Judas

In one hand i have the OCZ PowerStream 520, in the other i have the Ultra X-Connect 500.

Here's some Facts/Specs:

Now,

FOR ME:

thoughts of OCZ:
+Trusted company that appears to hold extremely high quality standard.
+excellent look, and the AMD recommendation isn't a problem as i have 2 places to put 2 exhaust fans and currently DO have 2
+BTX form factor ready and has all the nessities for a server apparently
+adjustable Voltages
-Mess of cables, not sleeved.

Thougts on Ultra X-Connect:
+Appears to have an excellent run with almost every reviewer out there
+appears to be a worthy contender for the top end PSU maker
+use what you need COMPLETELY sheilded/sleeved AND UV reactant cables (clean)
+Extremely appealing in every way even with not being completely AMD recommended HOWEVER more favorable seeing as it draws in air from the motherboard area.
-Company doesn't appear to have any current record, NEW





I'm tearing myself appart here!

New a hefty number of replies... opinion... takes on different reviews.... owners... and V3 or Zardon, your opinion of each (as apparently, i can get both here locally for approx 190-230 Canadian)

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Shinjikun

You know what my opinion is.

Seriously if you NEED more power than get the OCZ PSU but if you don't then I would recommend the X-Connect PSU (as per my previous thread).

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[color=red]ATi [/color][color=white]Radeon 9500 Pro (@ 330\310) \ [/color][color=white]Omega Catalyst Drivers v2.5.90[/color]
[color=white]Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU[/color]

Judas

yes however.... what about the 12v and 5v rails...

OCZ has a higher 5v but X-Connect have a higher 12v... now doesn't the CPU and majority of the components run off the 12v rail? (VGA, FANS,Hardrives)

btw.... i think when you do the complete power combination and cacluation... the OCZ and X-Connect are pretty well identical in power rating... terms...

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Shinjikun

That's true some of the rails are better but I've had no issues with the PSU. I have a 9500 Pro, overclocked Athlon XP 2500+ (to 3200+), two hard drives, two opticals, four case fans, Audigy one, two 12" cold cathode tubes, and a PCI slot fan for the video card and I haven't had one issue.

My friend has a similar setup as well except he has two more hard drives (four total) and both are systems are rock solid with this PSU.

I think you want the OCZ a bit more but I'm just confusing you.

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[color=red]ATi [/color][color=white]Radeon 9500 Pro (@ 330\310) \ [/color][color=white]Omega Catalyst Drivers v2.5.90[/color]
[color=white]Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU[/color]

Nacht

i would get the Ultra, due to its better design IMO, as anything over ~450 watts is more than enough, and they're both stable as all hell.

Shinjikun

Agreed. I love my Ultra.

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Xfire: [Shinji1225 \ Status]
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[color=red]ATi [/color][color=white]Radeon 9500 Pro (@ 330\310) \ [/color][color=white]Omega Catalyst Drivers v2.5.90[/color]
[color=white]Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU[/color]

Judas

well i'm currently waiting for a phonecall... depending on the price difference... i'm going ultra for sure....

I may however soon get both....

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dipstick

I'd grab the OCZ personally, though I'm also a huge fan of Enermax. Their 550w kicks major butt with 36A across all rails

Judas

i haven't had any issues with enermax either... BUT... i'm one that likes to support.. and try out new products that appear to be of good quality...

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Drakon

Where can the Ultra X-Connect PSU be bought in the US? Do they sell it also on newegg.com?

Shinjikun

Actually my friend downgraded so to speak from an Enermax 550W to the Ultra X-Connect and his rails are actually better now. Don't ask me how.

Unfortunately NewEgg.com as far as I know doesn't carry Ultra products. You can check for distributers at http://www.ultraproducts.com/categor...stributors.php . I got mine at a Tiger Direct retail outlet in South FL; I'd probably recommend them.

www.tigerdirect.com

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[color=red]ATi [/color][color=white]Radeon 9500 Pro (@ 330\310) \ [/color][color=white]Omega Catalyst Drivers v2.5.90[/color]
[color=white]Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU[/color]

Judas

currently, going by ultras website... it's only available in the US and CANADA ATM....

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ViRuS2k

well i need a PSU badly dont think i can put up with no gameing for a month waiting on this PSU

so i think i will go for the OCZ PowerSteam 520W

the funny thing is the rails are bad on my 500W psu im only getting 4.25v from the 5+v line
now this OCZ has the same rateing as the PSU has on the 5+v Line i would get the same reading with this OCZ psu aswell wouldnt i

i need some solid help ASAP as im going to Order today hopefully if i can scrounge the money lol

pr0digal jenius

as for your 12volt arguement judas, i run dual processors and i must say 12 volt rails aren't much of an issue for me, so i'm guessing you won't have an inch of trouble

i'd go for the one with the pretty sleeved cables myself

Zardon

enter the PSU competition front page !

seriously though both are great PSUs, you wont go wrong with either.

