Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Review

paulktreg - 2009-09-29 15:12:36 in Power Supplies
Category: Power Supplies
Reviewed by: paulktreg   
Reviewed on: January 25, 2010
Price: $114.99

Introduction:

Thermaltake, founded in 1999, currently offer a wide range of products for the computer professional and enthusiast alike, from redundant server power supplies to computer cables.

This time around, OCC will be taking a close look at the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W cable management power supply (Part Number W0229RE) and putting it through its paces to see how well it performs. The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W cable management is a modular, high current single 12V rail power supply with one or two interesting features. The packaging states the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is high quality, offers excellent performance and runs quietly, let's put these claims to the test.

Closer Look:

The packaging for the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is to a high standard. The box is predominantly black with color photographs and illustrations used to good effect. The top of the box shows an image of the power supply fan grill along with the power supply wattage and 80 Plus Bronze, Eco-Friendly and five year warranty logos. Technical information is given on the base of the box in a well laid out and easy to understand format which includes specification table, available connector quantities with illustration photographs and a graph illustrating the impact of the FanDelayCool feature on the power supply temperatures against time when compared against a power supply without the feature. Occupying the top left hand corner of the base are a series of five photographs illustrating "Uniqueness & Design" which include the use of high quality Japanese capacitors, S.P.Tindicator, 12Vin1 rail and FanDelayCool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is not a lot to see on the front and rear faces of the box apart from Thermaltake Toughpower brand names and logos, along with gradually faded photograph of the side of the power supply showing the S.P.Tindicator panel.

 

 

The end panels of the packaging show little more than box content description in several languages, production barcodes, labeling showing part/serial numbers, and the Thermaltake Toughpower XT logo.

 

 

Like the rest of the power supplies in this series, the box top lid opens like the page of a book to reveal more information on the features of the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W power supply.

 

 

The power supply comes in a box within a box which shows the Thermaltake Toughpower XT logo on several faces.

 

Lift the lid and everything is neatly laid out inside. The plastic bag contains all the included literature, comprehensive user manual in several different languages, a small thank you for purchasing a Toughpower XT leaflet, Key 3 Spirit leaflet with case sticker, and a warranty information leaflet. The modular cable bag is tucked down the side of the power supply which, on removal of the top foam insert, can be seen neatly enclosed in bubble wrap.

 

 

The bubble wrap enclosed power supply along with the complete box contents which includes the literature pack, modular cable bag, and a small gloss black cardboard box containing the power cord. The plastic bag on the left contains two PCI-E 8-pin to PCI-E 6-pin adapter cables, power supply mounting screws, noise reduction/anti-vibration mounting gasket, Thermaltake Velcro ties, and a useful ATX12V 4-pin 6" extension lead that isn't mentioned in the enclosed literature.

 

 

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W power supply is very well packaged with a great set of accessories, so let's move on and take a closer look.

Closer Look (The Power Supply):

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is housed in a standard ATX power supply case and given a satin dark green finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rear of the power supply with a large hexagonal holed exhaust grill, mains on/off switch, IEC mains input connector, and the FanDelayCool miniature slide switch. The front face of the power supply shows the modular cable connector panel and captive 20/24-pin motherboard cable, with its rather untidy looking sleeving that doesn't quite make it into the power supply. The modular cable connectors are all clearly labeled and color coded to avoid confusion and make cable connection easier.

 

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W power supply carries an aluminum label on one side which clearly indicates the wattage rating along with the Thermaltake logo and Toughpower XT model name. The LEDs for the S.P.Tindicator are also mounted on this side of the power supply. The opposite side of the power supply shows the production/test label and a few small extra ventilation slots to aid cooling.

 

 

The top face of the power supply shows the comprehensive specification label which also shows all the agency approvals and an 80 Plus Bronze logo. The cooling fan grill on the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is unusual in that it is pressed out of the case eliminating the need for a separate grill like most other power supplies.

