|
|
A
hardware tech site for the rest of us.
 |
|||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
|
Thermaltake Toughpower 1200w PSU Performance Testing the Thermaltake Toughpower 1200w power supply will be done by monitoring power output via mainboard sensors as well as externally with a graphical multi-meter to ensure we are getting accurate readings. The use of the external multi-meter serves as an independent check that voltage measurements are accurate and more importantly, stable over time and under varying load conditions. Our testing will be done under idle and under variable load conditions in an 'average' real world environment. Load conditions being our doing some DVD back ups while running some batched Quake 4 benchmarks for extended sessions. Ambient room temperature during testing was 23' C. I want to quickly cite that testing here at the Overclocker Cafe' focuses on the average Joe using a product or device in average conditions. If you are looking for testing in fine detail of amperage readings on each rail at several temperature levels, the Hard|OCP also reviews this unit here. Back to our review, our test bed specs are as follows. Test Bed
Results and Conclusion
Idle and load voltage readings for the 3.3v, 5v and 12v lines
showed a maximum variance of 0.2 volts no matter what conditions we threw at the
Tt Toughpower. Each rail was checked with our graphical multi-meter and
each was within spec and clean.
Sitting back now as I write this conclusion it occurs to me that
Thermaltake's Toughpower 1200w PSU has it all. Power enough for any
multi-core/multi-GPU combination and enough left over (and then a lot more) for
a server's share of hard drives. The sheathed and shrink wrapped lines give
the unit a high quality look and feel. EZ-Grip Molex connectors and the
included 6-pin to 8-pin PCI-E adapters in addition to three 6-pin and three
8-pin dedicated independent power rails say quite a bit about the ability to
grow with this power supply as does the count of eight SATA, eight Molex and two
FDD connectors. Not forgetting modular cables and quiet operation which is
often attempted but not as often attained are two more jewels in the crown.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the size of the unit
itself. Now before you jump on me, I know that the size of the unit allows
for larger internal heatsinks and the fat 140mm cooling fan; both of which are
necessary for the Toughpower to operate silently. But it is what it is -
the large size will not allow it to be installed in all cases.
Specifically, any case with a top mounted blowhole. This was the only real
complaint of consequence I had with the unit and even this was mitigated to some
degree.
In the end, the pros far outweigh the cons. If your case
can take the 200mm depth of the unit, the only thing left is the price.
With a MSRP of $385, the Tt Toughpower is priced right in line with the rest of
the field. Many of the competition's units don't offer half as many
features let alone do the work quietly as the 140mm fan's low speed and high flow
does. The shopper looking at this unit will be someone with a need to
power big ticket items who won't skimp where it counts with regards to power.
A worthy unit and a worthwhile investment in the future for your next PSU
upgrade. Pros Rock solid stabile 1200 watts of juice Dedicated and independent 12 volt rails 20+4 ATX connector and 4+4 as well as 8-pin AUX power connectors for old or new rigs TONS of connectors to include next generation
8-pin PCI-E EZ-Grip Molex connector ends Sheathed and shrink wrapped cables Quiet operation Modular Cons Unit is 200mm long Fair pricing but $384 is a lot of bank |
|
|
All rights reserved. All
pages Copyright © 2000 - 2008 by R. Dean Barker.
|
