Ultra Brand PSUs: Good Or Bad ?

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07-19-2006, 01:18 PM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

Just cleared the Hardware section. My apologies to all who got their posts deleted. It was never my intention to have caused that kind of a disagreement.

But my question still stands. An unknowing person can buy an ocz today and it'll work tomorrow with pretty much everything they can throw at it, same goes for a lot of A List brands we all know and love.

Is the same true for Ultra, when it comes to conroe/am2 etc rigs ? Can it handle an SLI/Crossfire system if a member wishes to upgrade down the road or perhaps OC ?

I would greatly appreciate some professional advice on the subject before allowing people to recommend them for use in members' systems.

Thx.

Perkam

My point exactly.

I would recommend an OCZ Powerstream 520ADJSLI in a heatbeat. And certainly either GameXstream.

But the Modstream? Horrible. I'd gladly take an Ultra X-Finity or X2 over a Modstream.

Would I take an X-Connect (1st gen)? No way. Forget about it.

You keep saying "Ultra" when it seems like your product knowledge is limited to the X-Connect. It's like your distain with Coolmax. Yeah... Coolmax PSU's built by ATNG are pretty dodgy sometimes. But you can't beat down all Coolmax's.
07-19-2006, 01:22 PM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

My point exactly.

I would recommend an OCZ Powerstream 520ADJSLI in a heatbeat. And certainly either GameXstream.

But the Modstream? Horrible. I'd gladly take an Ultra X-Finity or X2 over a Modstream.

Would I take an X-Connect (1st gen)? No way. Forget about it.

You keep saying "Ultra" when it seems like your product knowledge is limited to the X-Connect. It's like your distain with Coolmax. Yeah... Coolmax PSU's built by ATNG are pretty dodgy sometimes. But you can't beat down all Coolmax's.

You didn't answer my question about the Ultra. :)

Which Ultra's are good and for which kind of systems ? By which I don't mean members having to play roullette with youngyear builds, as in (as you stated your self) which products, from Ultra then are worth buying and what kind of systems can they handle ??

Perkam
07-19-2006, 01:43 PM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

You didn't answer my question about the Ultra. :)

Which Ultra's are good and for which kind of systems ? By which I don't mean members having to play roullette with youngyear builds, as in (as you stated your self) which products, from Ultra then are worth buying and what kind of systems can they handle ??

Perkam

They're ALL currently Wintech except for most X-Connects (1st Gen.) So I'd just say, unless you're in the EU and have an APFC X-Connect (because ALL APFC X-Connects are Wintech), just don't bother with the original X-Connect.

The X-Finity 500W is good for any 6x SLI or X1700 Crossfire.

The X2, same, and could probably do X1900 or 7x SLI. I actually had one running a pair of 7800GTX's (replaced it with the external SevenTeam 500W unit after I finished that review.) The problem is it crossloads under high 12V, low 3.3V/5V loads. So even though you don't exceed the 12V capability with a pair of 1900's, the 12V rail might still drop below 12V if you only have one hard drive, no PCI cards, no USB, etc. That's what happened to the X2 in the Legit Reviews review. The PC didn't crash or lock, but the 12V took a dive because of a load on the 3.3V/5V rail that was probably only around 20W.

The Aerocool ZeroDBA failed for the same reason, which kind of surprised me because Andyson actually knows what they're doing (independent regulation, et al.) But then again, the ZeroDBA 620W is based on one of Andyson's "budget" 550W units, was probably custom spec'd to meet a price point and then had a 620W label slapped on it by Aerocool. So go figure.

The 600W can handle even quad-SLI. We've bench tested it here with both OEM and retail cards and it passes with flying colors. But it still has crossload issues. I'd suggest a minimum 2A load on the 3.3V and 5V rails. Works fantastic with a RAID5 array. :D

These power supplies were all submitted and certified by nVidia and ATI. And they're certification is tough and it's not a "paid service" as some often imply. Since nVidia started the separate 7x list, I've resubmitted the 600W so it can get added to that list (nVidia didn't bother re-certifying PSU's that they had already certified.)

My big issue with Wintech is their old school engineering. They really can't do independent voltage regulation so they crossload easily. And the bigger the PSU, the worst the crossload. One thing that is good about them is their quality control. I will say that they are consistant.
07-19-2006, 05:01 PM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

They're ALL currently Wintech except for most X-Connects (1st Gen.) So I'd just say, unless you're in the EU and have an APFC X-Connect (because ALL APFC X-Connects are Wintech), just don't bother with the original X-Connect.

The X-Finity 500W is good for any 6x SLI or X1700 Crossfire.

