NVIDIA’s new GeForce RTX 4080 has hit the market shelves, and that means it is time for an upgrade. Since the RTX 4080 is one of the most powerful graphics cards on the market, it needs an equally competent power supply to maximize its potential. Selecting the best PSU for RTX 4080 can be a bit of a challenge due to the unique requirements of this card.
Here’s a quick look at the best PSUs for RTX 4080, alongside a brief comparison of their specs:
Gone are the 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe power connectors that we are accustomed to. NVIDIA has chosen a new 16-pin power connector on the RTX 40-series graphics cards, and that means you will need a new ATX 3.0 PSU for the RTX 4080. You can still use adapters and use the conventional 8-pin cables, but it is better to opt for the new ATX 3.0 standard if you are shopping for a brand-new power supply.
Related: Best CPU For RTX 4080
Best PSU for RTX 4080
Here is a selection of the best PSUs for RTX 4080 that you can buy right now:
- MSI MPG A1000G
- Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000
- be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W
- MSI MPG A750G
- Corsair RM850x Shift
MSI MPG A1000G
Best 1000W PSU for RTX 4080
Form Factor: ATX | Wattage: 1000W | Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Gold | Modularity: Full Modular | ATX 3.0: Yes | 12VHPWR: 1x 16-Pin PCIe 5.0 Cable
Pros
- ATX 3.0 compliant
- Ideal for workstations
- Quite efficient
- Fully modular design
- Low noise levels
Cons
- Expensive
On the surface, a 1000W PSU sounds quite an overkill for a regular gaming PC. However, with the rising power requirements of PC hardware components, it is no longer inconceivable to have a 1000W power supply in a modern system. Even though NVIDIA recommends a 750W power supply for the RTX 4080, it makes sense to stay on the safe side and choose a higher-wattage PSU just for a bit of future-proofing.
The MSI MPG A1000G is our recommended PSU for the 1000W tier. Not only is it an excellent power supply with premium internal components, but it is also one of the most efficient PSUs on the market right now. With an 80 PLUS Gold certification, the MPG A1000G delivers both efficiency and high capacity in the same package. Moreover, the A1000G is quite silent in its operation, which is always a nice touch in premium PSUs.
With premium Japanese capacitors rated at 105C, the A1000G is assuredly ready to handle any demanding components that you can throw at it. The RTX 4080 is one of the most power-hungry graphics cards on the market right now, but it is no problem for the A1000G thanks to its wattage capacity as well as remarkable build quality.
MSI also provides a 10-year warranty for the MPG A1000G, which is a testament to the quality and reliability of this particular PSU in the long run. Moreover, the PSU is equipped with all the modern safety standards and protections to ensure the health of your PC’s components. Over-current protection, over-voltage protection, and trip protection are part of the PSU’s safety arsenal.
Of course, the MSI MPG A1000G is compatible with the new ATX 3.0 power supply standard. This means that the A1000G has native support for modern RTX 4000 series graphics cards like the RTX 4080. The A1000G comes with one 16-pin 12VHPWR cable, which is used to supply power to the RTX 40-series GPUs. NVIDIA calls this cable the PCIe 5.0 cable, but it pretty much means the same thing.
With the native support for ATX 3.0 standard as well as 1000W of total capacity, the A1000G is ready for pretty much any hardware combination you can throw at it. This power supply is ideal for heavy-duty workstations, with premium high-core-count CPUs as well as modern RTX 40-series graphics cards. You can also pick up this PSU for a high-end gaming machine and allow yourself a bit of headroom for future expansion.
What We Liked
The MSI MPG A1000G stands out thanks to its high wattage capacity as well as supreme build quality. It is fully modular and comes with an 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating. The ATX 3.0 standard is crucial for modern graphics cards such as the RTX 4080.
What We Disliked
There is not a lot to be disliked about the A1000G. It is a fairly expensive power supply, but that is to be expected in this wattage class.
Who Is It For?
The MPG A1000G PSU is ideal for those users who want to build a heavy-duty workstation with premium components like the RTX 4080 or users who want a high-end gaming machine while leaving room for future expansion.
