Which Thermaltake?

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H

HighTimes

Junior Member
May 6, 2011
20
0
0
hey guys

I need a new PSU. Due to market availability issues (won't be buying online), my search has narrowed down to three Thermaltake PSUs:

  • Thermaltake TR-500P TR2 Bronze 500W, $108 local price
  • Thermaltake W0356RE Litepower 700W, $109 local price
  • Thermaltake W0355RE Litepower 600W, $88 local price
I'm assuming that the 500W PSU probably has a better build quality compared to the others, considering its price.

Here are my specs:

  • Intel i3-540 @ stock - plan to overclock to 4.0GHz
  • MSI H55-GD65
  • 2GB DDR3 1333 - will upgrade to 4GB when buying the PSU
  • Geforce 460GTX 1GB OR Radeon 6850 1GB - still not sure; my 3870 retired
I'd like to know, which one of those three is a better product for my requirements. Thanks in advance.
 
H

Harvey

Administrator<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
35,057
67
91
At those prices, I think someone is trying to rip you off. Because I'm a moderator, I know you're posting from an area that is probably pretty near to one or more Fry's Electronics B&M stores. If you're determined to buy Thermaltake, the prices they list online for Thermaltake PSU's in your power range are much lower than you list, and some include rebates.

If you're willing to accept other brands of equal or better quality, you may do even better.

The second link shows what they have in your power range without regard for brand or quality. Phone your local Fry's to check price and inventory. Sometimes, their prices in store are even better than those posted online. :)
 
BoomerD

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,215
13,477
146
Thermaltake has never been known for quality PSU's. I don't know why those are your only options, but while they're better than the worse ones out there...they're far from being GOOD units.
 
H

HighTimes

Junior Member
May 6, 2011
20
0
0
I live in Lebanon, Beirut, for the record. I could buy online, but it would be cumbersome, d.o.a., warranty issues, etc...
And besides, I'd pay around $50 for shipping, heh.
 
H

HighTimes

Junior Member
May 6, 2011
20
0
0
the only international electronics outlet we have is Radioshack (useless). I was running a Coolermaster 500W, but that got fried a few months ago. I'm currently using an Enlight 400W (pure crap).
the thing is, I can get a GB Pro Odin 800W or a XFX 850W, but those are for around $230. Overkill and over budget!
 
BoomerD

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,215
13,477
146
HighTimes said:
are they so bad they don't merit a review? lol
Click to expand...

Apparently. I browsed Jonnyguru.com, the premier power supply site, and while there are lots of reviews and forum threads about Thermaltake PSUs, none about the ones you've listed, except a brief mention about some new models in the TR2 line and another that mentioned that that line was now "bronze."

They're definitely not "top of the line" power supplies, but considering your location and availability issues, you could do worse I suppose.

Personally, the ONLY way I'd use one is if I had no better options.
 
H

HighTimes

Junior Member
May 6, 2011
20
0
0
hmm, I've stumbled upon a Gigabyte Superb 720 (GE-P610A-C2) for $145. It's a $40 difference, but I reckon it's worth it. Comments?
 
BoomerD

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,215
13,477
146
HighTimes said:
hmm, I've stumbled upon a Gigabyte Superb 720 (GE-P610A-C2) for $145. It's a $40 difference, but I reckon it's worth it. Comments?
Click to expand...

It appears that's an AcBel-built unit. They're not generally available in the US to the best of my knowlege, and even the folks at jonnyguru don't have much on them...but the ONE AcBel unit they reviewed said it's not terrible (rated at 8.5/10) but that was a 900 watt unit, so ??
On the other hand, Gigabyte power supplies don't seem to be very well liked...for a variety of reasons.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/index.php
 
9

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
5,212
0
76
CWT units are also quite good, especially their newer PSH II design

The Thermaltake TR2 500w seems to be a CWT-based unit, so you it should be a pretty good PSU.
 
Last edited:
BoomerD

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,215
13,477
146
996GT2 said:
CWT units are also quite good, especially their newer PSH II design

The Thermaltake TR2 500w seems to be a CWT-based unit, so you it should be a pretty good PSU.
Click to expand...

I find two TR2 500 watt PSU's listed. If the one he's looking at is the Channel Well model, it's not bad...if it's the HEC model...well, it's better than some, but still not GOOD.

TR2 500W W0093 – CWT
TR2 500W W0379RU – HEC
Click to expand...
 
LiuKangBakinPie

LiuKangBakinPie

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2011
3,903
0
0
None of the Tr2 units. Their junk stay away from them.

Thermaltake TR-500P TR2 Bronze--->TP-500P---->FSP
Thermaltake W0356RE Litepower 700W ---->W0356---->HEC---->Actually a rebranded 600w model
Thermaltake W0355RE Litepower 600W---->W0355---->HEC---->Actually a 500w model

Rather go for the Corsair CX 430 or the Seasonic 520w psus
 
S

skipsneeky2

Diamond Member
May 21, 2011
5,035
1
71
avoid the tr2 at all costs the 750 is known for buzzing and making noises,its all over newegg i made the mistake of buying one for my 2600k sandy bridge and gtx580 it crapped out taking out everything but my case fans and rom drives,was not a good day for me but ive had good experience with the tough powers in the pass and even now
 
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