Thortech Thunderbolt 1200W Semi Modular Review

Conclusion

Pricing

In the USA I could find this PSU for $229.99 at Newegg, though it seems to have been recently discontinued in favour of the more expensive Thunderbolt Plus variant. In the UK I couldn’t really see the PSU sold anywhere but it was selling at around £170-190 when stock was first released. The 1200W Thunderbolt Plus variant has an retail price of $279.99/£229.99 as it is classed as a more high-end unit. While Thortech haven’t confirmed, it does seem likely this PSU is more or less discontinued and only the leftovers remain in stock channels.

Conclusion

The Thortech Thunderbolt 1200W is an interesting PSU. I think our results are a mixed bag but this is certainly not the horror show that many people might of expected to see. In terms of the positive aspects of performance, the unit was efficient and met its certifications and the unit was generally quiet under most operational loads except 100% where it did become audible. Voltage regulation was very strong from our results and these held up well under cross load too – we typically saw regulation within 2.5% on all rails. However, there were aspects of performance I wasn’t that impressed with for such a high wattage expensive PSU. First is that the PFC performance is mediocre for a unit of its calibre – I would of expected it to start at 0.93~0.95 and run up to 0.98~0.99. We saw it start at 0.88 and go up to 0.97. Next I felt the noise and ripple suppression was lower than it should be for its calibre. Mainly it was the persistent ripple on the 12 volt rails at all load scenarios that concerned me slightly. That said all ripple was well within ATX specifications and we didn’t see more than about 25mv on the 3.3 and 5 volt rails and 35mv on the 12 volt rail both of which are well under the 50 and 120mv required. So all in all the unit definitely has solid performance and you will get very clean and stable power, there are just better performing options out there in terms of ripple/noise suppression and PFC.

Performance aside there are other things to consider about the unit. The cabling may be a big turn off or turn on depending on your perspective. I myself prefer a clean look so the braiding really puts me off. I also think the number of connectors attached is quite high and for something they market as a modular PSU – well it’s not modular, it is barely semi-modular. Though the unit does boast one major advantage from a design standpoint which is that it crams 1200W into a tiny space – this could be useful for some. The overall unit is well built, looks good, is small, relatively quiet and performs very well. Thortech do offer a 5 year warranty on these units but whether you’ll be able to find a reputable retailer that sells them is another matter.

Pros

• Voltage regulation is strong
• Compact size
• Relatively quiet
• High efficiency

Cons

• Cable styling is questionable, braid is low quality
• Sub-standard PFC at low loads
• Noise/Ripple is higher than the competition
• Availability is poor/non-existent and pricing isn’t that competitive

“I think the Thortech Thunderbolt 1200W PSU is a very nice power supply and I certainly wouldn’t want to point anyone away from it. The Thunderbolt 1200W power supply is a good all-round performer that ticks most of the boxes someone looking for a 1200W PSU might want to fill….but in such a competitive marketplace the Thunderbolt 1200W PSU is just a bit lacking at its price point. Thortech really need to work on the design aspect and general attention to detail to justify the steep price, plus the lack of market presence and favourable commentary about the Thortech brand doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence as a buyer. If you need a really compact high wattage PSU then the Thortech Thunderbolt 1200W is more or less unchallenged but there are other good options out there that are worth considering.”

Thank you to Thortech for providing this review sample.