So what exactly is the deal with Ultra PSUs ? I have had always had the impresison that due to lack of consistency they are a bad brand.
I could be wrong. PSU Experts Unite :p:
Perkam
Printable View
So what exactly is the deal with Ultra PSUs ? I have had always had the impresison that due to lack of consistency they are a bad brand.
I could be wrong. PSU Experts Unite :p:
Perkam
Aww man you guys got an Ultra rep here?Quote:
Originally Posted by Praxis1452
Hopefully he can tell me Ultra make good PSUs (might make me feel better).
They aren't that bad. Unless it's a first generation X-Connect, most are OEM Wintech, which I'd put somewhere between Sirtec (older Thermaltake, Highpower) and Enermax for build quality.Quote:
Originally Posted by Faction
Youngyear built X-Connect, no. Wintech built X-Finity, yes. Though I do have a good list of units I would suggest first.Quote:
Originally Posted by perkam
So the X-Finity is better than the X-Connect
Sorta looking at this deal
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tId=2280605&cp
Yes. However, for that price you can do far better than either Ultra. FSP, Silverstone, OCZ, Enermax, and Antec to name a few.Quote:
Originally Posted by Faction
Well what about that Radioshack deal? That any good?Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
P.S. I loved that link to OCP:ROTF:
I missed the video card in there somehow... can't really tell if that's a good deal or not being in Canada.Quote:
Originally Posted by Faction
Wintech also uses Fuhjyyu. However, Antec/CWT units are better designed IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Praxis1452
I'll be the first person to tell you that using a Youngyear built X-Connect probably isn't the best choice for... .heck... ANY PC. ;) But one model, made two years ago, discontinued a year ago, and is only currently available because it's being blown out, shouldn't warrant a stupid statement like, "don't buy Ultra."
Ultra has a lot of damage control to do. Thank God that's not my job. But to make a blanket statement about a brand because of one model that was outsourced by a manufacturer that was only used once for that one particular model.... It's like giving Ford crap today because of the Pinto. Give it a break.
You have any X-Finity, even those pre-dating the original X-Connect, all of which made by Wintech. You have the current X2, made by Wintech. You have some X-Connects made by Wintech, but most made by Youngyear, and because of that one model, you're going to blanket suggest against using any power supply from that brand?
Think about it.
And just to make the point that I'm not biased: You list Coolmax as a "brand to be warned about."
The Coolmax Green series (800W, 1000W, among others) rivals anything Enermax, FSP or CWT makes and is easily rivals Wintact and Etasis. But you don't know anything about them. If you did, you wouldn't make that blanket statement either.
And OK Wolf: I don't agree with your last point. I think the X-Finity's are great PSU's for their price point. But I won't hold that against you. ;)
S'ok - I know you have more experience with these than I do ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnyGURU
Only because I'm a sadistic S.O.B. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
Well the deal includes an XFX 6800 GS with a 500w Ultra X-Finity PSU for $170 (don't know how much that is in Canadian). Anyone think this is a good deal?
Also, how can I find out if my X-Connect was made by WIntech?
That's about $200 up here - looks like an ok deal.
Easiest way to tell a Wintech is open the lid and look for a part number starting with "WIN" on the transformers. Or run the UL file number at www.ul.com.
I do agree that CWT product is better engineered. No doubt. The very concept of independent voltage regulation escapes Wintech. The EE at Ultra knows more about PSU's then the head guy at the Wintech factory. THAT is sad (no offense John.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
Wintech only uses Fuhjjyu as primary caps. Never secondary. And Wintech supposedly tests components before they're put on the line. CWT lacks very basic quality control and that's what always bites Antec in the ass years down the road.
Uh oh... Sounds like I'm doing viral marketing!!! :stick: I'm out.
They must have changed since this one came out then: http://terasan.info/dengen/no062/index.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by jonnyGURU
You can probably see through the top fan:
http://jonnyguru.com/images/P1010017.jpg
Left is Youngyear. Note the small heatsinks. Right is Wintech. Larger heatsinks and heatshrink on the wires as they meet the modular interface. Rear fan grill is also slightly different and ON/OFF and AC input are reversed.
Now I'm REALLY out..... Perkam is probably going to ban me anyway. :D
I just traded one of the 600's for the Silverstone ST56ZF. So, I am very happy to be wrong in this case... the Silverstone is a monster and I regret nothing :DQuote:
Originally Posted by fhpchris
Well, I'm not too pleased the Abit board I borrowed snapped the ATX connector latch off, but other than that it's all good.
