Ultra X-Connect 500W Titanium PSU Author: JonnyGuru Date Posted:20/03/2005 06:13.42 SLRating: Bottom Line: We took a detailed look at the Ultra X-Connect 500W Titanium PSU, it's got modular cables, lights, windows and a shiny finish. But how did it compare and perform to the other PSU's we reviewed? Article Navigation Introduction Heat Sinks Down to the wire Pimp Factor BBB Breakdown Outcome Analysis and Conclusion Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Discuss This Article

Analysis and Conclusion

Analysis of results:

I was surprised the 5V behaved itself as well as it did during test one given the load was greatest on the 5V rail and the power supply is engineered for a high 12V.  Typically, we would see the 5V drop as it's loaded if the 12V isn't loaded accordingly.

Test two was a little disappointing.  With a power supply so evenly spec'd out for the 5V and 12V rail, one would think such an even load would result in more stable voltage.  As you can see, the 12V is above the 5% tolerance.

No surprise that the X-Connect came out of test three with flying colors.  This power supply was made for high 12V demands and pulled it off. 

The full load test allowed me to bump the 3.3V to only 5A before overload protection kicked in.  The end result was 536W, which is considerably over spec.

As I expected, the temperatures sky rocketed when the power supply was shut down.  The temps were actually a little high to start with in my opinion.  The Raid Max ran at only 23.8C and was much quieter with it's slower RPM fans.  That will be a point against it.

In conclusion....

Sure it's got modular cables, lights, windows and a shiny finish, but the Raid Max has the EMI filters and the fans keep spinning after power off. Trade offs will make two seemingly different power supplies grade exactly the same.  For features, on a scale from one to ten, I will give this power supply an 8. 

For performance, I give this power supply a 9.  It performed over spec, but the 12V should've been within spec during test two. 

It's average overall score is an 8.5.

Introduction

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Article Navigation Introduction Heat Sinks Down to the wire Pimp Factor BBB Breakdown Outcome Analysis and Conclusion

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