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Thermaltake made quite a good deal with HKC, which is mostly known for its affordable models. The two Toughpower PF1 models that we tested so far scored quite well, and although the 850W unit cannot meet the competition eye-to-eye, it doesn't mean that it is a bad PSU. It is actually the other way around. The competition is tough in this category, which is why Thermaltake has to push HKC to make some changes in its platforms, allowing for higher overall performance. Mostly in the transient response section, which is the most important since in real-life, PSUs always deal with fast-changing loads and not static ones. The build quality is satisfactory, and HKC used good parts, including Chemi-Con capacitors and a hydraulic bearing fan.
The competition is fierce in this Wattage range, and Thermaltake should either make some changes to boost overall performance or notably lower the asking price to achieve a higher performance per buck ratio. Models like the Corsair HX850, the Seasonic Focus Plus Platinum with similar capacity, and the Asus ROG Thor 850 offer higher overall performance and lower noise output along with strong support. So the ToughPower PF1 850 has a tough job ahead.
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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.
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