Buy the PSU for AMD Threadripper 9980X and 9970X – Top Picks for Performance

The new AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and 9970X set a new standard for high-end desktop computing. Using the latest Zen 5 architecture, these processors handle demanding tasks like 8K video editing and advanced AI simulations with ease. But their high performance also means they use a lot of power. To get the most out of a 9980X Threadripper, you need a top-quality power supply.

Picking the best power supply for a Threadripper system is not just about getting the highest wattage. You also need a unit with precise voltage control, high efficiency to keep heat down, and the right connections for modern motherboards and graphics cards.

This guide will cover the best power supply options to keep your Threadripper 9980X or 9970X system remain stable, even during the most demanding tasks.

Why the Power Supply is the Most Critical Component for Threadripper 9980X

If you are building a workstation with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X, you might be thinking about RAM speeds or NVMe cooling first. Those matter, but the power supply is an important part of the system. The Threadripper 9980X usually has a high TDP – Thermal design power, often over 350W even at stock settings. If you use PBO – Precision Boost Overdrive or overclock manually, power demands can go even higher.

A low-quality unit can lead to:

1. System Crashes: Sudden power spikes from the 9980x threadripper can overwhelm a weak 12V rail.
2. Component Degradation: Poor voltage ripple can slowly damage the sensitive silicon in your Threadripper 9970X.
3. Efficiency Loss: HEDT systems often run 24/7. An inefficient Power Supply wastes energy as heat, increasing your electricity bill and room temperature.

Understanding the Needs of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X and 9980X

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X and the top-end Threadripper 9980X use sTR5 or sTRX50 (or newer) socket motherboards. These boards usually need several 8-pin EPS CPU power connectors. Most regular consumer power supplies only have one or two, which is not enough for the power delivery stages of these high-end boards.

These systems are rarely run with just one graphics card. Professionals often use a 9980X Threadripper with two RTX 4090s or workstation cards. Because of this, you need a power supply that meets ATX 3.0 or 3.1 standards and has native PCIe 5.0 (12VHPWR) support to handle large power spikes.

Minimum vs. Recommended Wattage

• If you are using a Threadripper 9970X with a single high-end GPU, you need at least a 1000W power supply, but 1200W is recommended.
• For a Threadripper 9980X with two high-end GPUs, choose a power supply of at least 1300W, though 1600W is recommended for best performance.

Quick Comparison: Best PSU for Threadripper

Top Picks: The Best PSU for Threadripper 9980X and 9970X

1. Corsair AX1600i – The Ultimate Gold Standard

If you want to build a top-tier system with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980x, the Corsair AX1600i is often seen as the best power supply available. It uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors, which make it very efficient and keep its size manageable.

Technical Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Unmatched Efficiency: GaN transistors make sure almost no energy is lost as heat, which is important for a 9980x Threadripper workstation.
• Full Digital Control: With Corsair iCUE, you can watch and adjust your power supply’s performance in real time.
• Cleanest Power: Minimal voltage ripple protects your high-end Threadripper 9980X from wearing out over time.

Why It’s Perfect?

This power supply delivers the cleanest power you can get. If you run a 9980x Threadripper for 24/7 rendering, its Titanium efficiency make sure minimum energy lost as heat, so the unit stays quiet and reliable.

2. Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 (ATX 3.0)

Seasonic is known for making reliable products. Many professional workstations use their PRIME series. The Seasonic Prime TX-1600 ATX 3.0 model is designed specifically for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970x and newer processors.

Technical Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Future-Proofing: Thanks to native ATX 3.0 support, it can handle the power spikes of modern GPUs when used with a Threadripper 9970X.
• 12-Year Warranty: This is the longest warranty you’ll find in the industry, showing how much Seasonic trusts their hardware.
• Micro Tolerance Load: It keeps the output voltage within just 0.5% fluctuation, which is key for stable performance on the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X.

Why It’s Perfect?

It comes with native 12VHPWR cables and excellent micro-tolerance load regulation. So, even if the Threadripper 9970X goes from idle to full load, the voltage stays steady.

3. be quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1600W

If you want a quiet setup with your Threadripper 9980X, the Dark Power Pro 13 1600W is a top pick. It uses a frameless fan and a full-mesh funnel to boost airflow and keep noise low.

Technical Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Whisper Quiet: This is the quietest high-wattage power supply you can get for a professional studio environment.
• Overclocking Key: You can switch between multi-rail and single-rail modes to make it ideal for extreme Threadripper 9980X overclocking.
• Premium Build Quality: It has a full aluminum body and digital power control, so you can count on reliable performance.

Why It’s Perfect

This power supply comes with an Overclocking Key, so you can switch between multi-rail and single-rail modes. This feature is especially helpful for the 9980X Threadripper when you need extra power during extreme overclocking sessions.