 

 

The next photographs show the only captive cable, the 20/24-pin motherboard connector, along with the full complement of modular cables. The plug colors on the modular cables, black for peripheral and red for PCI-E, match the modular connectors on the rear of the case.

 

 

The cooling fan in the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is a TT-1425B, manufactured by Yate Loon. A small, clear plastic baffle is installed just behind the fan to help divert the air flow and presumably improve cooling. The small printed circuit and connector in the bottom left hand side of the photograph carry the S.P.Tindicator LEDs.

 

The printed circuit board used is virtually identical to one fitted in the 850W version of this unit. The three large black heatsinks, with large surface areas, will help dissipate the heat generated by the power supply during heavy loading. It's a little cramped and untidy in there but take into consideration the 750W rating of the power supply.

 

The capacitors used in the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W are good quality KZE series by Chemi-Con with a temperature rating of 105°C, apart from the main primary smoothing capacitor that carries an 85°C rating.

 

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W comes with a great set of accessories all housed in good quality packaging. Let's see how it performs.

Specification:

Ratings Table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Output Specification
AC Input
100-240VAC     10-5A     47-63Hz
DC Output
3V3
5V0
12V
-12V
5VSB
Max Output Current
30A
28A
60A
0.8A
3A
Max Combined Wattage
180W
720W
9.6W
15W
Total Power
750W

 

System Protection:

Over Power Protection: 110% Minimum ~ 150% Maximum.

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Over Voltage Protection
Voltage Source
Protection Point
3V3
4.5V Max
5V
7.0V Max
12V
15.6V Max

 

Short Circuit Protection: Activated when any DC rails short circuited.

 

 

Safety & Agency Approvals:

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply EMI & Safety
EMI Regulatory
FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B, Class B
CISPR 22 Class B
BSMI CNS13438 Class B
Safety Standards
CUL (UL 60950-1)
TUV EN60950-1
BSMI CNS14336
GOST-R
CE
Applicable Standard
Class/Limit/Criterion
EN 55022: 2006
Class B
EN 61000-3-2: 2000 + A2: 2005
Class D
EN 61000-3-3: 1995 + A1: 2001 + A2: 2005
Limit
EN 55024: 1998 + A1: 2001 + A2: 2003, including
IEC 61000-4-2: 1995 + A1: 1998 + A2: 2000
Criterion B
IEC 61000-4-3: 2002 + A1: 2002
Criterion A
IEC 61000-4-4: 2004
Criterion B
IEC 61000-4-5: 1995 + A1: 2000
Criterion B
IEC 61000-4-6: 1996 + A1: 2000
Criterion A
IEC 61000-4-8: 1993 + A1: 2000
Criterion A
IEC 61000-4-11: 2004
Criterion B/C/C

 

Power Supply Weight:

 

Power Supply Weight
Manufacturer/Model
Weight
Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Cable Management
2.2kg
4.8lbs

 

Power Supply Connectors:

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Connectors
20+4 Pin Motherboard
Captive
1
EPS12V 8 Pin
Captive
1
ATX12V 4 Pin
Captive
1
SATA Power
Modular
6
Peripheral 4 Pin
Modular
8
FDD
Modular
2
PCI-E 6 Pin
Modular
2
PCI-E 8 Pin
Modular
2
PCI-E 8 Pin To 6 Pin
Adapter
2

 

Power Supply Cable Lengths:

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Cable Lengths
Captive
PSU > 26 > 20+4 Pin Motherboard
1
Captive
PSU > 26 > 8 Pin EPS12V
1
Captive
PSU > 26 > 4 Pin ATX12V
1
Modular
PSU > 20 > SATA > 6 > SATA > 6 > SATA
2
Modular
PSU > 20 > Peripheral > 6 > Peripheral > 6 > Peripheral > 6 > Peripheral > 6 > FDD
2
Modular
PSU > 20 > PCI-E 6 Pin
2
Modular
PSU > 20 > PCI-E 8 Pin
2
Adapter
PCI-E 8 Pin > 6 > PCI-E 6 Pin
2

 

Features:

Exactly as printed in the user manual.

