Big computer systems require big power. Does your computer have multiple video cards? How about multiple hard drives? What about elaborate cooling and lighting? Maybe even “all of the above”? Well, you will need a power supply with a lot of watts to power all that gear. But what about the rats nest of cabling that a high wattage power supply is going to leave sitting in your case? A modular power supply may just be the solution you need.
Ultra Products makes a return to the modular power supply market after a brief absence, and they are ready to take it on again full force with their new X4 series of modular ATX power supplies.
Features and Specifications
Ultra Products was the company that started the whole modular power supply craze. Their original X-Connect power supplies were quite popular. They allowed you to only connect the power cables you needed, which saved space and improved airflow inside your computer. The X2 and X3 series followed, making needed improvements to build quality. Then Ultra retreated to the court room to pursue patent rights on the modular design.
Now that the dust has settled they have come out with the new X4 power supply line. This latest line of power supplies, from which we are reviewing the 1050W model, features the same modular design seen in all previous generations. It also sports the following features.
- Modular Design
- 80 Plus Certified
- Power Protection
- Simple Installation
- Lifetime Warranty
- Reduced Acoustics
Unfortunately Ultra hasn’t updated their home page with a dedicated product page for the X4. Keep an eye on their site if you are looking for further specifications.
As for pricing, the unit is available for $279.99 USD from retailers that commonly sell other Ultra products. Ultra seems to be making a bit of a statement with this price, along with the features they are pushing. This power supply is being targeted near-direct at the high end of the market. Hopefully the performance numbers can live up to the marketing.
Modular Cables Everywhere
It’s a good thing that you can be so selective with your cables, because Ultra provides a whole host of cables with the X4 power supplies. The list includes the following.
- 24-pin ATX connector
- 1 x 4 pin 12V CPU connector
- 1 x 8 pin 12V CPU connector
- 3 x 6+2 pin 12V PCIe connectors
- 3 x 6 pin 12V PCIe connectors
- 11 x SATA connectors
- 9 x Molex connectors
- 2 x Floppy connector
- 2 x 3-pin fan connectors
Of particular note is the PCIe cables, as the selection provided allows you to power three PCIe video cards that use two power headers. Ultra even includes a double-sided pouch to hold all the cables you don’t use.
Some Extra Shrapnel
In addition to the PSU and the cables, Ultra included some extra that range for nice-to-have to cannot-live-without. There’s of course a user manual and mounting screws. You can choose to mount the PSU using either standard screws or thumbscrews. When mounting the PSU you can use the included silicone gasket to dampen and vibrations that may be transmitted from the operating power supply to the computer case, reducing noise even further. To assist in airflow, a small bundle of zap straps have been included to secure cables within your case.