What Makes It The Best 1000W PSU For RTX 4080?
Not only is it a high-capacity PSU with tons of headroom for expansion, but it is also a very efficient power supply with support for the modern ATX 3.0 standard. This combination makes it the best 1000W PSU for RTX 4080.
Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000
Best ATX 3.0 PSU for RTX 4080
Form Factor: ATX | Wattage: 1000W | Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Gold | Modularity: Full Modular | ATX 3.0: Yes | 12VHPWR: 1x 16-Pin PCIe 5.0 Cable
Pros
- ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatible
- Tons of expansion headroom
- Efficient operation
- Reputation of Seasonic
- Hybrid silent fan control
Cons
- Premium pricing
Seasonic is arguably the most trusted name in PC power supplies right now, and it has held that status for nearly a decade. In fact, Seasonic acts as an OEM for several famous PSU brands, most of which simply stick their name and label on a power supply manufactured by Seasonic. Therefore, the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000 holds a prestigious spot in this roundup thanks to its unparalleled pedigree and supreme build quality.
Just going by pure numbers alone, the VERTEX GX-1000 starts to stand out from the crowd. It has a maximum wattage capacity of 1000W, which is exceptional for most mainstream power supplies on the market right now. With this capacity, you can expect to have plenty of headroom for future expansion if you are building a regular gaming PC, or you can pair this PSU with a tricked-out workstation to maximize its capacity.
In addition to the capacity of the PSU, we also have to take a look at efficiency, which is arguably a more important metric in day-to-day use. The VERTEX GX-1000 also performs admirably in this respect since it is rated for 80 PLUS Gold efficiency. This efficiency tier is not the most exclusive or prestigious, but it represents a good balance of efficiency and value and allows the manufacturer to hit certain efficiency targets without making the PSU too expensive.
Under the hood, Seasonic has packed this PSU with high-quality electronics and premium components. The VERTEX GX-1000 boasts highly reliable Japanese 105C Aluminum capacitors, which are considered to be some of the very best in the industry. The power supply components are cooled by a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) fan, which aims to strike the perfect balance of silence and cooling.
Moreover, we can’t talk about any modern power supply without talking about the new ATX 3.0 standard. Of course, the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000 is fully compliant with the new ATX 3.0 guidelines and comes with one 16-pin PCIe Gen 5 12VHPWR cable for your RTX 4080 graphics card. In fact, the excellent transient response and tight voltage regulation of the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000 make it one of the finest ATX 3.0 PSUs on the market right now.
The VERTEX GX-1000 is also equipped with several modern safety precautions to prevent any kind of damage to your PC components in the event of failure. Moreover, the PSU is very well-equipped to handle any over-current or over-voltage situations, thanks to its arsenal of trip features. All in all, the VERTEX GX-1000 is certainly the PSU to shortlist if you want the very best for your RTX 4080.
What We Liked
The VERTEX GX-1000 carries the prestige of the Seasonic name while being an excellent power supply for the RTX 4080. It boasts a super-high wattage capacity, decent efficiency, a fully modular design, and is compatible with the ATX 3.0 standard.
What We Disliked
It is a fairly expensive power supply when compared to other options on the market. Seasonic is charging a bit of a premium, considering their name and pedigree in the PSU space.
Who Is It For?
The Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000 is ideal for anyone who wants to build a premium gaming or workstation rig with no compromises on any component. You should also consider this PSU if you want to leave some headroom for future expansion.
What Makes It The Best ATX 3.0 PSU For RTX 4080?
