Power requirements for graphics cards

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Power requirements for graphics cards

As so many people aren't sure how much power a modern graphics card requires MINIMUM, I've
decided to write a list of various models with the sort of PSU they require. Obviously it would be
better to get something better than what is stated. It is only a rough guide, as it also depends
what other hardware you have in your system. I hope it is of some use to people.
The following are the minimum power requirements using a PSU with a single +12V
rail. Also these requirements are for a system containing basic components (unless
otherwise noted). The more add in cards and hard drives that a system has, the more
amperage draw on the 12v rail.
nVidia
GeForce GTX TITAN Black - 42A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX TITAN - 38A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 780ti - 42A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 780 - 42A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 770 - 42A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 760 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 750ti - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 750 - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 690 - 46A and a 650W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 680 - 38A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 670 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 660ti - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 660 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 650ti Boost - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 650ti - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
Geforce GTX 650 - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 640 - 20A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 630 - 20A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 620 - 18A and a 350W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 610 - 16A and a 300W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 590 in SLi - 78A and a 1000W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 590 - 46A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 580 - 40A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 570 - 35A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 560 Ti in SLi - 42A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 560 Ti - 31A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 560 - 24A and a 4500W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 550 Ti - 24A and a 400W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 520 - 18A and a 300W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 470 and 480 in SLi - 55-60A and a 850W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 480 - 42A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 470 - 38A and a 550W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 465 in SLi - 46A and a 700W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 465 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 460 in SLi - 42A and a 650W PSU minimum
GeForce GTX 460 - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce GTS 450 in SLi - 35A and a 600W PSU minimum
GeForce GTS 450 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
GeForce GT 430 - 22A and a 350W PSU minimum

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Power requirements for graphics cards

GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce
GeForce

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GTX 295 in Quad SLi - 70A and a 1000W PSU minimum

GTX 295 - 50A and a 700W PSU minimum
GTX 285 - 46A and a 550W PSU minimum
GTX 280 in SLi - 55A and a 800W PSU minimum
GTX 280 - 40A and a 550W PSU minimum
GTX 275 in SLi - 50A and a 800W PSU minimum
GTX 275 - 40A and a 550-600W PSU minimum
GTX 260 OC in SLi - 50A and a 700W PSU minimum
GTX 260 OC - 40A and a 550W PSU minimum
GTX 260 in SLi - 50A and a 700W PSU minimum
GTX 260 - 38A and a 500W PSU minimum
GTS 250 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum
GT 240 - 18A and a 300W PSU minimum
GT 220 - 18A and a 300W PSU minimum
9800 GX2 - 35A and a 550W PSU minimum
9800 GTX+ - 32A and a 500W PSU minimum
9800 GTX - 25-30A and a 450W PSU minimum
9600 GT - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
9600 GSO - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
8800 Ultra - 35A and a 500W PSU minimum
8800 GTX 30A and a 450W PSU minimum
8800 GTS 512MB - 28A and a 500W PSU minimum
8800 GTS 320/640MB 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
8800 GT in SLi - 36A and a 500W PSU minimum
8800 GT - 26A and a 450W PSU minimum
8600 GT/GTS - 24A and a 350W PSU minimum
8500 GT - 22A and a 350W PSU minimum
8400 GS - 18A and a 350W PSU minimum
7950 GX2 27A and a 400W PSU minimum
7950 GT 22A and a 350W PSU minimum
7900 GTX 22-26A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
7900 GTO 22-26A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
7900 GT 22-26A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
7900 GS 22-23A and a 350W PSU minimum
7800 All - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
7800 GS AGP - 20A and a 400W PSU minimum
7600 GT 22-26A and a 350W PSU minimum
7600 GS 15-17A and a 350W PSU minimum
7300 GT 15A and a 300W PSU minimum
7300 GS 15A and a 300W PSU minimum

