Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU

[Super6]

I've got one and it works fine.

Super6

 

[dgevert]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I believe reviewers get hand-picked units, bro, so don't make reviews your only criterion The community, buying real off-the-shelf units from real stores, is the acid test and the gold standard. In my book, anyway.

Okay, so all the people here who actually have them and are happy with them count too then, right?

 

[dgevert]

Originally posted by: Insomniak
If you've ever seen the inside of an Ultra, you wouldn't be willing to bet your system on it. The heatsinks are tiny, as are the caps, everything looks flimsy and cheap. Probably light as a feather, I'd go with the sure thing and make it an OCZ, Antec, or Enermax...

You don't even know how much the PSU weighs and you're making a statement like this? Are you kidding me?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: dgevert

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I believe reviewers get hand-picked units, bro, so don't make reviews your only criterion The community, buying real off-the-shelf units from real stores, is the acid test and the gold standard. In my book, anyway.

Okay, so all the people here who actually have them and are happy with them count too then, right?

Happy, and unhappy too. Yep. It will earn the reputation it deserves, whatever that is.

 

[Zepper]

The X-connect won't even power up with anything over a 50% load on the 12V rail - nor does it have UL (RU) certification. That plus the known reputation of the people involved in its marketing is all one needs to know to avoid it. It really is a $25. Powmax dressed in fancy clothes - no matter how much others here try to deny it. As far as the "glowing reviews" go, those dweebs wouldn't know how to test a PSU if their lives depended on it. Only one of the reviews I saw actually put the thing under any stress at all. And in that case, it came up short against a Tagan - which ain't all that great either...

Here is an instructive page from the review mentioned above: Linkage
.bh.

 

[dgevert]

'It really is a $25 Powmax."

Prove it, right here, right now, or shut up about it.

Blanket statements about every single review's testing criteria are the stuff of ignorant bashers. I have read quite a few reviews where this PSU was put in power-hungry systems (multiple hard drives, a burner, a DVD-ROM, high end video) and stress tested and still came up with stable voltages.

You need to read your own review...wow, the PSU didn't perform well in some arbitrary, unrealistic non-real world test. Oh heavens, I guess that's the end of it then. For crying out loud, I don't know if you noticed, but they STILL gave it their recommendation!

Grow up, basher. You sound like a kid.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Zepper
The X-connect won't even power up with anything over a 50% load on the 12V rail - nor does it have UL (RU) certification. That plus the known reputation of the people involved in its marketing is all one needs to know to avoid it. It really is a $25. Powmax dressed in fancy clothes - no matter how much others here try to deny it. As far as the "glowing reviews" go, those dweebs wouldn't know how to test a PSU if their lives depended on it. Only one of the reviews I saw actually put the thing under any stress at all. And in that case, it came up short against a Tagan - which ain't all that great either...

Here is an instructive page from the review mentioned above: Linkage
.bh.

man, you suck... the x-connect from what i've seen even in some of the reviews can easily power a high end system, in the tech report shoout, the x-connect was near the top in everything but noise, easily powered a dual opteron system among other things. my system is nothing small and it has no problems with it, but i have faith in it that no matter what i put in my system, it will power it just fine.

 

[pickle965]

I appreciate all your responses. It was a tough choice since the X-Connects modular design and slick looks make it so appealing, but I also didn't want to take any risks with such an important component. I decided on this PSU:

ENERMAX COOLERGIANT 2.0 AX 480W

ATX 2.0 support with PCI-Express and 24-pin connector that the A8N-SLI I'm ordering requires. Active PFC. Extra cooling fan. What do you all think about it?

 

[Sonic587]

Originally posted by: dgevert
'It really is a $25 Powmax."

Prove it, right here, right now, or shut up about it.

Uh, Powmax does indeed sell the X-Connect line. (Click on Power)

Whether they manufactuer the parts that go into it I do not know. Most likely not, I would assume.

