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It is hard not to be impressed by the Thermaltake Toughpower 1,500W power supply, it is a monster design capable of delivering over 1,600W when needed.
If anyone needs this level of power on a regular basis, I would be surprised because the most powerful system we have in our offices is a dual GTX590 QUAD Sli system with Intel Core i7 3960X overclocked to 4.8ghz. This system demands 940W under full load and the Thermaltake Toughpower 1500W power supply dealt with it without even a tiny flutter.
On a design level, the Toughpower 1,500W appealed to me. The appearance is subtle and the paintwork is first class and it will fit into any system build without standing out as an ugly eyesore. Just be careful that your computer case can accommodate the power supply, as it measures 220mm in length.
Technically, there is little to fault. Noise suppression is fantastic, measuring only 25mV from the +12v output at full load. One of the best results we have recorded from such a massive power supply. Load regulation is also strong and it dealt with our intensive cross loading test without a problem. The +3.3V fluctuates a little, but nothing serious enough to cause instability problems.
The large, high quality Young Lin fan copes with the demanding environment well, never creating a racket, even when the supply is delivering over 1,300W.
Our only concern, and it is one I don't think we have ever have to mention before, would be the hardwired cabling implementation.
The hole in the chassis is too small, causing strain on the side panel and more seriously there is no cable sleeving as they enter the chassis. Without a protective grommet in place this raised an eyebrow in our labs as there is potential for frayed cabling over the long term. I would actually try and insert my own protective material just as the cables enter the chassis, for peace of mind. I am surprised that this issue was not caught before the product hit the retail channels.
Currently this power supply is available from Novatech in the United Kingdom for £234.98 inc vat. This is a good price, and very similar to 1000W/1250W 80 Plus Gold Certified units. If they could drop the price to £199.99 inc vat however it would sell many more units to the high end audience.
Pros:
- Excellent performance.
- great noise suppression.
- low to moderate noise, even at 1,300W+
- can handle any system.
- price point.
Cons:
- cables aren't protected as they enter the chassis.
- physically large.
- no power button.
Kitguru says: A great power supply with a few minor niggles.
