Introduction and Overview
We have three new PSUs up for review from Ultra Products: the Ultra X-Pro EE 600W, Ultra X-Pro 800W, and Ultra X-Finity 800W. All three tested out very good and one proved to be outstanding!
Ultra Products has a well-earned reputation with PC enthusiasts for providing a full range of aftermarket components and accessories. Ultra is expanding their PC power supply line and we have three of their latest power supplies in for review. The new Ultra X-Pro EE (Energy Efficient) 600W is packed with features that will surely appeal to gamers, while the X-Pro 800W and X-Finity 800W units have their roots in workstation and server class applications. These units are different from Ultra’s original X-Finity and X-Connect power supplies in several ways. The new units are all manufactured by Andyson International Co LTD and feature higher output capacities, Active PFC, higher efficiency, and quiet operation along with Ultra’s Lifetime Warranty. Before we get to the details, here is an overview of the three Ultra power supplies we are going to put to the test.
Ultra X-Pro EE 600W High Efficiency
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- 600 Watts maximum combined output
- Meets ATX 12V v1.3 and ATX v2.03 specifications
- High efficiency (85% at typical load)
- Single, high capacity +12V output (36A, 432W)
- Black-chrome finish with sleeved cables
- Single 135mm low noise fan
- Active PFC with universal AC input
Ultra X-Pro 800W
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- 800 Watts maximum combined output
- Meets ATX 12V v2.2 and ATX v2.03 specifications
- Quad +12V outputs (up to 660W combined)
- Clear anodized aluminum enclosure with sleeved cables
- Dual 80mm low noise fans
- After Spin Technology (AST) fan control
- Active PFC with universal AC input
Ultra X-Finity 800W
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- 800 Watts maximum combined output
- Meets ATX 12V v2.2 and ATX v2.03 specifications
- Quad +12V outputs (up to 660W combined)
- Black-anodized aluminum enclosure with FlexForce cables
- Dual 80mm low noise fans
- After Spin Technology (AST) fan control
- Active PFC with universal AC input
In addition to the power supply each colorfully printed retail box includes a power cord, mounting screws, and a User’s Manual.
All three Ultra power supplies were evaluated on features and performance. A full range of equipment was used to test each power supply under controlled load conditions. In addition to measuring the power going in and coming out I looked at voltage regulation, electrical noise (AC ripple), efficiency, sound level, and cooling. Here is a list of the equipment used during testing.
- FLUKE 87-III True RMS digital multimeter (Accuracy ±0.05%)
- Extech 380803 Power Analyzer (Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale)
- Powerstat Variable Autotransformer, 1.4 KVA, 0-140 VAC
- FLUKE 52-II digital thermometer (Accuracy ±0.3ºC/0.5ºF)
- Extech Model 407736 digital sound level meter (Accuracy ±1.5 dB)
- AccuLab V1-10kg digital balance (Accuracy ±1g)
- Homemade PSU load tester — selectable loads (up to 470W)
- (2) CSI3710A Programmable DC load (up to 150W each)
- (2) CSI3711A Programmable DC load (up to 300W each)
Establishing a controlled load is critical to testing and evaluating a PC power supply. In addition to my own home-made load tester, I’m using four programmable DC loads for greater flexibility and accuracy. This new combination can place up 1,400 watt load on the unit being tested.
