In testing the TrueControl 550 I did all I could do to bring it to it's knees. Here is what I used to test it:

• Gigabyte GA-7vrx
• XP 2000+
• 1 gb pc2700 DDR
• Seagate 80gb 7200rpm
• Western Digital 120gb JB
• 48x cdrw / 16x DVD Drive
• Additional fan rhoebus
• Not counting the psu fans, an additional 9 fans (not all were in the case, just for testing)
• 4 cathodes (just for the testing)
• 10/100 nic
• fortissmo III soundcard
• Radeon 8500 128mb
• 2 lighted keyboards (one ps2 and 1 usb)

No I don't usually run all of that, but since testing what I normally run didn't budge the TrueControl, I thought adding more will stress it more so I could make some voltage adjustments. Now, most of us do rely on voltage readings from Motherboard Monitor. While it is suffecient most of the time, it isn't always accurate reading voltages. The only surefire and dependable way is to test the voltages with a volt meter. And if you intend to get the TrueControl I STRONGLY suggest you also invest in a volt meter.

The voltage controls on the TrueControl allow adjustments at 5% above and below specs to help prevent problems. But still, use a multimeter to be sure of the voltage readings. If wrong and you adjust the voltage too high or too low, this could possibly do damage to to some components.

Results~

With my system running at idle for at least 30 minutes the +5v was at 5.13 while the 12v was at 12.34. I could use the adjustment tool to get the voltages right at 5 for the +5v and at 12 for the 12v.

To get full load I used the prime95 cpu torture test for at least an hour and turned on all the fans and cathodes. During this hour I watched the voltages and they would move slightly (the 5v would move up to 0.03 lower and the 12v would move 0.12 lower) but usually stayed right at what I had set them at. Then I tried overclocking my XP 2000+ to XP 2200+ speed. This did drop the +5v line all the way down to 4.95 and the 12v line to 11.90.

So, I used that adjustment tool to slightly increase the 5v and 12 lines and here I was back to 5.00 and 12.00. Not that 4.95 and 11.90 was bad mind you, and is still well within 5% of recommended specs, I just wanted to see if this works. And as you can see, it surely does! Whoooaaaa does it work. And it was easy. The reason want the voltages to be more at 5 and 12 is for stablity especially when overclocking. Less that that, some mobo's get picky and our overclocking is decreased.

• 550w of pure muscle
• Keeps voltages steady and easily within 5% of specs
• Front control panel, controls the voltages and psu fan speed and others you have connected to the fan only connectors
• Dual fans, 80mm and 92mm
• Mobo power cord is braided
• Rear molex connector

• psu fans are only quiet at around 1600rpms

The only thing that I can say bad about the TrueControl 550 is about the fans. They adjust from 1480-2800 rpms and are only quiet at around 1600 rpms. The higher you go past 1600, the more it sounds like a hair dryer. But then, you do have full control over their speed. Though on the lower speeds air coming from the psu is hot. A good point that helps to make up for that bad point is the two "fan only" fan connectors. Any fans connected to those fan connectors are also controlled by the fan controller on the front panel. This saves you from having to purchase a seperate fan controller.

After reviewing the Antec TrueBlue 480 I didn't think I'd be seeing a better power supply any time soon. But darn if Antec did it again and did so in total bang-up fashion with the TrueControl 550. Direct Link to the TrueControl.

Though because of voltage adjustments, I can only suggest this psu to overclockers and to those who know what they are doing. And if you do get this psu, do invest in a multimeter also. You'll be glad you did.

Many thanks goes out to the great people at Antec for making this review possible and for making completely awesome products like the TrueControl.