Email this article   Print article 

Ultra X3 Is Prepped For Power

By Fahmida Y. Rashid, CRN
September 03, 2007    12:00 AM ET

Machines with high-end video graphics cards, high-capacity hard drives and powerful processors require a power supply that can bear the load. Ultra Products, already a friend to overclockers and gaming PC enthusiasts everywhere, has added a 1,000-watt version to its growing line of X3 power supplies.

The X3 1000W PSU boasts a kilowatt of power output and 85 percent energy efficiency at typical loads. The PSU features full-range active PFC.

Test Center engineers were pleas-antly surprised at how quiet the power unit turned out to be while performing on low to medium loads. Even under high loads, the noise remained acceptable. The thermostatically controlled 135mm ball-bearing fan draws air in through the bottom of the power supply. The exhaust air exits through a honeycomb grill located on the back of the unit, keeping the unit cool.

PRODUCT: X3 1000W PSU

PRICE: $299.99

DISTRIBUTORS/
INTEGRATORS:
BELL MICROPRODUCTS, D&H DISTRIBUTING, SED

COMPANY: ULTRA PRODUCTS
FLETCHER, OHIO
(866) 311-0467
www.ultraproducts.com
The X3 ships with an assortment of modular FlexForce cables since the power unit's modular interface allows builders to plug in only the cables applicable to that particular machine. The X3 has connectors for Molex, SATA power and PCI-E. Engineers unpacked 19 cables and noted that some of the connectors were labeled to minimize confusion. For example, the 24-pin motherboard connector clearly differentiates the two connectors with "To Motherboard" and "To Power Supply" labels. Two cables with eight-pin PCI-E connectors are included in the box for machines using 300W graphics cards.

The X3's user manual outlines the 10-step installation with images showing where the cables need to be plugged in.

Engineers also noted the X3 1000W PSU is larger than the standard power supply, measuring 5.9 x 3.4 x 7.9 inches. In general, power supplies measure 5.5 inches in length. System builders will need to verify the available space inside the case beforehand.

The X3 1000W PSU comes with a lifetime warranty.


Email this article   Print article 

More

Recent Articles

How To Achieve Lower PC Energy Costs In An Hour Or Less

Whether building a new system, or fine-tuning an existing one, with careful component selection and a little tweaking, significant energy savings can be realized.

Hot New PC Chassis For Any Budget

White box builders and DIYers take heart -- there are more ready-to-load enclosures for everything from Mini ATX PCs to Super Towers than ever before. We run down prices for bargains and the big-ticket babies alike.

2009 Partner Programs Guide: 5-Star Systems & Peripherals Programs

Our annual guide to systems, components and peripherals vendor partner programs.

  More Slide Shows




Related Videos
Loading...