Asus’ insane new PSU looks fully RTX 5090-ready

I received the package from Asus yesterday! The box was hefty, hinting at the power within. Unboxing it, I was immediately impressed by the PSU’s build quality. It felt incredibly solid and well-made, far exceeding my expectations. The included cabling was neatly organized and clearly labeled; a nice touch. I was particularly excited to see the robust 16-pin connector for my RTX 5090.

Initial Impressions and Unboxing

Let me tell you, the anticipation was killing me! I’d been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Asus’s new Thor 1600W PSU, especially since I recently upgraded to the monstrous RTX 5090. The shipping box itself was a beast – far larger than I anticipated for a single power supply unit. It felt incredibly heavy, promising substantial heft and build quality within. Upon opening the outer packaging, I found a second, more robust inner box, further emphasizing the premium feel. Inside, nestled securely in custom-molded foam, was the Thor 1600W itself. It’s a magnificent sight, a truly impressive piece of engineering. The matte black finish is flawless, and the unit feels incredibly solid; there’s no flex or rattle whatsoever. The sheer size of the PSU is striking; it’s noticeably larger than my previous 1000W unit, but that’s understandable given its increased capacity. Asus clearly didn’t skimp on materials or construction. The included cable management kit is top-notch. Each cable is individually sleeved and marked clearly, making installation a breeze. I especially appreciated the inclusion of multiple PCIe 5.0 power cables, specifically designed for the next-gen graphics cards like my RTX 5090. The 16-pin connector was a welcome sight, and its robust construction instilled confidence in its ability to reliably deliver the power my card demands. The modular design is fantastic, allowing me to only use the necessary cables, keeping my case clean and well-organized. Overall, my initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The unboxing experience was luxurious, and the quality of the PSU itself is undeniable. I was genuinely excited to get this beast installed and put to the test.

Installation and Setup in My Rig

Installing the Asus Thor 1600W into my rig was surprisingly straightforward, despite its substantial size. My case, a Corsair 5000D, has ample space, but even in a smaller chassis, the modular design would be a significant advantage. Routing the cables was a breeze thanks to their flexible construction and clear labeling. I appreciated the length of the cables; they reached all my components without any strain or awkward bends. The modularity allowed me to install only the cables I needed, significantly improving airflow within my case. Connecting the 16-pin PCIe 5.0 cable to my RTX 5090 was simple and secure; the connector fit perfectly and felt robust. There was no fumbling or forcing involved, a stark contrast to some other power connectors I’ve encountered. Securing the PSU itself was easy; the mounting screws aligned perfectly with the case’s mounting holes. The weight of the unit is substantial, but the case’s design supported it without any issues. Once everything was connected and secured, I powered up my system. The initial boot was flawless. The fans spun up smoothly and quietly, barely audible even with my case’s side panel removed. I was relieved and impressed by the ease of installation. This PSU is clearly designed for ease of use and compatibility with modern high-end components. The modular design, clearly labeled cables, and robust connectors made the whole process a pleasure, even for someone like me who isn’t a professional PC builder. I took some time to admire the clean cable management; it significantly improved the overall aesthetics of my build. The only minor challenge was managing the sheer number of cables, but that’s a testament to the comprehensive power delivery capabilities of the Thor 1600W, rather than a criticism. Overall, the installation was a success, and I was ready to move on to the next phase⁚ stress testing.

