I'll tell you right up front, I really enjoy being a hardware reviewer. It isn't because it's a glamorous, desireable, or even an enviable job; it is just because I like playing with new computer gear. Another reason that I enjoy it so much is because occasionally we can get some well-deserved recognition for a new company looking for exposure. I've had the opportunity to bring some both good and bad publicity for new companies over the years, but the first one that I feel my review had a significant impact on was Ultra Products.

Many moons ago Ultra contacted us asking if we would check out a new modular PSU that they had developed. Of course, we said yes, and a pre-production unit was sent. Unfortunately, the pre-production unit had some problems, but that was when I learned about how much Ultra cared about their products. Ultra's media rep noted the problems I was having, took it to the engineers, and they were on it immediately. I then received a post-production unit that worked amazingly well and received a great rating.

Since Ultra Products' early days, I've been able to watch them grow and expand their product line immensely. The Ultra company has diversified into other items like MP3 players, RAM modules, tool kits, etc... but their roots are still with the power supplies they build. Ultra contacted me recently and asked if I would be interested in checking out one of their new 600W X-Finity power supplies, how could I say no?

Package

The very first thing that hit me when I received the X-Finity was how small the box was. I couldn't understand how they could fit a PSU with all the cables inside of this low profile box and still provide protection against damage. Come to find out, they are able to do so because there is no protection against damage at all. The PSU is just placed into a cardboard box that is barely large enough to accommodate the PSU and cables, then it is placed into another box for shipping. Is this a bad thing? It could be if the secondary box doesn't provide enough protection.

There isn't a whole lot included with the X-Finity; I received a power cord, 4 screws, and the PSU. There were no instructions included, but they are also not really needed unless you are completely clueless on how to install a PSU. If you are at that level, your power supply was probably pre-installed for you in your Dell system.

Specs

Here are the specifications for the PSU as listed on Ultra's website:

Total Output Power:
600W (Full Load, Nominal Input Voltage)

Efficiency:
70% Typical at Full Load and Nominal Input Voltage

Input:
AC Input Voltage: 115V/230V
AC Input Frequency: 50-60Hz
AC Input Currents:
· 10A (RMS) for 115VAC input
· 6A (RMS) for 230VAC input

Additional Features:
Supports AMD and Intel Motherboards
NVIDIA® SLI™ Ready
Low Acoustic Noise
Dual 80mm Fans
Meets ATX Version 2.2, v1.3, and ATX 12V Version 2.2 Specifications
Short Circuit Protection
In-Rush Current Protection
Thermal Overload Cutoff Protection
MTBF > 100,000 Hours at Full Load, 110VAC and 25°C Ambient Condition
FCC and UL Recognized