WisMerHill

I went with another "cheapo" solution, the TAGAN TG480-U01 480W. It's the same build as the OCZ's (which are manufactured by Tagan) except it misses the LEDfan and the adjustable voltageknobs but it's only half the price of the OCZ 520.

pro's:
- superstable voltages (same as OCZ)
- very quiet, i'd have to put all my fans off to hear it, <20dB
- cheap
- high quality manufactured
- looks are nice
- special dedicated shielded and sleeved vga/hdd link
- special shielded powercable
- server-ready
- 3 year warranty

cons:
- weighs a ton (actually a pro but with LAN's the case gets heavier )
- only the dedicated vga connection is shielded and sleeved
- mucho wires to hide out view
haven't found any other cons.

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ViRuS2k

well looks like i cant get a new PSU couldnt get the money :/
and i dont know when i will be able to get a new one with my luck this one will die very soon :/

of all the things in my PC i had to go the cheap way with the PSU :/ AHhhhhhh

Judas

lol.... apparently my PSU is effecting my network preformance..... irratic pings and bandwidth.... (usually high for pings and low for bandwidth).....

i'm still waiting for a phonecall on the Ultra X-Connect psu..

I'm kinda stuck between black and blue.....either one will work.. but i'm reallying look to go blue...

Most definitely will get the Ultra X-Connect ASAP

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Logla

well just to chip in my 2c - I got the ocz 520 a month ago and it is cool as hell - the most stable psu I ever used - the 12v stays at 12v, the 5 stays at 5 and the 3.3 stays where it should as well.

Even if they dont, I can adjust them (during overclocking)

As for the cables not being sleeved, they dont need to be in the OCZ, all the cables are twisted tight enough around each other that they might as well be sleeved. Airflow is not going to be a problem at all with them.

Targetpractice

Xoxide.com is also selling the Ultra X PS

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Shinjikun

Good choice. You shouldn't be dissapointed.

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[color=red]ATi [/color][color=white]Radeon 9500 Pro (@ 330\310) \ [/color][color=white]Omega Catalyst Drivers v2.5.90[/color]
[color=white]Ultra X-Connect 500W PSU[/color]

AndyOCZ

Ok guys, The OCZ PSU is not nade buy Tagan. Our unit is made to a different spec entirely. The Adjustable rails will allow you to fine tune your 3.3, 5v and 12v lines. The other PSU's mentioned will not do that to my knowledge. The OCZ is backed by OCZ USA directly; you get a 5 year warranty and a Power Swap reaplacment directly from OCZ in case of any issues.

No contest here.

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Judas

Andy, I'll take your word for it most definetly...... but enless a PSU pops out made by you guys ASAP, with connectable cables....... erm....... i'll be getting both..... (probably the OCZ for my main SERVER and the X-connect for the main rig ... both of which are shown off.... mainly the server

But the only real question ATM still is ... What exactly do each Rail do (what do they power? )

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AndyOCZ

Hi, The 12v rail handles your fans, CPU (4 pin connector) and any other 12v device you may add to your case. The 3.3v rail supplies you memory and other motherboard voltages. The 5v rail is used by your drives. Some devices may us a combination to yield 7v.

This is simplified, but I believe accurate.

Many motherboards have poor voltage regulation and the adjustable rails can be used to correct these.

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macro6

I would get the Powersteam!

(Buying one soon.... hopefully! )

Judas

thanks.. that explain everything....

Alot of thing i've read say the 4 pin ATX2 12v connector is for p4s? Maybe you might be able to shed light on this.... but, i've a few AMD boxes that have ATX2 12v 4 pin connectors... Why's it refered to as being for the P4?

Thanks again for the info!

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AndyOCZ

Originally the "P4" connector was instituted by Intel the feed the heavy power requirements of their new P4 CPU. Most motherboards now use this 4 pin connector to feed the CPU as it is a much more reliable power source. All A64's use the "P4" 4 pin connector, as well as all current Intel desktop CPUs. Nearly all current Athlon motherboards are using it also.

You need one.

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If I can help with an OCZ product or if you need some advice, PM or EMAIL ME.

Judas

Heres another.. what's the difference between the 20 and 24 pin Main Power connector?

does it perhaps include the 4 pin ATX2 connecter or .... ?


IS 24 pin plug a nessity for those who wish to move to dual CPU rigs?

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AndyOCZ

The 20 pin connector is specified by the Intel ATX standard. This is an old design now, that most motherboards use. The new Intel BTX standard specifies a 24 pin connector. This has been used on server PSU's for years. So far the manufacturers of the Intel 925 chipset boards that use the 24 pin connector are using the p4 connector as well.

I would not buy a new PSU without a 24 pin connector or you may be buying again soon.

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If I can help with an OCZ product or if you need some advice, PM or EMAIL ME.

Judas

ok.... i see.... i knew there was a reason for the 24 pin to start showing up.... (noticing the BTX capability )

BTW... if you are able to do so..... Why was the OCZ psu designed with no bottom intake (being amd recommended? )

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