Do I need a new power supply for upgrading to a 3060?

-

I’m currently using a GeForce GTX 1060 6GB with a 500W MAX POWER supply. I’m looking to upgrade to a 3060 and wanted to know if I need to replace my power supply or if the current one can handle it. I also have 16GB of RAM—does that affect anything?

2 Answers

PixelPundit23 -

You might be fine, but it also depends on your CPU. The 3060 pulls about 170 watts, and with your i5-8400, it looks manageable. If you have any major overclocking plans, or if you’re running other components that draw a lot of power, then you might want to think about a new power supply.

GamerDudeXtreme -

Your 500W power supply should generally be enough for a 3060, but it’s getting close to the limit, especially if you plan on overclocking. Just make sure your overall system power demand stays within that range, or consider upgrading to a higher wattage for some headroom.

Leave A Reply

RECENT PC QUESTIONS

Should I choose a GT 1030 or a 3050 for my first PC?
Should I choose a GT 1030 or a 3050 for my first PC build in New Zealand? View Answer
What's the Best Budget PC Build for $500?
Looking for the best $500 PC build to upgrade an old system while ensuring future upgradeability. View Answer
Is it safe if I fell near my PC?
Will falling down near my PC cause any damage if it was off and elevated? Here's what you need to know. View Answer
Is a Dedicated Streaming PC Necessary If I Have a 5090?
Should I invest in a dedicated streaming PC if I already have a powerful 5090 for 4K gaming? View Answer
Should I Upgrade to a 5090 or Stick with My Current Setup?
[Beat Saber: Daft Punk - "The Prime Time of Your Life/The Brainwasher/Rollin'/Alive (Live 2007)"] - Should I upgrade my platform or get the 5090 for better gaming at 1440p? Let's weigh the options. View Answer
Why is my friend's i5 9600KF overheating after I sold it to him?
[Halo Infinite] - Is my friend's old cooler causing overheating issues with the i5 9600KF CPU he bought from me? View Answer

RELATED QUESTIONS

Why is my friend's i5 9600KF overheating after I sold it to him?
[Halo Infinite] - Is my friend's old cooler causing overheating issues with the i5 9600KF CPU he bought from me? View Answer
Help Me Choose Between Ryzen 5600, 5600X, and 5800XT CPUs
Struggling to choose between Ryzen 5600, 5600x, and 5800xt CPUs? Here's some guidance on what fits best! View Answer
Upgrading My PC Without Changing My 3080 GPU - Any Suggestions?
Seeking suggestions for a PC upgrade under $2000 while keeping my 3080 GPU for future improvements. View Answer
Should I Upgrade from a GTX 1070 to a 5070 Ti or Wait?
Is upgrading from a 1070 to a 5070Ti worth it, or should I wait for the 5070Ti Super? View Answer
Is an Underclocked i9-14900KS Still Better Than My Ryzen 5 5600X?
[Beat Saber: Daft Punk - "The Prime Time of Your Life/The Brainwasher/Rollin'/Alive (Live 2007)"] - Is an underclocked i9-14900KS faster than a Ryzen 5 5600X without a major investment in cooling? View Answer
My PC Keeps Freezing and Restarting—Need Help!
How to troubleshoot a gaming PC that frequently freezes and restarts after two years of use. View Answer
Is My Upcoming PC Build Future-Proof Enough?
Is my new PC build good enough for the future? Seeking gamer insights on compatibility and longevity. View Answer
Looking for GPU Upgrade Suggestions for 1080p Gaming on a Budget
What are the best GPU upgrade options for 1080p gaming on a budget of £200-£300? View Answer
What's the Best CPU to Pair with an RX 580 4GB?
What's the best CPU to pair with an RX580 4GB? Recommendations for performance without overspending. View Answer
Are my PC specs considered low-end in 2025?
Are my PC specs low-end for 2025 with RTX 3060, Ryzen 5 5600, and 16GB RAM? View Answer
Is an 850W PSU Too Much for a 2070 Super?
Is an 850w PSU excessive for a 2070 Super, or is it ideal for future upgrades? View Answer
Is Upgrading from RTX 4060 to RX 6800 Worth It?
[Elden Ring] - Is upgrading from an RTX 4060 to an RX 6800 worth it for better gaming performance? View Answer