 

FanDelayCool:

One of many innovative features found on the Toughpower XT series power supply is the FanDelayCool function. FanDelayCool enables user to manually set the duration of time (range from 0 to 35 seconds) the 140mm fan will stay running after the PC has been shut down. The implementation of this feature is to allow components to gradually cool off, rather than relying on natural convection which takes much longer and is less effective. The result is a more reliable and longer lasting power supply that exhibits less degradation over time for optimal performance.

It helps heat release and saves lifetime of hardware.

 

S.P.Tindicator:

All Toughpower XT series power supplies are equipped with Thermaltake's new S.P.Tindicator function. S.P.Tindicator enables the user to check the power supply status themselves by viewing the standby, PG signal and temperature LED. Under abnormal situations, the S.P.Tindicator will display red colors to warn the user and protect your system.

 

S.P.T. Indicator
PSU Status
LED
Information
Standby
Green Light
1. Power supply and system in normal operation.
2. Power supply off in standby mode. PSU output +5VSB only. System turned off without unplugging the power cord and the PSU power switch still set to “I” position.
OFF
+5VSB abnormal.
PG Signal
Green Light
Power supply works without problem.
Red Light
Faulty power supply unit.
Temperature
Green Light
Not over 100°C at the secondary side of power supply unit.
Red Light
Over 100°C at the secondary side of power supply unit.

When S.P.Tindicator is a red color, we suggested you turn off your system and perform a system check. If the power supply still displays a "red" LED after the system check, then please contact your local distributor, Thermaltake's branch office or Thermaltakes's headquarters service department.

Testing:

For more information on how we test our power supplies, please browse our testing methodology.

Electrical Safety:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electrical Safety Test Class 1
Manufacturer/Model
Pass/Fail
Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W
Pass

 

Short Circuit Protection:

I short circuited the 3V3, 5V0 and the 12V rail in turn. The power supply did shut down, and once the short was removed and the unit switched off for at least one second, resumed normal operation. Although listed here at the beginning of the testing section, I tend to leave this test until the very end, in case it doesn't quite go to plan.

 

DC Output Voltage Load Regulation:

Previous reviews have included the no load rail voltages but this particular Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W power supply refused to start with no load so I decided to start at the 20% load point. It in no way indicates a problem with the power supply, it's just one of those things that can happen with most power supplies and many manufacturers do quote minimum rail loading figures that ensure correct power supply operation.

 

Mains Input Voltage 110VAC

 

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply DC Output Voltage Load Regulation
Supply = 110Vac/50Hz
PSU
DC Rail
Rail Loading Amps (A)
Rail Loading Watts (W)
Measured Voltage (V)
ATX12V V2.2 Limits (V)
Pass/Fail
+3V3
3.22
10.79
3.35
3.135 – 3.465
Pass
+5V
4.88
24.84
5.09
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
+12V
10.19
122.89
12.06
11.4 – 12.6
Pass
-12V
0.36
4.29
11.91
10.8 – 13.2
Pass
+5VSB
2.09
7.13
5.04
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
Total PSU Loading = 170W (22.5% of Rated Maximum Output Power)

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply DC Output Voltage Load Regulation
Supply = 110Vac/50Hz
PSU
DC Rail
Rail Loading Amps (A)
Rail Loading Watts (W)
Measured Voltage (V)
ATX12V V2.2 Limits (V)
Pass/Fail
+3V3
8.45
28.14
3.33
3.135 – 3.465
Pass
+5V
4.84
24.49
5.06
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
+12V
26.56
318.98
12.01
11.4 – 12.6
Pass
-12V
0.36
4.34
12.07
10.8 – 13.2
Pass
+5VSB
2.11
10.55
5.00
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
Total PSU Loading = 386.5W (51.5% of Rated Maximum Output Power)

