Testing (continued):
The first phase of testing involved recording voltages from the +5V, +12V, and 3.3V lines while the systems were under a substantial load. The load condition was established with Folding@Home and SiSoft Sandra 2004 Professional's Burn-In Wizard running, in addition to the Hardware Doctor, for a period of about 30 minutes. The chart below details the results.
As you can see by the data presented, both power supply units provide results well within the generally accepted +/-10% tolerance, and easily handle the load placed on them. The Ultra Products Xconnect unit does provide slightly stronger readings on the 3.3V and 5V rails, while the advantage on the 12V rail is far more substantial. What the chart can not convey is the stability of the readings that are reported. The Ultra Products readings were nearly static during testing, with fluctuations of only a few hundredths of a volt on the 12V and 5V line. Meanwhile, the Allied power supply's 12V rail was very active while under load, swinging from a low of 11.86V to a high of 12.41. The stability of the Xconnect's rails was very impressive.
As a point of reference, the Ultra Products Xconnect's load voltage readings are charted against the idle voltage readings below. The idle readings were obtained with only the Hardware Doctor application running for 15 minutes after a reboot.
The difference between idle and load are minimal, and all readings were very stable, with minimal to no fluctuations on any rail.
As a final phase of testing, the two power supplies were connected to the Seasonic Power Angel power monitor, and data was recorded with the systems in the loaded condition, as described previously. The chart below details the information provided by the Power Angel, and provides some interesting information...
While powering the same system, the Ultra power supply is able to draw slightly less current from the wall outlet, and in turn provides lower values for both W (wattage) and VA (voltsxamps). The PF number is perhaps of most interest, as it indicates that although neither unit is overly impressive with their respective power factors, the Ultra unit is 6% less efficient. If Ultra is looking for any possible way to improve this power supply, perhaps an active power factor correction model would be a good direction to take!
Conclusion:
When I opened the box and saw the Ultra Products Xconnect power supply I was immediately impressed, but crossed my fingers that the performance wouldn't suffer for the incredible appearance. I was relieved, and even more impressed, when testing was completed and the Xconnect power supply proved that it wasn't all about looks.
The installation of this power supply was incredibly easy, and I am sold on modular power supplies being the wave of the very near future. Routing cables couldn't be easier or look better, and once completed there are no extraneous wires to hide... You only use what you need and save the spares for possible future use.
A search of the internet turns up a few locations to buy the Ultra Products Xconnect 500W power supply, all with prices around $100 (US). Some key sources include; ZipZoomFly, ePowerhouse PC, Tiger Direct, and Frozen CPU. Although higher priced that many basic 500W PSUs, this is definitely not a bad price for a high quality power supply, with about the most refined physical appearance I have ever seen.
For its innovative modular design, incredible appearance, and equally impressive performance, I have no problem awarding the Ultra Products Xconnect 500W power supply 5 out of 5 stars... "Highly Recommended".
Final Rating (5 out of 5 stars): 
Pros:
• Modular design is attractive, convenient, and easy to install
• Strong voltage rails
• Incredibly stylish appearance
• Quiet operation
Cons:
• aPFC (active power factor correction) would be nice
• 'Large' power connectors may interfere with cases that have sideways mounted drive bays
Special thanks to Ultra Products for providing the Xconnect 500W Power Supply Power Supply to BigBruin.Com for review!
Please drop by the BigBruin.Com forum and feel free to discuss this review.
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