Introduction

Thermaltake's GF3 line consists of ATX v3.0 and PCIe 5.0 units with capacities ranging from 750 W to 1650 W. I have already evaluated the smallest member of the line, so I thought to give the 1000 W model a chance to prove itself against my Chroma electronic loads. The OEM is Channel Well Technology (CWT), and the platform's code name is CSZ. This is a modern enough platform to meet the increased demands of the ATX v3.0 spec for units with 12VHPWR connectors. These demands include transient tests with up to 200% load of the PSU's max-rated capacity for a short period. This is not the most challenging test, though, because of the short load application period. The 180% and 160% transient load tests are even more challenging because they last longer (1 ms and 10 ms, respectively).

The GF3 1000 is 80 PLUS Gold, and Cybenetics Gold certified in efficiency. It also has a Cybenetics Standard+ noise certification, so don't expect it to be whisper quiet. A selectable semi-passive operation stops the fluid dynamic bearing fan at light loads, allowing for zero noise output. The dimensions are compact with 160 mm depth, and the ten-year warranty is among the longest in the PSU industry (and not only). Lastly, the price at the time of review is $200, which is decent, given the product's features.

Specifications

Photos

The box is large enough and has a photo of the PSU with its modular panel in clear view.


The package's protection is adequate, so the PSU should reach you in pristine condition. The bundle includes a cable pouch, which is a nice touch.


The cables that come with the PSU.


The fan grille's design is restrictive; the same applies to the unit's exhaust.


There are ventilation holes on the sides to help the fan's airflow.


The power specifications label is installed at the bottom side.


The small modular panel has eleven sockets.


Measuring 160 mm in depth, this PSU has a compact enough footprint. For comparison purposes, the smallest, in dimensions, 1000 W unit is the EVGA 1000 G7, with just 130 mm depth!


Here are some more photos of the PSU from various angles.

Cables and Connectors

The cables are long and use the thicker 16AWG gauges for lower voltage drops. Only the peripheral cables use the standard 18AWG gauges, since they don't have to handle high power output. Besides the standard connectors, we also find a 600 W 12VHPWR connector. It should be set for 450 W max power output, but nobody does that. All brands and OEMs set the 12VHPWR connectors for 600 W regardless of the PSU's output. The worst thing that can happen is a system shut down if the GPU draws too much power.


The distance between the peripheral connectors is adequate at 150 mm.

Component Analysis

Before reading this page, look at this article, which will help you better understand the insides of a PSU.



The manufacturer of most GF3 models is Channel Well Technology. The platform, with code name CSZ, provides enough clearance in the transient filter for good airflow, but the secondary side is overpopulated with parts; hence the fan will have to operate at high speeds to cool down the boards holding the DC-DC converters and the 12 V FETs. The lack of heatsinks on the secondary side doesn't help the situation either. The build quality is high overall, and the FDB fan is by Hong Hua, so it will have a long life if you don't push it hard under high operating temperatures.


The input filter is fully equipped to suppress EMI noise.


There is an MOV for protection against power surges. An NTC thermistor handles inrush currents with a bypass relay supporting it.


The pair of bridge rectifiers can handle up to 30 Amperes.


The APFC converter uses two GP36S60YERD FETs and a single boost diode by On Semiconductor. A Sync Power FET is also used to isolate the APFC converter when the unit is on standby, minimizing energy consumption. Lastly, the bulk cap is by Nippon Chemi-Con, and the APFC controller is a Champion CM6500UNX.


The main FETs are installed in a half-bridge topology. An LLC resonant converter is also used for higher efficiency.


The transformer is close to the +12 V board for lower power losses.


Eight FETs regulate the +12 V rail.


The VRMs handling the minor rails use four UBIQ FETs in total and a single PWM controller.


The electrolytic filtering caps are of high quality by Japanese manufacturers. The polymer caps are a mix of Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese brands.


The standby PWM controller is an On Bright OB2365T.


The primary supervisor IC is a Weltrend WT7502R. The fan's controller is a Microchip PIC16F1503, allowing for a straightforward tune-up of the fan speed profile, which can't be performed by users, but only at the factory.


The modular PCB uses a single large electrolytic cap and many polymer ones for ripple filtering purposes.


Soldering quality is good.


The cooling fan is by Hong Hua and uses a fluid dynamic bearing.

Test Setup