The X2, same, and could probably do X1900 or 7x SLI. I actually had one running a pair of 7800GTX's (replaced it with the external SevenTeam 500W unit after I finished that review.) The problem is it crossloads under high 12V, low 3.3V/5V loads. So even though you don't exceed the 12V capability with a pair of 1900's, the 12V rail might still drop below 12V if you only have one hard drive, no PCI cards, no USB, etc. That's what happened to the X2 in the Legit Reviews review. The PC didn't crash or lock, but the 12V took a dive because of a load on the 3.3V/5V rail that was probably only around 20W.

The Aerocool ZeroDBA failed for the same reason, which kind of surprised me because Andyson actually knows what they're doing (independent regulation, et al.) But then again, the ZeroDBA 620W is based on one of Andyson's "budget" 550W units, was probably custom spec'd to meet a price point and then had a 620W label slapped on it by Aerocool. So go figure.

The 600W can handle even quad-SLI. We've bench tested it here with both OEM and retail cards and it passes with flying colors. But it still has crossload issues. I'd suggest a minimum 2A load on the 3.3V and 5V rails. Works fantastic with a RAID5 array. :D

These power supplies were all submitted and certified by nVidia and ATI. And they're certification is tough and it's not a "paid service" as some often imply. Since nVidia started the separate 7x list, I've resubmitted the 600W so it can get added to that list (nVidia didn't bother re-certifying PSU's that they had already certified.)

My big issue with Wintech is their old school engineering. They really can't do independent voltage regulation so they crossload easily. And the bigger the PSU, the worst the crossload. One thing that is good about them is their quality control. I will say that they are consistant.

So ALL X-Finity's and X2s can be guarateed to perform well and consistently ? And apart from the deals...would you be willing to admit that if an X-Finity 500W is in the same price range as a Fortron 500w, that the Fortron would be more preferable ?

Perkam
07-19-2006, 05:55 PM
[XC] leviathan18

well i can assure 2 days ago a x connect blew with a silly system 3500+ 1gb ram 1 hdd 1 x850xt agp and 3 fans thanks god everything is fine

my ultra still kicking so i preffer anything else more proven like ocz or pc power and cooling but im not xtreme psu tester LOL
07-19-2006, 06:24 PM
Praxis1452

eh probably youngyear...
07-19-2006, 06:49 PM
Faction

So the X-Finity PSUs are good enough for a simple dual core system and a PCI-E system?

I need to confirm this to buy that X-FInity PSU.
07-19-2006, 06:56 PM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

So ALL X-Finity's and X2s can be guarateed to perform well and consistently ? And apart from the deals...would you be willing to admit that if an X-Finity 500W is in the same price range as a Fortron 500w, that the Fortron would be more preferable ?

Perkam

Since an FSP in the same price range is going to be a Saga (AX P/N) and not an FSP part number, then I'm not going to say the Fortron is preferable.

But there are certainly power supplies that are preferable for the same money, if not less, that lack any bling (bling costs money).. but are very strong PSU's. The Coolermaster eXtreme Power 600W if you're willing to look past the fact that it's actually a relabeled SevenTeam 500W, the Nextherm 460W, which is also a SevenTeam and the AMS Mercury line (forgot the OEM for that, but it's not something we usually see in the U.S.) But still not an FSP SAGA, no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leviathan18

well i can assure 2 days ago a x connect blew with a silly system 3500+ 1gb ram 1 hdd 1 x850xt agp and 3 fans thanks god everything is fine

"xtreme PSU tester lol?"

If you were paying any attention at all, you'd see that I'm not making any attempt to defend the X-Connect. Yours or anyone elses.

Of course, you're "sorry for your English" so I'm assuming that means speaking/typing as well as reading it?
07-19-2006, 07:10 PM
Oklahoma Wolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

forgot the OEM for that, but it's not something we usually see in the U.S.

Jou Jye.

I'll disagree though on the FSP vs. Ultra, just to be a pain :P

I'll recommend at least the AX500-A (or preferably the newer design 460W Green unit, which can be found under Zalman's name) over Ultra. For some reason, even in the cases FSP uses lower grade capacitors, FSP units still seem to hold up better than most over time.
07-19-2006, 07:42 PM
[XC] leviathan18

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

Since an FSP in the same price range is going to be a Saga (AX P/N) and not an FSP part number, then I'm not going to say the Fortron is preferable.

But there are certainly power supplies that are preferable for the same money, if not less, that lack any bling (bling costs money).. but are very strong PSU's. The Coolermaster eXtreme Power 600W if you're willing to look past the fact that it's actually a relabeled SevenTeam 500W, the Nextherm 460W, which is also a SevenTeam and the AMS Mercury line (forgot the OEM for that, but it's not something we usually see in the U.S.) But still not an FSP SAGA, no.

