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Ultra X3 800W and 1000W


Date
: 08/11/07 – 03:11:35 PM

Author
:

Category
: Power Supplies

Page 1 : Introduction

By now, Ultra hardly needs an introduction, not only do they produce an enormous range of products, but quite a few different series of power supplies as well. Today, power supplies are more than just performance, features, aesthetics, noise level and other small details along with cost also hold weight in the decision. After all, there are plenty of affordable, yet excellent performing power supplies readily available.

Over the last year, we here at Overclockers Online have taken a look at a number of Ultra power supplies including the X-Pro 600W, a few from the X-Finity series, and of course, the X2 power supply. Despite Ultra's fixation with the 'X' prefix, and the undertone of resentment from the public when it comes to all things labelled extreme, Ultra has in a way earned the right to use extreme in its labelling by providing high end power supplies at affordable prices while not looking like a prehistoric (in the technological sense) grey box.

The X3 series comes in four flavours, 600W, 800W, 1000W, and an astounding 1600W. We wont be looking at the 1600W or 600W today, but we will be looking at the 800W and 1000W which should be sufficient for most, in the overly generous sense or incredibly excessive for most computer systems. But, then again, overclocking isn't about the average computer system, but instead a step back from complete hardware failure.

Page 2 : Features and Specifications

Here is what Ultra has to say about the X3 series:

Ultra also claims an efficiency rating of up to 85% while remaining quiet due to its large 135mm ball bearing fan.

Along with being modular, Ultra has chosen to use Flex- Force cables to allow for increased flexibility. When I first gave Flex- Force cables a spin in our X-Finity 500W APFC review, I was sceptical and thought that they were nothing more than a gimic, but was I wrong. Flex- Force cables are what they claim to be, incredibly flexible, easy- to- route cables.

On the topic of cables, both of these units are meant to supply quite a bit of power, so it is only natural to include a whole slew of cables! Besides the regular assortment of cables, Ultra has included four standard 6- pin PCI Express cables, two 8- pin PCI Express cables, ten SATA power cables, and five standard four pin power cables.

In terms of power output, these two units are identical except for, of course the 12V rail. Both of these units are single 12V rail units only the 800W version is rated for 55A and the 1000W version is rated for an incredible 70A.

Often, protection is overlooked. When a high end power supply determines stability and ultimately whether or not a computer system is working or spewing out noxious smoke, one should expect quite hefty protection. The X3 series provides short circuit protection, in- rush current protection, and thermal overload cut-off protection.

The UL number listed on the unit is E239028, which is registered to Andyson.

Page 3 : Package and Contents

In terms of packaging, Ultra's X3 series has taking a whole new direction. Though the package is still visually loud it does so in a more elegant manner.

Ultra has never been the one to be sparse of features, even with the new minimalist box, Ultra has managed to cram every single bit of information.

Inside the box is the power supply, and well another box with the cables, manual, warranty card and screws.

Taking a look at the power supplies, the exterior is finished with a beautiful mirror black paint and accented with a piece of black brushed aluminium for the modular plugs.

The sleek black look is maintained throughout the power supplies with the matte black fan and fan grills.

Off to the side is the standard label, along with various certifications.

Next, taking a look at the wires, instead of the typical colors, they are finished in black and topped off with black molex connectors.

Like always, we love to open things up!

Both of these units are built upon Andyson's AD-800 series power supply, a server platform unit only with a few components changed.

Taking a closer look inside, the two primary stage capacitors along with all of the secondary stage capacitors are all Teapo branded. Inside, there is nothing small about either of these two units, just take a look at the sheer size of the AC chokes and the two 12V transformers!

Traces of the AD-800 can still be found throughout the X3 power supplies such as the original multiple 12V rail output. For the X3, the multiple rails are merged into one enormous rail on the modular attachment board.

Next, lets take a look at testing and installation!

Page 4 : Testing

In order to simulate system load, we will be using peltiers. The reason for this is because when using an actual computer system there is no way we could accurately measure how much load we are putting on the power supply without some very expensive equipment.

The total load on the 12V rail is approximately 576W while the 3.3V and 5V rails will be loaded with approximately 132W totalling 708W or 88.5% of the X3 800W's total output capabilities.

Like the 800W, we will be loaded the X3 1000W right up to the top as well! The 12V rail will be attached to an approximately 780W load while the 3.3V and 5V rails will be loaded with around 132W totalling 912W or 91.2% of the X3 1000W's total output capabilities.

Prior to any official tests, the units will run with no load for two weeks or approximately 336 hours at an operation temperature of 21°C (room temperature will vary throughout this period) as a burn-in period. We will be running two sets of tests, a cold and a hot test, but both under loaded conditions. This is to reflect different conditions the power supply could potentially encounter within an enclosed system. Cold tests will run with an exhaust temperature of 21°C and hot tests will be run with an exhaust temperature of 45°C. All temperature and voltage readings will be recorded with two separate digital multimeters.

There was a noticeable dip in voltage readings when the heat was turned up, but still, the X3 800W held exceptionally well.

As for the X3 800W's bigger brother, the X3 1000w, there too was a noticeable dip, but still performed very well, especially considering the operating conditions.

Page 5 : Installation

Now, lets take a look at installation!

First, we will start by removing the existing Tagan unit.

The X3 power supplies are fairly typically sized so they should have no trouble fitting into most cases, except the squeeze may be tighter in smaller cases, especially since these are modular power supplies.

For those with smaller cases, it might be a good idea to attach the needed cables prior to installing the power supply for the sake of convenience.

When it comes to routing wires, FlexForce cables perform as they are advertised, they are incredibly flexible. Although, a few zip ties certainly would help keep things tidy!

Page 6 : Conclusion

Over the years, we have come to expect nothing but excellence from Ultra, they have time and time again impressed us. Earlier, we discussed what differentiates a power supply from just being another unit sitting on the shelves and what makes a power supply a good buy, it isn't always just about performance, but features, aesthetics, and price. That being said, Ultra's X3 800W and 1000W are both excellent performing units, but so are many other power supplies. But, as we have seen, there is a lot more to the X3 family then just performance.

Finished in mirror black, the X3 line of power supplies are built to impress. Along with the stunning paint job, the brushed metal plate, matching fan grill and clean design the X3 800W and 1000W power supplies look as good as they perform. Beyond appearance, these two units functioned whisper silent, even under load.

So what is the final verdict? Anything short of impressive does not do these two units justice. In this day and age, high performance and affordability are typically not found in the same sentence, however with the X3 800W available for around $210 and the X3 1000W available for around $250, either of these two units are perfect for anyone looking for a high performance power supply at a low cost.

Advantages

• Affordable pricing

• Modular
• Quiet
• Excellent performance
• FlexForce cables
• Lifetime warranty

Disadvantages

• Incompatible with older 20 pin motherboards

Overclockers Online would like to thank Ultra Products for making this review possible.