There is often a common misconception about computer power supplies that bigger is always better. Unfortunately this is simply not the case. From an efficiency perspective power supplies typically perform on a curve, and for the most part hit their peak efficiency somewhere in the 50-75% load range. To further complicate matters, the primary method of rating a power supply is to go by its output wattage number, and while some manufacturers rate their power supplies with a number the unit is capable of supplying continuously, others may intentionally mislead consumers by listing peak numbers that the supply could not possibly put out for more than a few minutes or even seconds. Many users may even have no idea what their system's power requirements are and then err on the side of either too big or too small when purchasing a power supply.

Thermaltake not only makes many different levels and ratings of power supplies to suit all different kinds of needs, they also attempt to educate their customers by giving them tools such as their power supply calculator to help size a unit appropriate to the system. From their high end Toughpower and Purepower power supplies to their server lineup and mainstream TR2 and new Litepower series, they offer a high quality power supply to fit every need. It's one of their Litepower units I'll be taking a look at today, the 450W version, Thermaltake part number W0293RU.


The Litepower 450W arrived in a relatively plain white box printed to appear similar to a power supply itself, with an image of a fan grill on the top and the appearance of a bundle of wires coming out the side. Of course Thermaltake's brand name is printed on there as well and the obligatory specifications are found on the bottom.

Join me as I take a closer look at the Thermaltake Litepower 450W.