Choosing the right power supply for your GPU is an important step in ensuring the quality and high performance of your system. The GTX 1080 Ti is a powerful GPU that can improve and enhance your video gaming experience beyond expectation, as it supports an incredible level of high graphics performance. But like any other component, it needs to be appropriately powered to work.
This guide will walk you through a number of PSU options that will sufficiently power your GTX 1080 Ti, taking into consideration wattage, rating, form factor, and design. We’ll be providing a range of choices, including best overall, budget, SFX, and RGB PSUs.
Products at a glance
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Best overall PSU for GTX 1080 TiCorsair RM650
- Wattage : 650W
- Form Factor: ATX
- Rating : 80 Plus gold
- Design: Fully modular
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Best budget PSU for GTX 1080 TiCorsair CX650
- Wattage: 650W
- Form Factor: ATX
- Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Design: Non-modular
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Best SFX PSU for GTX 1080 TiCooler Master V750 SFX
- Wattage: 750W
- Form Factor: SFX
- Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Design: Fully modular
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Best RGB PSU for GTX 1080 TiThermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W
- Wattage : 650W
- Form Factor : ATX
- Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Design: Fully modular
How we picked the best PSU for GTX 1080 Ti
When deciding upon which PSUs are best suited for the GTX 1080 Ti we wanted to consider how compatible each option was with the features of the GPU. This includes looking at the design, rating, form factor, price, and wattage of the PSU, and seeing how they align with the specs of this powerful graphics card.
The main factor we’ve looked at for this selection is the wattage of each PSU. If the power supply is too low in wattage, it will begin to overdraw, and it will eventually damage not only the power supply itself but also the GTX. However, if the power supply is too high, sure it will work fine, but you’re essentially wasting power that could be going to another component. Not to mention it will cost you extra money unnecessarily.
Instead, you should be using a power supply with the wattage that is recommended for the GTX 1080 Ti specifically. It should be at least 600W, so a bit over that is usually the ideal option. We’ve compiled a list with our top four power supplies for the GTX 1080 ti, so you can choose the one most suited to you while resting assured that it’s compatible! We have prioritized high-quality materials and a range of budgets.
If you’d like to read up on some of the PSUs on the market at the minute, check out our PSU hub, which features a multitude of guides to help you make the right decision when purchasing your next power supply.
Our top picks
- Wattage : 650W
- Form Factor: ATX
- Rating : 80 Plus gold
- Design: Fully modular
- Fully modular
- Low noise level
- High efficiency and performance
- Premium price
- Additional cable needed to connect PSU with USB header
The Corsair RM650 80 Plus Gold is our top product option on this list, and our pick for the overall best power supply for the GTX 1080 Ti. It is highly recommended and well-reviewed, making it a reliable purchase. It’s an excellent power supply that provides the best possible performance for your gaming needs, and that also ensures a stable supply for a smooth gaming experience.
The RM650 utilizes 650W meaning it’s the perfect option for the GTX 1080 Ti’s minimum power requirement of 600W. The extra 50W adds to the overall efficiency and performance of the PSU. For the power found in this PSU, you will be looking at a slightly more premium price, which varies from retailer to retailer but is usually on the higher end of the spectrum. However, if you feel that your GTX 1080 Ti deserves the best, then this could be the PSU for you.
The RM650 is built with low-noise capacitors and transformers, plus a Zero RPM fan mode ensuring the fan doesn’t move until the PSU is under a heavy load. This results in an overall near-silent performance which makes for an uninterrupted experience. The cables included in the product are completely modular meaning you can remove anything you’re not using and save space within your build.
The only downside to this product, aside from it’s premium price, is that you may need to purchase an additional cable to connect the PSU with a USB of your mainboard. Regardless, the overall power and efficiency of this product places it at the top spot of our list, and if your budget can stretch the extra costs, we highly recommend using the Corsair RM650 to power your RTX 1080 Ti.
What users say
Like us, many users who have purchased the Corsair RM650 seem impressed with its capabilities. These customers have taken to Amazon to share their thoughts on the product, with the majority of reviews mentioning its overall power, internal fan, and performance.