ATI/AMD
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon

R9-295X2 - 52A and a 800W psu minimum

R9-290X - 33A and a 600W psu minimum
R9-290 - 31A and a 550W psu minimum
R9-280X - 30A and a 550W psu minimum
R9-270X - 24A and a 500W psu minimum
R9-260X - 19A and a 450W psu minimum
HD 7990 - 48A and a 750W psu minimum
HD 7970 Ghz Edition - 31A and a 550W psu minimum
HD 7970 - 30A and a 500W psu minimum
HD 7950 - 25A and a 500W psu minimum
HD 7870 - 23A and a 500W psu minimum
HD 7850 - 21A and a 500W psu minimum
HD 7790 - 21A and a 500W psu minimum
HD 7770 - 19A and a 500W psu minimum

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Power requirements for graphics cards

Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon

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HD 7750 - 16A and a 400W psu minimum

HD 6990 - 45A and a 750W PSU minimum
HD 6970 - 34A and a 550W PSU minimum
HD 6950 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum
HD 6870 X2 - 40A and a 600W PSU minimum
HD 6870 CrossfireX - 38A and a 650W PSU minimum
HD 6870 - 28A and a 500W PSU minimum
HD 6850 CrossfireX - 35A and a 600W PSU minimum
HD 6850 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
HD 6770 CrossfireX - 33A and a 600W PSU minimum
HD 6770 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
HD 6790 - 25A and a 450W PSU minimum
HD 6670 - 17A and a 400W PSU minimum
HD 5970 CrossfireX - 70A and a 900W PSU minimum
HD 5970 - 50A and a 600W PSU minimum
HD 5870 CrossfireX - 55-60A and a 700W PSU minimum
HD 5870 - 40A and a 500W PSU minimum
HD 5850 CrossfireX - 55-60A and a 650W PSU minimum
HD 5850 - 35-40A and a 500W PSU minimum
HD 5830 - 35-40A and a 500W PSU minimum
HD 5770 - 34A and a 500W PSU minimum
HD 5750 - 30A and a 450W PSU minimum
HD 5670 - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
HD 5570 - 24A and a 350W PSU minimum
HD 5450 - 22A and a 300W PSU minimum
4890 - 32A and a 550W PSU minimum
4870 X2 CrossfireX - 67A and a 1000W PSU minimum
4870 X2 - 43A and a 600W PSU minimum
4870 - 32A and a 500W PSU minimum
4850 - 30A and a 450W PSU minimum
4830 - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
4770 Crossfire - 34A and a 750W PSU minimum
4770 - 26A and a 400-500W PSU minimum
4670 - 26A and a 400W PSU minimum
4650 - 24A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
4550 - 20A and a 300W PSU minimum
X3870 X2 - 30A and a 550W PSU minimum
X38xx series - 28A and a 450W PSU minimum
X2900 XT Crossfire - 45A and a 800W PSU is recommended for high-end rigs
X2900 XT - 35A and a 500W PSU is recommended for high-end rigs
X2900 Pro - 35A and a 500W PSU minimum
X2600 XT - 25A and a 400W PSU minimum
X2400 XT - 20A and a 350-400W PSU minimum
X1950 XTX 20A and a 420W PSU minimum
X1950 Pro 20A and a 420W PSU minimum
X1900 XTX 25A and a 520W PSU minimum
X1900 XT 22-25A and a 520W PSU minimum
X1900 GT 22A and a 400W PSU minimum
X1650 Pro 18A and a 350W PSU minimum

UPDATE:
AMD's new Radeon HD 6850 and 6870 have been added to the list. These two new cards are basically the
next generation up from the 5750 and 5770, and offer performance close to the existing 5850 and 5870.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
1X 6850 = 278W /12 = 23.2A
2X 6850 = 393W /12 = 32.8A

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Power requirements for graphics cards

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1X 6870 = 295W /12 = 24.6A

2X 6870 = 421W /12 = 35.1A
That is based on a system with an X58 based motherboard, Core i7 965 @ 3750 MHz and 6144 MB (3x 2048
MB) Corsair DDR3 RAM @ 1500 MHz.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6850-6870-crossfirex-review/4
Based on that I've given the following recommendations:
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon
Radeon

