Review of 2A DC-DC Step up boost converter MT3608 module

MT3608 Step-Up (Boost) Converter Module Review & Real-World Testing

In this review, we take a close look at the popular MT3608 boost converter module and test what it can actually do in real conditions. This small board is often advertised as a “2A/3A booster,” but as you’ll see in the load tests, heat and voltage drop become the real limits—especially when you try to push higher current at higher output voltage.

What This Module Does

A boost converter (step-up converter) increases a lower DC voltage to a higher DC voltage. In this video test, the module is used to take common inputs like 3.3V or 5V and boost them to outputs such as 9V, 12V, or even up to the high 20V range. The output voltage is adjustable using the onboard multi-turn potentiometer.

Main Parts on the MT3608 Module

MT3608 Step-Up Converter IC

The heart of the board is the MT3608 switching regulator. In the video, the datasheet highlights key features such as:

High switching frequency around 1.2MHz (smaller external components are possible).
Input range in the typical claim of ~2V to 24V.
Output up to roughly 28V (the test reached about 27.7V).
Efficiency claim “up to ~97%” (depends heavily on current and voltage ratio).

Inductor (L)

The inductor is the main energy-storage component that makes boosting possible. During operation, the converter rapidly switches current through the inductor, then releases that energy to raise the output voltage.

Multi-Turn Potentiometer

This module usually uses a multi-turn trimmer. That means you might need to rotate it many turns (often 15–20 turns) before you see a noticeable change in output. If you turn it and nothing happens at first, keep going—don’t assume it’s broken.

Input/Output Terminals

The module has four pads/pins:

VIN+ (positive input)
VIN- (input ground)
VOUT+ (positive output)
VOUT- (output ground)

Make sure you connect ground correctly—input and output grounds are common on this type of module.

Basic Wiring Used in the Test

The test setup is straightforward:

Connect the power supply to VIN+ and VIN-.
Connect a voltmeter (or multimeter) to VOUT+ and VOUT-.
Adjust the potentiometer to set the desired output voltage.
For load testing, connect an electronic load to the output.

Quick Notes Before You Use It

Input must be high enough: the module cannot regulate properly below a certain input level. In the video test, output behavior changes when the input drops too low.
Higher output voltage = lower available output current: boosting voltage is not “free.” As voltage goes up, the available output current goes down for the same input power.
Heat is the real limiter: at higher loads the IC becomes extremely hot, output voltage droops, and the module may shut down.

Efficiency: What to Expect

Based on the datasheet curve discussed in the video, efficiency is highest at moderate current and drops as current increases. The example curve mentioned shows roughly:

Very good efficiency around a few hundred milliamps (example region near ~200mA).
Efficiency dropping into the high 80% range as current approaches ~800mA and beyond.

In real builds, keep your expectations realistic: layout, cooling, voltage ratio, and load all affect efficiency and stability.

Real Load Test Results (What Actually Worked)

The most useful part of the video is the real-world stress testing using an electronic load. Here are the key outcomes:

Test 1: 9V In → 12V Out

At ~1A output: output stayed close to 12V and the module remained usable.
At ~2A output: output voltage dropped (around the low 11V range) and the chip became too hot to touch—performance was not reliable.

Conclusion: 9→12V at ~1A is okay; pushing toward 2A is not recommended without serious cooling and even then may be unstable.

Test 2: 3.3V In → 5V Out

At ~1A output: it ran cool and looked stable in the test.
At ~2A output: voltage dropped significantly and the test effectively failed / shut off behavior appeared.

Conclusion: boosting 3.3V to 5V at ~1A is realistic; trying 2A is not reliable.

Test 3: 12V In → 24V Out

At higher load current (around the amp range), the output voltage dropped below 24V and heat became a major problem.
At ~0.5A output: the output stayed close to 24V and was considered a “pass” scenario in the video.

Conclusion: 12→24V is possible, but treat ~0.5A as a safer working region.

So… Is It Really a “2A / 3A” Boost Converter?

In practice, this module is best viewed as a small, low-cost boost converter for moderate power. The board can work well when you keep the current reasonable and the voltage ratio realistic. But when you push it hard, voltage droop + extreme heat show up quickly.

From the video’s summary, practical working examples were:

3.3V → 5V at ~1A
9V → 12V at ~1A
12V → 24V at ~0.5A

Where This Module Is Useful

Boosting 5V USB up to 9V or 12V for small electronics projects
Powering devices that need a higher voltage but modest current (sensors, small relays, light loads)
Quick prototyping when you need an adjustable output and don’t want to design a full power supply

Important Safety & Practical Tips

Don’t trust high-current claims without testing your specific load and adding cooling.
Check temperature: if the IC is burning hot, back off—heat usually means voltage droop and failure risk.
Measure with a good meter: the video notes meter mismatch on input readings; always verify with a reliable multimeter.
Start low and adjust slowly: multi-turn pots can take many rotations before output changes.

Demo Recap (What You See in the Video)

Initial voltage adjustment and showing maximum output near the high 20V range.
Stable regulation when input is fixed and output is set (example: setting 12V output).
Electronic-load testing showing when the module stays stable and when it overheats and droops.

Parts & Datasheet

You can find the module and related items using the affiliate links below this article. For deeper electrical characteristics, refer to the MT3608 datasheet (also linked below if provided) to understand efficiency behavior and operating limits within your voltage/current range.