Best Power Supplies for RTX 50 Series: Don’t Let Your GPU Starve in 2025

GeForce RTX 50 series features cutting-edge capabilities and functionalities, including powerful Blackwell architecture that comes with advanced Tensor and RT cores as well as AI enhancement. These GPU models, including GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070, RTX 5060 Ti, and RTX 5060, are engineered to perform any graphically-intensive tasks seamlessly; as a result, they can uplift performance and demand significant power requirements. 

Therefore, finding a suitable power supply unit for these power-hungry graphics cards is critically important for stability, efficiency, and safety. PSUs play a critical role in your rig, cleaning incoming power from the wall and supplying the requisite amount of power to each PC component, including graphics cards. Hence, if you are looking to upgrade to RTX 50 series GPUs, you need to upgrade or find a suitable power supply unit as well. 

In this article, we will help you find the best PSU for the UK version of the RTX 50 series so that you can make a well-informed decision. 

But first, we see why you should spend your time and energy to find the best PSU for your RTX 50 series GPUs.

Why PSU Selection Matters for the RTX 50 Series:

Here are some factors that make it extremely important to buy a suitable PSU for your RTX 50 series UK variant GPUs. 

Unlike previous RTX 40 series, GeForce RTX 5090 and GeForce RTX 5080 demand comparatively higher amounts of power. 

Here is the TGP/TDP of the 50-Series GPUs and NVIDIA’s recommended PSU wattages.

You should note that RTX 50 series graphics cards demand a higher amount of power as compared to the previous RTX 40 and RTX 30 series, demanding upgrading your PSU as well if you are already using a rig. For instance, RTX 5090’s 575W TGP indicates a 27% increase over RTX 4090, which has 450W TGP. This high power demand is driven by Blackwell Architecture, GDDR7 memory, and almost 2x performance as compared to previous RTX generations. 

A connector is also a major consideration. Earlier, there were speculations that the RTX 50 series would require multiple 12V2x6 connections; however, much to the relief of users, RTX 50 series graphics cards only demand a single 12V2x6 / 12VHPWR cable.

If you have failed to find a sufficient PSU or it is an underpowered supply, your system may suffer terribly from performance drops, sluggishness, crashes, system instability, black screen and boot failure, visual artifacts, screen flickering, and other display issues. This is because an incompatible GPU leads to reduced clock speed, causing instability and crashes.

Understanding RTX 50 Power Requirements:

You need to look into the following factors to ensure that you choose the best PSU for RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070. 

1. Wattage:

For RTX 5090, NVIDIA recommends a 1000W PSU for most systems, depending on hardware configuration. For instance, if your rig has a high-end CPU or other additional components such as storage devices, you need a PSU with 1200W or above. 

RTX 5080 is less power-hungry, though it nonetheless requires a huge amount. NVIDIA recommends a 850W PSU for ordinary usage; however, for overclocking purposes, a larger PSU rated at 1000W or above should be considered. 

For RTX 5070, the estimated total wattage is 553 watts, and users are recommended to buy a 700 watts-rated PSU to supply power to the CPU, motherboard, peripherals, and other PC components. 

2. Power Connectors: 

RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 both come with support for PCIe Gen 5 16-pin connector (12VHPWR/12V-2×6). Therefore, you are strongly recommended to use a modern ATX 3.0 or ideally, you should prefer an ATX 3.1 PSU that comes with native 16-pin connectors. If you meet this PCIe 5.0 compatibility for RTX 5090, you can ensure high power delivery and transient spikes that these NVIDIA Graphics Cards warrant for optimum performance. 

The requirements of the power connectors of each RTX 50 series UK variant are listed below: 

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 – 12V-2×6 power cable

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 – 12V-2×6 power cable

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 –12V-2×6 power cable

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 –12V-2×6 power cable

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 –12V-2×6 power cable

3. Headroom: 

Headroom is an extra power supply that your Gaming PC requires. In this regard, it is recommended to have at least 20–30% wattage headroom above the power requirement during peak performance, which will ensure system stability and a prolonged lifespan of your PSU.

Having discussed the power requirements of the RTX 50 series, it is now pertinent here to discuss key factors that you consider before making an ultimate decision vis-à-vis which PSU best suits your needs.

Key Factors in Choosing a PSU for RTX 50 Series:

Here are some factors that you need to know. 

1. 80 PLUS Certification: Bronze vs Gold vs Platinum vs Titanium:

Energy efficiency is also important. In this regard, usually, three categories are used to indicate energy efficiency: 80 PLUS Gold, 80 PLUS Platinum, and 80 PLUS Bronze. 

You are advised to buy a PSU that features 80 Plus Gold or Platinum certification. Higher energy efficiency allows you to ensure lower heat output and improved performance. In particular, if you are running a high-end CPU and other components, 80 Plus Gold certification can help you achieve 92% efficiency, whereas 80 Plus Platinum certification can allow you to ensure up to 94% energy efficiency.

80 PLUS Bronze provides at least 85% energy efficiency at 50% load at 230V.  This category is usually recommended for budget-conscious users; otherwise, 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum is recommended. 

