Introduction

We would like to thank Thermaltake for supplying the review sample.


Testing high-end PSUs is easy—everything goes as expected, which is to say my incredibly high-end equipment, my precious power analyzers in particular, are sure to make it through unscathed. However, most users don't buy high-end PSUs and instead opt for much more affordable models. One of the most popular PSUs is the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500 W, with 600 W and 700 W siblings. The Smart RGB line comes in two flavors, one with 230 V input only and another for the US with 115 V input. Since I don't have the 115 V version, I cannot comment on the hardware-specific differences between the two.

With a double-forward topology on the primary and passive rectification and group regulation on the secondary side, why this PSU is so affordable is immediately evident. It does not compare to the Corsair CX450 or CX550, as both of those PSUs use modern platforms. Neither Corsair PSU has RGB lighting, however, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. Highly preferable would have been if Thermaltake hadn't even spent a cent on RGB lighting to instead put those savings towards a more advanced platform.

The other specifications of the Smart RGB 500 don't look all that impressive, either. It doesn't have any modular cables; that is, except for the power cord, of course. On both the 80 PLUS and Cybenetics scale, it only achieves the base certification (80 PLUS Vanilla, ETA-Standard, and LAMBDA-Standard+). That, this PSU's strengths are the 40°C temperature rating for continuous maximum load delivery, five-year warranty, which is pretty long for this platform, and low price.

Specifications