RTX 3060 - is 450W enough? (2024)

Just ordered an RTX 3060, upgraded from a GTX 1050Ti.

RTX 3060

The rest of my rig consists of an AMD Ryzen 5 1600 at 3.8GHz, 16GB RAM, 2x SSD, and a single 120mm fan.

I was wondering if 450W is enough to run the upgraded GPU? It is an overclocked version. I will be doing mining, and some light gaming.

Recommended PSU 650W​

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That's according to Asus be it in an overclocked system.

Does seem low to me 450w tbh. Though mining apparently uses less than gaming loads.
Also depends on what PSU it is too

You can work it out.

Find out the max power draw for your CPU and GPU, they both run on the 12v rail. Maybe add 10% for comfort, but don't forget peak draw will realistically be lower.

Do this is watts or amps, but obviously keep it consistent.

Then find whatever power supply you have or planning on, find out how much that supplies over 12v and your done.

Nvidia say 550w. Although other AIB models may vary. Here's the link.

pete910 said:

That's according to Asus be it in an overclocked system.

Does seem low to me 450w tbh. Though mining apparently uses less than gaming loads.
Also depends on what PSU it is too

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The PSU is a Corsair CS Series™ Modular CS450M — 450 Watt 80 PLUS® Gold.

I'll give it a go and see if I have any issues. When I entered the details on a power calculator it came to about 380W for everything.

It isn't the average power consumption that is the problem with modern cards, it is the transients / power spikes.

This is not a typical 3060, but you can see it spikes up to 300 watts and that's enough to trip lesser PSUs.

Since you're primarily mining, I'd be much less concerned about it, because the power draw is much lower and way more consistent than games. Light gaming should be fine, especially if you keep the underclock/undervolt from mining settings.

mufc802 said:

The PSU is a Corsair CS Series™ Modular CS450M — 450 Watt 80 PLUS® Gold.

I'll give it a go and see if I have any issues. When I entered the details on a power calculator it came to about 380W for everything.

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You'll be fine. People recommending 650W PSUs are are being ridiculous. The RTX 3060 uses less power at peak than an RX 580 for example. Your CPU sips power.

muon said:

You'll be fine. People recommending 650W PSUs are are being ridiculous. The RTX 3060 uses less power at peak than an RX 580 for example. Your CPU sips power.

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It's more to do with the transient loads that happen. Some PSUs can't cope with the sudden rapid rise and drop in power usage. Older PSUs usually can't handle this so while 450W should be fine on sustained loads with the 3060, considering it's from 2015 it might not be able to handle the spikes.

But I would give it a go anyway and see if it's fine with OP's usage.

Well, the new card has arrived! Fantastic delivery speed from Overclockers! Only ordered it yesterday.

I am only using it for mining right now, and its getting between 45-50MH on NiceHash Excavator. I set the power limit in MSI afterburner so it now only outputs 125W, and the mining isn't affected.

My only issue is the temperature, as my case is not the best with only one fan, I am getting temps into the 80's. I will try moving the fan, and if its still too high I will have to get another fan.

mufc802 said:

Well, the new card has arrived! Fantastic delivery speed from Overclockers! Only ordered it yesterday.

I am only using it for mining right now, and its getting between 45-50MH on NiceHash Excavator. I set the power limit in MSI afterburner so it now only outputs 125W, and the mining isn't affected.

My only issue is the temperature, as my case is not the best with only one fan, I am getting temps into the 80's. I will try moving the fan, and if its still too high I will have to get another fan.

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Can you add any extra fans to the case ?

pete910 said:

Can you add any extra fans to the case ?

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I only have a single fan. Just moved it from the front to the back, and now the temps down into low 70's.

mufc802 said:

I only have a single fan. Just moved it from the front to the back, and now the temps down into low 70's.

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Add some if you can, some pulling air into the case. Will aid in better thermals for all the components.