PC Power Supply Wattage Guide 2026: Verified GPU Requirements

HARDWARE REFERENCE • 15 OCTOBER 2026

A PC power-supply estimate is not just CPU watts plus GPU watts. Before buying a PSU, compare your calculated capacity with the graphics-card manufacturer’s minimum system power, then check the PSU’s quality, connectors, transient loads and the exact add-in-board model.

Verified GPU power and PSU reference figures

These manufacturer figures are dated reference specifications, not measured results from this website. Individual factory-overclocked cards may require different power or connectors. Check the exact graphics card’s official product page before purchasing.

How the PSU calculator works

The calculator on our homepage starts with the user-entered CPU and GPU power allowances and an additional allowance for the motherboard, storage, fans, memory and other devices. It then applies a selectable headroom factor. These inputs should represent reasonable maximum-load allowances for the components, not the PC’s measured idle power.

If you select one of the 13 graphics cards in the verified GPU reference selector, the calculator compares this rounded result with the manufacturer’s published system PSU minimum and reports the greater value. Other or unknown GPUs are calculation-only; verify their manufacturer’s guidance separately.

For example, 105 W CPU + 145 W GPU + 75 W for the other parts gives 325 W before headroom. With 35% extra capacity, that becomes 438.75 W, rounded up to 450 W. Selecting the reference GeForce RTX 5060 raises the advisory PSU capacity to NVIDIA’s 550 W system minimum. A more power-hungry CPU or numerous peripherals can justify a larger PSU still.

Why a manufacturer recommendation can differ from your formula

• Reference system assumption: the published recommendation is based on a particular processor and ordinary system components, not necessarily your PC.
• Transient GPU power: graphics cards may draw short spikes that are different from their sustained ratings.
• PSU quality: reliable voltage regulation, protections and safe continuous operation are not guaranteed by the wattage printed on a box.
• Connectors and standards: confirm the right PCIe cables or modern high-power connector, manufacturer instructions and proper cable insertion.
• Future upgrades: more powerful GPUs, faster CPUs or added storage might increase total demand.

Can a 550 W PSU run an RTX 4060 or RTX 5060?

NVIDIA lists 550 W as the required system power for its GeForce RTX 4060 and RTX 5060 reference configurations. That does not prove that any old 550 W power supply can safely handle every system with those cards. Check the brand and model, continuous 12 V capacity, needed connectors, PSU age, CPU power, and board-partner guidance.

What should an RX 9070 XT owner check?

AMD lists 304 W typical board power and a 750 W minimum PSU recommendation for its reference RX 9070 XT. A stronger system with unusually high CPU power, many devices or additional overhead may need more. Your specific card manufacturer can also publish its own minimum recommendation and connector requirements.

Important input mistakes to avoid

1. Do not add PSU headroom to a GPU manufacturer’s whole-system PSU recommendation. That recommendation already applies to a reference complete system. Use the greater of your separately calculated number and the reference minimum, then assess the actual configuration.
2. Do not confuse CPU TDP with measured CPU peak consumption. Your CPU input should be an appropriately conservative load allowance for your actual processor and configured power limits.
3. Do not set GPU watts to an average gameplay wattage if you are planning maximum PSU capacity. Use board-power specifications and relevant vendor guidance.
4. Do not use the PC electricity calculator’s average wall-power input to size a PSU. Electricity billing estimates and peak component power planning are different questions.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and calculation disclosure

Open the PSU calculator →