The Seasonic VERTEX GX-1000 is the best ATX 3.0 PSU for RTX 4080 thanks to its unique combination of high capacity, efficiency, build quality, and brand reliability.
be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W
Best 850W PSU for RTX 4080
Form Factor: ATX | Wattage: 850W | Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Titanium | Modularity: Full Modular | ATX 3.0: Yes | 12VHPWR: 1x 16-Pin PCIe 5.0 Cable
Pros
- 80 PLUS Titanium efficiency
- Unique front mesh design
- Premium Silent Wings fan
- Overclocking Key feature
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Limited headroom for expansion
What makes the be quiet! Dark Power 13 so interesting is its extraordinary efficiency and emphasis on silent operation. be quiet! has always been a company that prioritizes acoustics in all its products, and the Dark Power series of PSUs is no exception. The unit we chose is an 850W model that should be able to handle the RTX 4080 in a pretty powerful gaming rig quite easily.
While 850W is certainly not an extraordinary number in terms of wattage, it is more than enough for the RTX 4080, according to NVIDIA. The RTX 4080 suggested PSU wattage is 750W, but an 850W PSU is a bit better than the bare minimum. It can handle the RTX 4080 with a selection of pretty demanding hardware while leaving a bit of room for future expansion.
Efficiency is where the be quiet! Dark Power 13 really sets itself apart from the competition. It comes with an 80 PLUS Titanium rating in efficiency, which means that the PSU is up to 95% efficient at 50% load. By comparison, the 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating translates to a 90% efficiency at the same load. The difference might not be that significant on paper, but it does translate to lesser energy wastage and better reliability in the long run.
In addition to the extraordinary efficiency, the Dark Power 13 excels in the department of acoustics as well. Since this is be quiet’s forte, it is not really surprising to see a maximum focus on silent operation. The front of the PSU is covered with a full-mesh panel instead of a grill, which improves the noise profile of the PSU and acts as a dust trap as well. More importantly, the fan is a frameless Silent Wings fan which is specifically optimized for low noise output.
be quiet!’s Silent Wings fans are famous industry-wide for their reliability and silent operation, and this one is no different. The power supply is exceptionally quiet even under load, thanks to the unique design of the fan. The tripod-mounted fan enables maximum airflow and ultimately makes for less vibration due to its fluid-dynamic bearing. The split fan inlet of the Dark Power 13 is a custom-shaped funnel that reduces unwanted turbulence.
Another unique feature of the be quiet! Dark Power 13 is its overclocking key, which gives you full overclocking control by manually switching between two different rail configurations. While the default configuration has four 12V rails for maximum efficiency, you can switch that to one massive 12V rail to increase the output capacity of the PSU through that rail. We have already covered the differences between single-rail vs. multi-rail PSUs.
What We Liked
The be quiet! Dark Power 13 boasts a lot of unique features, such as its extraordinary 80 PLUS Titanium efficiency rating, its unique cooling design, as well as its unprecedented overclocking capability, which allows you to switch between two different 12V rail configurations.
What We Disliked
For an 850W power supply, the price tag falls firmly in the premium category, and some may even label it as overpriced. Moreover, you do not get a lot of headroom for future expansion with 850W of capacity.
Who Is It For?
If you want an 850W PSU for your RTX 40-series GPU, this is the one to get. It is also a great buy for anyone who prioritizes efficiency or who just wants a quiet PSU.
What Makes It The Best 850W PSU For RTX 4080?
The supreme efficiency, silent operation, and unique overclocking features make the Dark Power 13 the best 850W PSU for RTX 4080 on the market right now.
MSI MPG A750G
Best Budget PSU for RTX 4080
Form Factor: ATX | Wattage: 750W | Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Gold | Modularity: Full Modular | ATX 3.0: Yes | 12VHPWR: 1x 16-Pin PCIe 5.0 Cable
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Decent efficiency rating
- Compact size
- ATX 3.0 compatible
Cons
- Not enough headroom
The recommended NVIDIA RTX 4080 PSU requirements suggest that 750W is the bare minimum that you should target for this graphics card. In PC building, it is not always the greatest idea to opt for the bare minimum, but you might have to save a few bucks on your PSU after buying one of the most powerful graphics cards on the market, the RTX 4080. Nevertheless, the MSI MPG A750G is far from a bad PSU choice.
