The power supply is the beating heart of your computer. Choosing the right one, though, is no easy task. The question beckons: how much power do you really need? But even this most fundamental question is complicated. Most high-end computers only draw around 300 or 400 watts, but depending on how much you'll need of any particular voltage, the 12V rail for example, you may need a lot more headroom to get all of your components up and running.

Even if you know what you're doing, the choice is a complex one. Managing your budget with build quality and features can always be daunting: who wants to pay $150USD for a 600W power supply that you're sure will work forever, when you can get one for about $50 that probably will work for a while?


Today I'm reviewing the Thermaltake Toughpower 850W Power Supply. Thermaltake is a name often associated with quality in any of their products, from cases and case fans to coolers and power supplies. This particular power supply boasts a variety of features, but at a price: it costs almost $260 at a popular online reseller.


All of these features seem nice, but as an overclocker, for me the most important part is the performance, something about which I am always skeptical. Thermaltake boasts great efficiency and above average power regulation, but can this fancy power supply live up to the Thermaltake name (and price)? Continue ahead as we find out…