When it comes to building a PC, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to choose the proper power supply. As someone who has lived through the consequences of an inadequate power supply, I can tell you that it's not something you want to risk. It's essential to provide stable and efficient power to your computer's parts, protecting them from power fluctuations and ensuring the longevity of your system.
My team and I have extensive experience building PCs and understand the importance of choosing the proper power supply while building or upgrading a computer. After extensive testing and experimentation with numerous power supplies, we have encountered our fair share of good and bad ones. In this article, we will share our firsthand knowledge and experiences to guide you in choosing the best power supply for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU based on its peak power draw and other factors.
Along with power supply efficiency, cable types, and other features, we examined the factors you should consider when selecting the perfect power supply. Based on our research, exploration, and analysis, we will provide our Recommended PSUs
that meet the needs of the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU's power draw.
EVGA SuperNOVA G5 Series Fully Modular Power Supply (220-G5-0650-X1)
Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Affiliate Link
Power Consumption of the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
Based on my experience, accurately determining the wattage of the power supply necessary for both your CPU and other components is crucial. We can use the PPT limit to determine the peak wattage used by an AMD CPU. PPT (Package Power Tracking) is an AMD CPU feature that monitors CPU power consumption, which prevents the PPT limit from being exceeded to avoid overheating and undervoltage. The Ryzen 9 5950X's PPT limit is 142 watts which can be reached at its max boost frequency of 4.9 GHz. Based on this, we know that the peak power draw of the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU is 142 watts.
The TDP (Thermal Design Power) used to be the standard way to determine power draw for AMD CPUs, but it doesn't account for the power needed while the CPU is boosting. The TDP indicates the CPU's power draw at its base frequency. The Ryzen 9 5950X's TDP is 105 watts at its base frequency of 3.4 GHz. However, we strongly recommend that you use a power supply that supports the wattage of the PPT limit (142 watts) to avoid any potential damage to your components or data corruption.
The PPT limit only represents the CPU's power consumption, while other components, such as the graphics card, RAM, and storage devices, also require power. The power supply must meet the power demands of your entire system, not just the CPU.
Estimated PSU Wattage for the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
We can estimate your power supply needs by adding up the power draw of each PC component. It's important to ensure that your power supply has enough wattage to support all the components in your system, even if they're not being used at maximum capacity.
One piece of advice I've learned from experience is to add a 100-150 watt buffer to the PC's anticipated total wattage. This extra buffer can come in handy if there are any miscalculations or if additional components are added in the future. I have found that having this buffer has allowed me to add more drives and fans without worrying about exceeding my power supply's capacity.
I've encountered instances where inadequate power supply wattage or subpar PSU brands have led to system instability, crashes, and in some cases, even damage to the components. To avoid these potential issues, opting for a trusted brand and power supply model that consistently and reliably delivers the required wattage is essential. After conducting various tests and analyses on different power supplies, I highly recommend choosing a model with additional wattage headroom beyond your system's requirements. This extra headroom guarantees more reliable system stability and prevents problems arising from power supply overload.
It's also important to factor in any additional power requirements for overclocking. Overclocking your CPU or GPU can significantly increase power consumption, so it's best to budget an extra 50-100 watts depending on the extent of the overclocking.
By referring to the chart below that we have created, you can estimate your power requirements.
| Component | Peak Power Usage |
|---|---|
| 5950X CPU | 142 watts |
| Top-Tier Graphics Card (e.g., Nvidia RTX 4090) | 450 watts |
| Mid-Tier Graphics Card (e.g., Nvidia RTX 3060) | 170 watts |
| Motherboard | 80 watts |
| Optical Drive | 30 watts |
| 3.5" Hard Drive | 9 watts |
| M.2 or 2.5" SSD | 9 watts |
| 140 mm Case/CPU Fan | 6 watts |
| 120 mm Case/CPU Fan | 6 watts |
| 80 mm Case/CPU Fan | 3 watts |
By adding up these numbers, you can estimate peak power usage. Check out the top-tier and mid-tier example builds below.
