The RTX 3060 might not be the strongest addition to Nvidia’s Geforce RTX 30 series, but it’s certainly powerful enough to satisfy those who are looking for a mid-range build. Designed to compete with the top GPUs from the RTX 20 series, the RTX 3060 becomes one of the most affordable mid-range graphics cards out there if you can get it at MSRP. Now, the question is- what does it take to power it? Will an older PSU still work? Let’s find out by exploring the 8 best PSUs for RTX 3060.
RTX 3060 PSU Requirements
According to Nvidia, the RTX 3060 has a TDP of 170W, which is 30W less than its TI variant. This translates to lower power requirements than what we’ve seen with the previous generations of Nvidia GPUs as well as the rest of the RTX 30 series.
As far as power supplies are concerned, Nvidia recommends a minimum of 550W. However, if you plan to overclock the GPU or pair it with a demanding CPU, you should consider a 600-650W PSU instead with a good efficiency rating. It all depends on your overall PC configuration, so make sure to take each component into account and leave some headroom for safety. We’re going to explore a series of 600-650W power supplies since the RTX 3060 is best suited for a midrange system.
1. EVGA SuperNOVA 650 P2
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 650W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Platinum | Modularity: Full | Warranty: 10 years
Key features:
- Up to 92% to 94% efficiency under standard loads
- 140mm Double Ball Bearing cooling fan for silent operation
- Fully modular
- SLI and Crossfire ready
- High-quality Japanese capacitors
The P2 series from EVGA is known as the Mercedes class of power supplies. It offers Platinum-rated performance and it’s built to last. This is a luxury PSU. It is powerful and it will have no trouble handling an RTX 3060, however, you probably won’t notice that platinum efficiency. Theoretically, that translates to a 3% increase in efficiency compared to a standard gold-rated power supply. If all you care about is power, you’ll find cheaper alternatives on our list.
On the other hand, EVGA packed several valuable features into the design of the P2 series and they offer a hard-to-beat 10-year warranty. This 650W PSU is fully modular, thus eliminating clutter as much as possible and improving the airflow inside the case. This feature alone justifies the price tag because it has a significant impact on your overall setup. After all, you don’t want to run every piece of hardware hotter than necessary just because there are entangled cables everywhere.
Like any other premium power supply, the P2 is also equipped with an ECO fan system that keeps the PSU operating with zero fan noise under low to medium loads. This feature combined with the sizable 140mm double ball-bearing fan will guarantee quiet operation. Furthermore, the package includes a free 24-pin power tester, velcro cable ties, and a bag to store all the extra cables you don’t need for your setup.
All in all, the P2 offers a lot of value and reliable performance. It’s one of the best power supplies for those who are looking for a hassle-free solution.
2. EVGA 600 BQ
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 600W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Bronze | Modularity: Semi | Warranty: 3 years
Key features:
- Up to 85% efficiency
- Fluid dynamic bearing fan
- Heavy-duty protections
- Powerful +12V rail
EVGA is mostly known for their premium lines of power supplies, however, they also offer a less well-known budget series – the BQ series. The 600W BQ is a bronze-rated power supply that offers reliable performance at up to 85% efficiency. This might not sound impressive when comparing this PSU to a platinum-rated one, but the only disadvantage here is the slightly higher power bill.
In terms of modularity, the BQ line is semi-modular. The only permanently attached cables are those that you have to use in every build, so you still can maintain a clutter-free case.
The downside is that this PSU lacks the most features we find in higher quality power supplies. In essence, it’s a barebones PSU that provides 600W of reliable power, which is enough for most systems built around the RTX 3060 GPU. Keep in mind this is an entry-level PSU.
3. Segotep 650W
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 650W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: Full | Warranty: 5 years
Key features:
- Up to 90% efficiency
- 140mm slim fan design
- Tight voltage regulation for optimized output
- High overclocking potential thanks to strong power outputs
“Never cheap out on the PSU” is a solid piece of advice we often say, but in this case, we can make an exception. This 650W PSU from Segotep, a brand that doesn’t have much reputation in the West at the moment but highly popular in Asia, is a solid choice that won’t disappoint the average PC user. You can barely find anything that can compete at this price level.
Segotep offers 650W of gold-certified power and full modularity. Backed by a 5-year warranty, this power supply offers a lot of value for the price. The manufacturer didn’t cut any corners on safety either. This power supply comes with all the protection you’d expect, such as over current, voltage, temperature, short circuit, and under-voltage protection. Voltage fluctuations are also tightly kept in check as the power output is clean with minimal noise and ripple.
In essence, this 650W PSU from Segotep is an undiscovered gem. The price falls in the budget category, but the design and build are that of a midrange to a premium power supply.
4. Corsair RM 650x
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 650W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: Full | Warranty: 10 years
Key features:
- Up to 90% efficiency
- Zero RPM fan mode
- Low noise at full load
- Compact design for modern cases
- 100% high-end Japanese capacitors
Corsair has a solid reputation in the world of power supplies and their RMx series is one of the most mainstream lines of PSUs out there. The RM650x in particular is a popular choice for RTX3060 builds because it offers 650W of power and it’s rated Gold for efficiency. Most mainstream builds won’t need anything more than that and the Gold certification means that your power consumption will be reasonably low. In addition, the RMx is entirely modular, so you only need to connect the cables you need, thus ensuring a clean, tidy build with good airflow.
