Introduction

Thermaltake's strongest Toughpower GF3 unit has 1650 W, which can support not only one but two 12+4 pin 12VHPWR PCIE connectors. In this PSU, each of the aforementioned 12VHPWR connectors can deliver up to 600 W, if required, meaning that you can power two RTX 4090 graphics cards with their power limit fully unlocked and still have plenty of power left for a potent CPU. Usually, Gold efficiency PSUs are usually lower in capacity because thermal loads go sky-high with high wattage. This is why the fan speed profile in this PSU is so aggressive, to remove heat from the PSU's internals effectively.

The GF3 1650 is 80 PLUS Gold and Cybenetics Platinum certified in efficiency. It also has a Cybenetics Standard+ noise certification, so don't expect it to be whisper quiet. A selectable semi-passive operation stops the fluid dynamic bearing fan at light loads, allowing zero noise output. The dimensions are compact with 160 mm depth, and the ten-year warranty is among the longest in the PSU industry (and not only). Lastly, the price at the time of review is $330, which is decent, given the product's features.

Specifications

Photos

The box is large. There is a photo of the PSU at its face with the modular panel in clear sight and info on the essential features.


The box's protection is good, and the cables' pouch is a nice touch.


The cables that come with the PSU.


Like the other GF3 models, the fan grille's design is restrictive; the same applies to the unit's exhaust.


The ventilation holes on the sides help the fan's airflow.


The power specifications label is installed at the bottom side.


The small modular panel has eighteen (18) sockets.


Despite the huge capacity, the PSU only measures 180 mm in length. Some years ago, 1500 W and stronger PSUs reached 220 mm.


Here are some more photos of the PSU from various angles.

Cables and Connectors

As expected, the amount of cables and connectors is vast, including a pair of 12VHPWR connectors set for 600 W each. They usually should be set for 450 W, but few care to follow Intel's guidelines, so most 12VHPWR connectors I saw so far are set at the maximum allowed power. Cable length is satisfactory, and the distance between peripheral cables is also long enough.


The PSU has sixteen SATA and eight 4-pin Molex connectors on six cables. It even provides an FDD adapter for those who still need one.

Component Analysis

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



The 1350 W and 1650 W GF3 models use High Power's platforms, while the lower capacity units use CWT platforms. The High Power platform uses a similar design to the CWT one, utilizing a half-bridge topology, an LLC resonant converter on the primary side, a synchronous rectification scheme on the secondary side, and a pair of DC-DC converters for the minor rails. The half-bridge topology for such a strong PSU looks like a weird choice. Usually, a full-bridge is preferred for lower power losses, but with quality FETs, the cost goes through the roof since you have to use double the number of parts compared to the half-bridge topology. Overall, the build quality and the parts that High Power used are of exceptionally high quality.


The input filter is fully equipped and includes a discharge IC to restrict energy losses.


There is an MOV for protection against power surges. An NTC thermistor handles inrush currents with a bypass relay supporting it.


The pair of bridge rectifiers can handle up to 100 Amperes.


The APFC converter uses two Infineon FETs and a pair of boost diodes by CREE. The bulk caps are by Rubycon.


The APFC controller is an Infineon ICE3PCS01G.


The main FETs are installed in a half-bridge topology. An LLC resonant converter is also used for higher efficiency.


Ten FETs regulate the +12 V rail.


The VRMs handling the minor rails use eight Infineon FETs in total and a single PWM controller.


The electrolytic filtering caps are of high quality by Rubycon. Many FPCAP polymer caps are also used.


The standby PWM controller is an EM8569 IC.


The primary supervisor IC is a Weltrend WT7527RA.


The modular PCB has polymer caps installed for better ripple filtering.


Soldering quality is good.


The cooling fan uses a Hydraulic Bearing and it is strong, with 0.7 A max current output. Its controller is an STCmicro STC15W408AS.

Test Setup