Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W ATX v3.0 Power Supply Review

The Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W is a high-performance power supply.

Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W ATX v3.0
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

Tom's Hardware Verdict

The assets of the Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W are its high power density, the native 12VHPWR connector, the high performance and the good price, given its features.

Pros

  • +

    ATX v3.0 & PCIe 5.0 ready

  • +

    Full power at 47 degrees Celsius

  • +

    High overall performance

  • +

    Good build quality

  • +

    Efficient

  • +

    High PF readings

  • +

    Long hold-up time

  • +

    Low inrush current with 115V

  • +

    Low conducted EMI

  • +

    Fully modular

  • +

    Loads of connectors

  • +

    Adequate distance between connectors

  • +

    Compatible with the alternative sleep mode

  • +

    Compact dimensions

  • +

    10-year warranty

Cons

  • -

    Noisy

  • -

    Load regulation should be tighter

  • -

    Mediocre transient response on the minor rails

  • -

    Not-so-efficient 5VSB rail

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W achieves high overall performance, making it one of the best PSUs you can buy. On top of that, this PSU is ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 ready, so it comes with a 12VHPWR connector out of the box, supporting NVIDIA's newest GPUs without the need for adapters. 

Thermaltake released many new PSUs recently, including the GF3 line, which covers the mid and higher Wattage ratings, from 750W to 1650W. The strongest GF3 models, with 1350W and 1650W, are by High Power, while all others are made by Channel Well Technology (CWT). We will look at the 1350W model in this review and stress it to the max during the new transient response tests that the ATX v3.0 spec requires, including a 2700W load test. 

The GF3 1350 is certified as 80 PLUS Gold, but in the Cybenetics scheme, it scored a Platinum rating. It also has a Cybenetics Standard noise rating, which shows that this is not a quiet PSU. 

Because of its modest 160mm depth and 1350W maximum power, we didn't expect it to be quiet, but an over 40 dBA average noise output is too high. Thermaltake should go with a larger PCB, allowing for better airflow; thus, the cooling fan wouldn't have to work over hours at high speeds to handle the heat load. 

Specifications of Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Manufacturer (OEM)High Power
Max. DC Output1350W
Efficiency80 PLUS Gold, Cybenetics Platinum (89-91%)
NoiseCybenetics Standard (40-45 dB[A])
Modular✓ (fully)
Intel C6/C7 Power State Support
Operating Temperature (Continuous Full Load)0 - 40°C
Over Voltage Protection
Under Voltage Protection
Over Power Protection
Over Current (+12V) Protection
Over Temperature Protection
Short Circuit Protection
Surge Protection
Inrush Current Protection
Fan Failure Protection
No Load Operation
Cooling140mm Hydraulic Bearing Fan [TT-1425 (A1425S12S-2)]
Semi-Passive Operation✓ (selectable)
Dimensions (W x H x D)150 x 85 x 160mm
Weight1.84 kg (4.06 lb)
Form FactorATX12V v3.0, EPS 2.92
Alternative Low Power Mode (ALPM) compatible
Warranty10 Years

Power Specifications of Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W

Swipe to scroll horizontally
RailRow 0 - Cell 1 3.3V5V12V5VSB-12V
Max. PowerAmps2424112.530.5
Row 2 - Cell 0 WattsRow 2 - Cell 2 1201350156
Total Max. Power (W)Row 3 - Cell 1 Row 3 - Cell 2 1350Row 3 - Cell 4 Row 3 - Cell 5 Row 3 - Cell 6

Cables & Connectors for Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W

Swipe to scroll horizontally
DescriptionCable CountConnector Count (Total)GaugeIn Cable Capacitors
ATX connector 20+4 pin (600mm)1118AWGNo
8 pin EPS12V (700mm)1116AWGNo
4+4 pin EPS12V (700mm)1116AWGNo
6+2 pin PCIe (500mm+150mm)3616-18AWGNo
12+4 pin PCIe (500mm) (600W)1116-24AWGNo
SATA (500mm+150mm+150mm)41218AWGNo
4-pin Molex (500mm+150mm+150mm+150mm)1418AWGNo
FDD Adapter (150mm)1122AWGNo
AC Power Cord (1390mm) - C19 coupler1116AWG-

There are plenty of connectors installed on long cables. Besides the 600W 12VHPWR, we also find six PCIe 6+2 on three cables. The number of peripheral connectors is also high. Finally, the PSU uses a heavy-duty power cord. 

