Layout
First thing you'll notice on this power supply is the striking X-type side panel. This side panel can be removed easily via the thumbscrews to reveal the side window that lets you see through the insides of the unit. What's a window without some lighting? Inside the power supply are pair of LED lights that emit different colored hues of blue, red, green, etc for effects. There are 7 colors in total. The lights are not too bright but just enough to highlight the internals of the PSU. Something that is quite good if don't want to overpower the other lights that you may have inside your case. Alternatively, for those not so much into lights and stuff, just replacing the side panel can easily cover it up.
Next one that you don't normally see bundled in the PSU is Thermaltake's X-blower. Designed like a jet engine, this 80x80x70mm blower is capable of delivering up to 25 CFM of airflow at a noise level of 41dBa whilst spinning at 4500rpm. This blower can be best used as your system's exhaust fan. However at full speed, you will find that the noise is a bit too much.
Luckily, an included rheostat is provided to control the X-blower's fan speed. The rheostat is presented as a 5 1/2" aluminum drive bay control switch. This gives the user the option of running their X-blower at a much acceptable noise level without compromising airflow. At its lowest setting, the fan spins at 2100rpm making the fan quiet as a whisper. This rheostat also controls the internal PSU fans. Thus the 2 knobs in the external switch panel.
All of the cables are loom braided for easier and tidier application. As for connectors, you won't run out with this one. Aside from the main ATX power connector, you get 9 Molex, 3 FDD and 2 SATA power connectors. There is also the presence of your 4-pin +12v power connector and another 6-pin auxiliary connector. A 3-pin connector that attaches to the motherboard and a 2-pin connector for the rheostat are also included in the layout. The length of all the connectors was more than adequate, enough to reach all parts of the case.
The power supply is a "true" 480w PSU as it rated at 480w sustained and 550w maximum. Note that using the sustained power level is the "honest" way of giving your power supply's correct power rating. On the amperage side of things, the Thermaltake 480W Butterfly can have a load of up to 40A on the 5v rail, 30A on the 3.3V rail and up to 18A on the 12v rail. That is indeed more than enough to handle tons of fans and hardware in your system.
A good way of checking if a PSU is good or not without having to test it, is to check its weight. It is an excellent indication of the quality and make of the PSU. The Thermaltake 480W Butterfly is indeed heavier than most generic power supplies. Opening the unit's casing, we found that there is not much space left for anything as the unit is cramped with electronics. Definitely a very good sign. Warning: Be aware that opening up PSUs is dangerous. They contain large capacitors that maintain the charge for a long time, and may give you a serious electrical shock. Don't play around with PSUs.
Next: Installation, Test Results & Conclusions