So I have a TFX chassis that I'm going to put my Haswell Pentium system in and it needs a decent PSU. I've had this one for a while and didn't have a use for it until now. Really interesting unit, I'm always fascinated by old Topower units. I left it as is because when I first looked at it, I knew this was going to be a very time consuming project. This thing is very cramped, but upon finally taking it apart, it looks to be a very well designed PSU. The label seems pretty honest, but can you imagine how quickly this thing would kill those caps running close to its max rating?!
I was expecting a wimpy-ish half bridge unit, but this one is double forward with independent regulation on the output rails. Nice!
I like how the input starts on that separated PCB, and the fuse is there as well, with removable AC plugs, SWEET!
Once I dive in to this thing, I will be able to see what the silicon is. All I know now is that there are two 30A schottkys on the 5V.
I plugged this unit in with just a paperclip, and the thing burns 30W AC just to be turned on!
I know a lot is because of the 10W 20Ω resistor, but why is that thing connected to the fan controller anyways, to slow them down? You'd think the attached controller card would do that already. Besides that big resistor though, there must be some low values on the output rails.
I'm not sure how none of the capacitors are bulging. Either this thing got almost no use, or some have failed without bulging. There's no way those decade old Asia'X, Koshin, Fuhjyyu TN, and Teapo SEK are all okay. This unit runs hot. It handled a 130W load no problem but it was kicking out quite a bit of heat. Not only will I have to replace all of the capacitors, but there's a fair amount of glue that needs to be removed. I'm guessing if the unit needs that 10W resistor, then at least swapping around the minimum load resistors will reduce some of the heat created.
The soldering is pretty messy, but not atrocious.
The unit has two fans in push-pull configuration, both the same identical Top Motor fan. The grease in there was dry. After putting a drop of oil in each of them, they spin much better.
I uploaded that picture of the unit next to a pair of clippers for scale.
I'll keep this thread updated as I go, but in the meantime, your thoughts are always appreciated
I was expecting a wimpy-ish half bridge unit, but this one is double forward with independent regulation on the output rails. Nice!
I like how the input starts on that separated PCB, and the fuse is there as well, with removable AC plugs, SWEET!
Once I dive in to this thing, I will be able to see what the silicon is. All I know now is that there are two 30A schottkys on the 5V.
I plugged this unit in with just a paperclip, and the thing burns 30W AC just to be turned on!
I know a lot is because of the 10W 20Ω resistor, but why is that thing connected to the fan controller anyways, to slow them down? You'd think the attached controller card would do that already. Besides that big resistor though, there must be some low values on the output rails. I'm not sure how none of the capacitors are bulging. Either this thing got almost no use, or some have failed without bulging. There's no way those decade old Asia'X, Koshin, Fuhjyyu TN, and Teapo SEK are all okay. This unit runs hot. It handled a 130W load no problem but it was kicking out quite a bit of heat. Not only will I have to replace all of the capacitors, but there's a fair amount of glue that needs to be removed. I'm guessing if the unit needs that 10W resistor, then at least swapping around the minimum load resistors will reduce some of the heat created.
The soldering is pretty messy, but not atrocious.
The unit has two fans in push-pull configuration, both the same identical Top Motor fan. The grease in there was dry. After putting a drop of oil in each of them, they spin much better.
I uploaded that picture of the unit next to a pair of clippers for scale.
I'll keep this thread updated as I go, but in the meantime, your thoughts are always appreciated
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