Testing: 

   The results were some what interesting, but not a complete surprise as the 700 Watt Toughpower is rated for an average 85 percent efficiency but still managed a load factor of 95 percent. The PSU also emitted very little heat during any testing. One of the best features about the PSU is how quiet it remained whether with stock or overclocked system settings. The rating of 16db at 1300 RPM seems to be a more accurate at the maximum 1900 RPM.
 

Output Specs

Setting Up

AM2 Testing

   The AMD AM2 3500+ was overclocked to 2.7Ghz and I then checked the 3v, 5v, and 12v rails with a Commercial Electric Multi-Meter. I measured voltages down each lead to confirm the final readings while running 3DMark06, Aquamark3, Quake4, and Prime95. All three motherboards were within .05v tolerances and showed no cold boot issues. As a matter of fact, the DFI Ultra-D seemed to be very pleased with this PSU over my past Thermaltake, Kingwin, and Antec power supplies. Voltages were very stable under all the typical conditions we might put our systems through.
 

Summary:

   The Thermaltake 700 Watt Toughpower stood up to my abuse and maintained its composure. The voltages and stability are definitely up to par with what I would expect from a 700 watt power supply. The things I require most above all other things in a power supply are stability and efficient power on tap. While I do enjoy a nice modular appeal in a power supply, such as the Toughpower W0106 Cable Management model, I  refuse to sacrifice stability just to brag that I have some random modular brand.

Do keep in mind that this PSU is not an ugly PSU (although the inside looks like a leprechaun got stuck in there and melted all over the place!) . I surmise it is aimed for the consumer who isn't willing to shell out the extra money for a modular model. If you don't intend to reconfigure your computer components often or have a windowed case, then modular really has no purpose. I find this PSU to be in a perfect class of its own.


Conclusion:

   The Thermaltake 700 Watt Toughpower is a formidable power supply that will easily provide plenty of power for any extreme gamer or power user. It is a well designed, attractive power supply that has all the stable characteristics that one would expect from a 700 Watt power supply. If you want ample power and greater stability and efficiency, don't hesitate to make this PSU your final choice.

Many a Thanks to Thermaltake for sending us the Thermaltake 700 Watt Toughpower. The latest Toughpower series has earned Thermaltake a place among the elite power supply makers.