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply DC Output Voltage Load Regulation
Supply = 110Vac/50Hz
PSU
DC Rail
Rail Loading Amps (A)
Rail Loading Watts (W)
Measured Voltage (V)
ATX12V V2.2 Limits (V)
Pass/Fail
+3V3
13.56
44.75
3.30
3.135 – 3.465
Pass
+5V
15.36
77.41
5.04
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
+12V
51.72
619.09
11.97
11.4 – 12.6
Pass
-12V
0.37
4.57
12.36
10.8 – 13.2
Pass
+5VSB
2.12
10.49
4.95
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
Total PSU Loading = 756W (101% of Rated Maximum Output Power)

 

Mains Input Voltage 230VAC

 

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply DC Output Voltage Load Regulation
Supply = 230Vac/50Hz
PSU
DC Rail
Rail Loading Amps (A)
Rail Loading Watts (W)
Measured Voltage (V)
ATX12V V2.2 Limits (V)
Pass/Fail
+3V3
3.20
10.72
3.35
3.135 – 3.465
Pass
+5V
4.87
24.79
5.09
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
+12V
10.19
122.48
12.02
11.4 – 12.6
Pass
-12V
0.36
4.29
11.91
10.8 – 13.2
Pass
+5VSB
2.09
7.13
5.04
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
Total PSU Loading = 169W (22.5% of Rated Maximum Output Power)

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply DC Output Voltage Load Regulation
Supply = 230Vac/50Hz
PSU
DC Rail
Rail Loading Amps (A)
Rail Loading Watts (W)
Measured Voltage (V)
ATX12V V2.2 Limits (V)
Pass/Fail
+3V3
8.57
28.54
3.33
3.135 – 3.465
Pass
+5V
4.88
24.69
5.06
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
+12V
26.52
318.51
12.01
11.4 – 12.6
Pass
-12V
0.36
4.35
12.08
10.8 – 13.2
Pass
+5VSB
2.11
10.55
5.00
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
Total PSU Loading = 387W (52% of Rated Maximum Output Power)

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply DC Output Voltage Load Regulation
Supply = 230Vac/50Hz
PSU
DC Rail
Rail Loading Amps (A)
Rail Loading Watts (W)
Measured Voltage (V)
ATX12V V2.2 Limits (V)
Pass/Fail
+3V3
13.83
45.78
3.31
3.135 – 3.465
Pass
+5V
15.36
77.57
5.05
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
+12V
52.12
623.88
11.97
11.4 – 12.6
Pass
-12V
0.37
4.57
12.36
10.8 – 13.2
Pass
+5VSB
2.12
10.51
4.96
4.75 – 5.25
Pass
Total PSU Loading = 762W (102% of Rated Maximum Output Power)

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W produced an excellent set of DC voltage load regulation results with a difference of a few tens of millivolts from 20% to 100% loading on the 3V3, 5V0 and +12V rails. The wide swing on the -12V rail from 11.9V to 12.4V is typical of all current power supplies. No problems here, so onward with the review.

Testing (Continued):

Efficiency and Power Factor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Efficiency & Power Factors
Supply = 110Vac/50Hz
DC Load (W)
AC Load (W)
PF
Efficiency (%)
Pass/Fail
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
170
208
0.96
82
Pass
386.5
460
0.98
84
Pass
756
959
0.98
79
Pass

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Efficiency & Power Factors
Supply = 230Vac/50Hz
DC Load (W)
AC Load (W)
PF
Efficiency (%)
Pass/Fail
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
169
204
0.85
83
Pass
387
447
0.90
87
Pass
762
914
0.94
83
Pass

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W easily meets all the requirements of the ATX12V V2.2 specification but it does fall a little short of its claimed 80 Plus Bronze certification following the OCC Testing Methodology. The requirements of bronze level certification are minimum efficiencies of 82%, 85% and 82% at 20%, 50% and 100% loading with a 115VAC supply which it doesn't quite reach. It misses out by 1% at 50% loading which can be forgiven but a shortfall of 3% at 100% loading is perhaps too far of the mark. The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W produced an excellent set of results at 230VAC and in reality they really aren't that bad at 110VAC making it an highly efficient power supply. Let's move on and have a look at the DC quality.