As for premium features, the RMx sports a Zero RPM cooling mode. The power supply won’t engage its cooling system under light to medium operation loads. Therefore, you can enjoy completely silent operation while you aren’t running any demanding programs and games. However, even under full load, the PSU will be fairly quiet thanks to the sizeable 140mm fan. Smaller fans tend to run faster and even emit a shrilling noise when reaching their maximum speed.
All in all, the RMx remains a solid option for any RTX 3060 build and it won’t break the bank either. Corsair even offers a 10-year warranty for this line of power supplies, so your RMx should remain in peak condition until you perform a significant upgrade.
5. Thermaltake Smart 600W
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 600W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus White | Modularity: None | Warranty: 5 years
Key features:
- Between 82% – 86% efficiency
- 120mm silent cooling fan
- Haswell Ready
- Powerful +12V rail
If you’re on a tight budget, the Thermaltake Smart 600 is a reasonable option but far from the best. It provides enough power for most RTX 3060 systems and it comes with an ensuring 5-year warranty. But that’s about it. This PSU isn’t modular, and it’s rated White for efficiency. That’s the lowest rating a power supply can have. That also means high electricity bills that over time will end up costing you more than a Gold-rated PSU. You can find better options in the same price range, or find a few extra dollars and purchase the superior Segotep 650W. In the long run, this power supply isn’t worth the purchase, but if you don’t have a choice at the moment, it will handle the RTX 3060 without a problem.
6. GAMEMAX VP-600
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 600W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Bronze | Modularity: None | Warranty: 3 years
Key features:
- Up to 85% efficiency
- Honeycomb ventilation design
- Single +12V rail design for high amperage
- ECO switch
The VP-600 is another budget entry on our list that provides enough performance for a system built around the RTX 3060. The Brozen-rated power supply is has a capacity of 600W and can maintain 85% efficiency under normal loads.
The major downside is that this PSU isn’t modular, so you’re going to find it difficult to tidy up all the loose cables inside the PC case. Furthermore, its reliability and durability come into question due to the short 3-year warranty offered by the manufacturer.
The VP-600 is an entry-level power supply that will power your computer and keep it safe thanks to all the standard electrical protections it has. However, it’s worth investing a bit more into a superior PSU, preferably modular. Keep in mind, the power supply has an important job to do and it shouldn’t be something you overlook and underappreciate.
7. NZXT C650
Form factor: ATX | Capacity: 650W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: Full | Warranty: 10 years
Key features:
- Optional Zero RPM fan mode
- Fully modular design
- 120mm fluid bearing fan
- Sleeved cables
The C650 was originally designed to support graphics cards up to the RTX 2080 TI. This alone tells us it’s an excellent choice because the RTX 3060 is more efficient when it comes to power requirements, so the C650 will be more than enough. Additionally, this PSU is ideal for PC builders because it’s fully modular. Installation is a breeze and you won’t end up with any clutter in your case. It’s also worth mentioning that the cables are sleeved, so the risk of fraying or being damaged by heat is minimal.
The C650 is a gold-rated power supply that has a premium feel to it while the price is mid-range at best. The design includes a Zero RPM Fan mode that engages the cooling system when medium load conditions are reached. The fan itself is silent despite its smaller size thanks to the fluid dynamic bearings.
NZXT doesn’t disappoint with their C650. The PSU is backed by a 10-year warranty that is also transferable. This power supply is without a doubt one of the best ones you can purchase at a fairly low price.
8. Corsair SF Series SF600
Form factor: SFX | Capacity: 600W | Efficiency rating: 80 Plus Gold | Modularity: Full | Warranty: 7 years
Key features:
- Up to 90% efficiency
- A 92mm fan with a Zero RPM fan mode
- SFX-to-ATX adapter bracket is included to fit the PSU into ATX cases
- Slim, single-sleeved cables for easy cable management
If you’re looking for high-efficiency operation and performance in a small form factor, Corsair offers their SF600 power supply from the SF series. This PSU is ideal for compact PC systems build around the RTX 3060. The 600W it provides is enough, it is entirely modular, and it comes with a Zero RPM Fan mode to operate silently under medium loads.
Corsair guarantees optimal operation up to 7 years with their seven-year warranty. The power supply is durable and should last you through multiple builds thanks to the high-end internal components that include the Japanese electrolytic capacitors.
All in all, the SF600 is proof that you don’t need a bulky power supply to meet the demands of an RTX 3060 system. It offers the same features we find in various premium ATX PSUs, but we have the advantage of keeping the size of the build down to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
The RTX 3060 is a highly efficient graphics card that requires less power than the previous generations. This is good news when it comes to power supplies because all we need to power an average system built around the RTX 3060 is a 600W PSU. Each power supply we reviewed in this article is capable of doing that. So, make your choice based on your budget and on how important certain features are. However, if you plan to use a high-end CPU and overclock your system, you might want to take a loot at the 750W range of PSUs.
