Thermaltake Toughpower GF2 ARGB 850W Power Supply Review

Thermaltake's decision to introduce a GF2 line based on a High Power platform while keeping the GF1 line looks weird. When we consider that the new GF2 models don't surpass the performance of the GF1 products in almost all sections, the strategy seems puzzling. High Power's platform might achieve satisfactory overall performance, yet it has a tough time reaching the performance levels of the CWT platform that the GF1 models use. 

The GF2 ARGB 850 unit's performance is satisfactory, but it needs more work in the transient response section to meet the competition effectively. Moreover, its fan speed profile could be more relaxed. Larger heat sinks would help in this since they could allow for lower fan speeds. 

The build quality is very good, and the fact that it meets the ATX requirements for alternative sleep modes is an asset. On the other hand, the low efficiency at light loads doesn't fall in line with the modern requirements. The competition is tough in this section, including Thermaltake's own GF1 ARGB line, which might lack the RGB panels and the PWM fan-speed control but still performs better. Moreover, PSUs like the new Corsair RM850x, the XPG Core Reactor 850, and the Seasonic GX-850 are strong competitors. 

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Disclaimer: Aris Mpitziopoulos is Tom's Hardware's PSU reviewer. He is also the Chief Testing Engineer of Cybenetics and developed the Cybenetics certification methodologies apart from his role on Tom's Hardware. Neither Tom's Hardware nor its parent company, Future PLC, are financially involved with Cybenetics. Aris does not perform the actual certifications for Cybenetics.