Powering a high-performance graphics card like the NVIDIA RTX 3080 requires the right power supply unit (PSU). These graphics cards are power-hungry beasts that need stable, reliable electricity to perform at their best. Without a proper PSU, you might experience crashes, throttling, or even damage to your expensive components.
We’ve found that wattage is the most critical factor when choosing a PSU for the RTX 3080.
NVIDIA recommends at least a 750W power supply, but we suggest going with 850W or even 1000W if you have a high-end CPU or plan to overclock.
Efficiency ratings (80+ Bronze, Gold, Platinum) are also important because they affect heat output and electricity costs.
Build quality matters tremendously with power supplies since they’re the foundation of your system.
After testing dozens of models, we’ve determined that the Corsair RM850x offers the perfect balance of reliability, performance, and value for most RTX 3080 builds.
Its fully modular design and silent operation make it our top pick among the numerous options we evaluated.
Contents
Best PSUs for RTX 3080
We’ve carefully tested and selected the top power supply units for the RTX 3080 graphics card.
A quality PSU is essential for this power-hungry GPU, with NVIDIA recommending at least 750W for stable performance.
Our picks below balance reliability, efficiency, and value to keep your high-end system running smoothly.
MSI MAG A850GL Power Supply
The MSI MAG A850GL is an excellent power supply for RTX 3080 builds, offering reliable performance and future-proof PCIe 5.1 support at a reasonable price.
Pros
- 80 PLUS Gold certification ensures great energy efficiency
- Fully modular design makes cable management a breeze
- 10-year warranty provides long-term peace of mind
Cons
- Cables feel somewhat rubbery compared to premium brands
- Slightly bulky dimensions may be tight in smaller cases
- Limited color options (primarily available in black)
We’ve been testing the MSI MAG A850GL with our RTX 3080 rig, and it delivers rock-solid performance.
The 850W capacity is perfect for high-end GPUs like the 3080, providing enough headroom for system stability even during intense gaming sessions.
The power delivery remains consistent, with no drops or fluctuations that could harm expensive components.
The fully modular design is a real time-saver during installation.
We only connected the cables we needed, which helped keep our case tidy and airflow unobstructed. This also makes future upgrades easier since we can swap cables without replacing the entire unit.
Noise levels impressed us during testing.
Even when our system was under heavy load, the PSU remained whisper-quiet. The cooling system efficiently manages heat without spinning up to distracting levels. For gamers who hate background noise, this is a major plus.
The 80 PLUS Gold certification isn’t just marketing fluff.
We noticed our system running more efficiently compared to our previous bronze-rated unit. This translates to less heat and potentially lower electricity bills over time. The unit also fully supports ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards, making it ready for next-gen hardware.
Build quality feels substantial, with a durable metal housing that doesn’t flex or vibrate.
At 6.23 pounds, it has a reassuring weight that suggests quality internal components. The compact size fits well in most standard ATX cases without crowding other components.
The 10-year warranty deserves special mention, showing MSI’s confidence in their product’s reliability.
For RTX 3080 owners specifically, this PSU provides the native 12-pin connector support needed for optimal performance.
We didn’t need adapters or converters, which reduces potential points of failure and keeps the build cleaner.
Corsair RM750x Power Supply
The Corsair RM750x is the perfect power supply for RTX 3080 builds thanks to its ATX 3.1 compliance, native GPU connector, and reliable power delivery.
Pros
- Fully modular design makes cable management a breeze
- Native 12V-2×6 connector eliminates need for adapters with modern GPUs
- Whisper-quiet operation even under heavy loads
Cons
- Slightly pricier than some competing 750W options
- Cable combs can be a bit stiff at first
- Packaging could include better installation instructions
We recently installed this Corsair RM750x in our test rig with an RTX 3080, and we were immediately impressed by how quiet it runs.
Even when pushing the graphics card to its limits in demanding games, the power supply’s 140mm fan barely made a sound. The Cybenetics Gold efficiency rating isn’t just marketing talk – we noticed our system running cooler overall.
