OCFaq
PC Unleash
Digit-Life
CreativeMods
ShamikaServer
Hexaplague Hardware
Hot-Mods
eXtreme Reviews
Unique Hardware
BurnoutPC
Elite Hardware
Overclocking HQ
Team Puss
Hardware Asylum
Velocity Reviews
XtremeSystems
GameRigs
Bay Reviews
Spcits
Add Your Site!
MainArticlesForums 
Ultra X-Finity 500 Watt PSU
Written by Allen C. Haid (BigAl) | Date: 8.23.2006 | Manufacturer: Ultra Products
Introduction

More Power Scotty!


Power, or rather good clean and stable power, is the heart of a stable computer system. I learned this the hard way about six years ago when trying to overclock one of those Athlon Classic Slot A CPUs. I got it from 700 MHz up to about 850 MHz and beyond that it wasn't stable. My PSU at the time? It was just a generic 300 Watt unit that came with my InWin full tower case. After a few weeks of research I discovered a few articles written by successful overclockers that pointed out how important a beefy PSU was. In fact, I found out that generic "300 Watt" PSUs were probably not capable of putting out that claimed 300 Watts, except in perhaps ideal conditions - something we won't see inside our cases!

So today we're looking at what appears to be a decent PSU from the folks at Ultra Products (henceforth just Ultra). This is the Ultra X-Finity 500 Watt PSU w/ Active PFC (in black, with a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $119.99). The PSU is "SLi Ready" according to Ultra web site, so I'm going to be testing an SLi configuration to see if a 500 Watt PSU can run an overclocked gaming machine. Before I go to far though, let me thank Performance PCs and the folks at Ultra for the review sample, and their on-going support of FastLaneHw.

Our review sample arrrived safe and sound from the UPS delivery people. It should arrive the same way for you too, as it came well packed in air bags (figures 1 and 2). Once I removed the PSU packaging from the delivery box, I found it was also well protected within the cosmetic packaging (figures 3 and 4).


(click to enlarge)
Figure 1 Packaging around the Ultra PSU.

(click to enlarge)
Figure 2 There's a PSU under there somewhere....



(click to enlarge)
Figure 3 Here's the cosmetic package for the Ultra PSU.

(click to enlarge)
Figure 4 Good protection and an instruction manual too.


What's so special about this PSU?

Now we can finally see some unique features of Ultra's very nice looking PSU. First of all, check out those FlexForce cables and the 135mm fan in figures 5 and 6. These cables bend easily and I bet they will tuck nicely in an empty drive bay. They look nice too, but as you can see, this is not a modular PSU and you cannot remove unused PSU cables. Since you can easily route the extra ones out of the way, I think this will be ok. We'll see during the installation process. I certainly hope that 135mm fan is quiet. I love quiet PSUs. It lets me hear that roar of the videocard fans!


(click to enlarge)
Figure 5 Check out those flat "FlexForce" cables.

(click to enlarge)
Figure 6 A large 135mm fan means lower speeds and less noise.


A closer look at the 135mm fan (figure 7) tells me this is a nice design job. Fit and finsh appear to be top notch. The PSU even feels rather heavy, and we all know that this is one indicator of a good PSU. Why? It's because you need large capacitors to control output voltage ripple and massive heatsinks to cool the active circuitry. The 500 Watt power rating looks decent, with two 12-volt rails rated at 16A and 18A. That should handle at least some mid-range videocards. The rear exhaust area (figure 8) is mostly mesh, and that is excellent for good airflow. The specification plate (figure 9) shows all the output ratings.

Since this PSU has active PFC (power factor correction), it's better able to convert current into power and hence a bit more efficient (less waste heat). If you want to better understand PSU terminology, follow this link.


(click to enlarge)
Figure 7 Let's take a closer look at that 135mm fan.




(click to enlarge)
Figure 8 Good airflow out the back with mesh screen.

(click to enlarge)
Figure 9 The all-important current rating sticker.




Lets take a moment to review the marketing highlights and performance specifications of this PSU from Ultra's web site:


NEW! X-Finity PSU with Active PFC

The sizzling new X-Finity 500W APFC PSU delivers the perfect combination of stability and continuous power while also utilizing Ultra's award-winning FlexForce cabling system for improved airflow and aesthetics. This new X-Finity 500W includes Active PFC (power factor correction) and is housed in a sturdy black anodized aluminum housing. The X-Finity's components are cooled by an oversized 135MM fan, spinning at a lower RPM than comparable fans so it's quieter, while still moving more air.

Ultra's specially engineered FlexForce cable design promotes easy cable management and 30% better airflow than ordinary cables by allowing easy cable routing under the motherboard, behind drive bays... anywhere that gets typically unsightly power supply cables out of the way of airflow.

Engineered to accommodate both AMD and Intel CPUs! Includes 20/24-pin motherboard connection. 4-pin Molex connectors, 4-pin floppy power connectors, PCI Express, SATA 4-pin and 8-pin EPS +12V connectors. Versatile. Dependable. Affordable. The X-Finity FlexForce ATX power supply.

What is FlexForce?

- Manageable - FlexForce Cables are designed to be easily routed and hidden within your case.
- Increased Airflow - Special design promotes easy cable management and 30% better airflow than ordinary cables by easily routing cable under the motherboard, behind drive bays, etc.
- Design - Cables are dressed in a sleek looking titanium like finish.

What is Dual Rail Technology?

- Better Power Distibution - Dual Rail Technology distributes power to components that require it the most.
- Dedicated CPU Rail - Dedicated 12V Rail for the 2x2 Motherboard Connector
- More power where you need it...

Output

Total Output Power:
500W (Full Load, Nominal Input Voltage)
Efficiency:
70% Typical at Full Load and Nominal Input Voltage

Input

AC Input Voltage: 115V/230V
AC Input Frequency: 50-60Hz
AC Input Currents:
- 8.5A (RMS) for 115VAC input
- 5.5A (RMS) for 230VAC input

Connectors Available

1 - 20/24 Pin Motherboard Connector
1 - 4 Pin +12V Motherboard Connector
8 - 4 Pin Molex Connectors
2 - 4 Pin Floppy Power Connectors
2 - PCI Express Connectors
4 - SATA Connectors
1 - 8 Pin EPS Connector

Additional Features

- Supports AMD and Intel Motherboards
- NVIDIA(R) SLI™ Ready
- Low Acoustic Noise
- 135mm Fan
- Meets ATX Version 2.2, v1.3, and
- ATX 12V Version 2.2 Specifications
- Short Circuit Protection
- In-Rush Current Protection
- Thermal Overload Cutoff Protection
- MTBF > 100,000 Hours at Full Load,
110VAC and 25°C Ambient Condition
- FCC and UL Recognized



We've taken a look at the Ultra PSU, reviewed it's specifications, and now it's time for installation....
BackNext
About Us | Privacy Policy

All trademarks used are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Copyright � 2003 - 2006 by FastLane Hardware.
Site design by Justin Balletta (FastLaneHW.com owner). Balletta.com Web Design