 

[svi]

I'm not sure how many people have noticed this, but the vast majority of PSU reviews on computer hardware sites suck. A lot. Most of them just rate it well if it looks pretty and doesn't blow up. A few actually use Motherboard Monitor or something similar to test voltages while the PSU is under light load, and unsurprisingly come to the conclusion that it's a good PSU, because voltages aren't horribly off. There have been a few reviews that try to take things to the next level and genuinely stress and/or test the X-Connect, however, and they are generally somewhat negative. What does this say?

Of course, a "real-world test" for most people is basically if the PSU looks pretty and it doesn't blow up. Does it matter that it can't deliver what it claims if it seems to work just fine in everyone's not-as-power-hungry-as-you'd-think systems? I'd say yes, myself, just because I like to think the stuff on a label isn't a lie when I buy a product. Let's be honest, though: this is something that's going to vary from person to person. I'm willing to bet that a lot of you don't care how clean the rails are or whether or not it can put out a number you'll never reach.

And dgevert, no offense, but I think you need to calm down a little. It's good that you're happy with your X-Connect, and I don't doubt that it works great for you, but dismissing everything that shows it's really not that great of a PSU isn't the smartest approach. It's quite true that the X-Connect can't put out what it claims to, and that the components inside aren't of the quality that you would expect given the X-Connect's price tag. Mass, believe it or not, is not as accurate as an indicator of quality as the average quality of the components used is. This is something you could easily find out yourself either by doing research and keeping an open mind or opening up your PSU and doing your own tests.

 

[Rhin0]

I'll give you that the X-connect isn't "the best" but any normal user will have no problem with it, even with a hefty system. If you are overclocking the OCZ is clearly a better choice, since that is pretty much what it was made for from the beginning.

 

[BentValve]

Originally posted by: pickle965
I appreciate all your responses. It was a tough choice since the X-Connects modular design and slick looks make it so appealing, but I also didn't want to take any risks with such an important component. I decided on this PSU:

ENERMAX COOLERGIANT 2.0 AX 480W

ATX 2.0 support with PCI-Express and 24-pin connector that the A8N-SLI I'm ordering requires. Active PFC. Extra cooling fan. What do you all think about it?

Why that is an excellent PSU, I have one myself.


Here it is for $105 + shipping and from a better vendor to boot:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=100681


The internals are basically the same as this one..

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...tegory_Code=ps-enermax


You might just go with the Noisetaker I listed because even though the Coolergiant has a max 18A on the 12V1 and 12V2 they did not make it clear in the written specs, even the combined power is 32A which is also the same as the Noisetaker I gave a link to.
But I had to get this information from Enermax in Taiwan so it tooks some digging and even then there is not guarantee that its 100%.


One thing for sure though is the Coolergiant is quiet and the rails are stiff as hell under load.
I am OCing pretty much every component in my system and it made no difference to the PSU...the 12V rail still holds right @ 12.2 24/7.

 

[BOLt]

Nice triple post, BentValve .

I agree with SrGuapo in that, "I have no personal experiences, but I have heard many bad things about it. Many people have had their entire system fried because of this PSU. Personally, I would go with a more trusted name, like Antec, Fortron, etc. There may be a slight markup, but it's better to pay an extra $50 on a PSU than have to replace your entire system when the PSU goes down..." However, I doubt that you will have to replace your entire system should the PSU fail. It would be very unlikely for there to be a sudden and catastropic surge of power generated randomly from the PSU that goes and fries everything. More likely would be power failure resulting in a simple, albeit abrupt, system shutdown.

Good call, dgevert.

I agree with Gamingphreek to the extent that OCZ and PCP&C both outclass Ultra, as well as Antec, but the price difference is huge, and some people look at price as a very high factor in the decision-making process. Any component that is crap is a waste of money though, so one must make sure that not too much, if any quality is sacrificed for the sake of cutting costs. That is obviously where the trick to buying computer parts comes in.

"Elitism has always been a problem in the PC industy from what I can tell," says dgevert, and it's oh so true. I wish people would check their egos and false, unbased, preconceived notions at the door. Not saying that I am completely innocent of this same problem, but I do my best and make a conscious effort to practice what I preach and give objective perspectives (objective being the keyword and the ideal that one ought to strive for when dealing with computers).

bluslice, you really could have left "uber" out of that sentence, in effect eliminating the cheesiness of your statement. Meh.