The modular cables are a huge plus when building in compact cases.
We only connected what we needed, which eliminated cable clutter and improved airflow. The embossed cables with built-in combs kept everything looking neat without needing additional cable management accessories. They’re flexible enough to route around tight corners too.
ATX 3.1 compliance is crucial for powering modern GPUs like the RTX 3080.
The native 12V-2×6 connector meant we didn’t need any adapters, which reduces potential points of failure. We subjected our test system to some serious power spikes during benchmark runs, and the RM750x handled them without any issues. The Japanese capacitors clearly provide rock-solid stability under load.
The 750W capacity hits the sweet spot for most RTX 3080 builds.
We measured power draw during stress tests and found plenty of headroom, even when overclocking both CPU and GPU. The 10-year warranty gives us confidence that this power supply will outlast several system upgrades.
Why 750W works for RTX 3080 systems
Even though Nvidia recommends 750W minimum for RTX 3080 systems, the Corsair RM750x delivers clean, stable power with headroom to spare for most builds.
Corsair RM750e Power Supply
The Corsair RM750e is an excellent power supply for RTX 3080 builds thanks to its ATX 3.1 compliance, reliable performance, and whisper-quiet operation.
Pros
- Fully modular design makes cable management super clean
- ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliant with native 12V-2×6 connector
- Remarkably quiet even under heavy gaming loads
Cons
- Cables are slightly stiff when first installed
- Premium price compared to non-ATX 3.1 options
- No power cable included in the box
After testing dozens of power supplies with high-end GPUs, we found the Corsair RM750e to be perfectly matched for RTX 3080 systems.
The 750W rating hits the sweet spot for most 3080 builds, providing enough headroom for power spikes without going overboard on wattage or cost.
The fully modular design made our installation incredibly simple.
We only connected the cables we needed, which reduced clutter and improved airflow in our test system. The included 12V-2×6 connector (the new PCIe 5.1 standard) connects directly to modern GPUs like the 3080 without needing adapters.
What really impressed us was how whisper-quiet this PSU stays even during intense gaming sessions.
The 120mm rifle bearing fan barely spins up when our 3080 was pulling serious power during benchmark tests. The fan curve is intelligently designed to maintain silence while providing adequate cooling.
Build quality feels top-notch in every way.
The industrial-grade capacitors rated for 105°C temperatures ensure stable power delivery even when your system is under extreme loads. This stability is crucial for preventing crashes during those marathon gaming sessions or intensive rendering tasks.
We appreciate the Modern Standby compatibility, which means lightning-fast wake times from sleep mode. This feature combined with the Cybenetics Gold efficiency certification means you’ll save on your power bill while enjoying top-tier performance.
The Corsair RM750e is future-proof with its ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliance, making it an excellent investment for your 3080 build that will support future GPU upgrades.
For 3080 owners specifically, the power supply’s ability to handle GPU power excursions (those sudden spikes in power demand) is a standout feature.
Lesser PSUs might shut down or cause system instability, but we pushed our 3080 to its limits and the RM750e handled everything without breaking a sweat.
LXun Dell Compatible PSU
This 260W power supply is a reliable replacement for Dell Optiplex systems including the 3080 model, though it lacks the power needed for a high-end RTX 3080 graphics card.
Pros
- Perfect fit for various Dell Optiplex models
- Easy installation with correct connector layout
- Runs quietly with good cooling performance
Cons
- Only 260W – insufficient for gaming RTX 3080 cards
- Limited compatibility outside Dell systems
- No modular cables for custom setups
We recently installed this LXun power supply in our office Dell Optiplex 3080, and the replacement process couldn’t have been smoother.
The unit fits perfectly in the case with the exact same dimensions as the original Dell PSU. All the connector pins matched up perfectly – the 6-pin and two 4-pin connectors went right where they needed to go without any fuss.
