Power Requirements for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50, 40, and 30-Series GPUs

Now that RTX 30-series video cards are widely available at near-MSRP prices – and NVIDIA’s newer RTX 40 and 50-series GPUs are dominating the high end – the time for building or upgrading gaming PCs has returned! But if you aren’t up to date with current video cards, you might be wondering what type of power supply you’ll need for that RTX 3000, 4000, or 5000 series GPU.

When NVIDIA first announced the RTX 3000 series, people speculated the power requirements would be a little different than what consumers were used to. Some claimed the 30-series GPUs would take a single 8-pin power cable, some said one card needed three 8-pin connectors, and others even suggested odd combinations of 6-pins and 8-pins. As it turns out, these rumors likely stemmed from NVIDIA’s introduction of a new power connector, the 16-pin 12VHPWR, which we’ll get into later.

Now that it is several years after its launch, the power requirements for the RTX 3000 series are well known, and you can be confident about exactly what your card will need. Plus, with the arrival of the RTX 40 and 50 series GPUs, power demands have shifted yet again.

GeForce RTX 40 and 50-Series GPU Power Requirements

With NVIDIA continuously pushing the boundaries of GPU performance, the 40 series and latest 50 series graphics cards have introduced new power demands and connector standards. We’ve expanded this guide to keep you fully informed about your next build or upgrade, ensuring you can make a knowledgeable purchase no matter what you are searching for.

Enhanced Power Delivery in the RTX 50-Series

In NVIDIA’s latest release, the 12V-2×6 connector was introduced as an improved version of the original 12VHPWR connector. This enhanced design features updated pins and a more robust socket, which boosts the reliability and stability of power delivery to your GPU compared to the 12VHPWR connector found in the 40-Series. The cables are specifically engineered to handle substantial power throughput safely and efficiently, ideal for the latest advanced GPUs that require unprecedented energy levels to perform at their peak.

Recommended power supply capacities remain like the previous generation of video cards, but the updated connector helps reduce thermal issues, improving long-term durability. Just like in the past 40 series, ensuring compatibility between the GPU and power supply is crucial for stable performance.

MSI INSPIRE GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB

NVIDIA RTX 40-Series Power Demands

The NVIDIA 4000 series graphics cards utilize the advanced 12VHPWR connector, showing a major leap in power delivery compared to the traditional 8-pin PCIe connectors used in the 30-series GPUs. Thanks to this upgrade, high-end gaming laptops and PC systems can leverage more powerful components through a single cable, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved overall performance for demanding tasks.

NVIDIA 40 series graphics cards also introduced a significant jump in power demands compared to previous generations. High-end and mid-range models alike require higher-wattage power supplies to ensure stable operation. Many cards may include adapters for older 8-pin connectors, but native 12VHPWR cables are strongly recommended for optimal performance.

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Graphics Card

Power Supply Connectors for RTX 30 Series GPUs: How Many 8-Pins Do You Need?

Some 30-Series GPUs require two of the PCIe 8-pin connections (otherwise known as “6+2” connectors), while others require three – and even within the 3080-product line specifically, the power connection needs vary depending on the specific card. We’ve broken down the most relevant information below to help you plan out your upgrade and make the purchase that’s best for you.

Note: This information is pulled directly from NVIDIA’s official spec sheet for the 30, 40, and 50-Series graphics cards, as well as official spec sheets from various manufacturers.

ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge 12GB

GeForce RTX Series Comparison by Brand: Hardware and Efficiency

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Final Thoughts

As GPU technology advances, understanding power requirements has become more important than ever. TDPs have increased, PSU recommendations have risen, and connector standards have evolved to ensure stable, high-performance operation. Whether you’re upgrading from an older GPU or building a cutting-edge gaming system from scratch, understanding these new power connectors is crucial to ensuring you get the full performance your graphics card was designed to deliver. Check out Newegg for a full selection of GPUs bound to meet your requirements.

For more information on how to choose a new power supply for your build, you can read our PSU guide.