Introduction

We would like to thank Thortech for supplying the review sample.

Thortech is a company currently focused only on the high-end PSU market since all of their products share top characteristics, with the "Plus" models also featuring a gadget called iPower meter. Although we will elaborate more on the iPower meter later in this review, for those wondering, it is a device that mounts in a 5.25" bay and provides various useful information like efficiency, voltage readings, DC Watts etc. Although the iPower meter has an impact on the final price, many users will find it useful and no other company has presented something similar, so Thortech has an ace up their sleeves.

Today we will test the Thortech Thunderbolt Plus 1200W (or TTBPK20G which is its model number). This unit has a single +12V rail which can output up to 100A, a very high level of current that will easily feed almost everything you throw at it. Besides the huge power the TTBPK20G has high efficiency, since it is 80 Plus Gold certified, it is equipped with numerous connectors and it uses only Japanese capacitors in its internals, both polymer and electrolytic ones. The Japan made caps along with the double-ball bearings fan and the five year warranty ensure a long peace of mind to the future buyer. Finally the price is on the high side but don't forget that a device like the iPower meter doesn't come cheap since, besides its development cost, it incorporates many features that need extra components with some of them housed inside the PSU. On the following pages we will also test the power meter's accuracy.

Specifications

Thortech equipped the unit with all available protections. Even the relatively rare OTP (Over Temperature Protection) is present and the good thing is that the unit can deliver its full power even at 50°C, according to the manufacturer. The dimensions of TTBPK20G are pretty compact, considering its high capacity, so it will be compatible with almost every chassis. The cooling fan uses double ball bearings so its lifetime will be increased compared to a sleeved bearings and the warranty is long enough at five years, although some other high-end units come with seven years warranty. Final its price looks high but we shouldn't forget that this unit comes with the iPower Meter device which adds some bucks to the total.


There is a single, powerful, +12V rail which can deliver up to 100A matching the unit's full capacity. The minor rails combined can deliver 150W max, a power level that most likely no modern system will ever pull from these rails. Finally, the 5VSB output is at the power level that a 1200W unit should have.

Cables & Connectors, Power Distribution

As it is natural, for a high capacity unit, a great amount of cables/connectors is available to the user. In total there are two EPS, eight PCIe, twelve SATA, six peripheral and one FDD connectors. There is also a cable which feeds data and power to the iPower meter device. Our only problem here is that there are too many fixed cables and few modular ones. We would highly prefer it the other way around. Thankfully all native cables are fully and nicely sleeved.
Regarding cable length, we would like to see additional 70mm length on the 24pin ATX cable and longer EPS cables, since most likely a 1200W unit will be installed in a large, full tower, case. The distance among all connectors is adequate, at 150-180mm and all connectors use 18AWG, which is the recommended size by ATX spec. Gauges with 16AWG size would offer lower voltage drops but with so many native cables, cable management would be a nightmare since cables would be too rigid.

Since this PSU features a single +12V rail we do not have anything to comment about its power distribution.