The RTX 5090 has taken the gaming and PC-building world by storm since its release on January 30, 2025. With jaw-dropping performance and next-gen ray tracing capabilities, NVIDIA’s flagship GPU is a beast. But, to be honest, it demands serious power. And that’s where things get tricky.
Choosing the right PSU for the 5090 isn’t just about raw wattage. An underpowered or low-quality power supply can lead to system instability, sudden crashes, or even long-term damage to your precious components.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to buy the best PSU for your 5090. Let’s dive in.
RTX 5090 vs. RTX 4090: What’s New About RTX 5090
NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 (Blackwell) is a massive leap over the RTX 4090 (Ada Lovelace), not just in performance but also in power demands. Before picking a PSU, let’s compare the two and see why your old power supply might not cut it.
Specifications Comparison
According to the GeForce listed info, here is the complete comparison between the everyone-wanted GPU and its previous generation.
| Spec | RTX 5090 (Blackwell) | RTX 4090 (Ada Lovelace) |
| Architecture | Blackwell (GB202) | Ada Lovelace (AD102) |
| CUDA Cores | 21,760 | 16,384 |
| RT Cores | 170 (4th gen) | 128 (3rd gen) |
| Tensor Cores | 680 (5th gen) | 512 (4th gen) |
| Boost Clock | 2.41 GHz | 2.52 GHz |
| Memory | 32 GB GDDR7 | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Interface Width | 512-bit | 384-bit |
| Memory Speed | 28 Gbps | 21 Gbps |
| Memory Bandwidth | 1,792 GB/s | 1,008 GB/s |
| TGP (Total Graphics Power) | 575W | 450W |
Gaming Performance (Average FPS)
| Resolution | RTX 5090 | RTX 4090 | % Difference |
| 1080p Ultra | 259 | 217 | +19% |
| 1440p Ultra | 210 | 175 | +20% |
| 4K Ultra | 126 | 104 | +21% |
Power Requirements for the RTX 5090: Why a 1000W PSU is Recommended
While the RTX 5090's TDP is rated at 575W, real-world testing shows it can regularly pull 550- 600W under heavy gaming loads, with transient spikes exceeding 700W in some scenarios. These sudden power surges - lasting just milliseconds - are what separate adequate PSUs from truly reliable ones.
NVIDIA suggests a minimum 1000W power supply for systems running the RTX 5090, a significant jump from the 850W recommended for the RTX 4090. This accounts for the GPU's higher base power draw and more aggressive transient spikes.
Why a 1000W PSU is the Smart Choice
A quality 1000W PSU provides three key advantages:
- Transient spike headroom: Prevents shutdowns when the GPU briefly demands extra power
- Efficiency and longevity: Operates in the optimal 40-80% load range for best performance
- Future-proofing: Accommodates power-hungry components and next-gen upgrades
However, as highlighted by a tech researcher team, “For systems with high-end CPUs or extensive overclocking, consider 1200W or even 1600W units.” But in addition to power output, are there any factors to consider?
How to Pick a PSU for 5090: Other Factors to Consider
The RTX 5090 isn’t just demanding high wattage. It also requires specific PSU features to ensure stable, efficient, and future-proof performance. Here’s what to prioritize when choosing your power supply:
ATX 3.1 Compliance – Non-Negotiable for Next-Gen GPUs
The ATX 3.1 standard is critical for handling the RTX 5090’s power spikes. Unlike older PSUs, ATX 3.1 units are designed to deliver 2x the GPU’s TDP in transient loads (meaning a 500W GPU can safely spike to 1000W without crashing). This makes them far more reliable for high-end builds.
ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1
| Feature | ATX 3.0 | ATX 3.1 |
| GPU Connector | 12VHPWR (16-pin) | 12V-2x6 (16-pin) |
| Hold-Up Time | 17ms | 12ms |
| Safety Mechanisms | Limited | Enhanced (auto shutdown if loose) |
| Power Modes | 450W, 600W | 150W, 300W, 450W, 600W |
| Backward Compatible | Yes (with adapters) | Yes (with adapters) |
In all, ATX 3.1 has better connector reliability and system stability, which makes it a preferred choice for new high-performance or future-proof PC builds.
80 Plus Gold or Higher Efficiency – Cooler & More Reliable
An 80 Plus Gold, Platinum, or Titanium rating ensures your PSU wastes less energy as heat, reducing thermal stress and improving longevity. Since the 5090 already runs hot, an efficient PSU helps keep system temperatures in check.
Fully Modular Design – Cleaner Builds, Better Airflow
A fully modular PSU lets you use only the cables you need, avoiding clutter and improving airflow. It also makes upgrades and maintenance easier down the line.
PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR Connector – No Adapters Needed
The RTX 5090 uses the newer 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR v2.0) connector, which is more secure and reliable than the older 12VHPWR (v1.0). A native 600W PCIe 5.0 connector ensures clean power delivery without risky adapters.
High-Quality Components & Protections – Stability Matters
Look for Japanese capacitors (105°C-rated) and robust protections to prevent damage from power fluctuations, ensuring your $2,000 GPU stays safe.
- OCP (Over-Current Protection)
- OVP (Over-Voltage Protection)
- UVP (Under-Voltage Protection)
Power Your RTX 5090 with Confidence -- Huntkey MVP P1200 PSU
Huntkey MVP P1200 is engineered to deliver uncompromising stability, efficiency, and future-proof performance for the most demanding systems. The Huntkey power supply features:
- 1200W PSU – Exceeds NVIDIA’s 1000W minimum recommendation, providing ample headroom for the RTX 5090’s 600W+ power spikes and high-end CPUs.
- Native 12V-2x6 Connector – No sketchy adapters needed! This PSU features the latest 12V-2x6 (PCIe 5.1) connector, safely delivering up to 600W directly to your GPU with reinforced pins to prevent overheating.
- ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 Ready – Built to handle next-gen power demands, including extreme transient loads (up to 200% of rated power for milliseconds) without flinching.
- 80 PLUS Platinum Efficiency – Minimizes power waste, reduces heat, and keeps your system running cooler and more efficiently under heavy loads.
- Military-Grade Protections – Equipped with OCP, OVP, UVP, SCP, and OPP to safeguard your $2,000 GPU from power surges and fluctuations.
Ready to future-proof your build? Check out the MVP P1200 and power your 5090 with confidence!
