Given discussions suggesting 850W for an RTX 5080 and potential 1000W for a 5090, should a higher wattage be considered for future-proofing? Does a quality 850W PSU offer sufficient headroom, or is a 1000W PSU necessary to accommodate potential upgrades beyond the RTX 5090?
NVIDIA recommends a 1000W PSU for the RTX 5090, which has a total graphics power (TGP) of 575W. This recommendation provides a baseline, but it's crucial to consider your entire system's power needs. If you're pairing the RTX 5090 with a high-end CPU or planning future upgrades, opting for a PSU with higher wattage, such as 1200W or more, can offer additional headroom and stability.
1200W is recommended.
An 850W high-quality PSU is likely sufficient for an RTX 5080, with 1200W offering more headroom for a 5090 or future upgrades. Prioritize PSU quality over sheer wattage for long-term reliability.