Introduction
Today we are here to look at the new Thermaltake ToughPower 550, which of course is a power supply if you didn't already know. The ToughPower is a SLi/Crossfire Power Supply with the rest, including two 12 volt rails and a 20+4 pin ATX Connector.
Packaging
What's in the box
In the box is:
- ToughPower 550 Power Supply Unit
- Manual
- Screws
- Power Cable
Specifications
The ToughPower
- Max Power:550 Watts
- Switches: ATX Logic on-off additional power rocker switch
- Colour: Black Gloss
- PFC: Active (230V model only)
- Cooling System: 120mm Fan (2200 RPM / 76.63 CFM)
- Noise: 17dB at 1300rpm
- PG Signal: 100-500ms
- Over Voltage +5v: 5.7v Min, 6.2 Max
- Over Voltage +3.3v: 3.7v Min, 4.1 Max
- Over Voltage +12v1&2: 13.3v Min, 14.3 Max
- Unit Size: 15cm(L)x14cm(W)x8.5cm(H)
- Weight: 2.13kg
- Input Voltage: 230 VAC (w/PFC), 115VAC/230VAC (wo/PFC)
- Input Freq: 50~60 Hz
- Input Current: 12A/6A
- Hold-Up Time: 17ms (aka if the power goes off for less then 17ms then your computer will stay on)
- Efficiency: >80%
The ToughPower 550 is a nice glossy box with wires hanging out, it also has a side picture advertising the product. Although it might seem good on paper, I had problems fitting the power supply in.
The ToughPower 550 is not a modular power supply so according to what most people say, it has a higher efficiency then a modular psu. Although it does have cable sleeving and long wires.
Cable Connectors:
Power Output Specs:
- 2x 4 Molex, 1 Floppy
- 2x 2 Sata
- 2x PCI-E
- 4 Pin ATX
- 20+4 pin ATX
As you can see this power supply will definitely support a SLi system.
- +12v1: 19A
- +12v2: 19A
- +5v: 40A
- +3.3v: 32A
- +5v SB: 2A
- -12v: 1A
Installation
Installing the PSU was quite simple, although i did have problems installing in to my Cooler Master Praetorian Case, as u need to slide it in the back and the side picture scratches.
Results
Test Computer:
Testing:
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (Winchester Core)
- DFI LanParty UT NF4 Ultra-D
- Gigabyte x600 pro 128MB
- Corsair XMS 3500 LL Pro 2048MB
- Sunbeam Nuuo 550 Watt Power Supply [Comparison]
- Thermaltake ToughPower 550 Power Supply [Comparison]
- Sunbeam Theta Fan Controller
- 80GB Seagate SATA HDD
- Cooler Master Praetorian 731
- Microsoft Windows XP Pro
Conclusion
- Power Supply ran through a UPS on battery
- Voltage Measured for 10 minutes, Load and Idle
This power supply isn't too bad, although it does jitter quite a bit it is still about as close to the right voltage as you need.
Thermaltake did make a mistake when they decided to put the picture on the side, because some people might not be able to install it without troubles.
Pros (+):
Cons (-):
- Reasonably low Jitter and close to standard voltage requirements
- Cable Sleeved
- EZ Connectors
- APFC (230V Model only)
- 20+4 Pin
- SLi/Crossfire Compatible
- Fan Speed Monitor
- Auto Fan Speed
- The side picture on the unit
- No Fan Speed Controller