I agree with Insomniak's comment, but again, price may be a factor that could swing one away from such pricey options. I myself went with an $81 Enermax PSU with 24-pin motherboard compatibility. I was on a tight budget and ZipZoomFly had a great deal on it. I decided to seize the opportunity. Do I think saving the $30 instead of going with a comparable, if not slightly better Antec NeoPower 480 or OCZ PowerStream 470, was worth it? Of course. There's always warranties and returns, and if the PSU lasts me past the 3 year warranty, if I am not mistaken, then it has served its purpose, IMO.

pickle965, that is great. I'd also recommend the Noisetaker series from Enermax. Also highly rated with similar features. Good choice, and way to not be swayed too much by either side.

svi, and all those who have suggested, "opening up one's PSU", do you realize that this often, if not always, voids the warranty with the manufacturer? Please take this into consideration and review your PSU's (or any other component of your PC before OC'ing, modifying, doing invasive testing) warranty.

Good call, Rhin0. The intention to OC or not should always be taken into account when purchasing a computer or upgrades. Read reviews that stress the specific component under "abnormally high" loads or when OC'ing. Generally speaking, a component that can OC well, can do most anything well.

I agree with BentValve's suggestion on the Noisetaker, though ZipZoomFly has the 470W version for $80.99 shipped.

Good Luck.

 

[BentValve]

I agree with BentValve's suggestion on the Noisetaker, though ZipZoomFly has the 470W version for $80.99 shipped.

That is a V1, so it does not have the active PFC (Power Factor Correction) feature and the power specs are a bit different. Plus the V2 is a new generation meaning more than likely revisions have been made throughout the unit.

The Coolergiant he is looking at is also a second generation.

 

[Zebo]

This would serve you much better.
http://www.xoxide.com/superflo...gi-plug-n-550w-ps.html

Fat 12V rail, 140mm silent fan and same connect concept.

Look, when these PSU companies put chrome plating, fancy lights, pretty cables with nice disconnects they HAVE to cut corners inside to offer similiar price as plain jane grey enermax's/seasonics etc. Simple manufacturing economics. Inside ultra's is $30 powmax. Inside superflower is $60 enermax.

 

[dgevert]

Originally posted by: svi
And dgevert, no offense, but I think you need to calm down a little. It's good that you're happy with your X-Connect, and I don't doubt that it works great for you, but dismissing everything that shows it's really not that great of a PSU isn't the smartest approach. It's quite true that the X-Connect can't put out what it claims to, and that the components inside aren't of the quality that you would expect given the X-Connect's price tag. Mass, believe it or not, is not as accurate as an indicator of quality as the average quality of the components used is. This is something you could easily find out yourself either by doing research and keeping an open mind or opening up your PSU and doing your own tests.

Dude, actually, I am not happy with my X-Connect (any more). It appears that mine is dead too. However, I _still_ object to the bashing that has gone on on this website by haters that have never touched the PSU. There's been a lot of nonsensical, irrational bashing not based on any kind of fact, and I'm tired of the fanboys - because that's what they are - automatically hating any new product that doesn't come from their favorite companies.

 

[svi]

Good call, dgevert.

For dismissing a valid test that, unlike the majority of reviews, actually made an effort to STRESS the X-Connect? Or is that referring to something else?

I agree with Gamingphreek to the extent that OCZ and PCP&C both outclass Ultra, as well as Antec, but the price difference is huge, and some people look at price as a very high factor in the decision-making process. Any component that is crap is a waste of money though, so one must make sure that not too much, if any quality is sacrificed for the sake of cutting costs. That is obviously where the trick to buying computer parts comes in.