In fact, it is one of the best budget PSUs on the market that comply with the new ATX 3.0 standard. Since this is a relatively new standard aimed at premium RTX 40-series graphics cards, the budget PSU segment has not really kept up with the progress. Most of the budget-oriented PSUs are still stuck on the old standard and are using 6-pin and 8-pin power connectors for GPUs. Fortunately, the MPG A750G is equipped with a 16-pin 12VHPWR connector for your RTX 4080.
Not only that, the MSI MPG A750G goes about its business in a very efficient manner. It does not possess the extraordinary efficiency of the aforementioned be quiet! unit, but it does come with an 80 PLUS Gold certification for efficiency. This places it firmly in the top tier of PSUs that are currently available for purchase, and the 10-year warranty also adds to its long-term reliability.
Moreover, the MSI MPG A750G boasts excellent build quality as well, both on the outside and inside. Under the hood, we find premium electronics including 100% Japanese 105C capacitors, that are widely regarded as the best in the industry. The MPG A750G also comes with a fully modular design, which means that you can configure your cable layout exactly according to your needs and remove any excess cable clutter from your build.
Of course, the MPG A750G also comes with its own set of flaws. While it is not exactly a deal-breaker, we find that the 750W capacity of this PSU can be a bit limiting in most cases. You have to take into account variances in power draw across the different components of a build, so it’s always beneficial to have a bit of headroom.
It is also wise to consider the aspect of future expansion when investing in a PSU. Power supplies tend to last a long time, so one should consider a PSU with enough wattage that would cover one or even two generations of upgrades. Considering the rapid progression in power draw when it comes to graphics cards, a 750W PSU might quickly become outdated and may need replacing in the near future.
What We Liked
The MSI MPG A750G is a value-oriented PSU that is relatively affordable and comes with a decent efficiency rating. It has an acceptable build quality, is fully modular, and complies with the newest ATX 3.0 standard.
What We Disliked
While 750W of capacity is technically within the recommended specs for an RTX 4080, it still does not allow enough headroom for overclocking your components. You may also find yourself limited by your PSU’s wattage while planning future upgrades.
Who Is It For?
If you are looking for a budget-oriented RTX 4080 compatible PSU, then the MSI MPG A750G is the one to consider. It offers great value for money and offers many of the latest features that are found in premium PSUs.
What Makes It The Best Budget PSU for RTX 4080?
The MSI MPG A750G is the best budget PSU for RTX 4080 thanks to its affordable price tag, high value for money, decent efficiency, and excellent set of features.
Corsair RM850x Shift
Best Overall PSU for RTX 4080
Form Factor: ATX | Wattage: 850W | Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Gold | Modularity: Full Modular | ATX 3.0: Yes | 12VHPWR: 1x 16-Pin PCIe 5.0 Cable
Pros
- Reliability of Corsair
- Unique connector layout
- Highly efficient
- Low noise levels
Cons
- Limited expansion headroom
- Relatively pricy for 850W
Corsair’s RMx series has always been among the most popular and trusted PSU lineups among enthusiasts. It has garnered a reputation for being ultra-reliable and durable over the long run while having excellent after-sales customer support. The RMx series can be described as the “boring and safe” option, and the Corsair RM850x Shift continues the same trend for the RTX 4080.
Our chosen model is the 850W unit, which is the sweet spot for a modern gaming build centered around the RTX 4080. While NVIDIA recommends 750W as a bare minimum, it is always beneficial to have a little bit of extra headroom for other components and variances in power draw. Having some wattage headroom is crucial for stable and consistent operation, especially if you plan to overclock your GPU and CPU.
The RM850x Shift is certified for 80 PLUS Gold levels of efficiency, which generally means that the PSU can hit around 90% efficiency at 50% load levels. This is widely considered to be an above-average level of efficiency for computer PSUs, and while higher levels such as Platinum and Titanium do exist, the Gold tier represents the best balance of efficiency and value.
With efficiency also comes silence. The RM850x is an exceptional performer in this regard, as it has a high focus on acoustics. The PSU comes with a Zero RPM mode in which the fan turns off under light loads. Speaking of the fan, the 140mm Corsair-branded fan is exceptionally silent and crafted for maximum airflow without producing too much noise. The blades are specifically designed to reduce turbulence in the intake.
