I have a system with an Intel Core i5-7500 and a 190W power supply, likely in a compact prebuilt case. I'm considering adding an RTX 3050 and want to know whether it would be safe and reliable. Does it make a difference whether the card is the 6GB PCIe-powered model or the higher-power 8GB version that requires a dedicated power connector?
3 Answers
It depends heavily on which RTX 3050 you mean. The 6GB model that draws up to 70W directly from the PCIe slot is probably suitable for a low-power system like this, assuming the power supply is healthy and the case has adequate airflow.
The 8GB version is a poor match for a 190W PSU. It typically uses around 130W by itself, while the i5-7500 can draw roughly 65W, leaving almost no headroom for the motherboard, drives, fans, and normal power spikes. I wouldn’t run that configuration.
Even if it boots, you’d be operating very close to the PSU’s limit. The safest choice is the slot-powered 6GB card, and you should confirm the exact model and power requirements before buying. Otherwise, upgrading to a newer platform and a stronger power supply would be a better long-term option.
The 6GB RTX 3050 is the PCIe-powered version, so it avoids the extra six- or eight-pin connector used by the higher-power models.