HD
HD
HD
HD

6870
6870
6850
6850

CrossfireX - 28A and a

CrossfireX - 25A and a

38A and a 650W PSU minimum

500W PSU minimum
35A and a 600W PSU minimum
450W PSU minimum

I'm trying to make the list more realistic for any future graphics cards. Updates will be given showing my
research.
UPDATE:
The GeForce GTX 580 has been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
1x 580 = 451W /12 = 37.6A
That is based on a system with an X58 based motherboard, Core i7 920 @ 3.70GHz and 6144 MB (3x 2048
MB) G.Skill DDR3 RAM.
It seems the GeForce GTX 580 uses slightly less power than the GeForce GTX 480, although there are
reports on other sites it uses more power with the older VBIOS.
http://www.techspot.com/review/337-asus-geforce-gtx-580/page11.html
Based on that I've given the following recommendation:
GeForce GTX 580 - 40A and a 600W PSU minimum

UPDATE:
The GeForce GTX 570 has been added to the list.
Please note the following though as reviewers are changing their method of measuring power consumption:
"As of lately, there has been a lot of discussion using FurMark as stress test to measure power load. Furmark
is so malicious on the GPU that it does not represent an objective power draw compared to really hefty
gaming. If we take a very-harsh-on-the-GPU gaming title, then measure power consumption and then
compare the very same with Furmark, the power consumption can be 50 to 100W higher on a high-end
graphics card solely because of FurMark.
After long deliberation we decided to move away from Furmark and are now using a game like application
which stresses the GPU 100% yet is much more representable of power consumption and heat levels coming
from the GPU."
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-570-review/8
Techspot have also started to measure the power consumption differently and have given very similar

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Power requirements for graphics cards

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results for the GTX 570's full system power consumption: http://www.techspot.com/review/346-gigabytegeforce-gtx-570/page11.html
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
1x 570 = 369W /12 = 30.8A
That is based on a system with an X58 based motherboard, Core i7 965 @ 3750 MHz and 6144 MB (3x 2048
MB) Corsair DDR3 RAM @ 1500 MHz.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-570-review/8
Based on that I've given the following recommendation:
GeForce GTX 570 - 35A and a 550W PSU minimum

UPDATE:
AMD's new Radeon HD 6950 and 6970 have been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
1X 6950 = 312W /12 = 26A
1X 6970 = 361W /12 = 30.1A
That is based on a system with an X58 based motherboard, Core i7 965 @ 3750 MHz and 6144 MB (3x 2048
MB) Corsair DDR3 RAM @ 1500 MHz.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-6950-6970-review/11
Based on that I've given the following recommendations:
Radeon HD 6970 - 34A and a 550W PSU minimum
Radeon HD 6950 - 30A and a 500W PSU minimum

UPDATE:
The GeForce GTX 560 Ti has been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
1X 560 = 319W /12 = 26.6A
That is based on a system with an X58 based motherboard, Core i7 965 @ 3750 MHz and 6144 MB (3x 2048
MB) Corsair DDR3 RAM &nb
UPDATE:
AMD's Radeon HD 7900, 7800 & 7700 series have been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
7970 ghz edition: * System in IDLE = 155W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 373W
*Difference (GPU load) = 218W *Add average IDLE wattage ~10W *Subjective obtained GPU power
consumption = ~ 228 Watts

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Power requirements for graphics cards