Top-Tier PSU Estimate for the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
| Top-Tier Components | Peak Power Consumption |
|---|---|
| 5950X CPU | 142 watts |
| Top-Tier Graphics Card (e.g., Nvidia RTX 4090) | 450 watts |
| Motherboard | 80 watts |
| 4 M.2 or 2.5" SSDs | 36 watts |
| 3 Case Fans (120 mm) | 18 watts |
| 2 CPU Fans (120 mm) | 12 watts |
| Total Estimate: | 738 watts |
| Recommended Power Supply Wattage: | 900 watts |
Check the latest price of the 750–1650 watt Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 ATX 3.0 Power Supply on Amazon (affiliate link).
Mid-Tier PSU Estimate for the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
| Mid-Tier Components | Peak Power Consumption |
|---|---|
| 5950X CPU | 142 watts |
| Mid-Tier Graphics Card (e.g., Nvidia RTX 3060) | 170 watts |
| Motherboard | 80 watts |
| 2 M.2 or 2.5" SSDs | 18 watts |
| 2 Case Fans (120 mm) | 12 watts |
| 2 CPU Fans (120 mm) | 12 watts |
| Total Estimate: | 434 watts |
| Recommended Power Supply Wattage: | 600 watts |
Check the latest price of the 450–750 watt Corsair SF Power Supplies on Amazon (affiliate link).
Power Supply Efficiency and Certification
In our experience, investing in a power supply unit (PSU) with a higher efficiency rating is a wise choice if you're willing to pay the upfront cost. We observed that upgrading to a better-efficiency PSU significantly reduced our energy consumption and heat generation while improving system reliability and reducing noise levels. It made our overall experience much more pleasant, and we've seen the benefits firsthand.
Efficiency levels are a key determinant of a power supply's cost effectiveness. The 80 PLUS rating is a great way to gauge the efficiency. The 80 PLUS certification program offers various efficiency levels, ranging from 80 PLUS to 80 PLUS Titanium, with increasing levels of efficiency such as 80 PLUS Bronze, 80 PLUS Silver, 80 PLUS Gold, and 80 PLUS Platinum. We've tested them and found that higher efficiency ratings can deliver tangible benefits.
We know that while a high-efficiency power supply may come at a higher upfront cost, it can help save money on electricity bills in the long run. Our research and testing showed that lower-wattage PSUs are typically more energy-efficient even when idle. Therefore, choosing the correct wattage is important instead of solely relying on the best 80 PLUS rating.
| Certification Level | 10% Load | 20% Load | 50% Load | 100% Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 Plus | 80% | 80% | 80% | |
| 80 Plus Bronze | 82% | 85% | 82% | |
| 80 Plus Silver | 85% | 88% | 85% | |
| 80 Plus Gold | 87% | 90% | 87% | |
| 80 Plus Platinum | 90% | 92% | 89% | |
| 80 Plus Titanium | 90% | 92% | 94% | 90% |
Power Supply Cables and Connectors
As experienced PC builders, we know the importance of ensuring that a power supply has the appropriate connectors to support the hardware in a system. Cheaper power supplies may have fewer options and shorter cable lengths, which can cause compatibility issues. On the other hand, we've experienced that more premium power supplies provide modular and semi-modular designs that offer greater compatibility, allowing for a better fit with the specific components in the system.
Connectors
I recommend checking your motherboard and graphics card documentation to determine the exact connector types you need. In my experience, buying a recently-released PSU is usually the best bet as it will likely have all the necessary connectors for a new PC build. You may encounter some incompatibilities if you're using older components or an older power supply.
I've observed that power supplies generally support several common connector types, which include:
- 24-pin connector for the motherboard
- 4/8-pin connector for the CPU
- 6/8/16-pin connectors for graphics cards
- SATA Power connector for each SATA HDD or SDD storage device
The latest graphics cards and ATX 3.0 PSUs support a new 16-pin PCIe 5.0 connector that replaces multiple 8-pin connectors.
Modular Cables
Typical power supplies come with various cables to connect your components. However, extra unused power cables can work against you by interrupting airflow.
In comparison, modular and semi-modular power supplies allow for attaching only the cables you need. As the name implies, semi-modular power supplies have some wires soldered on, while you can optionally connect others.
It's important to double-check that your power supply has suitable connectors for the specific hardware in your system. I've encountered situations where cheaper power supplies had fewer options and shorter cable lengths, which made it difficult to power all the components in my PC. That's why my team and I have always opted for more premium power supplies offering modular and semi-modular designs and greater compatibility. It's a lesson we learned the hard way after struggling to get everything to work properly.