2. Modular vs Semi-modular vs non-Modular PSUs:

In addition to power connectors and wattage, you need to choose between modular, semi-modular, and non-modular PSUs. Let’s explain them one by one. 

Modular PSU supports the detaching of cables, allowing users to enjoy the cleanest cable management and the best and most well-optimized airflow. Modular PSUs are expensive and larger, but they offer greater flexibility and space for upgrades. For high-end graphics like RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, fully modular PSUs are recommended. 

Semi-modular PSUs support both detachable and permanently attached cables. Some essential cables are hard-wired, such as ATX 24-pin, one PCIe cable, 8-pin CPU, and EPS power, whereas other cables can be removed or plugged in if the need arises. Semi-modular PSUs combine both budget and ease of installation. 

Non-modular PSUs are those PSU that comes with all cables permanently attached. They offer limited space and less optimized airflow. They are the cheapest available PSUs, but they cause cable-cluttering and feature limited customization. 

As a recommendation, for high-end graphics cards like the RTX 50 series, fully modular PSUs are advised for users to ensure clean cable management and optimized airflow.

Now, we move to another section, in which we will suggest the best available supply unit, allowing you to buy future-proof PSUs for next-gen Graphics Cards for the UK and beyond. 

Best High-End PSUs for RTX 5090 Builds:

Here are our top PSU recommendations for GeForce RTX 5090.

• Corsair HX1500i:

Featuring 1,500-watt, Cybenetics-Platinum and 80 Plus Platinum certification, and the capability to connect with iCUE for power and performance monitoring, Corsair HX1500i can provide enough headroom for RTX 5090 and other high-performing PC components. 

• Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W:

Supporting ATX 3.0 form factor, 1200W wattage, 80 plus Gold efficiency certification, 12VHPWR PCI cable, and a silent profile, Seasonic Vertex GX-1200W is ranked as the best 1200W PSU for RTX 5090.

• MSI MAG A1000GL:

Dubbed as the best value PSU for RTX 5090, MSI MAG A1000GL features an ATX form factor, 1000W wattage, 80+ Gold efficiency, and a 12V-2x6 PCI cable. You can achieve an incredible value-for-money proposition.

• 1200W ASUS ROG Strix Platinum Modular 80 Plus Platinum PSU

Featuring ATX Form Factor, 2 x 8-Pin EPS CPU, 4 x 6+2-Pin PCIe, 12V-2x6 Support, and 6 x SATA, the ASUS ROG Strix Platinum Modular 80 Plus Platinum 1200W PSU is recommended for high-end rig needs housing an RTX 5090 along with other advanced PC components.

Also, for a more tech-savvy decision, you can check our detailed guide on RTX 5090 compatibility with the PSU, alongside other PC components, including motherboard, processor, and PC Case for your gaming PC. 

Best Mid-Range PSUs for RTX 5080 & 5070 Ti:

Here are our top PSU recommendations for RTX 5080 and RTX 5070. 

• 850W MSI MAG A850GN PCIE5 80 Plus Gold PSU:

Supporting ATX Form Factor, 2 x 8-Pin EPS CPU, 2 x 6+2-Pin PCIe, 12V-2x6 Support, 4 x SATA, and 2 x Molex, the MSI MAG A850GN PCIE5 80 Plus Gold PSU is recommended for RTX 5070 as a cost-effective PSU solution.

• TUF Gaming 850W Gold:

It is equipped with ATX12V internal form factor, ATX 3.0 standard, 80 PLUS Gold efficiency, CPU 4+4-pin x 2, PCI-E 16-pin x 1 (both PSU & component side), PCI-E 8-pin x 3, SATA x 5, and PERIPHERAL x 4 cable connectors. TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is suggested for GeForce RTX 5070 and GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards. 

• MSI MAG A850GL:

Featuring 12V-2×6 cable, ATX 3.1 and PCIE 5.1 ready, and an 80 Plus Gold efficiency rating, MSI MAG A850GL is a PSU that is an extremely affordable option for the RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 GPUs.

• RMx Series RM1000x Fully Modular Power Supply:

Supporting fully modular, type-4 connectors, Cybenetics Gold-certified, and Zero RPM Fan Mode for near-silent operation at lower loads, Corsair RM1000x is perfectly suitable for RTX 50 series GPUs, including RTX 5070 and RTX 5080. 

Final Words:

There is no denying that the GeForce RTX 50 series is a set of powerful GPUs that have been built, featuring cutting-edge graphics and computation capabilities. However, a fully compatible rig, no matter whether it is pre-built or DIY, is a key requirement to exploit the potential of these ultimate gaming GPUs. 

In this regard, the fully compatible Power Supply Unit, motherboard, case, and optimal cooling system are must-have requirements for achieving optimal performance. In this article, we have discussed how to find the best PSU for RTX 5090 and other RTX 50 series models so that you can perform all of your high-end tasks with ease and confidence. Thanks for reading. We are looking forward to receiving your feedback to make our blogs more engaging and informative.