Reports are buzzing about the power appetite of the RTX 5090, suggesting a whopping consumption of up to 600W! While the RTX 4090 already pushes electricity bills to their limits, the RTX 5090 takes it a step further. It’s no wonder motherboard manufacturers are scrambling to accommodate the additional power needs by adding extra 8-pin PCIe connectors.

RTX 5090: Approaching 600W Power Draw?

Comparatively, the RTX 4090 boasts a TDP of 450W, but NVIDIA seems intent on raising eyebrows with the RTX 5090, packing a jaw-dropping 600W power draw. This means the card alone could max out the 12V-2×6 connector meant to handle such power, signaling a need for a second connector integration to adequately power this hungry beast.

As power demands surge, expect partners to develop larger cooling solutions or even consider AIO watercooling setups usually reserved for elite series. The power consumption trend doesn’t stop there, with the RTX 5080 showing an increase as well. While current models like the 4080 and 4080 Super sip 320W, the RTX 5080 is projected to hit 400W—a 25% jump and just 50W shy of the RTX 4080. Considering architectural advancements, the RTX 5080 appears poised to outshine the RTX 4090.

Despite advancements in energy efficiency and improved performance per watt over previous iterations, the escalating power consumption is undeniable. NVIDIA’s drive to deliver top-tier, high-performance products to attract investors is evident. After all, becoming a market leader requires consistently raising the bar.