The Corsair RM850x Shift also has a unique trick up its sleeve. Corsair has somewhat redefined the traditional PSU styling with its approach to the PSU’s modular connectors. The connectors for the modular cables are now found on the side of the PSU, facing the side panel. This allows for a much easier path for the cables and cleans up the clutter as well. Cable management is also much easier, thanks to the new routing channels.
On the subject of RTX 4080 PSU cables, the RM850x also complies fully with the new ATX 3.0 standard and comes equipped with a 16-pin 12VHPWR cable for your RTX 4080. Having native support for the new standard will prevent you from using the RTX 4080 PSU adapter, which has been causing some unprecedented problems lately.
As far as 850W PSUs go, the Corsair RM850x Shift falls somewhat on the higher end of the price range. Its premium spot may be justified thanks to its brand reliability factor and unique design approach. However, it is still something to be considered before finalizing the purchase decision.
Of course, the 850W wattage capacity may limit your expansion potential in the future, but that is not an immediate concern. One must take into account the future-proofing aspect before finalizing their decision on this particular PSU.
What We Liked
The Corsair RM850x Shift is an excellent all-rounder that covers all the bases. It has a decent wattage capacity, acceptable efficiency, superb acoustics, and complies with the new ATX 3.0 standard.
What We Disliked
The RM850x falls towards the premium end of the price range for 850W PSUs on the market. Moreover, the limited wattage headroom may prove to be a limitation for future expansion.
Who Is It For?
Corsair’s RM850x Shift is a safe option that is ideal for anyone that is looking for an ATX 3.0 compatible PSU for the RTX 40-series graphics cards.
What Makes It The Best Overall PSU for RTX 4080?
The RM850x efficiently and effectively covers all the bases of a high-quality PSU, and that is what makes it the best overall PSU for RTX 4080.
ATX 3.0 PSUs – Will You Need One?
ATX 3.0 is the newest standard for power supplies on the consumer desktop market. This upgrade is targeted mostly at GPUs and how the power supply interacts with graphics cards. Currently, most GPUs are powered by the PSU through a combination of 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe cables that are rated for 75W and 150W of power draw, respectively. However, that is changing with the introduction of ATX 3.0 PSUs.
Modern graphics cards, starting with the RTX 40-series from NVIDIA, now use a new PCIe connector that is more reliable and much more advanced than the conventional one. This connector has 16 pins in a 12+4 configuration, with 4 of those being signal pins. These pins establish a communication stream between the PSU and the graphics card.
ATX 3.0 PSUs come with a new cable for this 16-pin connector, and that cable is known as the 12VHPWR cable. NVIDIA also calls this cable the PCIe Gen 5 or PCIe 5.0 cable, but it is pretty much the same thing. These cables have different power limits ranging from 150W-600W. Most power supplies carry the 450W cable for consumer desktop GPUs.
You do not necessarily need to buy a new power supply for RTX 4080 though. The graphics card does come with adapters that can convert regular 8-pin PCIe cables to a 16-pin output for the graphics card. Be advised, however, that these adapters are less reliable than native cables, and there have been reported cases of the RTX 4080 melting PSU adapters.
In essence, the new ATX 3.0 standard comes with loads of improvements in reliability and durability with respect to GPU power cables. However, the transition will certainly take time, and you can still use your current PSU with adapters in the meantime. If you are buying a new PSU, however, be sure to spring for a new ATX 3.0 PSU.
What Is The Minimum PSU For RTX 4080
NVIDIA officially recommends a 750W PSU as the minimum PSU for RTX 4080. While this is a fairly reasonable recommendation for a modern GPU, it is still not completely inflexible. It is quite difficult to recommend one power supply that would be ideal for every single RTX 4080 build out there. Remember, the power supply is not there just to power your graphics card but your whole PC.
This is why it is extremely important to consider the power draw of other components in your build before finalizing your decision. If you have a high-core-count CPU, or if you plan on overclocking your components, then it would be wise to leave some headroom with an 850W power supply.
