Impact
Site Admin Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 3255 Location: Pinecrest, FL	Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 5:06 pm    Post subject: Ultra 500w X-Connect Power Supply   Introduction: One of the most frustrating things about most power supplies (PSUs) is dealing with all the extra cords hanging unused inside the computer case. Ultra has recently released a new type of power supply that solves the issue, the X-Connect. The X-Connect PSU has connector sockets on the back instead of dangling power leads. This means that the user can choose exactly how many power cords to use, and leave the extras in a box in the closet. Minimizing the number of wires inside the case makes it easier to install new hardware, troubleshoot problems, and maximize airflow. What’s Inside: The box contains the PSU, a box full of cables, and an instruction manual (not pictured). More cables than anyone would probably ever need are included, but unlike normal PSUs, the extra cables can be packed back inside the box while not in use. The PSU: The Power supply itself has (2) 80mm fans. One on the bottom (when in the case), and one on the back. On a side note, this is by far the shiniest power supply the Absolute Insight staff have ever seen. In case it wasn't apparent in the pictures above: Impressed by the visual appearance of the outside of the power supply, the inside was also investigated. There are 2 heatsinks inside the supply, and a very clear path for the air coming from the top fan and going past the heatsinks to the back fan. Upon closer inspection, it is apparent that the component connectors are not the only things that utilize quick-connect. The fan for the top, as well as plenty of other wires inside, have quick-connect ends. Absolute Insight did not have a UV light on hand to test, but according to the box and Ultra's website the cords are all UV reactive. (Judging by the classiness of the rest of the PSU, we’ll take their word for it.) [page] Installation: Installation was as easy as most other power supplies. To install the power supply, simply screw in the 4 screws (provided) to hold it in place, and then connect cords to the components that need external power. However, instead of having all the cords coming out the back of the supply, the user has the freedom to use only as many cords as necessary, this saves space. As a frame of reference, here is a picture of the case before adding the Ultra 500w X-Connect Power Supply. This picture shows a 650w Ultra Power Supply. Note the extra cables at the top tucked into the spare 5.25" drive bays to keep them out of the way. After adding the Ultra 500w X-Connect, the system looked much cleaner without all the extra cables: One thing that is worth mentioning is that because the cables are all sleeved some of them were hard to maneuver inside the case. The ATX power cord (the large one) was thick enough that it was hard to bend appropriately. It was also slightly difficult to attach cords to the installed power supply because of the angle. None of these problems were severe, and the cleanliness of the set up more than makes up for the minor complications. Testing Background: While a nice-looking power supply is great to have and show off at LAN parties, if it can't keep the computer system running, its worthless. Computer PSUs put out on multiple voltage "rails". In ATX computers, the heavily used voltages are: +3.3vDC, +5vDC, +12vDC. When looking for a new power supply, don't just read the wattage (500w in this case). It is also important to look and see that the voltages are close to what they should be, and that they don't fluctuate much during usage. If your power supply jumps back and forth quite a bit, it could be dangerous for your components. While there are many different ways to test power supply voltages, some of the most common methods include using the BIOS, Motherboard Monitor, lm_sensors, or multi-meter. Testing Methods: BIOS: Most modern BIOS systems have a built-in area to check voltages. This is useful for quick testing because it's already installed and ready to go. However, since the tester has to be in BIOS to watch the voltages, the tester can't watch how the voltages react during intensive game play or when running an intensive application. Motherboard Monitor/lm_sensors: These programs are voltage and temperature monitors once inside the operating system. (MBM is for Windows, lm_sensors is for Linux.) These programs are convenient because they allow the tester to watch the voltages while running other programs in the operating system. However, sometimes they can give false data if configured incorrectly. Multi-meter: This is generally regarded as the most accurate way to measure voltages. Measurements are taken by using a multi-meter (a piece of equipment made for measuring voltages, current, and resistances) and touching the leads to a positive and negative terminal to measure the voltages. This allows the tester to check the power at ANY time, in the BIOS, in the OS, or while running an application. However, it is also slightly dangerous. Absolute Insight does NOT recommend trying this method for inexperienced testers. The BIOS and sensor programs should be sufficient in most cases. [page] Setup: Unfortunately the test system was unable to use one of latest graphics cards (ATI’s x800 or nVidia’s 6800 series) on hand which use quite a bit of power, but the PSU was loaded up as best as possible using available hardware. Asus K8V SE Deluxe Motherboard Athlon64 3200+ (w/ stock cooling) NEC 2500 CD/DVD+-RW (3) Western Digital 80gb 7200rpm 8mb Cache Hard Drives Gainward nVidia TI4200 Graphics Card (primary) S3 Trio64v Graphics Card (2nd monitor) Soundblaster Live! 5.1 (2) 80mm Case fans Testing: In an effort to give our readers the most information possible, Absolute Insight staff tested Ultra's 500w X-Connect PSU via all 3 methods. The results (as well as pictures) are listed below. We tested the voltages under idle and stress conditions. In the BIOS a stress wasn't possible, but in lm_sensors and Multimeter tests, we ran VMWare simulating multiple PCs, as well as GTA: Vice City. Throughout all of the tests, the voltages didn't change much at all. They were watched them for quite some time (a few hours in total), and never strayed beyond +-.02v. Note that this is dependant on the test, each test reported a slightly different base voltage. So if the voltage showed 5.16v on the multi-meter, it didn't go beyond 5.14 or 5.18. BIOS: The BIOS had the voltages under the "Power" menu. lm_sensors: Using "KSensors" frontend to lm_sensors. Multimeter: Conclusion: Ultra's 500w X-Connect Power Supply managed to provide great functionality combined with convenience and overall cleanliness. The voltages were constant across all three test methods under idle and load conditions. With very little fluctuation (.02v at max) and voltages that were well within a good operating range, Absolute Insight would recommend Ultra's 500Watt X-Connect PSU as a great pick for your next system. Pros: X-Connect allows you to use only the cables you need. Voltages well within a good operating range. Very little voltage fluctuation. UV reactive cables Slim and easy to install. Shiny, looks great. Cons: Can be slightly difficult to bend thicker cables to fit inside case You feel bad when you touch it and leave fingerprints. Links: Ultra Products 500w X-Connect PSU
Back to top