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- From 373w max results the recommendation: 31A and a 550W psu minimum (373w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_hd_7970_ghz_edition_review,8.html
7970: System in IDLE = 163W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 355W * Difference (GPU load)
= 192W * Add average IDLE wattage ~3W * Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 195 Watt
- From 355w max results the recommendation: 30A and a 500W psu minimum (355w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_hd_7970_review,8.html
7950 - System in IDLE = 165W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 300W * Difference (GPU load)
= 138W * Add average IDLE wattage ~3W *Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 138 Watts
- From 300w max results the recommendation: 25A and a 500W psu minimum (300w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/his_radeon_hd_7950_review,8.html
7870: System in IDLE = 157W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 274W * Difference (GPU load)
= 117W * Add average IDLE wattage ~10W * Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 127 Watts
- From 274w max results the recommendation: 23A and a 500W psu minimum (274w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_hd_7850_and_7870_review,7.html
7850: System in IDLE = 160W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 256W * Difference (GPU load)
= 96W * Add average IDLE wattage ~10W * Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 106 Watts
- From 256w max results the recommendation: 21A and a 500W psu minimum (256w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_hd_7850_and_7870_review,7.html
7770: System in IDLE = 155W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 231W * Difference (GPU load)
= 76W * Add average IDLE wattage ~10W * Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 86 Watts
- From 231w max results the recommendation: 19A and a 500W psu minimum (231w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_hd_7750_and_7770_review,7.html
- 7750: System in IDLE = 155W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 188W * Difference (GPU load)
= 33W * Add average IDLE wattage ~10W * Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 43 Watts
- From 188w max results the recommendation: 16A and a 400W psu minimum (231w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_hd_7750_and_7770_review,7.html
Note: The recommendation of a 500w psu for 7770 - 7970 is due to AMD's own recommendation
(http://www.amd.com/de/products/desktop/graphics/7000/7970/Pages/radeon-7970.aspx#2)
Update:
GTX Titan added following Nvidia OEM recommendations.
Update:
Added GTX 650ti Boost following Nvidia OEM recommendations. Added Radeon HD 7790 following AMD
recommendations/Anandtech review (http://www.anandtech.com/show/6837/amd-radeon-7790-reviewfeat-sapphire-the-first-desktop-sea-islands/16
Update:
Added GTX780 following Nvidia OEM recommendation (more Amps on +12v required than for Titan). Added
Radeon HD 7990 following AMD recommendations/Anandtech review
(http://www.anandtech.com/show/6915/amd-radeon-hd-7990-review-7990-gets-official/16).
Update:

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Power requirements for graphics cards

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Added GTX770 following Nvidia OEM recommendation (more Amps on +12v required than for Titan and
GTX680)
Update:
Added GTX760 following Nvidia OEM recommendation
Update:
AMD's Radeon HD R9-260X - 280X series have been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
R9-260X: * System in IDLE = 118W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 221W *Difference (GPU
load) = 103W *Add average IDLE wattage ~10W *Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 113
Watts
- From 221w max results the recommendation: 19A and a 450W psu minimum (221w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r7_260x_r9_270x_280x_review_benchmarks,10.html
R9-270X: System in IDLE = 116W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 283W * Difference (GPU
load) = 167W * Add average IDLE wattage ~10W * Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 177
Watt
- From 283w max results the recommendation: 24A and a 500W psu minimum (283w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r7_260x_r9_270x_280x_review_benchmarks,10.html
R9-280X - System in IDLE = 119W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 350W * Difference (GPU
load) = 231W * Add average IDLE wattage ~10W *Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 241
Watts
- From 350w max results the recommendation: 30A and a 550W psu minimum (350w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r7_260x_r9_270x_280x_review_benchmarks,10.html
Update:
AMD's Radeon HD R9-290X has been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
* System in IDLE = 120W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 396W *Difference (GPU load) =
276W *Add average IDLE wattage ~10W *Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 286 Watts
- From 396w max results the recommendation: 33A and a 600W psu minimum (396w / 12v)
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r9_290x_review_benchmarks,10.html
Update:
Added GTX 780ti following Nvidia OEM recommendation

Update:
AMD's Radeon HD R9-290 has been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
* System in IDLE = 128W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 372W *Difference (GPU load)
= 244W *Add average IDLE wattage ~10W *Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 254

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Watts
- From 372w max results the recommendation: 31A and a 550W psu minimum (372w / 12v) Source:
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r9_290_review_benchmarks,10.html
Update:
GTX750(ti) added following Nvidia OEM recommendations

Update:
GTX Titan Black added following Nvidia OEM recommendations

Update:
AMD's Radeon HD R9 295X2 has been added to the list.
For a system under load the following power consumption figures are given:
* System in IDLE = 137W * System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 624W *Difference (GPU load)
= 487W *Add average IDLE wattage ~20W *Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 507
Watts
- From 624w max results the recommendation: 52A and a 800W psu minimum (624w / 12v) Source:
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_r9_295x2_review,12.html
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