Thermaltake ToughPower GF3 1350W Power Supply Review

Fan Speed

Coming with a ‘Smart ZERO RPM’ fan functionality, the point of this feature is to allow users, wherever possible, to minimise the overall noise output of their system. When this mode is activated (via a switch on the rear of the PSU) the cooling fan within the power supply only operates when deemed absolutely necessary. In other words, when this mode is enabled, the power supply goes into something of a passive mode until a certain amount of heat is generated and the fan runs until things get back to within acceptable remits for it to switch off again.

In fairness though, it’s not a feature I’m a particularly big fan of (no pun intended). I typically prefer to see a fan constantly running and better still if it’s a quality design that can keep the noise levels down which, in the Thermaltake ToughPower GF3, we most certainly have.

In standard operation, the Thermaltake ToughPower GF3’s fan would appear to run in a three-tier speed setting. Even at its maximum, however, it is barely audible. Yes, the hybrid functionality does stop the fan running when the PSU is below 50% load, but in truth, given that its remaining curve is identical, I think that while this is a nice option to have, I don’t think it really offers consumers too much. Put simply, if I was using this PSU, I think I’d keep the hybrid mode off. Yes, I care about the noise output of my system, but even at 100% full tilt, this is barely going to make any difference since the 140mm fan the Thermaltake ToughPower GF3 comes with is so good to begin with!