"xtreme PSU tester lol?"

If you were paying any attention at all, you'd see that I'm not making any attempt to defend the X-Connect. Yours or anyone elses.

Of course, you're "sorry for your English" so I'm assuming that means speaking/typing as well as reading it?

my reading skill is perfect i suck wirtting.... your titles says xtreme psu tester... so you are one that knows im just saying never go cheap with a psu i preffer buying something proven than ultra bling bling but if you say the x-connect 2 and x finnity are OK well i guess ppl can buy them and they wont have problems with their rigs like some ppl had with x-connect
07-20-2006, 05:22 AM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf

Jou Jye.

I'll disagree though on the FSP vs. Ultra, just to be a pain :P

I'll recommend at least the AX500-A (or preferably the newer design 460W Green unit, which can be found under Zalman's name) over Ultra. For some reason, even in the cases FSP uses lower grade capacitors, FSP units still seem to hold up better than most over time.

That's cool. Whatever. I just know what the AX looks like on the O-scope and that despite the better components in the FSP, the thermal characteristics of the Wintech is better. So longevity is a toss up. I'd use an FSP or FX part number in a heart beat, but I guess I need to "prove" the performance of the AX by doing a review some time soon. I wouldn't expect anyone to just take my word for it.
07-20-2006, 10:10 AM
jonnyGURU

Here's where an X2 550W is used in a FX-60 system with a pair of 7900GTX's:

http://hothardware.com/viewarticle.a...leid=846&cid=8
07-21-2006, 10:20 AM
FLMJIGGY

I've bought a few Ultra's. 5 to be exact. The 1st one was an X-Connect and it was about 2 years ago and still going but too loud for me!!!

The other 3 are running no problem 2 600w xfinity and 1 500w xfinity. These are not the quietest by far but eh. I just recently bought a new 500w x finity. None of them have had any problems. All still going strong and well.

I did have to reship one becasue it CAME bad... soon as I plugged in, pop, spark and I turned it off!!! Outside of that incident the xfinitys are fine. Can you do better for the price? Perhaps... it's been said in theis thread.

I'm currently in the market for another PSU but won't buy an xfinity because the cables are too long and it's too loud for me. I have a Qpack and need shorter or at least modular cables.

I was looking at an ANTEC Smarpower 2.0 500w with the modular cables. I dunno... we'll see. I know they are super quiet but run a tad hot.
07-21-2006, 11:06 AM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I was looking at an ANTEC Smarpower 2.0 500w with the modular cables. I dunno... we'll see. I know they are super quiet but run a tad hot.

Yeah.. This is kind of off topic, but an Antec is the last thing you want to run in a MicroATX. Even the HE. Get an efficient PSU with a 120MM fan. If you can wait a month, the Corsair modular should be out. Very efficient , modular and quiet. Otehrwise, the Enermax Liberty. If it doesn't need to be modular, a Silverstone Element or GameXstream.

The Ultra fans are louder than most. The theory behind that is that they'll never die from overheating. :D
07-21-2006, 04:25 PM
perkam

Seasonic 380W my friend.

Perkam
07-21-2006, 05:49 PM
FLMJIGGY

380W?!?!??!!? That's a bit low, isn't it?

Quote:

If you can wait a month, the Corsair modular should be out. Very efficient , modular and quiet. Otehrwise, the Enermax Liberty. If it doesn't need to be modular, a Silverstone Element or GameXstream.

Never heard of GameXstream... I'm just concenred on cables since it is a tiny case and with an ATX board inside... I was looking in the 65 area... Really didn't want to spean much more than that but I may have to... thanks

If it has the Corsair name on it it might be very pricey...:nono:

I'll check he other 2 out... though with the Silverstone name it is probably over 100!!!

THANKS and great blog btw :)
07-21-2006, 06:24 PM
dum

http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...re/1584_1.html http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...re/1583_1.html
couple of reviews read them heck you could have got an modular ultra for 65.00 with the rebate or close not to long ago
07-22-2006, 04:33 AM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by dum

http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...re/1584_1.html

The 600W wouldn't fit in his case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

380W?!?!??!!? That's a bit low, isn't it?

Actually, no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

Never heard of GameXstream... I'm just concenred on cables since it is a tiny case and with an ATX board inside...

