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Ultra X-Connect Review
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| Supplier: Xoxide.com |
| Author:
Bob Hunt |
| Ultra X-Connect Intro |
| Once and a while in the computer modding industry, there
comes a product that changes the standards, sets the bar higher, and blows the
competition away. The Ultra X-Connect is one of those products. With the
featured ability to only use the power supply connectors that you need, you can
now easily clean up those messy wires in your case, while improving airflow.
This innovative design is not a new concept, modders have been creating their
own modular power supplies for years, but this is the first manufactured modular
power supply. With the addition of three acrylic windows and two cooling
fans, this power supply also looks cool. On top of all that, the windows
and cables on this power supply are UV Reactive. HardwareMods is the first
review site to receive a X-Connect UV Reactive PSU, so you can only
find this review here. |
| Ultra X-Connect Packaging |
| The UV Reactive X-Connect power supply came in a large, sturdy box, larger
than most power supply boxes. Upon opening the box, there was another
almost identical box. The second box held all of the wires, instructions,
and the power cable.
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| Underneath the accessories box the the Ultra X-Connect UV Reactive Power
Supply itself. It came wrapped in a plastic bag to prevent scratches or
marks, and it was surrounded by Styrofoam inserts so that the unit could not
bounce around during shipping.
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| Ultra X-Connect Features |
| The most obvious feature for this power supply, is the ability to use only
the power cables that you need. This helps to reduce cluttered and messy
wires, and increase airflow in your case. I will talk more about this
feature a little later in the review. The Ultra X-Connect power supply boats a
total output of 500W, with Continuous Power System Technology. Continuous
Power System means that the X-Connect constantly provides your system with 500W
of power, rather than varying the output like most other Power Supplies.
This feature may cause the power supply to use a little more electricity than
others, but the extra wattage is always good to have.
Another feature of the X-Connect power supply is what Ultra calls, "Low Noise
Control", which means that the power supply has been engineered to run quietly
in your system. The cooling fans automatically adjust their speed
according to the temperature of the Power Supply. This is another nice
feature to have, because no one wants a loud computer. |
| Ultra X-Connect Package Contents |
| The box of accessories that the X-Connect comes with includes all of the
modular power cables, an AC power cable, and case mounting screws.
Here is a full list of what is included with the Power Supply:
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Item |
Quantity |
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X-Connect ATX Power Supply |
1 |
| ATX Main Power Cable (20-Pin) |
1 |
| 17.75" Four Pin Molex Cable |
1 |
| 21.75" Four Pin Molex Cable |
1 |
| Y-Type Four Pin Molex Cable |
2 |
| Double Y-Type Four Pin Molex Cable with one FDD 4 pin connector |
1 |
| +12V Power Cable |
1 |
| AUX 6 pin Power Cable |
1 |
| 6" SATA Cable |
1 |
| AC Input Cord |
1 |
| Socket Covers |
7 |
|
Mounting Screws |
4 |
| User's Manual |
1 |
| Power Cables |
| The X-Connect includes enough power connectors for any high end system.
With the standard 20-pin ATX connector, +12V connector, 6-pin AUX connector,
nine Molex connectors, one Floppy power connector, and one SATA adaptor that can
power two SATA Hard Drive's, I can't think of any non-server systems that would
have a problem with not having enough power connectors while using this power
supply. |
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| Ultra X-Connect Exterior |
| The exterior of this power supply is just simply stunning. The black
metallic finish is highly reflective, while still appearing black.
The three UV Green Reactive windows are transparent enough to clearly see the
inside of the power supply, while still glowing brilliantly under UV light.
The top 80mm cooling fan also has a unique "Ultra" fan grill, and black mesh too
add to the looks of the Power Supply. The rear of the power supply sports
an oversized UV reactive power switch, and a second 80mm cooling fan. The
rear 80mm fan also has a normal wire fan grill. |
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| Ultra X-Connect Technology |
| The most innovative attribute that this power supply has is the X-Connect
Technology, which is also called a Modular Power Supply. The basic idea
behind this concept is there is no reason to have all the unnecessary power
wires that you do not use from your power supply to be sitting in your case.
All they do is make a mess out of your wires, and block airflow to key
components. With a modular power supply, or the Ultra X-Connect, you only
use the cables that you need. The included power cables plug right into
the back of the X-Connect unit, so that you will no longer have any extra Molex
connectors or P4 +12V lines laying around in your case.
The X-Connect also includes housing covers, to protect the unused power
connectors from short circuits and dust. Good job to Ultra on the housing
covers, a lot of other manufacturers would have overlooked this, but Ultra went
the extra distance to provide customers with everything they could possibly
need. |
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| Now to see what this power supply looks like under some UV lighting...... |
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