After two weeks of daily use, we’ve noticed the power supply runs cooler than our old unit.
The fan noise is minimal even under heavier workloads. For basic office tasks, video conferencing, and document processing, this PSU delivers consistent power without any hiccups or system instability.
One important note – don’t confuse this with what you’d need for an RTX 3080 graphics card.
This 260W unit is designed specifically for Dell Optiplex systems (including the Optiplex 3080 model), not for powering high-end gaming cards that require 750W+ supplies. The naming similarity is confusing but they’re entirely different use cases! For Dell Optiplex owners needing a replacement PSU, this unit does exactly what it promises at a fair price.
NZXT C850 Gold Power Supply
The NZXT C850 Gold ATX 3.1 power supply is a perfect match for RTX 3080 builds with its excellent power delivery, stability, and whisper-quiet operation.
Pros
- ATX 3.1 compliant with 12V-2×6 connector for RTX 40 series compatibility
- Zero Fan Mode keeps system silent under 50% load
- All-Japanese capacitors ensure stability and longevity
Cons
- Slightly heavier than competing models
- Premium price point
- Key connector compatibility issues with some custom cables
We recently installed this power supply in our high-end gaming rig with an RTX 3080, and the performance has been rock-solid. The 850 watts provides plenty of headroom for even the most power-hungry setups.
What really impressed us was how the NZXT C850 handled intense gaming sessions without breaking a sweat or making noise.
The modular design is a cable management dream. We only used the cables we needed, which kept our build clean and airflow-friendly.
The included zippered pouch for storing unused cables is a nice touch that shows NZXT’s attention to detail. The cables themselves have a premium feel with good flexibility.
During benchmark testing, we noticed the power supply stayed completely silent thanks to the Zero Fan Mode when under moderate loads. Even when the fan kicked in during intense gaming, it was barely audible.
The 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating isn’t just marketing either – our system runs cool and efficient.
The ATX 3.1 compliance means this PSU handles power spikes from modern GPUs like a champ. We experienced zero shutdowns or instability issues when our 3080 ramped up during demanding games. The 12V-2×6 connector future-proofs your system if you decide to upgrade to an RTX 40 series card later.
Perfect for 3080 Builds
The 850W capacity provides ideal headroom for RTX 3080 systems, even with overclocking and high-end components.
Build quality is exceptional with all-Japanese capacitors that minimize ripple noise. We measured stable voltages across different loads, which is crucial for keeping sensitive components safe.
The PSU’s compact dimensions (6.3 x 5.91 x 3.39 inches) also made installation straightforward, even in our mid-tower case.
NZXT’s 10-year warranty offers great peace of mind, though based on our experience and the solid construction, we doubt you’ll need it. The unit runs cool even under load, which bodes well for long-term reliability.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right PSU for your RTX 3080 can be tricky. We’ll help you navigate the important features to consider before making your purchase.
Wattage Requirements
The RTX 3080 is power-hungry. We recommend at least a 750W PSU, but 850W gives you more headroom for overclocking and future upgrades.
| Usage Type | Recommended Wattage | Headroom |
| Basic Gaming | 750W | Minimal |
| Overclocking | 850W | Good |
| Future-proofing | 1000W | Excellent |
Efficiency Ratings
Look for 80 Plus certifications. Gold or higher ratings mean better power efficiency and less heat generation. This saves money on your electric bill over time.
Connectors
The 3080 needs specific power connectors. Make sure your PSU has at least two 8-pin PCIe power connectors or the newer 12-pin connector if required.
Tip: Always check the exact power connector requirements for your specific 3080 model!
Build Quality
A high-quality PSU protects your expensive components. Look for Japanese capacitors, good warranties (7-10 years), and protection features like OVP, UVP, and OCP.
Form Factor
ATX is standard, but check your case size. Some compact builds need SFX power supplies instead. Measure your case before buying.
Modularity
Fully modular PSUs let you connect only the cables you need. This improves airflow and makes cable management easier in your case.