What PSU do I need?
Power supply for the RTX 3060
Get at least a 700 W power supply for the RTX 3060 (the maker recommends 550 W): our checker recommends 550 W with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 700 W with a Core i7-14700K. The cheapest one in our catalog that fits is the NZXT C750 Bronze 750W.
Key facts· updated
- The RTX 3060 draws about 170 W while gaming (maker spec pages, checked Oct 29, 2026).
- The maker recommends a 550 W power supply for the RTX 3060 (maker spec pages, checked Oct 29, 2026).
- A PC with the RTX 3060 and a Ryzen 7 9800X3D draws about 370 W while gaming, so PC Atlas recommends a 550 W power supply (the higher of the maker's advice and 1.3× the draw, rounded up to 50 W).
- A PC with the RTX 3060 and a Core i7-14700K draws about 503 W while gaming, so PC Atlas recommends a 700 W power supply (the higher of the maker's advice and 1.3× the draw, rounded up to 50 W).
- Power plug on the RTX 3060: Standard 8-pin PCIe power. Every modern power supply has these.
| Card's gaming power | ~170 W |
|---|---|
| Maker's PSU advice | 550 W |
| With a Ryzen 7 9800X3D | ~370 W total while gaming → 550 W PSU |
| With a Core i7-14700K | ~503 W total while gaming → 700 W PSU |
| Power plug | Standard 8-pin PCIe power. Every modern power supply has these. |
Card power, plug and the maker's advice from maker spec pages (checked 2026-10-29). Total = processor + card + ~80 W for the rest; recommended = the maker's number or 1.3× the total, whichever is higher, rounded up to 50 W (the same rule Build a PC checks).
Power supplies that fit (700 W+)
| Power supply | Watts | Size | ATX 3.1 | Price today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZXT C750 Bronze 750W | 750 W | ATX | Yes | $75Sample |
| Montech Century II 750W Gold (ATX 3.1) | 750 W | ATX | Yes | $80Sample |
| be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 750W Gold (ATX 3.1) | 750 W | ATX | Yes | $90Sample |
| MSI MAG A750GLS PCIE5 750W Gold (ATX 3.1) | 750 W | ATX | Yes | $90Sample |
| Corsair SF750 750W Platinum (SFX) | 750 W | SFX | Yes | $175Sample |
| Corsair SF850 850W Platinum (SFX, ATX 3.1) | 850 W | SFX | Yes | $200Sample |
Cheapest first; SFX units are for small cases. Prices last checked ; Sample = PC Atlas catalog estimate, not a live store price.
Questions
What wattage power supply do I need for the RTX 3060?
Get at least a 700 W power supply for the RTX 3060 (the maker recommends 550 W): our checker recommends 550 W with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 700 W with a Core i7-14700K. The cheapest one in our catalog that fits is the NZXT C750 Bronze 750W.
What power plug does the RTX 3060 use?
Standard 8-pin PCIe power. Every modern power supply has these.
Do I need an ATX 3.1 power supply?
No. The RTX 3060 uses 8-pin plugs, which every modern power supply has. ATX 3.1 is still a sensible pick if you might upgrade to a card with the 12V-2x6 plug later.
Is 550 W enough for the RTX 3060?
With a Ryzen 7 9800X3D-class processor, yes: the whole PC draws about 370 W while gaming, and 550 W leaves headroom for power spikes. With a Core i7-14700K (about 503 W total), step up to 700 W.