Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU Review: A Solid Choice for Gamers

Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU Review: A Solid Choice for Gamers

Looking for a reliable and efficient power supply for your gaming PC? The Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU might be worth considering. This unit boasts a solid set of features, including 80 PLUS Gold certification, a 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, and PCIe Gen 5.0 readiness. I’ve been using this PSU for the past few weeks to put it through its paces, and here’s my take on its performance and what it brings to the table.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU is a non-modular unit designed for gamers and enthusiasts who require reliable power delivery for their high-end components. With its 80 PLUS Gold certification, it promises efficient operation and reduced energy consumption. Let’s dive into its features and see how it performs in real-world use.

Features

The Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU comes packed with features that cater to demanding PC builds. Some of the key highlights include:

  • 850W Power Output: Provides sufficient power for high-end components, including powerful GPUs and CPUs.
  • 80 PLUS Gold Certification: Ensures high efficiency and reduced energy consumption, making it a good choice for eco-conscious users.
  • 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan: Delivers quiet operation and efficient cooling for prolonged use.
  • PCIe Gen 5.0 Ready: Equipped with PCIe Gen 5.0 connectors to handle the power requirements of next-generation graphics cards.
  • Multiple Protection Features: Includes over-voltage protection (OVP), under-voltage protection (UVP), over-current protection (OCP), over-power protection (OPP), over-temperature protection (OTP), and short-circuit protection (SCP) for peace of mind.

Specifications

Feature Value
Watts 850W
Color Black
Dimensions 150mm (W) x 86mm (H) x 140mm (D)
Power Good Signal 100-150 msec
Hold Up Time > 17 msec
Input Current 15A-8A
Input Frequency Range 50Hz/60Hz
Input Voltage 100-240V~
Operating Temperature 5°C to +40°C
Operating Humidity 20% to 85%, non-condensing
Storage Temperature -40°C to +55°C
Storage Humidity 10% to 95%, non-condensing
Cooling System 12cm FDB Fan
Efficiency 80 PLUS® Gold at 115Vac input
MTBF 100,000 hrs minimum
Safety Approval FCC/ICES/CB/cTUVus/S-mark
PCI-E 6+2PIN 4
PCI-E 12+4PIN 1
PCI-E Connector OVP/UVP/OCP/OPP/OTP/SCP

Performance

In my tests, the Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU delivered consistent and reliable power delivery. It handled my high-end gaming PC, which includes an Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, without any hiccups. The 80 PLUS Gold certification ensured efficient operation, and I noticed a slight reduction in energy bills compared to my previous PSU.

The 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan remained quiet even under heavy load. I didn’t hear any noticeable noise, which is a significant plus for those who value a quiet PC environment. The PSU also ran cool, even during extended gaming sessions.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU based on my experience:

Pros

  • Reliable and efficient power delivery.
  • 80 PLUS Gold certification for energy savings.
  • Quiet operation thanks to the FDB fan.
  • Multiple protection features for enhanced safety.
  • PCIe Gen 5.0 ready for future-proofing.

Cons

  • Non-modular design, which can be less convenient for cable management.

Final Verdict

The Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W PSU is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking reliable and efficient power delivery. Its 80 PLUS Gold certification, quiet operation, and comprehensive protection features make it a compelling option. While its non-modular design might be a drawback for some, its overall performance and value make it a good choice for those looking to upgrade their PC’s power supply.

Recommendation: If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient PSU with good performance and value for money, the Thermaltake Toughpower GX3 850W is a great option to consider.