Can I connect a Seasonic s12ii 520w PSU to run a RTX 3060 with 12GB VRAM?
Can I connect a Seasonic s12ii 520w PSU to run a RTX 3060 with 12GB VRAM?
I recently purchased the rtx 3060 without verifying its power needs.
I'm running an i5 9400f, with 16gb (8gb+2) of RAM (xmp on), 1tb ssd, 1 hdd, and a case fan.
Prior to this, I was using a gtx 960 with 2gb of ram.
It's unlikely to cause issues if you simultaneously load your CPU and GPU, but there might be problems with your PSU. Although it performs well for its design, your GPU could overload during this high demand, causing a temporary spike. So while it might function, upgrading to a new PSU would be advisable for that power usage. A modern GPU with around 130W TDP would probably work fine (especially if you're considering replacing the 3060).
Yes, you can utilize a Seasonic S12II 520W power supply to energize an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB graphics card. The RTX 3060 typically needs about 550W, and the 520W PSU should be adequate. You might consider opting for 600W or 650W instead.
It's not just about the wattage. The S12II 520w is an older, regulated unit with poor protection features. It was decent about 15 years ago but now feels like a bad unit.
If that's the TUF Bronze unit, it looks like it could be a reasonable option if it's affordable.
This guide is helpful for understanding how strong a PSU really is:
https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/
Choosing a PSU really depends on where you purchase it, since prices differ greatly across regions.
I personally would opt for a 750w 80 bronze min. The issue is that if something fails due to the lower PSU, it might be worth spending more on replacing parts.