Component Analysis of Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W

We strongly encourage you to have a look at our PSUs 101 article, which provides valuable information about PSUs and their operation, allowing you to better understand the components we're about to discuss.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
General Data-
Manufacturer (OEM)High Power
PCB TypeDouble Sided
Primary Side-
Transient Filter4x Y caps, 2x X caps, 2x CM chokes, 1x MOV, 1x MPS HF81 (Discharge IC)
Inrush Protection1x NTC Thermistor SCK-057 (5 Ohm) & Relay
Bridge Rectifier(s) 2x GBJ5006 (600V, 50A @ 100°C)
APFC MOSFETs 2x Infineon IPW60R060P7 (600V, 30A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 0.06Ohm)
APFC Boost Diode 1x Toshiba TRS12E65F (650V, 12A)
Bulk Cap(s) 2x Rubycon (420V, 680uF each or 1360uF combined, 2,000h @ 105°C, MXE)
Main Switchers 2x Infineon IPP60R060P7 (600V, 30A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 0.06Ohm)
APFC Controller Infineon ICE3PCS01G
Resonant ControllerChampion CU6901V
Topology Primary side: APFC, Half-Bridge & LLC converter Secondary side: Synchronous Rectification & DC-DC converters
Secondary Side-
+12V MOSFETs8x Infineon BSC010N04LS (40V, 178A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 1mOhm)
5V & 3.3VDC-DC Converters: 8x Infineon BSC0906NS (30V, 40A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 4.5mOhm) PWM Controller(s): ANPEC APW7159C
Filtering Capacitors

Electrolytic: 5x Rubycon (3-6,000h @ 105°C, YXG), 1x Nichicon (4-10,000h @ 105°C, HE), 2x Rubycon (6-10,000h @ 105°C, ZLH), 2x Rubycon (4-10,000h @ 105°C, YXJ) Polymer: 20x FPCAP, 4x Nippon Chemi-Con

Supervisor ICWeltrend WT7527RA (OCP, OVP, UVP, SCP, PG)
Fan ControllerSTCmicro STC15W408AS
Fan ModelThermaltake TT-1425 (A1425S12S) (140mm, 12V, 0.70A, Hydraulic Bearing Fan)
5VSB Circuit-
Rectifier(s) 1x Infineon IPN70R1K4P7S (700V, 2.5A @ 100°C, Rds(on): 1.4Ohm) & 1x PFC P10V45SP SBR (45V, 10A)
Standby PWM ControllerSi-Trend SI8016HSP8

The PCB is small for a 1350W monster, so it is over-populated with parts, and the heat sinks are small. With a larger PCB, there would be more space between parts, allowing for better airflow, and there wouldn't be a tight limitation on the footprint of the heat sinks. The build quality is high, with Japanese caps used everywhere, along with good FETs. Moreover, the soldering quality is good. 

The transient/EMI filter has all the required parts. There is also a discharge IC to restrict energy losses on the resistor bleeder, used to drain the X caps once the PSU is shut down. We find an MOV and an NTC thermistor and bypass relay combo for surge and inrush protection. 

The pair of bridge rectifiers can handle up to 100A in total. This is insane!

The APFC converter uses two Infineon FETs and a single Toshiba boost diode. There are two bulk caps with 1360uF combined capacity, which is enough for this PSU's needs. The APFC controller is an Infineon ICE3PCS01G IC. 

The main Infineon FETs are installed in a half-bridge topology. We usually find a full-bridge topology in high-capacity units because it can handle high power levels without excess energy losses. 

Eight Infineon FETs regulate the 12V rail. They are installed on the PCB's solder side. Lastly, two DC-DC converters generate the minor rails.  

All filtering caps are by Japanese manufacturers and belong to good lines. Lots of polymer caps are also used. 

The standby PWM controller is a Si-Trend SI8016HSP8. On the primary side of the 5VSB circuit, we find a FET, and on the secondary side, an SBR.

The modular hosts polymer and electrolytic caps, for ripple filtering. 

Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The main supervisor IC is a Weltrend WT7527RA.

Soldering quality is high.