Thermaltake Toughpower 650w Q-fan

[amenx]

I got this PSU a few weeks ago on the strength of its good reviews. However, Toms Hardware recently took a look at it and they observed the following:

At the three load levels (low, medium and high), the voltages are within the allowed deviations.

However, the situation changes dramatically at low loads. If the current on the 12-volt lines drops below 1 amp, the voltage on the 5 volt line decreases drastically. At a load of 0.42 amps, we measure only 4.03 volts (minimum value according to specification is 4.75 volts). At even lower loads the voltage drops to 3.8 volts. This is clearly a malfunction. The manufacturer has not yet responded to this concern.

Due to these issues, the Low-Power PC Test could not be performed.

and they conclude:

In normal operation, the power supply shows good results. However, at low load the device is outside the specifications and therefore doesn?t pass.

So what should I make of this? A bad test sample? Should it cause any concern for me?

Thanks.

 

[mpilchfamily]

THG just barely has a clue about PSU reviews. There "low load" test is well below any low load situation the average PC would present. So there findings mean nothing. No system is only going to have a .42A load on the 5V rail. Thats like the only thing running in the system is a single USB thumb drive while everything else in the system is off and not pulling anything from the 5V rail.

Next time check out a real PSU review like the ones offered by Jonnyguru or other quality PSU reviewing site.

 

[nomagic]

Dear mpilch:

I think the article is saying that low load on the 12V lines leads to voltage decrease in the 5V lines. However, this only happens in the very extreme case where 12V load drops below 1 A.

Dear amenx:

Depending on the other components, your computer would idle at ~200 watt, so there shouldn't be a problem.

I am not so sure about sleep/hibernation mode though. Depending on the ACPI state, 12V load can possibly drop below 1A. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can answer your question.

Just as a personal side note, I trust THG as much as I trust the Inquirer.