One user states, “I love these power supplies. Fully modular and the fact the fan shuts down completely when the system isn’t pulling a lot of power”, this demonstrates customer satisfaction with the built-in cooling capabilities of this product. Another user mentions their appreciation with the modular design of this product, stating “Well built and comes with plenty of cables for all sorts of configurations.”
- Wattage: 650W
- Form Factor: ATX
- Rating: 80 Plus Bronze
- Design: Non-modular
- Low price
- 100,ooo MTBF hours
- Semi-modular
- High inrush current with 230V
- Low hold-up time
The Corsair CX650 80 Plus Bronze, is not only an excellent power supply option in regards to performance and reliability, but it is also highly convenient thanks to its universal compatibility. As an 80 Plus Bronze certified product, it delivers high efficiency for less heat and an impressively low price averaging around the $60 mark.
It features a Thermally Controlled Fan that operates completely silent, at both low and medium loads, and it has an impressive amount of MTBF hours of 100,000. The operation is smooth and stable, designed for an enhanced gaming experience. The CX650 has a non-modular design meaning all the cables are fixed and connected. The modular cabling system allows you to only use the cables needed for your specific setup.
The CX650 uses 650 watts, which is the perfect amount to handle the power of thGTX 1080 Ti. It exceeds the minimum power requirement only slightly so it’s able to give the GPU an extra push. The Corsair is also known for having a discreet and high-tech appearance that is very appealing, and it comes with a 5-year warranty for a reliable guarantee of its operation.
If you’d like to find out more about the Corsair CX650, we’ve created a comprehensive hands-on review of the CX750 model. The main difference between these two products is the disparity in wattage, aside from that, you should be able to decipher if the CX series is right for the system through our discussion of the product.
What users say
Customers who have purchased the Corsair CX650 have taken to Amazon to express their satisfaction. The majority of reviews on this product seem to be positive, with users mentioning the ease of installation, value, and performance.
One customer mentions the lack of noise from the product, stating “It is nice and quiet and provides clean power”, demonstrating the reliability of the thermally controlled fan included with the CX650. Another user states, “Installation went well. A vast improvement to my computer.” demonstrating that customers should expect ease of installation with this product.
- Wattage: 750W
- Form Factor: SFX
- Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Design: Fully modular
- Fully modular
- FDB fan
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Higher price
- May have to purchase new case
If you’re looking to save space within your system build, then opting for a smaller SFX PSU might be the right option for you. The Cooler Master V750 SFX offers quality in power and efficiency while saving space within your setup. This fully modular SFX has an 80 Plus Gold rating, making it more than capable of handling the power of the GTX 1080 Ti.
With a wattage of 750W, the Cooler Master V750 SFX has more than enough power for the GTX 1080 Ti and comes in at a more expensive price of $180. But with this extra cost, you’ll be getting great features, like a quiet FDB fan that ensures efficient and effective cooling, and fully modular cabling. Meaning you’ll be able to detach cables and reduce clutter.
Measuring just 12 x 8 x 4.95 inches, the Cooler Master V750 SFX is ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatible and has a warranty of 10 years. This means that you’ll be able to use this PSU to its full capability for a long time before you’ll have to think about replacing it. Due to its smaller size you may have to consider purchasing a smaller case for your setup, which will of course add to the overall price point.
What users say
Like us, customers have been impressed by the Cooler Master V750 SFX. So much so, that they’ve taken to Amazon to express their satisfaction with the product. The majority of reviews on the site mention the product’s ease of installation, appearance, and performance.
One customer writes, “Clean install, super quiet, love the full modular bit”, demonstrating the multitude of reasons why users enjoy this product. Another customer states, “The white cables are nice but short” when describing the cables included with the product. This factor is definitely something to consider if your require longer cables for your setup.
- Wattage : 650W
- Form Factor : ATX
- Rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Design: Fully modular
- Fully modular
- 5 different lighting modes
- Low noise design
- Single EPS connector
- Inrush current
Purchasing an RGB PSU for your system is a great way to personalize your setup. So if you’re looking to get a little more out of the appearance of your GTX 1080 Ti power supply, the Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W is a great option. This Fully modular PSU has a rating of 80 Plus gold making it perfect for the GTX 1080 Ti in terms of power and efficiency.
