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The Rumoured RTX 50 GPUs Set to Break Records—And Your Power Supply!
January 4, 2025Leaks suggest the new RTX 50 GPUs, rumoured to debut at CES next week, will deliver unprecedented performance but at the cost of a significant jump in power requirements. If you’re eyeing the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, or their siblings, brace yourself—not just for jaw-dropping graphics but also for potential upgrades to your entire system, starting with your power supply.
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RTX 50 Series: A Beastly Lineup
Nvidia is expected to unveil the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070, targeting performance enthusiasts and gamers who live for cutting-edge technology. The RTX 5090 is set to take centre stage, marking the first time in over two years that a GPU outpaces the RTX 4090. With promises of groundbreaking performance, these cards are poised to redefine PC gaming benchmarks.
While raw power excites the gaming community, the anticipated thermal design power (TDP) numbers are a double-edged sword. Reports suggest the following TDPs for the RTX 50 lineup:
- RTX 5090: 575 W (up from 450 W for the RTX 4090)
- RTX 5080: 360 W (up from 320 W for the RTX 4080 Super)
This leap positions the RTX 5090 perilously close to the limits of a single 12VHPWR connector, capable of delivering up to 600 W. With the PCIe slot adding an extra 75 W, the potential max power draw for these GPUs could reach 675 W.
But there’s a silver lining: peak power consumption doesn’t necessarily translate to consistent, higher power usage during gameplay. The RTX 5090’s rumoured performance-per-watt efficiency might still make it an attractive option for those seeking ultimate performance without unnecessary waste.
Why You Might Need a New Power Supply
The RTX 4090 already requires an 850 W power supply, and early indicators suggest Nvidia might recommend a 1,000 W PSU for the RTX 5090. This upgrade ensures enough headroom for both the GPU and the rest of the system, especially during power-intensive moments. Gamers aiming for a no-compromise rig may need to budget not only for the GPU itself but also for a robust power supply to support it.
Why such a drastic jump in power requirements? The answer lies in the balance between performance gains and manufacturing constraints. Chip manufacturing advancements have slowed in recent years, meaning Nvidia must lean on power increases to deliver the performance leap gamers crave. While this approach is effective, it puts added pressure on system components and raises concerns about heat dissipation and energy efficiency.
Should You Upgrade?
The RTX 50 series’ performance gains promise to be monumental, but they come with caveats. Upgrading to these GPUs could mean:
- Higher upfront costs: The GPUs themselves will likely come with premium price tags, and upgrading other components like PSUs won’t come cheap.
- Heat management concerns: More power means more heat. Proper cooling solutions are essential to maintain system stability.
- Future-proofing considerations: For gamers on older systems, these GPUs might necessitate broader upgrades, from motherboards to cases.
RTX 50 Series and Competition
The new GPUs will enter a highly competitive landscape. AMD and Intel are also pushing their hardware boundaries, offering alternatives that may appeal to gamers looking for more energy-efficient or cost-effective options. Nvidia’s rumoured leap in performance could give it an edge, but the higher power demands might alienate budget-conscious gamers or those with older rigs.
The RTX 50 series is shaping up to be a game-changer, but it’s also raising questions about what PC gamers will need to do to keep up. If you’re in the market for a high-performance GPU, start prepping your rig now—because these cards aren’t just coming for your frames; they’re coming for your wattage.
