to get at least a 550W PSU.
Ques 2: Will a 650W PSU have enough power for RTX 3060 Ti?
A: Yes, a quality 650W PSU will have sufficient power to run a system with RTX 3060 Ti, which has a board power of 200W. The extra headroom gives you overclocking capabilities as well.
Ques 3: What PSU do I need for RTX 3060 with Ryzen 7 5800X?
A: The Ryzen 7 5800X consumes up to 105W. With an RTX 3060, a 650W 80 Plus Gold PSU is recommended for this CPU and GPU combination.
Ques 4: Is bronze PSU ok for RTX 3060?
A: Yes, a bronze rated PSU is adequate for powering an RTX 3060. Just make sure it’s from a reputable brand and provides at least 550W capacity and 20A on the +12V rail.
Ques 5: Will my Corsair CX550M work with RTX 3060 Ti?
Ans: The Corsair CX550M provides 550W capacity with 45A on the 12V rail, which is sufficient for a standard RTX 3060 Ti. But for overclocking, a higher 650W+ wattage PSU is better.
