Powering a home GPU cluster: one PDU safely feeds ~16 RTX 6000 Max-Q cards
TheZachMueller · x · 2026-09-25
A practical guide to powering a home GPU cluster with a PDU (power distribution unit):
- Why you need one: a standard 15A/120V outlet tops out at 1440W continuous — barely 4x RTX 6000 Max-Q cards (1200W each). PDUs plug into 20A/30A, 240V circuits carrying 3800W–5700W.
- Plug specs: six C13 outlets (10A, 2400W each on this unit), two C19 (16A, 3800W), 7200W total.
- The 80% rule: continuous load should draw max 80% of rating (breakers too), so 5700W usable — roughly 16–18 Max-Qs; the author plans for 16.
- His layout: C19 feeds 4x 6000 Pro + 4x Max-Q (each GPU chunk on a separate outlet), C13 runs a 300W NAS, plus a dual-voltage PDU for 120V networking gear.
Related event: Practical Guide to Powering Home GPU Clusters with PDUs(3 posts)→
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