Beginning our measurable testing aside from confirming that a fanless PSU does indeed run at 0 dBA, was thermal efficiency.  Using an Extech Infrared Thermometer we measured temperatures at three points: rear external convection fins, front external convection fins and the top of the PSU itself.  This was of course made infinitely easier with our laser temperature sensor.  After the system had been up for three hours running continuously under extreme load we obtained the follow results.  Rear external convection fins = 44.4 degrees Celsius.  Front external convection fins = 37.2 degrees Celsius.  Lastly, the surface of the unit was read at 49.4 degrees Celsius. 

Against all expectations, this added heat didn't add much to the bottom line of our CPU load temperature; raising things a mere 2 degrees Celsius.  I'm attributing this to the fact we had a top mounted blow hole to dissipate the extra heat that was put out inside the case.  If we did not have a blow hole, I would venture to say the impact would be significant.  Surprisingly, I did not have a case available without blowholes on top so we can only speculate.

Putting the system under varying loads by adding in multiple fans to running SiSoft Sandra 2004 Pro's Burn In program with DVDs and game demos running simultaneously we never ran into any operational issues from a subjective standpoint.  Monitoring voltages with the ABIT EQ program power delivery was pretty consistent and strong.  Here are a couple of screen shots.

Conclusion

Initially, I had mixed feelings about the Thermaltake Fanless PSU stemming from either of two concerns.  The first was the low wattage (350w) when compared to the mainstream market PSU where 400w is almost a minimum.  Second was the heat given off inside the case by the fanless PSU's convection fins that were inside the chassis we used as a test bed.  The more thought I gave to these two points, the more I realized that I was applying power user standards to an item that isn't designed for the power user.  The Thermaltake Fanless Power Supply is designed specifically for the silent seeker niche.  The true silent computer user generally doesn't run a system that is overclocked to an extreme with numerous power hungry components, multiple LED case fans or other lighting accessories.  With this in mind, 350 watts is perfectly adequate.  The slightly elevated case temperature also gets a pass on these same grounds.  If you are looking to put up a box with extensive mods and high power consumption components, this product may not be for you.  Again, this is not who this product was designed for.  The bottom line is that we got clean stable power delivered without excessive heat at a cost of zero decibels.  That boys and girls is the important piece - 0 decibel clean power.  Again, Thermaltake seems to have no problems with innovation to meet the needs and wants of the niche markets. 

Pros

• Clean stable power

• Innovative

• Functional and very desirable for those seeking a silent computer.

Cons

• Convection fins extending inside case may block top mounted blow holes in some cases.

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