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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2007-12-12
Provider: Ultra
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Ultra X3 800W Power Supply Review
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Another great feature of this PSU is that comes with a ton of cables, more than you probably will need, and each with slightly different combinations of connectors, which adds to the versatility. The unit comes with a ton of cables as listed in the product summary, all of which have the flat-force design. Of note is that the 800W version has four 6-pin PCI-Express cables and two 8-pin PCI-Express cables, which are really good for multiple graphics cards. Also, I like how Ultra provides a 3-pin fan connector that allows you to plug in up to three 3-pin CPU or case fans using a single cable.
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Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Taking a closer look at the PSU, the exterior of the power supply has a sleek-looking, all-black metal finish. I like the metal finish, as it adds some extra “bling-bling” to your build and doesn’t show too many fingerprints as some other finishes. There is a large 135mm cooling fan on this power supply, which likely aids in keeping it quiet but hopefully doesn’t result in higher operating temperatures and less efficiency. The rear of the power supply has a simple on/off switch. The side panel lists the various rail outputs, with the 3.3V rail rated at 24A, the 5V rated at 28A, and the 12V rail rated at 60A. I should note that this power supply only has one 12V rail, where as many recent power supplies offer as many as quad (4) 12V rails for improved stability. As we’ll see in the testing, this didn’t dramatically affect this unit’s performance, even under load.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Installation of the PSU was fairly straightforward. If you’re wondering about the unique layout of the case, I installed the Ultra X3 into a Moneual 932B HTPC case, which we’ll be featuring in an upcoming review. To install the PSU, simply place the unit into the case and attach it using the standard four screws that are included. Finally, plug in all the components and you’re ready to go. After turning on the computer, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the power supply was indeed quiet compared to other power supplies. The PSU fan does not have any LEDs to add extra style to the build. Airflow through the power supply seemed adequate, thanks to the large 135mm fan.
Testing:
Testing was done by measuring the voltages at the connectors with a multimeter. Idle voltages were taken running Windows and full loads were taken while running SiSandra Pro. Results of similar tests on a previously reviewed GlacialPower 550W PSU and the aforementioned Ultra X3 600W PSU are included for comparison.
AMD 64+ AM2 3800+
ECS GeForce 6100SM Motherboard
2 GB SuperTalent DDR2 RAM
GeForce 7600GS video card
Western Digital 250 GB 7200 rpm harddrive
Maxtor 200GB rpm hard drive
Hitachi 80GB SATA harddrive
LG DVD burner
3,3V Testing:
The 3.3v rail performance was very stable, as with most PSUs on the market.
5V Testing:
Similarly, the 5V rail was also solid. Very little voltage drop and minimal voltage fluctuations were seen.
Current Real Time Pricing
Final Testing >>>>> Page 3
Related Articles:
Coolermaster M1000W Powersupply review
Coolermaster M620 Powersupply review
GlacialTech GP-PS550BP 550W Power Supply Review
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