When it comes to PC gaming, the power supply unit is an often overlooked component. Many people are tempted to buy high-end graphics cards, but they forget that these GPUs need a powerful PSU to work at optimal performance. If a power supply unit doesn’t have enough power, the GPU will struggle to run properly and may even overheat.
Nvidia’s RTX 3090 Ti is the fastest single-slot RTX 40-series card that can be used in small cases. It draws far less power than the RTX 4080 and RTX 2080, which require three slots each and consume more than 850 watts. In fact, Nvidia says that the new card uses 49 percent less power than the RTX 4080.
The recommended 850W power supply for the 3090 ti should be sufficient for most systems, but it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing one. A good 850W PSU will provide enough power to handle the transient power spikes that can occur when the card is under load.
Another thing to keep in mind is the number of drives, lighting, and fans you have installed in your system. If you have several of each, it’s best to choose a higher-wattage PSU that can accommodate the power demands of all of these components at once.
When it comes to selecting a PSU, look for one that has an advertised continuous power rating, which means that it can sustain the required wattage continuously for a long time. A good PSU will also be able to handle power spikes that occur when you are gaming.