Features:

Output:

Input:

AC Input Voltage: 115V/230V
AC Input Frequency: 50-60Hz
AC Input Currents:
· 13A (RMS) for 115VAC input
· 8A (RMS) for 230VAC input

Installation:

     The installation is just like any other power supply.  The FlexForce cables are very flexible, and they plug in nice and easy.  The flatness of the cables may necessitate some creative organization however.

     In the above pic, we can see a prime example of how the flatness of the FlexForce cables may make organization a little more difficult.   Otherwise, they look great.

Testing and Performance:

To test the X3, I will be subjecting the power supply to various loads using the following setup:

Voltages:

     First off, we are going to measure voltage stability.  I am using SpeedFan's built in logging capability to capture the voltage readings in realtime, while applying various loads to the system.  Speedfan is effective in catching potential variances, though actual measurements will be done with a DMM.  I am using Orthos to load both cores on the CPU simultaneously, using Large FFTs.  For the GPU, I used the 3DMark06 test "Deep Freeze", with 8xAA, 16xAF, at 1920x1200.  I randomly applied loads over the course of 30 minutes to see if I could get any significant variance.

The 12 volt rail bounces between 11.8 and 1.85V, which is dead on solid.  The DMM measured 12.12V to 12.14V. 

The 5V rail varies between 4.9V and 4.92V, also very stable.  The DMM shows no variance, holding steady at 5.03V. 

     The 3.3V rail varies from 3.235V to 3.26V.  A wee bit more variance than the other rails, however, well within tolerable limits.  Next, to look at efficiency. 

     Power usage was measuered at the plug with a Kill-A-Watt meter.  Idle is defined as being on the desktop, and load was achieved by running Orthos and 3DMark06 at max settings simultaneously.   As you can see, the Corsair and the Ultra are practically identical, with the 620HX pulling out a mere 4W lead under load.   For all intents and purposes, they are the same. 

Conclusion:

     The Ultra X3 600 power supply is a unit that continues Ultra's tradition of delivering on quality products that also happen to have killer looks.  So let's break it down.   For performance, the X3 did not even break a sweat on my rig.   In many ways, it is similar to my Corsair 620HX, especially in terms of efficiency.  The 135mm fan did its job quite well, providing plenty of air circulation, but never being a noise nuisance.  The voltages were dialed in perfectly and did not budge. 

     As for the FlexForce modular cable system, this is top notch as well.  Using the standard Molex style connections means replacing the cables can be done with relative ease.  I think I would have rather seen the 24 pin done in a more traditional sleeved style, rather than the ribbon, in order to make the cable runs a little easier to handle, however that is a pretty small complaint. 

     The overall look of the power supply is something to be admired as well.   The combination of all black FlexForce cables, the auto-quality finish, and even the fan make the unit look like a million bucks.

     This power supply should be sufficient enough to power most rigs, with maybe the exception of 8800Ultras in SLI or the HD 2900XT's in Crossfire.  For that, I would recommend stepping it up a notch to the 800W or 1000W versions.

Pros:

• Great modular interface

• Great performance

• Looks very good

Cons:

• Fingerprints smudge the surface very easy

Note: Club Overclocker is now using a new rating system based on a score of 1 to 5.
Please go to our rating system page for more information.

Performance:	4 out of 5
Innovation:	4 out of 5
Quality:	4 out of 5
Stability:	N/A
Aesthetics:	5 out of 5
Software/Drivers Pack:	N/A
Overclocking:	N/A
Value:	3 out of 5
Project Skill Level (5 being most difficult)	3 out of 5