If you have a heavy-duty workstation with an emphasis on reliability, it may not be unreasonable to consider a 1000W power supply. The extra headroom will serve you well if you plan to overclock your components, and you will have plenty of space for future expansion.
How We Picked The Best PSU For RTX 4080
Shopping for a power supply can be quite confusing for novices and experts alike. Moreover, choosing the best PSU for RTX 4080 is an even trickier task due to the new 16-pin connector that this graphics card uses. Here are some key factors to keep in mind.
Also Read: Best PSU For RTX 4090
Wattage
While NVIDIA recommends a 750W power supply for the RTX 4080, there is still room for flexibility in this number, depending on your gaming PC power usage and the components in your PC. It is hard to recommend a single wattage number that would satisfy every single build combination out there without being overkill. Considering 850W or even 1000W power supplies might not be completely unreasonable if you want headroom for future expansion.
Efficiency
While it is hard to judge the efficiency of a power supply just by looking at its product page, there are still some indicators that are helpful in this regard. The 80 PLUS certification has been the gold standard for some time now, and it gives a pretty good idea of a PSU’s efficiency under different loads. For the RTX 4080, it should be important to get a PSU with at least 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating, while Platinum and Titanium are a bonus.
Modularity
Nowadays, cable management is quite a crucial process in PC building. Nobody wants to look at a mess of cables inside their beautiful PC, and this is where modular power supplies are helpful. A modular PSU allows you to connect only the cables that you need for your build. Most modern power supplies do have a modular layout, but there are still some that use the conventional layout in the budget sector.
ATX 3.0 Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, the ATX 3.0 standard has quickly taken over, and it is becoming quite crucial for modern PSUs. In a nutshell, power supplies must comply with the ATX 3.0 standard in order to directly power the new RTX 40-series GPUs and possibly more GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD in the near future. This standard allows the PSUs to provide a 16-pin 12VHPWR cable that is much more powerful than conventional 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe cables.
Why You Should Trust Us
Here at Tech4Gamers, we take immense pride in our proficiency in providing precise recommendations rooted in meticulous testing and empirical evidence. Our passionate team engages in thorough and specialized assessments of each product, extracting invaluable insights about its performance, durability, user-friendliness, practicality, and overall value.
In order to find the best PSU for 4080 16GB, our team selected a host of target power supplies that satisfied our meticulous criteria. The PSUs were then analyzed through a barrage of tests, yielding important information regarding their efficiency, maximum load capacity, transient response, and general reliability.
Combining the vast amount of objective data with hands-on analysis of the products, our team was able to curate a list of the very best PSUs that you can buy for the RTX 4080 right now.
FAQs
NVIDIA recommends a 750W PSU as the minimum for the RTX 4080. It is recommended that the PSU be compatible with the ATX 3.0 standard, but you can use older PSUs with adapters as well.
A 750W PSU is the minimum that is recommended by NVIDIA for the RTX 4080. Depending on your PC’s configuration, you may need to get a higher-capacity PSU.
The ideal range of PSU for the RTX 4080 is between 850W and 1000W. You can get away with a 750W PSU as well, but that does not leave a lot of headroom for expansion.
You do not necessarily need a new PSU for the RTX 4080 if you already have a PSU of 750W or higher. However, you will need to use adapters for the PCIe cable. An ATX 3.0 PSU is recommended for RTX 40-series GPUs.
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[Reviews Specialist]
Usman Saleem brings 8+ years of comprehensive PC hardware expertise to the table. His journey in the tech world has involved in-depth tech analysis and insightful PC hardware reviews, perfecting over 6+ years of dedicated work. Usman’s commitment to staying authentic and relevant in the field is underscored by many professional certifications, including a recent one in Google IT Support Specialization.
- 8+ years of specialized PC hardware coverage
- 6+ years of in-depth PC hardware analysis and reviews
- Lead PC hardware expert across multiple tech journalism platforms
- Certified in Google IT Support Specialization
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