I stand corrected then, because that's not that old (I wished they showed the date code sticker, but I don't think 120MM fans pre-date 2004. Of course, almost any PSU factory will do build to order. If Fuhjjyus are really as cheap as everyone says, Future Power could've requested them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
It's like one of the PSU's I'm working with them on. I told them all Japanese caps. $5 more in the build cost and two week wait on the parts, but they'll do it.
JEE's, Su'Scon and Koshin are pretty cheap. I can't imagine how cheap Fuhjjyus must be if someone is going to REQUEST using them to keep cost down. :eek:
How expensive are caps usually? jw since it doesn't really seem like an effective way to cut down on price... since it has such an effect on quality.
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
Looked throught the side window and I have a Youngyear Ultra PSU.....so I guess I should return it right? :para:
I'm not going to batter my system with anything like a high end overclocked SLI rig, but with a dua core processor, a GPU, and some simple parts.
If it's youngyear.. yea try to get the money back...
Get a budget fortron. Newegg always has plenty of them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Praxis1452
I'm probably gonna g for that RadoSHack deal then:)
lol now i dont get anything at all but i stand in my statement ( i was a ultra owner...) if you want high end please go and buy a high end PSU if you want peace of mind and future proof please buy a good psu dont ever go cheap....
the brand ive seen that hold the beating we have here OCZ ZIPPY PC POWER AND COOLING FORTRON SEASONIC you can see the sigs of the ppl the systems and the beating they get then you can choose from that...
I'll mostly have to defer to JG on this one since he knows Ultra way better than I do, but personally I wouldn't have a problem with someone running one video card and Conroe/AM2 on a Wintech made Ultra. I don't recommend them for SLI/Crossfire however - I prefer to suggest very well regulating single or quad 12v units for them. Silverstone ST56ZF, ST75ZF, Sparkle FSP550PLG-SLI, FSP over 600W, Zippy over 600W, PC P&C over 510W being just some of them. I'd be recommending Delta too if they would just get a market presence over here ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by perkam
My point exactly.Quote:
Originally Posted by perkam
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. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnyGURU
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by perkam
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 ?Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnyGURU
Perkam
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
eh probably youngyear...
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by perkam
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?"Quote:
Originally Posted by leviathan18
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?
Jou Jye.Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnyGURU
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnyGURU
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
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
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
The Ultra fans are louder than most. The theory behind that is that they'll never die from overheating. :D
Seasonic 380W my friend.
Perkam
380W?!?!??!!? That's a bit low, isn't it?
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... thanksQuote:
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.
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 :)
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
The 600W wouldn't fit in his case.Quote:
Originally Posted by dum
Actually, no.Quote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
The OCZ GameXstream? Sorry... it's only in half the sigs of the people in these forums. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
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
About $139ish for a 520W. Yes.Quote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
Actually, no: http://www.sundialmicro.com/SilverSt..._1754_640.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
Maybe you should read some of the reviews and the Power Supplies 101 I wrote. I bet you'll get something out of it.Quote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
Can we move these posts into their own thread? This is way off topic.
Look for an Xclio then. They come as recommended hardware for lower budgets from extremeoverclocking. http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/r...io_450W_1.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by FLMJIGGY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189003
450W for $44
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189005
500W for $49
PSU AdvisoryQuote:
Originally Posted by Ominous Gamer
--> 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.Quote:
Originally Posted by perkam
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."
To my knowledge - XClio is still all OEM Channel Well. Good designs, but I worry about the capacitors.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ominous Gamer
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf
And ideal CWT is one that has had a fan upgrade. ;)
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:).
I've tried the Xclio Goodpower. It was a decent PSU and it DID heat up a bit... however I found it a tad noisy... just me. I thought it was becasue the psu was not very well ventilated even with 120mm, i was a tad shocked.
Thanks for the input and i don't want to break thread...
i had a youngyear built x-connect. it killed my axp-m 2500+ that would do 2.6 GHz at ~1.7v vcore. :(
i tried taking the 80mm fans out of it, whats up with the connectors?
How did you determine that a PSU killed your CPU? It killed the board too?Quote:
Originally Posted by breakfromyou
Most PSU have two pin fan headers. Why would they have an RPM sensor on them?Quote:
Originally Posted by breakfromyou