Thermaltake Smart BX1 RGB 650w Power Supply Review

Final Thoughts

Pricing

At the time of writing, it does not appear that the Thermaltake Smart BX1 RGB Power Supply is currently for retail sale. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t for sale. It just means that the shipments haven’t arrived yet. Despite that, indications would suggest that this power supply is going to retail for a price in the region of £45-£50.

When you consider that this is a bronze-rated power supply and all the RGB bells and whistles that come with it, that is exceptionally good value. Remember as well that this has a 650w capacity and also has a Japanese main capacitor. In this price bracket, both of those factors are exceptionally unusual and major pluses for any power supply.

Overview

In terms of design, Thermaltake has again proven that while they might like to try and push the RGB lighting, they are one of the best in terms of their designs. Even overlooking the aesthetics of the product, this cooler internally is clearly built with a lot of care and clever choices. When you consider these factors as a whole, it’s hard to find anything to criticise.

Yes, it is non-modular and that isn’t the current trend for power supplies at the moment. Then again, it has all the cables you could likely need. As such, unlike many non-modular power supplies, the chances are that you’ll have more than enough to hook up everything in your system with very little left redundant. If, indeed, any at all.

Efficiency and Beyond

Although this is a bronze-rated power supply, it does on occasion tip-toe into the realms of silver. While it doesn’t quite meet the silver standards at mid load, it does so at 100%. When you consider this in terms of efficiency, you’re getting a lot more from this than the bronze rating alone requires. Admittedly, the 12V ripple results are higher than we would like to see. These are, however, all entirely within the remits of EU standards and should not cause you any problems.

The only outright factor that is a concern is the high fan speed. Why it runs so fast as a default setting is really unclear. While the noise at full load isn’t bad, it does become notable when you push this power supply hard.

Taking all these factors as a whole though, based on what you get for the price, this ticks all the right boxes.

Should I Buy One?

In terms of power supplies, a 650w bronze rated PSU is exactly where most gaming PCs should be looking. When you consider that this power supply gives you such a solid performance in terms of efficiency for such little money, this should definitely be on your list of consideration.

Don’t get us wrong, there are factors that don’t make this the perfect power supply. They are, however, on the whole, quite minor points and in terms of the price that this power supply is looking to be retailed towards, anyone savvy enough about power supplies should recognise a great product and deal when they see one.

Put simply, there are factors within this power supply which clearly could do better, for this price though, you’d struggle to find a competing brand that offered this much.