Not exactly. You raise a valid point, but you raise it under the wrong circumstances. The 420W PowerStream, which should be able to offer more power than the 500W X-Connect under serious load, is around the same price. The 480W Tagan, which has the same guts and layout (read: ODM) as a PowerStream, costs quite a bit less than the X-Connect. The PCP&C is much more expensive than the X-Connect, naturally, but the PCP&C is much more expensive than a lot of things.

svi, and all those who have suggested, "opening up one's PSU", do you realize that this often, if not always, voids the warranty with the manufacturer? Please take this into consideration and review your PSU's (or any other component of your PC before OC'ing, modifying, doing invasive testing) warranty.

I do, but in my experience I can usually exchange devices on which the warranty is voided anyway. Hardware manufacturers and resellers tend to be lenient about their warranty policies simply to avoid getting complaints from the nice customers who think that just because they took the heatsink off their video card while it was running doesn't mean they shouldn't get a new one. Besides, the X-Connect is new enough that many people should be able to return it to the reseller, and the more popular resellers (such as NewEgg) are very, very lenient about this sort of thing.

That said, I'm sure there are exceptions to this-- wouldn't there have to be?-- and I appreciate the warning, especially as it applies to those less cavalier about their warranty period.

Dude, actually, I am not happy with my X-Connect (any more). It appears that mine is dead too. However, I _still_ object to the bashing that has gone on on this website by haters that have never touched the PSU. There's been a lot of nonsensical, irrational bashing not based on any kind of fact, and I'm tired of the fanboys - because that's what they are - automatically hating any new product that doesn't come from their favorite companies.

I tend to agree that people like to bash products from newcomers, especially when these people have spent large amounts of money on products from companies that they adore. That said, there ARE some people that have offered rational evidence against the X-Connect... it's not at all fair to say (as some have) that the X-Connect is a total POS, but saying that it has its share of cons seems reasonable to me. Some caution is always a good thing in this market.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: dgevert

Originally posted by: svi
And dgevert, no offense, but I think you need to calm down a little. It's good that you're happy with your X-Connect, and I don't doubt that it works great for you, but dismissing everything that shows it's really not that great of a PSU isn't the smartest approach. It's quite true that the X-Connect can't put out what it claims to, and that the components inside aren't of the quality that you would expect given the X-Connect's price tag. Mass, believe it or not, is not as accurate as an indicator of quality as the average quality of the components used is. This is something you could easily find out yourself either by doing research and keeping an open mind or opening up your PSU and doing your own tests.

Dude, actually, I am not happy with my X-Connect (any more). It appears that mine is dead too. However, I _still_ object to the bashing that has gone on on this website by haters that have never touched the PSU. There's been a lot of nonsensical, irrational bashing not based on any kind of fact, and I'm tired of the fanboys - because that's what they are - automatically hating any new product that doesn't come from their favorite companies.

After racking up over 10,000 troubleshooting-related posts over five years here at the Forums, (1) I've learned that what Zebo said above is often true (more rice means less meat); and (2) if there is one brand to steer people clear of, it's PowMax, based on how frequently they are the core problem in any troubleshooting request where the system is powered by a PowMax power supply. Nooooooooo, thank you.

Go rack up a few thousand troubleshooting posts, dgevert, and you may begin to see things my way.

 

[pickle965]

Some nice debating going on here

Originally posted by: BentValve
Why that is an excellent PSU, I have one myself.


Here it is for $105 + shipping and from a better vendor to boot:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=100681

I saw that but because it fails to mention ATX 2.0 standards anywhere (since there are 1.3 & 2.0 versions available) I decided to order the one at the link I posted just to be sure.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: dgevert

Originally posted by: svi
And dgevert, no offense, but I think you need to calm down a little. It's good that you're happy with your X-Connect, and I don't doubt that it works great for you, but dismissing everything that shows it's really not that great of a PSU isn't the smartest approach. It's quite true that the X-Connect can't put out what it claims to, and that the components inside aren't of the quality that you would expect given the X-Connect's price tag. Mass, believe it or not, is not as accurate as an indicator of quality as the average quality of the components used is. This is something you could easily find out yourself either by doing research and keeping an open mind or opening up your PSU and doing your own tests.

