KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
ASUS has been an established mainboard vendor since the 90s, eventually offering tough competition in a variety of markets since, from graphics cards to routers to peripherals. Naturally, the next step for the company is to re-enter the power supply market after a lengthy break, as ASUS introduces its aptly named ROG Thor PSU range, built with an OLED panel to monitor real-time power draw.
Of course, ASUS has gone big instead of going home with its Thor range, ushering in a 1200W 80 Plus Platinum model, designed for the overclocking of processors and multiple graphics cards, while pushing at least 89 percent efficiency across a full load. This is kept cool via a dust proof IP5X-certified 14mm wing-blade fan and ROG heatsink, maintaining a whisper quiet 0dB for general use.
In typical Republic of Gamers fashion, the Thor 1200W sports an edgier ‘gaming’ design, complete with RGB LED lighting. This includes a small LED reading “Thor” on a flattened corner point up alongside the fan, a larger illuminated ROG symbol on the side separated by an LED strip, all customisable through ASUS’ Aura Sync.
If you cannot see the above gallery, please consider turning AdBlock off as this is known to conflict with our imaging code.
Taking this one step further, the real attraction to ASUS’ new PSU range is its integrated OLED Power Display panel, prominently showcasing the user’s power draw in real-time. ASUS didn’t go into detail on how often the display updates, and while we would hope it’s at least one-second granularity, we will update the story as more information comes to light.
Alternative models are also expected to be in the works, with ASUS mentioning an 850W due for release after its bigger brother, we're expecting this to come before the end of the year. These models are just the first step on the roadmap too, utilising a hybrid analogue-digital design. The next step is fully digital PSUs, but we are unsure when to expect those at this point in time. The exact pricing and availability have yet to be unveiled, with the ASUS ROG Thor 1200W expected to ship nearing September.
KitGuru Says: While RGB mostly seems gimmicky, this could be what’s needed to complete the look of a customisable setup. Personally, I think the OLED display could come in particularly handy, while looking rather sleek. Does ASUS’ ROG Thor appeal to you?
