The RTX 3090 is a power-hungry graphics card that requires a lot of power to run. The peak power consumption of the RTX 3090 is about 350 W, which means you need at least a 700 W power supply unit (PSU) to support it.
Like all graphics cards, power consumption significantly decreases when the card is not in use, requiring only approximately 18 watts to operate.
The amount of wattage needed for your power supply will vary depending on the other parts of your system, such as the CPU, RAM, fans, and storage devices.
If you plan on overclocking your RTX 3090 or using a more powerful variant like the RTX 3090 Ti, you will require a power supply with even higher wattage.
The RTX 3090 Ti has a total graphics power (TGP) of 450 W, which means you need at least an 800 W PSU to run it.
To avoid any issues with your system stability or performance, choosing a high-quality PSU from a reputable brand with enough headroom for your power needs is recommended.
You should also look for features like efficiency rating, modular design, fan noise level, warranty period, etc. when buying a PSU.
How Many Watts Does a RTX 3090 Use Per Hour?
Gaming on an RTX 3090 consumes roughly 360 watt-hours per hour or 0.36 kilowatt-hours per hour.
Considering the average gamer plays for 8.5 hours weekly, the card’s energy usage amounts to about 3.06 kilowatt-hours per week.
What Power Supply Do I Need For An RTX 3090?
The recommended power supply size varies depending on the system configuration, but Nvidia suggests a minimum of 750 W for the Founders Edition.
Some sources claim that a lower PSU rating could work, but it may affect the graphics and computer speed.
Others recommend a higher PSU rating, such as 850 W or 1000 W, for more safety and upgradeability.
A 1000 W PSU could even support a two-way Nvidia SLI of the RTX 3090, though this is not advised.
Do RTX 3090 graphics cards require additional power connectors?
Yes, RTX 3090 graphics cards require additional power connectors to run.
The Founders Edition of the RTX 3090 uses a new NVIDIA 12-pin power connector, which is smaller and more compact than the traditional 8-pin connectors.
However, this connector is not widely available on most power supply units (PSUs), so NVIDIA includes a converter cable for dual-8-pin to 12-pin with the Founders Edition cards.
Other models of the RTX 3090 from different manufacturers may use different power connectors, such as triple 8-pin or dual 8-pin plus 6-pin.
You should check the specifications of your RTX 3090 card and your PSU to make sure they are compatible and have enough wattage to support the card.
How much power does a RTX 3090 consume during gaming versus other tasks?
The RTX 3090 graphics card demands substantial power, especially under heavy loads. Power usage can range from 355 to 365 W during gaming, influenced by the game, settings, and resolution. This represents a notable jump from the RTX 3080, which requires about 300 W while gaming.
Power usage for the RTX 3090 drops significantly when idle or handling less demanding tasks like web browsing, video playback, or office work. With one monitor, idle power consumption is just around 18 W.
RTX 3090 power consumption differs by model, manufacturer, overclocking settings, and cooling system. Variations in clock speeds, voltages, fan speeds, and thermal designs contribute to higher or lower power consumption among models.
To determine your RTX 3090’s exact power usage, use GPU-Z or MSI Afterburner to monitor real-time power draw. A power meter can also measure total system power consumption at the wall outlet.
What kind of cooling system is recommended for a RTX 3090 to prevent high power consumption?
There are different types of cooling systems available for the RTX 3090, such as air cooling, liquid cooling, or hybrid cooling.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, preference, and case compatibility.
Air cooling is the most common and affordable type of cooling system for the RTX 3090.
It uses fans and heatsinks to dissipate heat from the GPU and other components. Air cooling is easy to install and maintain, but it can be noisy and bulky.
Some air-cooled models of the RTX 3090 have a unique design that uses a push-pull fan system with a hybrid vapor chamber cooler for better airflow and performance.
Liquid cooling is a more advanced and expensive type of cooling system for the RTX 3090. It uses a pump, radiator, tubing, and water block to transfer heat from the GPU to a liquid medium, which is then cooled by fans.
Liquid cooling is more efficient and quiet than air cooling, but it can be more complicated to install and maintain. It also requires enough space in your case for the radiator and tubing.
Some liquid-cooled models of the RTX 3090 use an all-in-one (AIO) solution that comes with a pre-filled and sealed loop for easier installation.
Hybrid cooling is a combination of air and liquid cooling for the RTX 3090. It uses a water block to cool the GPU and a fan to cool the VRAM and VRM. Hybrid cooling offers the best of both worlds: high performance and low noise.
However, it can also be more costly and difficult to install than air or liquid cooling alone. It also requires enough space in your case for the radiator, tubing, and fan.
Some hybrid-cooled models of the RTX 3090 use an external enclosure that connects to your PC via Thunderbolt 3 for added portability and convenience.
