The RTX 3090 was the first attempt by Nvidia to create a true 90-class graphics card. Though it is a very capable 8K gaming GPU, the RTX 3090 high power consumption is a cause of concern for many PC enthusiasts.
This is because the RTX 3090 is one of the most power-hungry GPUs of the RTX generation, with relatively poor efficiency numbers in terms of performance to power draw when compared to other GPUs in its class. Thankfully, it is leaps and bounds ahead of most other GPUs in terms of pure performance, showcasing well when it comes to 4K gaming.
RTX 3090 Power Consumption
The RTX 3090 power consumption draws about 348 to 358 Watts on average. Its power consumption jumps to about 408 Watts when overclocking. The RTX 3090 also exhibits sudden momentary transient spikes upwards of 450 watts.
These power consumption values of the RTX 3090 are considered high and inefficient. Though, it does have superior specs giving a considerable performance gap at 1440p and 4K compared to other mid and lower-end GPUs at the of the stack.
For RTX 3090 AiB partner models, keep in mind that the value might change by about 50 watts, though the momentary spikes should remain the same. For overclocking to reach power limits, the RTX 3090 maxes out at around 500 watts.
How Many Watts Does an RTX 3090 Use Per Hour?
So long as the RTX 3090 does not experience frequent load jumps, it will typically consume about 0.35 kilowatt-hours per hour. Extrapolated to playing the latest games for at least two hours per day, you would accumulate 6.3-kilowatt hours per week (does not include regular browsing use).
RTX 3090 Power Supply Requirements
Nvidia recommends at least a 750W PSU wattage requirement for the RTX 3090. This is an average value that compensates for different PSU products, but would not exactly provide the right protection for transient loads longer than 20ms. That being said, this provides more than enough wattage value for anybody interested in overclocking their systems.
In exchange for now having to use the new adapter for non-Founders Edition models, you might have to step up the wattage higher, since default power values vary greatly. A good clue would simply be to look at the number of 8-pin power connectors required.
Recommended RTX 3090 Graphics Card
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX™ 3090 Trinity OC
We recommend going for the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX™ 3090 Trinity OC as it offers great graphical performance but is relatively cheaper than other RTX 3090 GPUs. It has 24GB GDDR6X of memory along with a 1710 MHz clock that makes this a very capable 4K gaming GPU.
For its features, it offers very high-quality thermal sensors for the best performance monitoring. It also has active fan control for the quietest experience possible while still taming the RTX 3090’s heat buildup. Last but not the least, the visual design of this GPU is appealing yet simple enough to go well with almost any build in addition to having a metal front plate for added stability.
Recommended Power Supply for RTX 3090
Corsair RM1000x
Not exactly a perfect match, but the most practical PSU to use with the RTX 3090 is the Corsair RM1000x. It is a fully modular PSU with a Gold 80 Plus efficiency certification. It is also the premiere bang-for-the-buck option at the higher end, offering a very stable power draw backed with a 10-year warranty. It is also rated at A-tier.
The Corsair RM1000x also offers other efficiency-related features, such as low-noise, high-endurance cooling fans, and an up-to-bottom port layout. It even has other perks such as Modern Standby mode, which maintains its rated efficiency even at low loads.
RTX 3090 Power Connector
You need at least two regular 8-pin PCI connectors for standard RTX 3090 models, and then three for the higher-end or more tweakable AiB models. If you are using the Founders Edition model, you will need to use the new 12-pin adapter included in the product. It connects diagonally to the GPU, so you will have to route the cables a bit differently than typical configurations.
