The RTX 4090 is the ultimate GeForce GPU capable of true high-refresh-rate 4K gaming. In exchange for this raw rasterization power, the RTX 4090 requires relatively high power consumption in watts just to function on its own and needs the new specialized 16-pin power adapter first introduced by the RTX 3090.
But as much as enthusiasts feared for its predicted power draw, the power consumption of the RTX 4090 is actually quite reasonable given its fantastic performance. Thus, the 4090 is considered a huge jump in performance efficiency over its predecessor.
RTX 4090 Power Consumption
In gaming tests, the average power consumption of the RTX 4090 is about 384 to 436Watts depending on the game. While In FurMark tests, the RTX 4090 power consumption is about 470 to 496 Watts. The RTX 4090 also has momentary transient spikes upwards of 33% to 40% over nominal power or about 630 Watts.
These power consumption values sit at the upper end of the power consumption spectrum when it comes to GPUs.Thus continues the overall upward trend of GPU power consumption. Though the RTX 4090 improved performance efficiency compensates significantly compared to the RTX 3090. Thankfully, the RTX 4090 pushes more frames than what is typically expected of its energy use.As for the difference between AIB RTX 4090 models, power consumption numbers may vary by about 20-35 watts.
How Many Watts Does an RTX 4090 Use Per Hour?
With measured time intervals, the RTX 4090 will typically consume about 0.45 kilowatt-hours per hour. If you play modern games on this GPU for at least two hours per day, you will consume about 6.3 kilowatt hours per week.
RTX 4090 Power Supply Requirement
Nvidia officially lists the PSU requirement for the RTX 4090 at 850W. This is a mean value that would compensate for different PSU product tiers and would leave enough headroom to prevent overload protections from triggering whenever transient power spikes occur. This wattage value also gives ample overclocking allowance for more dedicated enthusiasts should they wish to do so.For premium non-Founders Edition RTX 4090 models, it might be safer to purchase a 1000W or 1200W PSU, as some RTX 4090 graphics cards recommend up to a 1200W Power Supply.
Recommended RTX 4090 Graphics Card
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 Trinity OC
We recommend the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 Trinity OC because it has 24GB GDDR6X of memory along with a 2535 MHz boost clock allowing for top-of-the-line graphical performance such as great 4K gaming on high-quality settings in many of the top games. It is also considerably cheaper than other RTX 4090 GPUs but offers basically the same performance.
Its integrated cooling solution is expectedly very robust, able to tame the power-hungry AD102NVIDIA Ada Lovelace chip. Its visual design is aesthetically pleasing and is unlike any other GPU on the market. Having a metal backplate also helps in stabilizing the GPU, as it is truly a massive beast to install on any system so keep that in mind also when choosing a case.
Recommended Power Supply for the RTX 4090
Corsair HX1200
For a specific PSU to utilize with the RTX 4090, we recommend using the Corsair HX1200. This is a fully modular PSU with a Platinum 80 Plus efficiency certification, a very robust PCB design, a 1200-watt capacity to protect against potential transient power consumption spikes, and a 10-year warranty. It also offers the full suite of power protections of a top-of-the-line PSU and is rated at A-tier.
This is important especially if you are pairing it with a higher-end CPU because some AIB RTX 4090 graphics cards recommend a 1200W power supply. Just be sure to follow the proper steps in securing the 12VHPWR 16-pin adapter plug to the motherboard, and you shouldn’t have any issues with either potential cable burns or melting.
RTX 4090 Power Connector
The RTX 4090 requires the 12VHPWR 16-pin plug to draw additional power and provide more monitoring from the PSU. Unlike previous PCI connectors, there is a bit more force required to properly secure the connection (see link above), so it is generally recommended to plug the adapter first before installing the GPU into the motherboard.
