Best PSU for RTX 5080

Let’s cut to the chase here: The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 is a power-hungry GPU. Maybe not quite in the same league as the RTX 5090, but you couldn’t really call it shy about its designs on power. Put succinctly, you'll need a reliable and robust power supply unit (PSU) to get the most from it. The RTX 5080 not only requires plenty of wattage to strut its polygon-pumping stuff but it also needs a specific power connector, namely the 12V-2x6 GPU connector.

The good news is that the extensive range of CORSAIR power supplies not only hahave the power capacity for this new card, but plenty of our newer offerings also come equipped to handle this new GPU connector. Our PSU range also offers up cool features like modular cabling, efficient cooling systems, and Zero-RPM fan modes to ensure your system is quiet when demands are low—perfect for those who appreciate a peaceful computing environment.

Before we dive into our PSU recommendations, it’s worth looking at what Nvidia says you’ll need to run this GPU.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 System Requirements

• PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot
• 360W Total Graphics Power
• 850W Required System Power
• 3x PCIe 8-pin cables (adapter in box) OR 1x 450 W or greater PCIe Gen 5 cable

These requirements represent a significant jump compared to the previous generation's RTX 4080, which demanded just 320W as opposed to the 360W we’re seeing here. In fact, this is more in line with the RTX 4090, perfectly underlining the generational jump when it comes to power requirements.

It’s worth noting that not all RTX 5080s are the same when it comes to power needs. These figures are based on the Founders Edition from Nvidia, but cards from the likes of Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and Zotac may have different requirements. This is because these manufacturers can take the RTX 5080 chip and build their own cards in weird and wonderful ways to make them more appealing or literally cooler. What they produce could alter our recommendations, although they largely fall into the same ballpark figures. The point is, you should check the requirements of the specific card you are looking to buy or have already bought.

With that out of the way, on to the recommendations:

Your best fully modular PSU option for the RTX 5080 is the CORSAIR RM1000x. This power supply is 80 PLUS Gold and Cybenetics Gold certified, featuring a low-noise 135mm magnetic levitation fan. It also supports a Zero RPM fan mode, meaning the cooling fan switches off entirely at low and medium loads for near-silent operation.

With up to 90% efficiency, you’ll experience lower power consumption, cooler temperatures, and reduced energy costs. The use of Japanese primary capacitors ensures outstanding durability, which is backed by a ten-year warranty for the entire PSU.

If you’re the type of gamer that wants to enjoy the latest titles at the best settings but wants to do so quietly, then this is the power supply for your build. The CORSAIR HX1200i is a fully modular 80 PLUS Platinum and Cybenetics Platinum rated PSU that achieves up to 92% efficiency for exceptional power delivery and long-term reliability.

The HXi series supports Zero RPM mode, but it’s the 140mm fluid dynamic bearing fan that keeps things running so quietly as there's almost no contact between the fan and the bearing, resulting in near-zero friction. Less friction means higher speeds and lower noise. The HX1200i also comes with a PCIe 5.1 12V-2x6 GPU cable, for use with the latest graphics cards, including the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series.

If you don’t feel you need any extra wiggle room for future upgrades, then it can make sense to focus on just what you absolutely need to keep the costs down. This 850W PSU still lays claim to 80 PLUS Gold certification and is Cybenetics Platinum rated as well, meaning you’re getting a high-efficiency unit for your money. It also supports Zero RPM mode, which essentially stops the 120mm rifle bearing fan from spinning at lower workloads for near-silent operation. It also comes with the 12V-2x6 cable for connecting to your RTX 5080 graphics card.

Given the slightly confusing state of the 12V-2x6 / 12VHPWR standards, we've made a couple infographics for you. These explain the difference between these two standards, and tell you how to safely power a 50-series card with your CORSAIR PSU, even if it doesn't have a native 12V-2x6 connector.