Packaging
As you'd expect from a 1kw+ PSU, the packaging on the Toughpower 1500w is extremely large. This certainly gives us a good indication that the unit contained within isn't going to be your average ATX sized affair. The weight of the box also reinforces this theory, with the Toughpower feeling almost as heavy as the PCP&C Turbocool 1kw we reviewed a short while ago.
The styling of the box follows a fairly simple theme of red, white and orange on a black background. This is pretty much in keeping with many of Thermaltake's other products, but doesn't exactly shout "buy me" when placed on a retailers shelf.
Both sides of the box give a detailed list of features and specifications along with a chart detailing the output of all rails on the unit. This really mirrors the specifications we covered back on page 1, but once again we can see that Thermaltake have divided the rails into two 750w sections giving the impression that this unit at least contains two transformers.
Thermaltake have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the Toughpower arrives in tip-top condition by not only placing the unit inside a bubble wrap bag, but also encasing the entire unit in a moulded styrofoam slab. The accessories and modular cables are also individually wrapped in their own bags to prevent anything from being lost or damaged in transit.
In the box you will find the following items:
• Toughpower manual and warranty sheet.
• Modular cable set.
• Canvas pouch for modular cables.
• ATX case screws.
• Silicone PSU mount for noise isolation.
Appearance
Thermaltake are well known for their outlandish designs and flashing lights on a lot of their products, however as we can see from the images below, the Toughpower features quite an understated black/grey painted finish with no signs of any "bling". In my opinion the Toughpower 1500w would look perfectly at home inside any machine from a home PC to an enterprise server.
The bottom of the unit features a punched fan grill rather than the usual wire mesh grills found on most PSU's. Personally this isn't to my taste as it looks slightly dated, but it does have the added advantage of being totally flush with the rest of the casing, thus avoiding any potential installation issues. Those of us with a keen eye will also notice that the fan is considerably larger than the ones found on most units. This is because Thermaltake have actually managed to squeeze a 140mm model inside, but we'll take a closer look at that later on.
The back of the unit is fairly standard with a honeycomb mesh grill that is designed to allow heated air to freely exit the unit without any obstruction. However, credit has to be given to Thermaltake for the use of a high quality power switch. When you consider that over 1.5kw could be passing through this switch, it makes sense to use something of high quality that is also capable of handling that kind of load.
Thermaltake have placed the specifications sticker at the top of the unit rather than at the side like most manufacturers. This has the advantage of not covering over the side of the power supply you are most likely to see once it is installed inside a windowed case.
At the front of the unit we can see a collection of 10 modular plugs, all of which are in either 6-Pin or 8-Pin PCI-E format. Interestingly, all of the red connectors are set aside for powering PCI-E graphics cards, while the remaining four black connectors are for peripherals such as CD/DVD Drives and Hard Disks.
