Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 850W Power Supply Review: A Compact Powerhouse?
Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 850W Power Supply Review: A Compact Powerhouse?
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the world of PC building, a reliable power supply is crucial. The Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 850W, with its compact SFX form factor, promises to deliver both power and efficiency. This review dives into the performance, features, and overall value of this PSU to determine whether it’s a worthy addition to your next PC build.
Key Features
The Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 850W packs a punch with its impressive specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 850W |
| Efficiency | 80 PLUS Platinum |
| Form Factor | SFX |
| Fan | 9cm FDB |
| Active PFC | Yes |
| PCIe Gen 5.1 Ready | Yes |
| ATX Standard | ATX 3.1 |
| TT Premium Edition | Yes |
| Color | Black |
These features suggest a high-performance power supply capable of handling demanding workloads and ensuring stable operation.
Performance Evaluation
I put the Toughpower SFX 850W through its paces, subjecting it to various real-world scenarios. In my test setup, which included a high-end gaming PC with a demanding CPU and graphics card, the PSU remained cool and quiet even under heavy load.
I ran several benchmark tests and real-world gaming sessions to assess its performance. The results were consistently impressive, demonstrating that the Toughpower SFX 850W can deliver the necessary power without any issues. The 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency rating proved its merit, keeping operating temperatures low and maximizing energy savings.
One of the things I particularly appreciated was the quiet operation of the 9cm FDB fan. Even at full load, the fan noise was minimal, making it suitable for quiet systems and late-night gaming sessions.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 850W:
Pros:
- Compact SFX form factor, ideal for smaller cases
- High power output and Platinum efficiency for stable operation
- Quiet fan operation even under load
- PCIe Gen 5.1 Ready for future-proofing
- Solid build quality and excellent design
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other SFX PSUs
- Limited cable management options
Final Verdict
The Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 850W is an excellent power supply for those seeking a balance of performance, efficiency, and compactness. It’s a solid choice for high-end gaming PCs, especially those in smaller cases where space is limited. However, the relatively high price tag might be a deterrent for budget-conscious builders.
Overall, the Toughpower SFX 850W is a strong contender in the SFX power supply market, offering a compelling combination of features and performance. Its compact size, high efficiency, and quiet operation make it a desirable choice for demanding PC builds. If you’re willing to invest in a premium power supply, the Toughpower SFX 850W will likely deliver the reliability and stability you need.
