Comparison · Power supplies

12 V 3 A power supply or 5 V 7.2 A 36 W power supply

Two models side by side: measurements taken by the author in their reviews, and their conclusions. The better value in each row is highlighted.

In brief: Based on review measurements: Test current: 5 V 7.2 A 36 W power supply (7.5 A vs. 3); Temperature rise: 12 V 3 A power supply (132 °C vs. 142).

Model	12 V 3 A power supply2017Read review →	5 V 7.2 A 36 W power supply2015Read review →
Voltage, V	12	5
Current, A	3	7.2
Power, W	36	36
Test current, A	3	7.5
Temperature rise, °C	132	142
Review conclusion	Not recommended	With reservations

Only in one review: In test 35.5 W (12 V 3 A power supply); Under load 4.99 V (5 V 7.2 A 36 W power supply); Ripple 10 mV (12 V 3 A power supply); Efficiency 77 % (12 V 3 A power supply); No load 2.4 W (12 V 3 A power supply); Weight 133 g (5 V 7.2 A 36 W power supply).

12 V 3 A power supply: Above 2 A, the supply overheats and behaves erratically; it is unsuitable for continuous use.

5 V 7.2 A 36 W power supply: It regulates voltage well, but the overheating inductor and undersized capacitors call for modifications.

Figures were taken from the review text and checked against the quoted passages. Measurement conditions differ between reviews, so read the reviews yourself before buying. Prices at the time of review.