High resolution pictures here.
This is the best plug-and-play, universal, professionally made internal Dreamcast power supply. Features are:
- Universal input, so it can tolerate any input voltage automatically.
- Professionally designed, no datasheet copy-paste circuits. Using premium quality parts and best engineering design approaches. This wasn’t built for budget but rather perfection.
- Very low noise, less than 30mV p-p at full load inside console (not an outside resistive load).
- Low heat generation, way much better thermals than all other solutions.
- Plug-and-play, so no soldering, modding, cutting, or anything.
- Medically rated, extremely safe power module used which guarantees utmost safety and performance.
- High power, rated for 30 watts which is 8 watts more than original PSU which is more than enough for any mods you can think of.
All oscilloscope measurements are available in this page down below. as seen, less than 15-30mV p-p at full load inside console not pure resistor load. This is very critical as mere resistive dummy load does not represent the ripple and noise capabilities of any power supply but rather the end application itself. The Dreamcast sips power at 50-60 hz intervals which inflects this behavior in power circuit itself. This can cause noise, ripple, or instabilities in cheap power supplies but not this one.
ThunderPSU oscilloscope measurements: here.
Original Sega PSU oscilloscope measurements: here.
Original power supply is about 80-90 mV p-p of noise and ripple while ThunderPSU is 15-30. I don’t have much third-party testing data but I tested a good one in the past and it measured something like 45-100 mV p-p depending on input power adapter and other stuff.
This is a Rev 2 of the design, which has these changes:
- using readily available components, so that it can be made at any time without lead time.
- the use of high quality polymer capacitors instead of regular electrolytic capacitors.
- Having a genuine Panasonic polymer capacitor at main output along with ceramics, all low ESR to deliver optimum performance.
- the main input connector is having a metal stripe now which is exactly like the original PSU which is more robust connector.
- it is now 4 layer board which helps in more noise attenuation.
- the color is matte black which is more beautiful than regular black.
- there are some minor changes too.
should you “upgrade” from rev 1 to rev 2? no.
S. L. F. (verified owner) –
If your planning on using a GDEMU, having an HDMI mod installed, want to avoid Ground Loops by avoiding USB C solutions and/or you have an imported Dreamcast you don’t want to cook, this is the PSU for the job.
It’s like an OEM PSU but it far more adaptive (it’ll handle any voltage you give it), runs cooler and can support a fully modded Dreamcast without issue. If your planning on going all-out with your Dreamcast (all the mods, overclocking, game development etc.) I’d say this PSU is essential to your ambitions.
Sam A –
At $75, the ThunderDream Dreamcast power supply fails to deliver value proportionate to its price. While beautifully engineered, its practical benefits are negligible compared to more affordable alternatives.
The marketed noise reduction (from 80-90mV to 15-30mV) makes no perceptible difference in actual gameplay or system reliability. The claims about inadequate power for modded systems seem exaggerated, as most modern modifications like ODEs actually reduce power consumption.
The unit works as intended, powering the Dreamcast reliably. However, alternative USB-C power solutions costing $20-30 less provide equivalent performance while offering additional benefits like external heat management and compatibility with other devices.
For collectors seeking the most authentic internal solution regardless of cost, the ThunderDream is impressive. For everyone else, it solves problems that don’t meaningfully exist for the average user.
David (verified owner) –
Received the revised version and it worked flawlessly. Used it in a MODE swapped Dreamcast with a VM2. It was a super easy drop in replacement for the original power supply and very efficient. I should have taken temperature readings for before and after, but the ThunderDream kept it considerably and noticeably cooler. I’m extremely happy with my purchase. I’ll be buying the advanced board when it restocks too.
Jani (verified owner) –
The best power supply for the Dreamcast.