Best PSU for Core i7-13700K & RTX 3060
This build excels at 1080p/1440p gaming with high refresh rates and handles productivity tasks well. It offers a balanced experience for modern applications.
550W
395W
72%
Mid-range
🏆 Recommended Power Supplies
Hand-picked for your 550W target — sorted by overall value.
MSI MAG A550BN, Non-Modular Compact 550W Power Supply, 80+ Bronze, Low-Noise Fan, Active PFC Design, 5 Year Warranty
This 550W Bronze PSU is borderline for the 13700K and RTX 3060, but could suffice for gaming.
Efficiency80+ Bronze
FormATX
CablesNon-Modular
Price$52.67
Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX 12V V2.3/EPS 12V 80 Plus Certified Active PFC Power Supply PS-SPD-0600NPCWUS-W
The 600W Gold PSU offers ample headroom and better efficiency, making it a safer and more reliable choice.
Efficiency80+ Gold
FormATX
CablesNon-Modular
Price$42.99
CORSAIR CX550 80 Plus Bronze Non Modular Low-Noise ATX 550 Watt Power Supply – NA – Black
This 550W Gold PSU is a good quality option, but still cuts it close for peak loads with this CPU/GPU combo.
Efficiency80+ Gold
FormATX
CablesNon-Modular
Price$65.99
Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX 12V V2.3/EPS 12V 80 Plus Certified Active PFC Power Supply PS-SPD-0600NPCWUS-W
Want extra headroom for future GPU upgrades or overclocking? This 600W unit gives you peace of mind.
Efficiency80+ Gold
FormATX
CablesNon-Modular
Price$42.99
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📊 Quick Comparison
See the key differences at a glance.
| # | Model | Wattage | Efficiency | Modular | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSI MAG A550BN, Non-Modular Compact 550W Power Supply, 80+ Bronze, Low-Noise Fan, Active PFC Design, 5 Year Warranty | 550W | 80+ Bronze | Non-Modular | $52.67 |
| 2 | Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX 12V V2.3/EPS 12V 80 Plus Certified Active PFC Power Supply PS-SPD-0600NPCWUS-W | 600W | 80+ Gold | Non-Modular | $42.99 |
| 3 | CORSAIR CX550 80 Plus Bronze Non Modular Low-Noise ATX 550 Watt Power Supply – NA – Black | 550W | 80+ Gold | Non-Modular | $65.99 |
| ⬆️ | Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX 12V V2.3/EPS 12V 80 Plus Certified Active PFC Power Supply PS-SPD-0600NPCWUS-W Upgrade | 600W | 80+ Gold | Non-Modular | $42.99 |
🔌 Power Budget
Your system uses 72% of the recommended PSU output — well within the efficient operating range.
550W (Recommended)
System draw: 395W
Headroom: 155W (30%)
💡 Why 550W?
Power Calculation
CPU + GPU draw, plus ~100W for motherboard, RAM, fans, and storage.
30% Headroom
Extra capacity absorbs transient power spikes, keeps efficiency in the sweet spot, and leaves room for future upgrades.
80 Plus Efficiency
We only recommend certified PSUs. Higher ratings mean less wasted energy, lower heat, and quieter fans.
🌿 Power Efficiency Tips
Enable CPU power-saving features in BIOS.
Optimize GPU settings for lower power draw.
Ensure proper case airflow for cooling efficiency.
🎯 What This Build Can Do
1080p Gaming
Smooth gaming at 1080p with high settings for most modern titles.
Content Creation
Efficient video editing, graphic design, and 3D rendering tasks.
Heavy Multitasking
Run multiple demanding applications simultaneously without slowdowns.
🔧 Installation Guide
Quick Checklist
- Mount the PSU with its fan aligned to your case airflow.
- Only connect cables you actually need (modular PSUs).
- Use dedicated PCIe power cables for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 — no daisy-chaining.
- Boot-test with side panel open before final assembly.
⚠️ Special Note
Route cables neatly behind the motherboard tray for optimal airflow and aesthetics.
🔗 Explore More Builds
See PSU recommendations for other CPU + GPU combinations.