The OCZ GameXstream? Sorry... it's only in half the sigs of the people in these forums. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I was looking in the 65 area... Really didn't want to spean much more than that but I may have to... thanks

That's not a very realistic figure given your criteria. You want something decent... and quiet... and small for your X-Qpack, but aren't willing to spend $100?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

If it has the Corsair name on it it might be very pricey...:nono:

About $139ish for a 520W. Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I'll check he other 2 out... though with the Silverstone name it is probably over 100!!!

Actually, no: http://www.sundialmicro.com/SilverSt..._1754_640.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

THANKS and great blog btw :)

Maybe you should read some of the reviews and the Power Supplies 101 I wrote. I bet you'll get something out of it.

Can we move these posts into their own thread? This is way off topic.
07-22-2006, 07:26 AM
Ominous Gamer

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY

I was looking in the 65 area...

Look for an Xclio then. They come as recommended hardware for lower budgets from extremeoverclocking. http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/r...io_450W_1.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189003
450W for $44
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189005
500W for $49
07-22-2006, 07:44 AM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ominous Gamer

Look for an Xclio then. They come as recommended hardware for lower budgets from extremeoverclocking. http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/r...io_450W_1.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189003
450W for $44
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189005
500W for $49

PSU Advisory

--> http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=108088 <--

Perkam
07-22-2006, 07:51 AM
Ominous Gamer

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

PSU Advisory

--> http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=108088 <--

Perkam

And why exactly is this? Or is this another hunch like you had with the Ultra brand? EOC isn't some "it looks nice" review site, you should see the setup they use.
You've also made yet another blanket statement that you shouldn't have. Xclio brands 3 levels of PSUs, the BL GoodPower and Greatpower. Here is an EOC quote on the Greatpower 700W.

"I am extremely pleased with Meridian's new GreatPower series of power supplies. It has excellent features such as the modular cables with mesh sleeving, 14cm fan, active PFC, and quad +12V rails. All GreatPower models are NVIDIA SLI certified, so there's no worries with high end graphic cards and system stability. As we mentioned before, Channel Well Technology is the actual manufacturer for Meridian's power supplies. Efficiency and performance seemed very close to the Enermax Liberty 620W, however the GreatPower series is available in higher-wattage models for those that need the extra juice.

The price for the GreatPower series seems inline with other quality PSUs of similar wattage. You can find places that sell the GreatPower world-wide on the XClio website, just go to the where to buy link and choose your country. For people in the US, most are probably familliar with Newegg, you can view the list of GreatPower models here."
07-22-2006, 08:04 AM
Oklahoma Wolf

To my knowledge - XClio is still all OEM Channel Well. Good designs, but I worry about the capacitors.
07-22-2006, 08:05 AM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ominous Gamer

And why exactly is this? Or is this another hunch like you had with the Ultra brand? EOC isn't some "it looks nice" review site, you should see the setup they use.
You've also made yet another blanket statement that you shouldn't have. Xclio brands 3 levels of PSUs, the BL GoodPower and Greatpower. Here is an EOC quote on the Greatpower 700W.

"I am extremely pleased with Meridian's new GreatPower series of power supplies. It has excellent features such as the modular cables with mesh sleeving, 14cm fan, active PFC, and quad +12V rails. All GreatPower models are NVIDIA SLI certified, so there's no worries with high end graphic cards and system stability. As we mentioned before, Channel Well Technology is the actual manufacturer for Meridian's power supplies. Efficiency and performance seemed very close to the Enermax Liberty 620W, however the GreatPower series is available in higher-wattage models for those that need the extra juice.

The price for the GreatPower series seems inline with other quality PSUs of similar wattage. You can find places that sell the GreatPower world-wide on the XClio website, just go to the where to buy link and choose your country. For people in the US, most are probably familliar with Newegg, you can view the list of GreatPower models here."

You're right about the product thing and if you follow the link thats where brands are being listed..PSU brands (Modstream vs Gamexstream) etc, not just manufacturers.

I should've thought of this long time ago. Would've made it a lot easier. None of the Tier 3 brands that will be listed in the PSU Advisory are recommended without further discussion with hardware enthusiasts/experts, right here on XS if a member wishes.

Perkam
07-22-2006, 08:21 AM
jonnyGURU

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf

To my knowledge - XClio is still all OEM Channel Well. Good designs, but I worry about the capacitors.

QFT. Coupled with poor ventilation and you've got a power supply that's quiet and solid when brand new and then heats up and goes pop a couple years down the road.

And ideal CWT is one that has had a fan upgrade. ;)
07-22-2006, 04:15 PM
Faction

I put that Ultra X-Connect PSU in my cheap barebones PC, and it's been working fine. There's no need for that PSU to go to waste, and its dual 80mm fans do help cool the system:).

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