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

Photos

The box mentions the five-year warranty, Kaby Lake support, which means it should work fine with unbalanced loads on its rails, and the ultra-quiet fan with a sleeve bearing.


The only useful parts of the bundle are the AC power cord and fixing bolts to mount the PSU to the chassis.


Besides the power switch, there is a push button for controlling the fan's RGB lighting.


The large sticker on the sides emphasizes "RGB", while the power specifications label is on the bottom.


There are no modular cables, but at least a grommet has been put around the cable-exit hole.


Some more photos of the PSU.

Cables and Connectors

Given this is not a modular PSU, the main ATX cable should be slightly longer, around 550 mm. As expected, there is only one EPS connector since two make no sense with a platform of such limited capabilities. There are enough other connectors, and the 150 mm between these is optimal. A 4-pin Molex instead of the FDD connector would be an improvement, but many system integrators want a Berg connector, which is why it is usually included in low-end PSUs.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest a look at this article, which will help you understand the insides of a PSU better.


The PSU is made by HKC, an OEM known for its budget implementations. Thermaltake seems to trust this OEM since several of their products are provided by HKC, including the high-end PF1 Platinum line. As I already mentioned in the prologue, the platform is outdated and will have a hard time competing with PSUs like the Corsair CX, which uses modern platforms identical to those found in higher efficiency units.


The build quality is quite good, but the parts HKC used belong to lower manufacturing tiers. For example, I have never come across a Maplesemi FET in a PSU before. There is only one FET in the APFC converter because this unit is for 230 V. As an aside, Silan Microelectronics FETs are usually seen in CWT's budget platforms.


The transient filter has all the necessary parts to protect the PSU and restrict incoming and outgoing EMI emissions. It is nice to see an MOV here.


Surge and inrush current protections are implemented through an MOV and an NTC thermistor. In high-end PSUs the latter is also supported by a bypass relay.


The bridge rectifier is not bolted to a heatsink. This was done on purpose since it won't struggle because of the 230 V input.


The primary heatsink holds the single PFC FET, the boost diode, and both main switching FETs. The PFC FET belongs to an OEM I do not know, while the PFC boost diode is strong enough to support this PSU. The main switching FETs are arranged in a double forward topology, which used to be very popular several years ago.


The bulk cap has a low capacity. Usually, corners are cut here with low-end platforms because bulk caps are expensive.


The combo PFC and PWM controller is a Champion CM6800 IC.


The unit's main transformer which, among other things, isolates the primary side from the secondary side.


Passive rectification is utilized on the secondary side, along with a passive rectification scheme where +12 V and 5 V are tied together. This is bad news for unbalanced loads (e.g., a high load at +12 V and a minimum load at 5 V or vice versa). Only the 3.3 V rail is independently regulated.


Lots of ChengX and CapXon caps on the secondary side. Thankfully, this is a 230 V input PSU, as it wouldn't last past the five-year warranty otherwise.


The standby circuit uses an Excelliance MOS EM8564A PWM controller.


The supervisor IC is a Sitronix ST9S313-DAG, which only supports the very basic protection features.


Soldering quality is quite good, especially if this PSU's price is considered.


Search the Internet for this fan model and you will figure it uses uses double ball bearings, which is not the case according to Thermaltake's PSU product manager since it uses a sleeve bearing. As it seems, the OEM uses the same model number for both the sleeve and double ball bearing fans. A double ball bearing fan would be a much better choice. While noise output is higher, DBB fans are much more tolerant to high operating temperatures. However, they also cost more than plain sleeve bearing fans, so you won't come across any in affordable PSUs.