4. ASUS ROG Thor 1600W Titanium

The Asus ROG Thor 1600W offers more than just RGB lighting and an OLED screen. It is a powerful unit, made with high-quality Japanese capacitors, and built to handle the demanding needs of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980x.

Technical Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Real-Time Monitoring: The OLED screen lets you see exactly how much power your 9980x Threadripper system is using.
• Superior Cooling: ROG heatsinks keep things quiet, even when your system operating under 50% load.
• Aesthetics: Ideal for showcase builds with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980x, especially when you want your setup to look great.

Why It’s Perfect

The real-time OLED power display makes it easy to see how much power your Threadripper 9980X and GPU are using during demanding tasks.

5. EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 P+

If you choose the Threadripper 9970X with a more modest GPU setup, the EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 P+ is a great value and still delivers reliable quality.

Technical Specifications

Reasons to Buy

• Compact Reliability: This unit is more compact than most 1600W models but still delivers enough power for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970x.
• Excellent Value: It offers Platinum-rated efficiency at a price that works well for semi-professional builds.

• Platinum Performance: Its high efficiency helps cut down on electricity waste and heat during long 9970x Threadripper render sessions.

Why It’s Perfect?

This power supply strikes a good balance between price and performance. It has enough capacity for an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970x and a top-tier GPU, all while keeping Platinum-level efficiency.

Technical Breakdown: ATX 3.0, PCIe 5.0, and 12VHPWR

1. ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0

The latest generation of hardware, like the Threadripper 9980X, works much better with the ATX 3.0 standard. ATX 3.0 power supplies can handle sudden power spikes that reach up to 200% of the PSU’s rated capacity for a short time. These spikes often happen when your AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X boosts all its cores at once. If you use an older power supply, it might trigger Over Power Protection (OPP) and cause your system to shut down.

2. Fully Modular Design

Building a Threadripper 9980X system can be tricky because there are so many cables to manage. Using a fully modular power supply lets you connect only the cables you need, which helps keep the inside of your case tidy and improves airflow. Good airflow keeps the VRMs cooler, so your 9980X threadripper can hold higher boost clocks for longer.

3. The Importance of 80 PLUS Ratings

If you’re building a high-end AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980x system, always choose a power supply with at least an 80 PLUS Gold rating. Platinum or Titanium models are even better.

• Gold-rated power supplies are 90% efficient when running at half their maximum load.
• Platinum-rated units reach 92% efficiency at 50% load.
• Titanium-rated power supplies are 94% efficient at 50% load. Over a year of heavy use, choosing Titanium instead of Gold can save you hundreds of dollars on electricity and help your 9980x workstation run cooler.

Performance Comparison: Threadripper 9980X vs. 9970X Power Draw

The Threadripper 9980X is the top-end model, but many developers find the threadripper 9970X to be the best balance of performance and value. The 9980X threadripper has more cores and uses more power. In our tests, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X used almost 100W more than the 9970X when running a full AVX-512 workload.

So, while a 1000W power supply is usually enough for a 9970X system, the 9980X works better with at least a 1200W supply. This extra power helps keep the fan from running at full speed all the time.

Installation Tips for Your Threadripper PSU

1. Use Separate Cables: Use separate EPS cables for each 8-pin header when powering your AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980x processor, instead of using a single split cable. It helps spread the heat more evenly across the wires.
2. Check the 12VHPWR Connection: If you are using a modern GPU with your Threadripper 9970X, make sure the 16-pin cable is fully plugged in until it clicks. A loose connection in a high-wattage system can lead to melting.
3. Positioning: If your case has a filtered bottom intake, install the power supply with the fan facing down. This way make sure the PSU pulls in cool outside air rather than the warm air exhausted by the 9980x threadripper.

Final Thoughts

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980x and 9970x are impressive processors that help professionals work faster and more efficiently. To protect your investment, it is important not to compromise on the power supply.

Choosing a reliable power supply, like the Corsair AX1600i or the Seasonic Prime TX-1600, will help keep your workstation running smoothly for years. A good power supply is essential for getting the best performance from your 9980x Threadripper.

To receive swift and dependable assistance for all your computer parts requirements, You can contact our specialized team at (855) 483-7810Top of Form or place your order by completing a submission form.

FAQs

1. What is the best PSU for Threadripper?

The Best PSU for Threadripper is a high-wattage (1200W+) 80 PLUS Platinum or Titanium unit. It ensures stable voltage and efficiency for power-hungry workstation tasks on the Threadripper 9980X platform.

2. Is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X good for gaming?

The amd ryzen threadripper 9970x is exceptional for productivity, but its gaming performance is secondary. While it handles modern titles easily, its high core count is optimized for professional multi-threaded workloads.

3. What is the difference between Threadripper 9980X and 9970X?

The Threadripper 9980X offers higher core counts and clock speeds than the Threadripper 9970X. While both use the same architecture, the 9980x threadripper is designed for the most demanding rendering tasks.