The Thermaltake Toughpower PF3 1050W is a Platinum certified power supply, featuring ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatibility. It is about 60 dollars more expensive than the Toughpower GF A3 1050W and in this review I am going to find out if it is worth paying the extra amount to get it, or it is better to go for the more affordable option.
The Thermaltake Toughpower PF3 1050W is included in my best ATX v3.x & PCIe 5.x PSU picks article.
I have already evaluated the Toughpower PF3 1200W, so it is time to deal with the lower-wattage model and see if it is worth its asking price tag. The PF3 1050W is Platinum certified, and like all models of this line, it is made by HKC. It utilizes a modular cable design and has compact dimensions, with a depth of 140mm. It is notably less noisy than the 1200W model, with a Cybenetics Standard++ (30-35 dB[A]) certification, while the PF3 1200 has a Cybenetics Standard (40-45 dB[A]) noise rating. The fan uses a fluid dynamic bearing, but it is provided by a less-known OEM, which doesn’t have the same quality level as Hong Hua, which is the dominator in today’s PSU market. The fan is supported by a semi-passive operation, which can be deactivated. I highly prefer a PWM-driven fan, which can spin at low speeds under light loads, passing unnoticeably while removing the heat, instead of a semi-passive feature.
- Manufacturer (OEM): HKC
- Max Power: 1050W
- Cybenetics Efficiency: [115V] Cybenetics Platinum (89-91%)
- 80 Plus Efficiency: Platinum
- Noise [115V]: Cybenetics Standard++ (30-35 dB[A])
- Compliance: ATX v3.0, EPS 2.92
- Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load): 0 – 40°C
- Alternative Low Power Mode support: Yes
- Power 12V combined: 1050W
- Number of 12V rails: 1
- Power 5V + 3.3v: 100W
- Power 5VSB: 15W
- Cooling: 120mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan [TT-1225 (BDK12025MS)]
- Semi-Passive Operation: ✓ (Selectable)
- Modular Design: Yes (Fully)
- High Power Connectors: 2x EPS (2x cables), 5x PCIe 6+2 pin (3x cables), 1x PCIe 12+4 pin (600W)
- Peripheral Connectors: 12x SATA (3x cables), 8x 4-pin Molex (1x cable)
- ATX Cable Length: 600mm
- EPS Cable Length: 650mm
- 6+2 pin PCIe Cable Length: 500mm (+150mm)
- 12+4 pin PCIe Cable Length: 600mm
- Distance between SATA / 4-pin Molex: 145/150mm
- In-cable capacitors: No
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 mm x 85 mm x 140mm
- Weight: 1.59 kg (3.51 lb)
- Warranty: ten years
- Street price (excluding VAT): $190
Power Specifications
| Rail | 3.3V | 5V | 12V | 5VSB | -12V | |
| Max. Power | Amps | 20 | 20 | 87.5 | 3 | 0.3 |
| Watts | 100 | 1050 | 15 | 3.6 | ||
| Total Max. Power (W) | 1050 | |||||
ha this is super weird! The one with the lower noise I guess!
Hello,
I have a strange thing to report about this exact model.
I thought the fan on the unit I had was dying because of a somewhat scratching noise when disabling smart fan off so I ordered a replacement unit from Amazon
The replacement unit is totally different from the one that I have. I have uploaded two photos of actual units and their boxes.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UaZksh86vbbGtET96
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CFjRCmtTqseHQDAu6
My previous unit seems to have the same pcb as in your review, only with two brown Nippon chemicon 470uf instead of your’s black Nichicon.
The newer unit seems to have:
– the fan partially wrapped in plastic in order to restrict airflow (I Guess)
– black thick heatsink similar to those of a cwt puq I had
– just one black Nichicon with 400v stamped on it and GG (M) (no micro Farad indication that I can get a glimpse of)
– different main transformer in a black monolith enclosure saying pq4040-a 2316 on it
– three big nude coils similar to those of PFC (but I am no expert)
– a fan that is even noisier (it resemble a track) when activated.
– different advertisement about efficiency and fan curve on the box (see the photo attached)
– cables pcb is disposed differently
I can attach a sound print in mp3 of both if needed.
I thought my fan was already defective but it seems this is even worse in a way. Wich one do you think would be better to keep?