Stress Testing and Performance

After a successful installation, I subjected the Asus Thor 1600W and my RTX 5090 to rigorous stress tests. My first test involved running FurMark and Prime95 simultaneously for over four hours. This pushed both the GPU and CPU to their absolute limits, generating significant heat and power draw. Throughout this demanding test, the PSU remained remarkably stable. The fans ramped up slightly, but the noise levels remained surprisingly low, never becoming intrusive. I monitored the temperatures using HWMonitor, and both the CPU and GPU remained within safe operating ranges. There were no power fluctuations or system crashes, a testament to the PSU’s robust design and efficient power delivery. Next, I ran a series of benchmark tests using 3DMark Time Spy Extreme and Port Royal. These tests pushed the RTX 5090 to its limits, resulting in consistently high frame rates and stunning visuals. Again, the PSU performed flawlessly, providing clean and stable power throughout. I also used Aida64 to test the stability of the power supply under various load conditions. The results were consistently impressive, showing minimal voltage ripple and excellent efficiency. The PSU’s performance exceeded my expectations, easily handling the combined power demands of my high-end components. Even under extreme stress, it remained cool, quiet, and stable. I was particularly impressed by the lack of coil whine, which can be a common issue with high-wattage PSUs. The Asus Thor 1600W proved itself to be a reliable and high-performing power supply, capable of handling even the most demanding gaming and productivity workloads. Its performance during these stress tests gave me immense confidence in its ability to reliably power my system for years to come. The stability and quiet operation were particularly noteworthy aspects of the testing phase, exceeding my expectations for a PSU in this performance class.

Real-World Gaming and Application Use

After the rigorous stress tests, I transitioned to real-world gaming and application usage. I spent several days playing demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator at maximum settings with ray tracing enabled. My RTX 5090, powered by the Asus Thor 1600W, consistently delivered smooth, lag-free gameplay. Frame rates remained consistently high, even in the most graphically intense scenes. I didn’t experience a single instance of stuttering or frame drops, which is a testament to the PSU’s ability to provide clean and stable power under sustained load. Beyond gaming, I also tested the PSU’s performance with demanding professional applications. I used Blender for 3D rendering and Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, both of which are known for their high power consumption. Even during these intensive tasks, the PSU performed flawlessly. The system remained stable, and I didn’t encounter any performance issues. The quiet operation of the PSU was also a welcome change from my previous power supply, which was noticeably loud under heavy load. With the Asus Thor 1600W, I could focus on my work or gaming without the distracting noise of a struggling power supply. I also monitored the power consumption using my power meter, and the efficiency of the PSU was impressive. It delivered power to my components effectively, minimizing energy waste. The combination of smooth, uninterrupted performance in demanding games and professional applications, coupled with the quiet operation and excellent efficiency, solidified my belief that the Asus Thor 1600W is a top-tier power supply perfectly suited for the RTX 5090 and high-end systems. My overall experience with the PSU in these real-world scenarios has been nothing short of exceptional. The stability and reliability were consistently impressive, making it a perfect partner for my demanding hardware.

Final Verdict and Overall Thoughts

My experience with Asus’s new PSU and the RTX 5090 has been overwhelmingly positive. From the initial unboxing to the rigorous stress tests and real-world application, this power supply consistently exceeded my expectations. The build quality is exceptional; it feels incredibly robust and well-engineered. The included cabling is high-quality and neatly organized, making installation a breeze. The quiet operation is a significant advantage; I barely noticed it running, even under heavy load. This is a stark contrast to my previous PSU, which was a noisy culprit. Most importantly, the PSU delivered rock-solid performance. Throughout my testing, I experienced zero instability or shutdowns. Even under the intense demands of 4K gaming with ray tracing enabled and professional applications like Blender and Premiere Pro, the power supply remained stable and efficient. The performance was consistently smooth and lag-free, allowing me to fully utilize the capabilities of my RTX 5090. The Asus PSU handled everything I threw at it without breaking a sweat. It’s clear that this PSU is not only compatible with the RTX 5090 but also designed to handle its power demands with grace. Considering the performance, build quality, quiet operation, and overall reliability, I wholeheartedly recommend this PSU to anyone building or upgrading a high-end gaming or professional workstation, especially if it’s paired with an RTX 5090 or similar high-power GPU. It’s a premium product that justifies its price point through exceptional performance and peace of mind. I’m incredibly satisfied with my purchase and have no hesitation in giving it my highest recommendation. It truly is a game-changer in terms of power supply technology, providing the unwavering stability and power delivery that high-end systems demand.