Ultra X-Finity ULT-XF500 power supply

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MP3 Sound Recordings of Ultra X-Finity ULT-XF500 Ultra X-Finity ULT-XF500 @ <90W (23 dBA@1m) Ultra X-Finity ULT-XF500 @ 150W (35 dBA@1m) There was no need to make recordings at higher power levels; it's simply too loud.

Sound Recordings of PSU Comparatives Seasonic S12-430 @ 150W (19 dBA/1m) Antec Neo HE 430 @ 150W (21 dBA@1m) Enermax Noisetaker 600W (2.0) @ 150W (27 dBA/1m) Nexus 92mm case fan @ 5V (17 dBA/1m) Reference

HOW TO LISTEN & COMPARE These recordings were made with a high resolution studio quality digital recording system. The microphone was 3" from the edge of the fan frame at a 45° angle, facing the intake side of the fan to avoid direct wind noise. The ambient noise during all recordings was 18 dBA or lower. To set the volume to a realistic level (similar to the original), try playing the Nexus 92 fan reference recording and setting the volume so that it is barely audible. Then don't reset the volume and play the other sound files. Of course, tone controls or other effects should all be turned off or set to neutral. For full details on how to calibrate your sound system to get the most valid listening comparison, please see the yellow text box entitled Listen to the Fans on page four of the article SPCR's Test / Sound Lab: A Short Tour.

CONCLUSIONS

For all of its glossy glory, the Ultra X-Finity is ordinary beneath its surface. Voltage regulation and efficiency were average, and although cooling was adequate at the levels for ordinary usage, it was not good enough for sustained use under the heaviest loads. Its worst aspect is the noise; almost any other power supply we've tested in the past year will beat the X-Finity for low noise.

What the X-Finity lacks in technical substance can be made up at least partially by the company that is selling it. Ultra has very good marketing, not just because it is likely to generate sales, but also because of its technical comprehensiveness and apparent honesty. Yes, a good chunk of the product page consists of meaningless (and fragmented) phrases, but this is common enough, and the technical information is surprisingly complete. Ultra is one of the few companies that reports an efficiency that we can confirm in our lab.

In addition, the X-Finity comes with a three-year warranty out of the box which can be upgraded to a lifetime warranty if you're willing to give them your name and address. There's more to a product than its technical side, and Ultra does a better job than most selling a product that looks cool (if you're into that), and backing it up with a warranty. Then there is price: Using the SPCR/Pricegrabber shopping engine, the typical lowest price we found was US$70, which is pretty low for a 500W PSU.

All in all, we can't recommend the X-Finity as a quiet power supply. But, if you're willing to settle for "good enough" rather than "top-of-the-line" and you like the looks or you would feel safer in the hands of a lifetime warranty, the X-Finity could be for you.

Much thanks to Ultra Components and Technologies for the opportunity to examine this power supply.

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