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Pros, Cons And Final Verdict
We haven't tested a digitally-controlled PSU for quite some time, so the TPG-1250D-T was a nice break from the analog platforms with digital interfaces we're accustomed to seeing. Digital control in PSUs is the next big thing, and it will offer greater efficiency and improved performance through all of our metrics, including load regulation, ripple, and transient response. Digital circuits can take into account more parameters than analog ones. They're able to monitor a greater number of variables, facilitating tighter control. In addition, digital control circuits are easier to modify, since this can be done through software. As PSUs become fully digital, their performance can be tuned through simple firmware upgrades. Moreover, digital control helps with diagnostics, warning you before something serious happens.
The only notable downside of digital control circuits in PSUs is added cost. The required micro-controllers aren't cheap. We expect this to change in the future as more manufacturers jump onto the digital control bandwagon. Some might be worried about reliability, as digital circuits are more complicated than analog ones. In addition, interference can affect their operation.
The TPG-1250D-T uses CWT's CST platform, armed with a couple of MCUs for control and monitoring purposes. This is definitely an advanced design, though it's not up to the level of Flextronics' solution at the heart of Corsair's older AX1500i and AX1200i models. Thermaltake's performance is very high though, and we strongly believe that if the company used extra filtering capacitors on its modular cables, the improved ripple suppression would boost this PSU's relative performance score enough to match Super Flower's high-end Titanium-class platforms.
The use of many polymer filtering caps leads to increased reliability, and this is shown by Thermaltake's hefty 10-year warranty. The RGB fan and the individually sleeved cables are an added bonus for enthusiasts with windowed cases willing to pay extra for cool-looking parts. We don't necessarily care about the LED lighting, and we find individually sleeved cables to be a real pain during the routing process. Still, we have to mention the fact that Thermaltake chose to offer plain peripheral cables instead of individually sleeved ones, leading to a rather weird cable combination. In our opinion, all cables should be of the same type. It simply looks like Thermaltake wanted to reduce production cost a bit.
The TPG-1250D-T is a great performer. Although it faces strong competition from the high-end Corsair and EVGA offerings, it's still an appealing choice thanks to extra features like the software-controllable RGB LED fan and SPM cloud service, through which you can monitor your PSU remotely. We are anxiously waiting for the other members of Thermaltake's Titanium-rated Toughpower family, with capacities ranging from 850W to 1500W.
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