 

AC Ripple On DC Outputs:

 

I have consistently found the AC ripple levels on the DC rails to be more or less equal with a 110VAC or 230VAC mains supply. The results given below are for 230VAC only but I will continue to check the levels at 110VAC during testing and publish them below if there are any significant differences.

 

AC Ripple On +3V3 Rail at 230VAC

Oscilloscope settings: Amplitude = 5mv/div, Timebase = 10uS/div

 

AC Ripple On +5V0 Rail at 230VAC

Oscilloscope settings: Amplitude = 5mv/div, Timebase = 10uS/div

 

AC Ripple On +12V Rail at 230VAC

Oscilloscope settings: Amplitude = 20mv/div, Timebase = 10uS/div

 

AC Ripple On -12V Rail at 230VAC

Oscilloscope settings: Amplitude = 20mv/div, Timebase = 10uS/div

 

AC Ripple On +5VSB Rail at 230VAC

Oscilloscope settings: Amplitude = 10mv/div, Timebase = 10uS/div

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply AC Ripple/Noise
Supply = 230Vac/50Hz
DC Rail
+3V3
+5V0
+12V
-12V0
+5VSB
ATX12 Max (mV p-p)
50
50
120
120
50
Ripple (mV p-p)
33
40
74
86
36
Pass/Fail
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W DC quality is on a par with other power supplies in its class with all levels falling within the ATX12V V2.2 specification. No problems here so let's move on.

Testing(Continued):

Temperature, Noise Levels and Fan Speeds:

 

I am not going to give a pass or fail in this section, as the ATX12V V2.2 does not really have any references on which to base a decision.

Temperatures are purely for information only, as there are too many variables involved when installed in a case, which, by the way, it wasn't. Ambient temperature, processor cooling efficiency and case cooling fans all play their part on the temperature of the air entering the power supply, and consequently, the temperature of the air leaving it. No valid conclusions can be made from this test.

 

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Temperature & Fan Speeds @ 110/230Vac
DC Loading(W)
Temp In (°C)
Temp Out (°C)
Δ Temp (°C)
Fan Speed (RPM)
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
170/169
21.0/21.0
34.0/34.0
13.0/13.0
891/891
386.5/387
20.5/21.0
37.5/39.0
17.0/18.0
890/888
756/762
21.5/21.2
43.8/40.3
22.3/18.8
1809/1769

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W temperatures are a little on the high side when compared against other power supplies in this class but this shouldn't cause any problems especially with good case cooling. Fan noise at low and mid loading was hardly noticeable but it did increase at full load which is to be expected. 

Conclusion:

Price Per the Watt:

Power Supply Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Cable Management at $114.99 = $0.15/Watt (01-2010)

 

The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is a great power supply let down only by its failure to meet its claimed 80 Plus Bronze certification following the OCC testing methodology. The efficiency is still very good and the only thing it can influence at the end of the day is the electricity bill. The DC quality is on a par with most power supplies in this class which makes the Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W more than capable of running any dual graphics cards configuration in SLI or Crossfire. The S.P.Tindicator is a nice feature and could help to fault find but in all honesty high end power supplies are built to such an high standard these days that problems rarely occur. The same could be said for the FanDelayCool feature, it will no doubt extend the life of the power supply but with mean time before failure figures of 100,000 hours or 11 years commonly quoted, is the feature really that useful? The Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W is still worthy of consideration for any high end build requiring 750 watts of power but due to its failure to maintain the levels of efficiency required by its claimed 80 Plus Bronze certification following the OCC Testing Methodology it's gold award for DC quality will have to be an overall Silver.

 

Pros:

 

Cons: