Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply Review – 80 PLUS Bronze, Semi-Modular, ATX 3.0 / PCIe Gen 5.0
Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply Review: 80 PLUS Bronze, Semi-Modular, ATX 3.0 / PCIe Gen 5.0
The Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply is a mid-range offering that aims to strike a balance between performance and affordability. With its 80 PLUS Bronze certification, semi-modular design, and support for ATX 3.0 / PCIe Gen 5.0, it seems well-equipped for modern PC builds. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into the details and see if this power supply is worth your investment.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply is designed for mainstream PC users seeking a reliable and efficient power solution. It features a semi-modular cable management system, allowing you to connect only the necessary cables, keeping your build tidy. Additionally, it boasts compatibility with the latest ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5.0 standards, ensuring compatibility with cutting-edge components.
Features
Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply:
- 80 PLUS Bronze Certified: This certification guarantees at least 82% efficiency at 50% load, ensuring optimal power delivery with minimal energy waste.
- Semi-Modular Design: Only connect the cables you need, reducing clutter and improving airflow within your case.
- ATX 3.0 / PCIe Gen 5.0 Compatible: Supports the latest power delivery standards for high-end GPUs.
- Smart Zero Fan Mode: The fan remains off at low loads, ensuring silent operation during idle and light usage.
- 120mm FDB Fan: Provides efficient cooling with reduced noise levels.
- Active PFC: Enhances power factor for cleaner power delivery and increased efficiency.
- Over Voltage, Over Current, Short Circuit, and Over Power Protection: Ensures safety and reliability.
Performance
The Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply performed admirably in my testing. It handled my demanding system, consisting of an Intel Core i9-12900K processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 graphics card, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, without any hiccups. The power supply remained stable throughout various stress tests, demonstrating its capability to deliver consistent power even under heavy loads. I particularly appreciated the Smart Zero Fan Mode, which kept the power supply completely silent during idle and light workloads.
While I didn’t experience any issues with the fan during my testing, some users have reported occasional fan noise at higher loads. However, the noise levels were generally within acceptable limits. The semi-modular design was a welcome feature, allowing me to keep my build clean and well-organized.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 80 PLUS Bronze certification for efficient power delivery
- Semi-modular design for clean cable management
- ATX 3.0 / PCIe Gen 5.0 compatibility for latest components
- Smart Zero Fan Mode for silent operation at low loads
- Reliable performance under heavy workloads
- Comprehensive protection features
Cons
- Fan noise can be noticeable at high loads for some users
- Not as feature-rich as higher-end models
Final Verdict
The Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W Power Supply is a solid choice for PC builders looking for a reliable and efficient power solution at a reasonable price. It delivers stable power and features a well-designed semi-modular system. While some users may find the fan noise slightly intrusive at high loads, it’s not a major concern for most. Overall, if you’re in the market for a mid-range power supply that strikes a balance between performance and affordability, the Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze 850W is a worthwhile option.
