Recommended Free Tools
Yes. A GeForce GTX 1060 needs power from your PC’s power supply unit (PSU), and the PCI Express slot alone does not supply enough. NVIDIA’s reference guidance calls for a minimum 400 W system power supply and one 6-pin PCIe power connector run from the PSU to the card. The card’s own 120 W rating is a different figure from the PSU wattage you need.
What NVIDIA specifies
NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB Graphics Card User Guide lists a 400 W minimum system power supply and one 6-pin PCI Express supplementary power connector. It states that the card “requires one 6-pin PCI Express power plugs from the system power supply,” and its installation steps tell you to connect that 6-pin lead to the card.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum system PSU (reference card) | 400 W | NVIDIA user guide |
| Supplementary power connector | One 6-pin PCIe | NVIDIA user guide |
| Card power | 120 W | NVIDIA launch article, July 19, 2016 |
NVIDIA’s launch announcement says the card delivers its performance “on a single 6-pin PCIE connector.”
120 W vs. 400 W: two different numbers
The 120 W figure describes the card. The 400 W figure is a recommendation for the entire system’s PSU. It leaves room for the CPU, motherboard, memory, drives and fans, and for the PSU not running at its limit. A 290 W power supply, as one reader asked about, falls below NVIDIA’s stated 400 W minimum for the reference card. Nothing in NVIDIA’s or MSI’s published material shows such a setup to be compatible.
#1 Best Overall
- Delivers 500 Watt Continuous output at plus 40 degree. Compliance with Intel ATX 12 Volt 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified, 80 percentage efficiency under typical load
- Supports (2) PCI E 6plus2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100,000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- High Quality Components
Check your specific card
MSI’s pages for the GTX 1060 3G OCV1 and 6G OCV1 list 120 W, one 6-pin connector and a 400 W PSU, matching NVIDIA’s reference guidance. That confirms only those two MSI models. Other board-partner cards may use different connectors or recommendations, so read the exact model’s specification page or the label on the card.
Check your PSU before installing
- Find the exact model name on the card or its manufacturer’s specification page, and note the listed power connector and recommended PSU wattage.
- Read the PSU’s label for total wattage, and confirm that it meets that recommendation for the whole system, not just the card.
- Look for a free PCIe power lead on the PSU, usually labeled PCIe or VGA, with a 6-pin (or 6+2-pin) plug.
- Plug that lead into the card’s power socket until it clicks, then connect the PC’s display cable to the card.
What does not work
- A SATA power connector is not a PCIe GPU lead.
- Adapters are not a universal fix. The official requirement is a PCIe power connection from the PSU, so use a native lead where possible.
- A PSU’s wattage alone does not prove it has the needed connector.
When to replace the PSU
Consider a new unit if your PSU lacks a native PCIe lead, falls below the card’s recommended wattage, or is too small for the rest of your hardware. The published sources set 400 W as the baseline for the reference card. They do not name a best PSU model, nor do they justify a higher wattage for every system. A power-hungry CPU or extra components may need more, and an older or worn PSU may deliver less than its label implies.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 80 PLUS Certified with Efficiency of up to 86%
- Continuous Power Design
- Has well Ready
- Ultra Quiet 120mm Fan for excellent airflow
- 5 Year Warranty
Rank #4
- Apevia 600W Spirit ATX Gaming Power Supply with black sandblasted casing. Supports Dual/Quad/Multi-core CPUs. Supports single 12V output for higher power usage.
- Connectors : 1 x 20/24pin Main Power, 1 x 4+4pin 12V, 2 x PCI 6+2pin, 4 x SATA, 4 x Molex
- Auto-thermally controlled 120mm black fan. Output: +3.3V@16A, +5V@20A, +12V@45A, [email protected], [email protected]
- Heavy-duty protections: Short-Circuit/Over-Current/Over-Voltage/Over-Power/Under-Voltage/Over-Temperature Protections
- The power supply will not power on simply by connecting the power cord to both the power supply and wall outlet. Ensure that all the power supply cables are properly connected to the PC for it to power on.
Rank #3
- 80 PLUS GOLD CERTIFIED
- 10-year limited warranty, guaranteeing long term reliable operation
- Fully modular design
- ATX 3.1 & PCIE 5.1
Rank #2
- ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 Support: Fully compatible with Intel ATX 3.1 specifications, with native PCIe 12V-2x6 (12+4 pin) connectors for modern GPUs.
- 80 PLUS Gold Efficiency: Provides up to 90% efficiency, reducing energy consumption and heat output during operation.
- Smart Zero Fan Technology: Automatically adjusts fan speed based on load, minimizing noise during low-load operations.
- Fully Modular Design: Includes low-profile flat black cables, making cable management easier and improving airflow inside your case.
- High Amperage Single +12V Rail: Provides reliable and stable power delivery, optimized for high-end gaming and workstation builds.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
