Home : Hardware : Reviews : X-Pro 800w PSU w/ Active PFC
Server-class power for gamers.
Following closely on the heels of our review of the Ultra Products X-Finity 800 watt power supply is its cousin, the X-Pro 800 watt PSU. The X-Pro model is intended for the high-end gamer market, with a high-end price tag ($199.99 MSRP). Does it provide high-end power?
We're pleased to report that it does. The X-Pro's four 12-volt rails are well-suited to powering a multi-core SLI rig with lots of drives and other accessories, and it runs at 78% efficiency at full load. The unit is stable, sturdy, and durable.
The silver finish on the X-Pro isn't quite as sexy as the black X-Finity, but it's no eyesore either. The other big difference between the two PSUs is that the X-Pro has standard sleeved cables, while the X-Finity features the cool flex force cables. Still, the X-Pro's cables are thin and easy enough to bend into whatever positions you need. They're also sufficiently long to reach your most remote internal components, and there are definitely plenty of connectors. (Please note that the X-Pro is designed for use with motherboards sporting a 24-pin connector; the X-Finity can be used with either 24 or 20 pin motherboards.)
The X-Pro boasts a number of impressive efficiency-related features, such as active power factor correction (APFC) and After Spin Technology. The latter feature lets the PSU's fans keep spinning for a few minutes after the PC has been powered off, helping your warm components cool off more gradually than an immediate cutoff. Way cool. It also keeps track of your PC's internal case temperature and throttles back your fans (and the PSU's own fans) when temps are low. These features, plus the two stealthy 80mm built-in fans, keep your PC running nice and quiet.
The X-Pro 800 comes with a standard 3-year warranty, and this is upgradable to a lifetime warranty if you register the product on Ultra's website. Not too shabby!
We've been pleased with the performance of Ultra's power supplies, and the X-Pro is a welcome addition to the family. You can purchase the X-Pro 800w PSU and other Ultra products here.
Highs
Powerful, efficient, and not too loud.
Lows
Pricy; manual is very bare-bones.
Final verdict
A good choice for hardcore SLI rigs.
90%
Mar 22, 2007
Review by Keith Garrett.
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