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My Dilemma: PSU Power and Efficiency

Hey everyone,

I'm in the final stages of my new PC build, and I'm stuck on the PSU. I've got an RTX 4080, an Intel i9-13900K, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. I've been reading up on recommended wattage, and some say 850W is enough, while others suggest going for 1000W or even 1200W to be safe, especially with potential future upgrades or overclocking.

What are your experiences with high-end GPUs like the 4080? Do you have any specific PSU models you'd recommend? I'm leaning towards a Gold or Platinum efficiency rating for better power management and lower heat output. My budget is around $150-$200 for the PSU.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

CPU: Intel i9-13900K
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Motherboard: Z790 Chipset
Storage: NVMe SSDs

Re: Help me choose a PSU for my new RTX 4080 build!

Hey BuilderPro123,

Great build! For an RTX 4080 and a 13900K, I'd strongly recommend going for at least a 1000W PSU. While 850W might technically be enough under normal loads, those high-end CPUs and GPUs can have transient power spikes that might push an 850W unit close to its limits, potentially causing instability or even shutdowns under heavy load. Plus, a higher wattage PSU will run cooler and quieter as it won't be maxed out.

I've had excellent experiences with Corsair RM1000x and Seasonic FOCUS GX-1000. Both are Gold rated, fully modular, and very reliable. If you can stretch your budget a bit, a Platinum unit from either brand would be even better for efficiency.

Don't skimp on the PSU; it's the heart of your system!

Re: Help me choose a PSU for my new RTX 4080 build!

I agree with SilentRig. 1000W is the sweet spot. I'm running a similar setup and my 1000W PSU barely breaks a sweat. Look for reputable brands like Seasonic, Corsair, be quiet!, or Enermax. Make sure it's fully modular for easier cable management.

Also, consider the PSU's dimensions. Some higher-end PSUs can be a bit longer, so double-check compatibility with your case.