I recently upgraded my GPU from a 4080 Super to a 5090 after the 1080ti I was using caught fire last year. I live in an apartment with some unusual wiring where most of my outlets are on the same breaker. I know the 5090 consumes significantly more power (around 600W) than the 4080 Super (which is about 290W), but I didn't expect it to trip the breaker while gaming. I was playing Ark Survival Ascended when it tripped, and it also happened with less demanding games. I've tried moving things around to different outlets but I'm still having issues. What can I do to prevent the breaker from tripping while using my new GPU?
2 Answers
It sounds like your 5090 is drawing much more power than what your current breaker can handle, especially if it's sharing with other devices. Since your GPU can spike over 600W, if your total power draw exceeds 1800W (for a 15A breaker), it will trip for safety. You might want to check if there are other devices on the same breaker and try to limit the load by unplugging unneeded items. You could also try a power limit on the GPU to reduce consumption. It might be worth contacting your landlord or maintenance to check if the breaker is functioning properly since it’s an apartment complex.
It's possible that your breaker is old or faulty, especially if you're experiencing consistent trip outs with minimal load. Try an extension cord and see if relocating the entire setup helps. Also, monitoring how much wattage you're pulling can provide more insight into whether it's just a problem with the breaker. Check your breaker’s rating by taking a peek at the panel; it's usually labeled. If it is indeed a low amp breaker for the space, consider a maintenance request to upgrade it.
Yeah, you might need to look into the electrical setup of your apartment. It isn't uncommon for apartments to have outdated wiring which can't handle modern power draws!