14 DAY TRIAL // Not so long ago, Thermaltake updated its ToughPower PSU lineup with four new models, each with 575W, 675W, 775W and 875W, respectively. With the high-performance segment covered, the company has now revealed a number of new power supplies aimed at HTPCs and small form-factor personal computers. Unlike PSUs aimed at large machines, these entry-level units are specifically designed with low wattages and shorter and fewer cables, for maintaining as much open space as possible and an optimized airflow inside small cases.
Known as the Litepower PSUs, the models come in 350W, 450W and 550W. They all comply with the ATX 12V v2.2 Standard, “for utmost reliability and compatibility supporting state-of-the-art Intel and AMD processor and graphics technologies.” They employ Japanese capacitors, which improve stability and lifespan, as well as active Power Factor Correction (PFC) that improves energy efficiency and power current load on the AC delivery systems. In fact, the actual energy efficiency of the PSUs is of at least 70%.
The new power supplies come with two independent and dedicated +12V rails (12V1 and 12V2), giving the power output to the PC increased stability. They also boast 120mm fans, except for the 350W model that features an 8cm spinner. The 450W and 550W versions also come with an additional 6-pin and a 6+2-pin PCI Express power connectors required by the latest graphics cards. Lastly, Thermaltake designed its newest Litepower PSUs with Over Voltage, Short-Circuit and Over Power industry-grade protection and they have a mean time before failure (MTBF) of over 100,000 hours.
The 350W Litepower PSU with Active PFC is priced at $32.99, while its non-PFC version is priced at $29.99. The 450W model also comes with Active PFC and non-PFC variations, with each bearing a price tag of $49.99 and $47.99, respectively. The price of the 550W power supply has not been mentioned.