Nvidia's next-gen RTX 50 GPUs will demand skyrocketing power requirements
- Nvidia is launching the RTX 50-Series GPUs at CES next week, including the RTX 5090, which outperforms the RTX 4090.
- The RTX 5090 has a thermal design power of 575 W, significantly higher than its predecessor's 450 W.
- Upgrade considerations for power supplies are essential for potential RTX 5090 buyers due to increased power demands.
In early January 2025, Nvidia is expected to launch its RTX 50-Series graphics cards at CES, including the highly anticipated RTX 5090. This debut follows a notable period in the GPU market, where the last high-end release was the RTX 4090 nearly two years prior. The RTX 5090 reportedly surpasses the performance of the 4090, which has been a benchmark for gaming PCs. However, the increase in performance comes with significantly higher power requirements. Leakers have disclosed that the RTX 5090's maximum power draw is estimated to be 575 watts, showing a substantial increase from the 450 watts of the RTX 4090. Similarly, the RTX 5080 will also see its thermal design power (TDP) rise to 360 watts from the 320 watts of the RTX 4080 Super. The escalating power needs of these next-gen GPUs prompt discussions about the adequacy of existing power supplies among PC gamers. Notably, the RTX 5090 approaches the power delivery limits of the 12VHPWR connector, which can supply up to 600 watts. If we account for the additional 75 watts offered through the PCIe slot, the maximum feasible power draw could reach approximately 675 watts when using a single connector. This shift indicates that potential buyers looking to upgrade to the RTX 5090 will likely need to invest in new power supply units. Nvidia previously recommended power supplies of at least 850 watts for the RTX 4090 to ensure stable operation alongside other system components. Given the RTX 5090’s increased thermal intensity, it can be anticipated that Nvidia will raise the minimum power supply recommendation to 1,000 watts. While higher peak power consumption does not inherently suggest that these new GPUs will consistently draw more power during gaming sessions, it raises essential questions about the efficient management of power across both the GPU and the entire gaming rig. As Nvidia unveils these products at CES, the power requirements and efficiency of the new cards will be scrutinized. Gamers may need to reassess their hardware compatibility or consider upgrades. With new benchmarks likely to be released during the event, the marketing emphasis will likely focus on the enhanced gaming experiences the RTX 50-Series offers, but this comes at a cost that extends beyond just the price of the graphics cards themselves. This development highlights a crucial moment for users as they weigh the benefits of upgraded performance against the necessary investment in infrastructure to support these powerful new technologies.