Cable Lengths
As someone who has built and tinkered with PCs for years, I can say that when it comes to power supplies, it's necessary to consider the size of your tower. In my experience, most power supplies have long enough cables to support mid-sized towers, but I've encountered some challenges when I tried to install them in full-size towers. If you're in the same boat, I'd recommend researching and checking documentation to ensure the cables are long enough to allow for good cable management.
Power Supply Features and Form Factors
Power supply overvoltage protection and short circuit protection features can help to save your components in the case of a surge or accident. LED lighting is another feature you might consider, depending on your PC goals.
PSU form factors determine the physical size and shape of the unit and affect the compatibility with different computer cases. Choosing the correct form factor ensures proper fitting and ventilation, which can affect system stability and performance.
Various form factors are available for power supplies. However, a standard-size desktop PC build will use an ATX power supply. Small form factor PSUs allow for usage in many computer case shapes, including mini-PCs.
Choosing a Cost-Effective Power Supply for the 5950X CPU
You may live in a dorm or a family member's house and not pay electricity bills. Or you don't expect to use your computer daily for an extended period. In those cases, the lower upfront cost of a less efficient PSU may be the better choice. I once lived in a dorm without having to pay for electricity. With moderate computer usage, I decided to try a less efficient PSU to save on upfront costs. It helped me in that situation.
On the other hand, if you care more about your electric bill or the environment and plan to maintain higher CPU usage, a more efficient PSU may be better. As I became more conscious of my electric bill and environmental impact, I observed that my high CPU usage took a toll. So I researched and analyzed my options. Based on my findings, I invested in a more efficient PSU. It was a decision that paid off, as I saw a noticeable decrease in electricity costs over time.
Stay under 150 W above your expected power needs. Rightsizing your power supply will keep electricity costs to a minimum, as higher-wattage PSUs consume additional power, even when idle. I've experienced a situation where I chose a PSU that exceeded my power needs by a significant margin. Unfortunately, I learned the costly way that when my computer was idle, the high-wattage PSU consumed unnecessary additional power. This experience made me realize the importance of rightsizing my power supply to keep electricity costs to a minimum.
I've come to understand the significance of considering my specific circumstances and needs when choosing a PSU. Whether it's about saving costs or reducing my environmental footprint, making an informed decision is beneficial in the long run.
Recommended Power Supplies for Your PC With a 5950X CPU
Now that you've estimated the power supply wattage needed for your PC, you can choose a power supply. We recommend the following power supplies for use with the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU.
Recommended 750-1650 Watt ATX 3.0 PSU
Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 ATX 3.0
-
The Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 ATX 3.0 Power Supply on Amazon (affiliate link) is our recommended 750-1650 watt ATX 3.0 PSU.
We were impressed when we saw the efficiency rating of the Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 ATX 3.0. Its GOLD 80 PLUS efficiency rating ensures the power supply operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy waste and operating costs.
With support for the ATX 3.0 standard, the Toughpower GF3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade to newer graphics cards, ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware releases.
The fully modular cabling on the Toughpower GF3 allows for easy customization and cable management, optimizing airflow and minimizing clutter in my build.
The ultra-quiet design of the Toughpower GF3 makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a power supply that won't add excess noise to their system, even under heavy workloads.
10-year warranty.
This series of power supplies comes in power outputs including 750, 850, 1000, 1200, 1350 and 1650 watts.
Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 Series 80+ Gold Full Modular ATX 3.0 PCIe Gen 5 Power Supply Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Recommended 650–1000 Watt PSU
Corsair SF Series PSU
-
The Corsair SF Series Power Supply on Amazon (affiliate link) is our recommended 650–1000 watt PSU.
The GOLD 80 PLUS efficiency rating of the Corsair SF Series PSUs impressed me when I saw it, as it ensures that the power supply operates at high efficiency and saves on energy costs.
With fully modular cabling, the Corsair SF Series PSU allows for easy customization and cable management, improving airflow and minimizing clutter in my build.
I appreciated the near-silent operation of the Corsair SF Series PSU during low usage, which provides a quiet and distraction-free computing experience.
10-year warranty.
This series of power supplies comes in power outputs including 650, 750, 850, and 1000 watts.
EVGA SuperNOVA G5 Series Fully Modular Power Supply (220-G5-0650-X1) Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- RAM: Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU Good for Gaming?
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors:
A Note From the Authors
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