This impressive PSU features an ultra-quiet smart zero fan which can be controlled by a switch at the back of the product, or will automatically turn on when the workload is over 20%. This PSU uses 650W, perfect for the 1080 Ti which only requires 600W of power.
The Thermaltake Toughpower features an RGB LED fan that utilizes 256 colors and has a low-noise design. Making your power supply not only look appealing but also creates a quiet environment for your system. A RGB button at the back of the PSU controls 5 different lighting modes, these include RGB cycle, red, green, blue, white, and LED off.
What users say
The Thermaltake Toughpower has received a lot of positive reviews on Amazon, making it quite the reliable product. Customers mainly mention their satisfaction with the power efficiency, value, and appearance of the product.
One customer states, “Excellent power supply works perfectly for the PC I’m assembling”, demonstrating user satisfaction for those building the entirety of their PC. Another user describes a negative opinion of the lighting modes on the PSU, stating “It most definitely cannot display more than one color at once as the product image would suggest”, this is definitely something to keep in mind if the RGB lighting is a main selling point for you.
Features and considerations – GTX 1080 Ti PSU requirements
When it comes to finding a suitable power supply, you can’t just go for any. It’s important that the power supply has the right amount of wattage needed for the graphics card so that you aren’t wasting electricity, and so that you aren’t possibly damaging the components by not having a high enough wattage. For the GTX 1080 ti, it is recommended that you use a power supply with a minimum of 600 watts, so anything above that should be fine. However, going too high above that will just lead to waste, so the ideal is around 600 to 800 watts, or so.
There are plenty of suitable power supplies available, so choosing the best possible one might be tricky, especially considering that they all very much look the same! So let’s look at the main factors that you can take into consideration. Remember that the power supply needs to suit your needs and preferences, and not the other way around!
Efficiency
When it comes to a power supply, efficiency is key. The higher the efficiency, the better the performance and the smoother and more stable the supply of power will be. Usually, this efficiency will be rated and ranked accordingly, so that you can quickly see how good it is.
For the GTX 1080 ti, you should aim for a power supply that has a rating of 80+ Gold, 80+ Platinum, or 80+ Titanium. Any lower ranking will likely be unable to keep up with the graphics card, and will therefore not be functioning at the best possible capacity.
Fan Cooling System
One of the biggest issues in gaming setups is overheating. With so many components, working at a demanding pace, and at such a high capacity, it is no wonder that the power supplies in use are going at full speed, with the risk of overheating and malfunctioning. That is why the fan cooling system is one of the most important factors to consider, as it is what will keep the power supply running smoothly and without interruption, and what will protect it from becoming damaged and worn too soon.
Whether it uses intelligent thermal technology or has an auto-adjustable fan speed, it’s important that the fan system is able to detect and accurately prevent overheating.
Design
Although most power supplies pretty much look the same, it’s still important to pay attention to the design, and the different features that it presents. A more compact design is usually better, not only because it will be better to fit into your setup, but also because it will be a lot less prone to overheating. There are also some designs that purposefully situate extra components at the top of the power supply, leaving the bottom less clustered, for an improved airflow that once again helps prevent overheating.
Something we recommend is that you look out for modular or semi-modular designs. With these, you have the ability to only use the cables that are needed, allowing you to store away all other cables, as they can be removed from the power supply. This helps reduce clutter, improves the airflow, and it also saves you space, and makes the setup look a lot better!
When is it time to replace my GTX 1080 Ti PSU?
On average, a power supply for an at-home gaming setup should last you between five to eight years. However, the amount of time a power supply lasts depends on the use that you give it, and on the care you give it.
Ultimately, you should replace the power supply whenever it starts to become faulty, or if it begins to malfunction on a regular basis. You should also replace it if you switch from the GTX 1080 Ti to a different graphics card, as it will then require a different amount of power.
