Best PSU for GTX 1080 Ti 2024 – our top picks for gaming

Building out your PC there are plenty of components to have to consider as to what to power your system with. And for that, we look at the best PSU for GTX 1080 Ti, as it is an important part of your build. As although it might be the last thing you think about, it has a lot of power within it as it can certainly make or break your build.

Even though the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti might be an older card, it was certainly the best GPU of its time. And to this day it holds up pretty well, so you want to make sure you pair it well with the best PSU. This will get your whole rig ready for the best gaming experience you could want and get the most out of the video card.

There are plenty of great options to go for with a lot of different features and considerations. So we range from best to efficient and budget choices. These span the Corsair RM, Seasonic Prime, and Thermaltake Toughpower so you can find the one most suitable for you.

Our top choice for gaming is Corsair’s highly acclaimed RMX-series PSU, the RM850x. This upgraded version surpasses its predecessor with various enhancements, including a more compact design and a quieter fan profile.

With a robust 750W capacity, the Corsair RM750x delivers more than sufficient power for high-end gaming setups. It boasts impressive efficiency ratings, achieving an 80+ Gold rating, as well as receiving Gold and A- certifications from Cybenetics. Operating at a maximum noise level of around 30-25 dBA, the RM750x is an excellent option for those seeking a silent-focused build. When combined with the Zero RPM fan mode and careful consideration of power requirements, it ensures a quiet gaming experience. Which is expected with the maglev fan used in the PSU.

The RM750x PSU offers full modularity, featuring two EPS connectors, four PCIe connectors, 10 SATA connectors, and one motherboard power connector. While full modularity may not be a major selling point, it simplifies the building process and eliminates the hassle of managing unused cables often encountered with non-modular PSUs.

Whether you’re looking for ample power for a silent gaming PC or reliable performance for a high-end gaming rig, the Corsair RM750x is a dependable choice that will fulfill your requirements.

If you prioritize maximum efficiency and aim to minimize long-term expenses while running your rig, the Seasonic Prime TX-850 stands out as the most power-efficient power supply, one of the best 850W PSUs to go for. With its Titanium 80 Plus efficiency rating, it achieves an impressive 94% efficiency at 50% loads and consistently maintains efficiency above 90% across various load amounts.

Furthermore, the Seasonic Prime TX-850 ensures tight voltage tolerances, guaranteeing that output voltage remains within a very narrow range. This feature is particularly beneficial in preventing transient spikes from demanding components, such as powerful GPUs, from overloading the PSU. Additionally, it provides enhanced protection mechanisms such as OPP (overpower protection), OCP (overcurrent protection), and SCP (short circuit protection) to safeguard your valuable components.

While the TX-850 does come with a higher price tag compared to other 850W PSUs, its exceptional quality offers peace of mind and reassurance. In terms of connectors, the TX-850 is fully equipped with one ATX connector, two CPU connectors, six PCIe connectors, fourteen SATA connectors, and five Molex connectors. This comprehensive range of connectors ensures compatibility with any connection requirements you may have.

When it comes to powering your system on a budget, it is still important to prioritize reliability. The Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 is a suitable option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly power supply with a Gold rating and 600W capacity.

While the Toughpower GX2 may lack some of the advanced features found in other power supplies, it remains a solid choice. One notable drawback is the absence of modular connectors, meaning you are limited to the cables provided and cable management can be a bit messy. Additionally, the ketchup and mustard cables may not be aesthetically pleasing. However, it does include a quiet 120mm fan to ensure minimal inconvenience.

Overall, despite the limitations in features, the Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 is a reliable choice for those on a budget, providing the necessary power for your system without compromising on quality. And it comes with one 24-pin, one 8-pin, six SATA, two PCIe, three peripheral, and one floppy adapter.

Best PSU for GTX 1080 Ti things to consider

Determining which power supply unit (PSU) to purchase can be a complex and challenging process. You may find yourself questioning the significance of various specifications and how they relate to your specific system requirements.

Wattage

One crucial specification to consider is the wattage of the power supply. Wattage refers to the amount of power the PSU can deliver. For optimal performance, it is essential to match the recommended power requirements provided by the GPU manufacturer or calculate the total power needed for your system so you know the minimum required.

In the case of selecting the best power supply for a GTX 1080 Ti, it is advisable to consider their thermal design power (TDP) and recommended power supply. Since the graphics card is typically the most power-hungry component, it dictates the overall power requirements.

The GPU has a rating of 250W and it is more likely that you will be using a custom add-in board (AIB) rather than the reference Founders Edition (FE) card. Although based on the same GPU, custom AIB cards often come with additional features and overclocking capabilities that demand more power.

Therefore, they often require a higher wattage PSU, providing an extra safety margin to accommodate power spikes and potentially increased loads. And for the 1080 Ti, you’re looking at a recommended 600W supply for the power consumption to match the power draw. Although you may opt for a higher rating as to provide an upgrade path down the line if you have a more powerful GPU down the line.

Modularity

Another factor to consider is if you have a modular power supply. They offer a premium and high-end feature where the cables coming out of the PSU are replaceable and can be plugged in as needed. Higher-wattage PSUs tend to provide more expansion options, and if you do not require all the available connectors, a modular PSU allows you to leave unused cables unplugged.

This feature enhances cable management and keeps your build clean. However, a fully-modular design is not necessary if you are more budget-focused and do not mind dealing with all the cables being permanently attached.

There are also semi-modular options available, where essential cables like the 24-pin ATX connector and CPU 8-pin connector are fixed and not replaceable, but you can customize the rest according to your requirements.

On the other hand, budget options typically have all the cables permanently attached and not replaceable, requiring you to manage the entire bundle, even if not all the cables are in use. Fully modular PSUs also offer customization options for aftermarket cables, which can enhance aesthetics and cable management.

Power efficiency

Efficiency is another crucial aspect when selecting a power supply. Power supplies convert the AC (alternating current) from your home’s circuits to the DC (direct current) required by your components. This conversion process incurs some inefficiencies, resulting in energy loss as heat. Therefore, it is important to choose an efficient PSU to maximize power utilization.

One way to assess efficiency is through the 80 PLUS certification, which measures efficiency at different loads and voltages. The certification ranges from 80 PLUS White, which indicates 80% efficiency or above at 20% load on 115V non-redundant and 230V non-redundant systems, to Titanium, which guarantees at least 90% efficiency across all loads. The in-between fitting of bronze, gold, and platinum to suit plenty of budget tiers. Higher efficiency levels increase the cost of the PSU but offer better power management capabilities.

Although there have been questions regarding the methodology and sufficiency of the 80 PLUS certification, alternative certifications such as Cybenetics have emerged, offering evaluations of efficiency, noise levels, and chassis compatibility.

Reliability

As the running force of your system, you want good reliability and stability. You can usually find reviews and opinions of these devices to see how well they are rated and how well they last. This can also be seen with however many year warranty they offer, as that gives you some comfort in knowing it will keep offering enough power and good power output for a long time. And if you need something to keep you running with a power outage for enough time to save your work, there are the best UPS options to go for to fill out your setup.