|
The
Install:
I installed the Ultra
X-Pro into my
Antec Nine Hundred case using the same build as the X-Finity.
The rest of the build includes an Intel Pentium Core Duo 2 6600 cooled
by a
CoolIT
Eliminator, a Connect3D X1900 XT video card and a 2x 1 GB kit of
Crucial Ballistix DDR2-8000 mounted on an ASUS P5W DH Deluxe.
Storage was provided by 2 x WD 74 GB Raptors in a RAID0, a
Seagate 750 GB storage drive and a
Plextor PX-755SA 16x DVD burner.
|
Hardware |
Model |
|
Case |
Antec Nine Hundred |
|
Motherboard: |
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe |
|
CPU |
Intel e6600 |
|
Memory |
2x 1 GB kit of Crucial Ballistix
DDR2-8000 |
|
Power Supply |
Ultra X-Pro 800W |
|
Drives |
2x74GB WD Raptors, 1x750GB
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 |
Although the cable runs are the same as our last build, the extra
experience helped me to more efficiently hide the extra cabling in
the bottom of the Nine Hundred case.
I must admit that I miss the FlexForce cabling a bit due to the
nice shiny finish but the black sleeving does help the cables to
disappear into the background nicely. The shiny anodized
finish also makes a nice match for the CoolIT Eliminator. For
a no nonsense power supply with a server influenced background, the
X-Pro cleans up nicely!
Testing:
To test the X-Pro I ran
the system overnight idle before capturing these numbers using the ASUS
AI Probe II. Unlike the last round of testing, the chassis fan was not
used in this test run. The idle numbers are right on the money.
Here you can see the
numbers captured at load. To stress test the system I ran
PassMark's Burnnin Test Version 5.1 for about 15 minutes in two back
to back sessions. I should note the high MB temps are the result of
running the Eliminator on medium and the Nine Hundred Fans on low during
testing. After the X-Finity tests I expected a couple of MB
temperature warnings. I was pleasantly surprised to find the
system held stable at a max temp of 43 degrees. I am not sure what
has changed as the ambient temperature remained at a constant 74 degrees
during testing.
The stability continued to
remain solid while monitoring the BIOS. I let the system idle for about
30 minutes and verified the settings with my Cen-Tech multi-tester.
I also monitored the +12 V rails during another session of Battlefield
2142 with no noticeable variance. With the X-Pro and the X-Finity
numbers and style so close together, I would safely guess they are based
on the same core build at 800 Watts. Still the X-Pro power supply
remains a dependable unit with power to spare for nearly any build.
Conclusion:
With the X-Pro 800 Watt, Ultra
Products has provided a stable power supply that could easily provide
the foundation for any serious performance build. The quad +12 V
rails provide ample power that is reinforced by the long power runs.
With the X-Finity on the market at roughly the same price and
performance, Ultra offers a nice choice between two great power supplies
with two very different looks. The X-Pro scores slightly lower due
to the lack of the excellent FlexForce cabling but you simply cannot go
wrong here. Ultra offers the backing of a life time warranty and
the power you need to take your system into the next generation. Ultra
also offers the X-Pro in both 600 Watt and 750 Watt options.
|
 |
|
Innovation: |
8.0
out of 10 |
|
Performance: |
10 out of 10 |
|
Quality: |
9.5
out of 10 |
|
Stability: |
10
out of 10 |
|
Overclocking: |
N/A |
|
Software/Drivers Pack: |
N/A |
|
Value: |
8.5 out of 10 |
|
Overall Rating
9.0 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Project Skill Level
(10 being most difficult) |
4
out of 10 |
|
