How Much PSU is Enough for GTX 1660 120W and RTX 3070 OC 280W

When building or upgrading a gaming PC, selecting the appropriate power supply unit (PSU) is crucial to ensure stability and performance. In this article, we will explore how to determine the suitable PSU wattage for a system that includes both a GTX 1660 and an RTX 3070 OC. We will provide a comprehensive guide to calculating the total system power consumption, addressing additional components, and recommending the ideal PSU wattage based on these calculations.

Recommended PSU Wattage

The recommended PSU wattage for a system depends on the power requirements of its components. For the specific components mentioned, we start with the following:

GTX 1660: Approximately 120W RTX 3070 OC: Approximately 280W

Total GPU Power Consumption

To determine the total GPU power consumption, we sum the wattage of the GTX 1660 and the RTX 3070 OC:

Total GPU Power 120W GTX 1660 280W RTX 3070 OC 400W

Additional Components

Next, we consider the power consumption of additional components in a typical system:

CPU: Depending on the model, this can range from 65W to 150W. Motherboard: Typically around 50W. RAM: Generally around 10W per stick. Storage: Together, SSDs and HDDs might add another 10-20W.

Total System Power Estimate

Assuming a mid-range CPU, such as 100W, and accounting for other components, the total system power consumption can be estimated as:

Total Power 400W GPUs 100W CPU 50W Motherboard 20W RAM and Storage 670W

Recommended PSU Wattage

To ensure stability and optimal performance, PSUs should be around 80% efficient. To account for this and provide a buffer, it is recommended to add 20-30% to the total estimated power consumption. This can be calculated as:

Recommended PSU Size 670W 1.20 (buffer) 804W

Conclusion

Given the calculations, a 750W to 850W PSU from a reputable brand would be ideal for a system with both a GTX 1660 and an RTX 3070 OC. This wattage ensures sufficient power for all components, efficient operation, and the possibility of future upgrades or overclocking. For typical usage, a 700W PSU might be sufficient, provided the CPU does not require a significant amount of power and the PSU has enough connectors to accommodate the GPUs.

For those with more power-intensive systems, such as multiple high-end GPUs or CPUs with heavy overlock, a larger PSU in the range of 1000W is recommended but can sometimes be overkill if not used to its full potential.

Key Takeaways:

Calculate the total power consumption of the GPU and additional components. Ensure PSUs are 80% efficient and add a buffer. Select a PSU in the range of 750W to 850W for most systems.