A Detailed Look
The Ultra X3 Energy Efficient 1,000W power supply features a steel enclosure with a black-chrome mirror finish. This is becoming a popular finish and is very attractive.
The power supply uses a single, large fan on the bottom-side for cooling. This is the same fan Ultra uses on the X-Pro EE 600W PSU.
The 135mm cooling fan is made by Young Lin Tech (DFS132512H). This is a high-speed model that has 11 blades and uses ball bearings. To help keep things quiet, the fan speed is automatically controlled by the internal component temperature (speeds up as the combined load and temperature increases).
The fan mounting screws and free-flow wire grill are nicely recessed for easy installation of the PSU into a case.
Air is drawn in thru the bottom of the power supply by the large cooling fan and exits thru the open honey comb grill on the back, which allows exhaust air to escape with minimal resistance.
The Ultra X3 power supply supports the ATX12V v2.2 specification and is rated for a combined, maximum output power of 1,000 watts at up to 40+°C ambient air temperature (internal case air temperature). The Ultra X3 PSU incorporates universal input (automatically adjusts the AC line voltage) and active PFC that adds to the units environmental friendliness.
Ultra X3 1,000W PSU Specifications
Notice that the majority of the rated output capacity is supplied by the +12V section.
This is typical of most newer power supplies and a result of changes in the PC industry that more and more rely on +12V instead of +5V and +3.3V. With up to 840W of power available on the +12V rail, the Ultra X3 should be capable of powering most any new system you may want to build.
Single +12V output
The Ultra X3 1,000W PSU incorporates a single, powerful +12V output. This is a trend we are seeing in newer power supplies. Some manufacturers are no longer creating multiple +12V outputs by implementing current limiting circuits into their design to conform to the 240 VA maximum guidelines — no single output should exceed 240 VA (12V x 20A = 240 VA). Having multiple current limited +12V outputs can lead to power distribution problems, particularly with some power-hungry video cards. Delivering a single, powerful +12V output is a much better approach IMHO.
Cables and Connectors
All of the cables on the Ultra X3 1kW power supply are modular. The black anodized, brushed aluminum front panel incorporates 15 plug-in connectors for attaching whatever combination of cables best suites your application. The connectors are physically differentiated so you can’t mistakenly plug a cable into the wrong connector.
The Ultra X3 comes with a large assortment of modular FlexForce cables and connectors. Ultra designed the FlexForce cables to promote easier cable management and better airflow by making them easy to route and hide under the motherboard and behind drive bays.
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In addition to four 6-pin PCI-E cables/connectors, Ultra also includes two of the new 8-pin PCI-E cable/connectors with the X3 800W and 1,000W models.