Dude, actually, I am not happy with my X-Connect (any more). It appears that mine is dead too. However, I _still_ object to the bashing that has gone on on this website by haters that have never touched the PSU. There's been a lot of nonsensical, irrational bashing not based on any kind of fact, and I'm tired of the fanboys - because that's what they are - automatically hating any new product that doesn't come from their favorite companies.

Wrong. I see hundreds of posts of PSU failure in this and xtreme forums from ultra and from people I trust. Maunfacturing common sence is also what I base my non-recommondation on. Nice look, powerful, and $100 or less does'nt jive.

Company I hate is OCZ. Their "silver" paste scam and pimping forums around the net with placement is borderline unethical IMO, does'nt stop me from saying thier PSUs kick butt because they do... they are not worth $130 but they are good.

ultra OTOH suck face it. You arn't even happy with it. Try and 6800 Sli with thier supposed 32A 12 I'll gurantee system failure. Heavy overclcoking is out of the question and reliability reports are shotty after only 6mo. in existance.

 

[Tab]

Extreme forums, could I have a link?

 

[Sonic587]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: dgevert

Originally posted by: svi
And dgevert, no offense, but I think you need to calm down a little. It's good that you're happy with your X-Connect, and I don't doubt that it works great for you, but dismissing everything that shows it's really not that great of a PSU isn't the smartest approach. It's quite true that the X-Connect can't put out what it claims to, and that the components inside aren't of the quality that you would expect given the X-Connect's price tag. Mass, believe it or not, is not as accurate as an indicator of quality as the average quality of the components used is. This is something you could easily find out yourself either by doing research and keeping an open mind or opening up your PSU and doing your own tests.

Dude, actually, I am not happy with my X-Connect (any more). It appears that mine is dead too. However, I _still_ object to the bashing that has gone on on this website by haters that have never touched the PSU. There's been a lot of nonsensical, irrational bashing not based on any kind of fact, and I'm tired of the fanboys - because that's what they are - automatically hating any new product that doesn't come from their favorite companies.

After racking up over 10,000 troubleshooting-related posts over five years here at the Forums, (1) I've learned that what Zebo said above is often true (more rice means less meat); and (2) ,if there is one brand to steer people clear of, it's PowMax based on how frequently they are the core problem in any troubleshooting request where the system is powered by a PowMax power supply. Nooooooooo, thank you.

Go rack up a few thousand troubleshooting posts, dgevert, and you may begin to see things my way.

What mechBgon listed about PowMax is the core reason why I'd suggest people look at another (Quality) brand.

It is NOT fanboyism. PowMax PSUs have a tendency to...well...blow up.

BTW, nice choice on the Enermax PSU, pickle965.

 

[Yossairian]

Originally posted by: Tabb
Extreme forums, could I have a link?

Xtreme Systems

 

[BentValve]

Originally posted by: pickle965
Some nice debating going on here

Originally posted by: BentValve
Why that is an excellent PSU, I have one myself.


Here it is for $105 + shipping and from a better vendor to boot:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=100681

I saw that but because it fails to mention ATX 2.0 standards anywhere (since there are 1.3 & 2.0 versions available) I decided to order the one at the link I posted just to be sure.

Well it is the newest version V2 and ATX 2.0 , the red color gives it away...all of the V1s were Gold.

Also I bought mine there so I know for sure...regarless though after shipping you spent like $7 more so no biggie.

Enjoy it!

Oh BTW I hope you know that its about an inch deeper than most ATX PSUs because of the third fan...this should not be a problem unless you happen to have a caged area for a PSU in your case that is not deep enough. 99.9% of cases dont though.

 

[Algere]

Originally posted by: BentValve

Originally posted by: pickle965
Some nice debating going on here

Originally posted by: BentValve
Why that is an excellent PSU, I have one myself.


Here it is for $105 + shipping and from a better vendor to boot:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=100681

I saw that but because it fails to mention ATX 2.0 standards anywhere (since there are 1.3 & 2.0 versions available) I decided to order the one at the link I posted just to be sure.

Well it is the newest version V2 and ATX 2.0 , the red color gives it away...all of the V1s were Gold.

The gold ones are the non-active PFC versions, so you can guess what red is if gold is such.