Opinion on this PSU?

[Raptorrr]

I know this is a cheap PSU, but I was wondering what type of gfx card/processor it could handle: http://www.ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=59&pPath=369&productID=369 500w w/28 amps on the 12v rail

[mpilchfamily]

It would help to know what the rest of the system is. If you don't have a very power hungry CPU then you could get away with running an 8800 GTS.

[Raptorrr]

Okay, I was looking at that PSU with a Pentium 4 3.6, 1GB DDR2-667, P945-S3, 80GB SATA HD, 1650, 2x120mm, 2x80mm fans. I was wondering in the future if I upgraded to 2GB RAM and a Core 2 Duo or the q6600, what video card could I run on it? I've heard Geforce 9 and the 3000 line are going to be less power hungry and run as multiple cores instead of one, but I'm not sure if that is true.

[KorruptioN]

$70 is too much for that.

[Raptorrr]

It's not $70: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1187021&sku=ULT31795. Check image compared to image of the PSU I linked and they are the same. I will probably add 120 in the back and on top, 80 in the front and side of the case. I will probably eventually create a window for the top and side to show off the White LED's.

[mpilchfamily]

Well with that system and the praposed upgrades you wouldnt be able to run an 8800. You would have to go with an 8600 or a 7 series card. You may want to consider a better quality card anyway since you plan to use this for a while.

[mp666]

It's not $70: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1187021&sku=ULT31795. Check image compared to image of the PSU I linked and they are the same. I will probably add 120 in the back and on top, 80 in the front and side of the case. I will probably eventually create a window for the top and side to show off the White LED's.

That looks like a great deal. I'd go for it. And Core 2 architecture CPUs will generally consume less power than your current P4. And the rest of your setup lis pretty much a standard affair. I think you should be able to plug an 8800 without problem but with only 28 amp I wouldn't try a dual GPU setup.

[Raptorrr]

No way, I would never do an SLI set-up anyway. I just thought that deal was amazing and I could mod the case to put a 120mm fan on top and back and an 80mm on the side and front. I think that would be perfect for someone aiming for a complete $350 computer besides the processor (I already have the 3.6 P4).

[Raptorrr]

Well with that system and the praposed upgrades you wouldnt be able to run an 8800. You would have to go with an 8600 or a 7 series card. You may want to consider a better quality card anyway since you plan to use this for a while.

Naw, I was going to upgrade either to a Core 2 Duo or a new gfx card Christmas time when I actually know which one is needed for COD4. I will likely go with the 512mb version of the 1650 for $64 and $45 after MIR.

[Kvar]

I would not buy an Ultra product as quality control is non existant. Overall shoddy build and my sample (that was bought from Fry's) that I tore apart had a loose solder ball inside the chassis.

[Raptorrr]

I would not buy an Ultra product as quality control is non existant. Overall shoddy build and my sample (that was bought from Fry's) that I tore apart had a loose solder ball inside the chassis.

Jonny has highly rated some Ultra products and some products are very good for the price.

[jonnyGURU]

Actually, I haven't... Matt has, and so have other review sites. I haven't because, until recently, I've had a working relationship with Ultra.

Kvar is pissed because he had a unit that slipped through Wintech's QC. Not to say his concerns aren't legit. His PSU should've never hit the street, but in my experience it's the exception and not the rule.

You can see his thread elsewhere in this forum.

[MrWicked1968]

I just wonder if kvar's experience has anything to do with where he bought it? I've never been to a Fry's, but in some respects, they sound like the Big Lots of the computer world.

[Raptorrr]

So, what do you think that PSU could handle Jonny? I was going based on your Tier's of top power supplies that you atleast had a high opinion of Ultra.

[MrWicked1968]

he has a high opinion of the higher end Ultras (X3 in particular). The V-series is decent for the price. http://www.jonnyguru.com/PSU/V-Series/V-Series.html

[jonnyGURU]

Yeah. The 500W is "good enough" for a non SLI rig. Certainly wouldn't want to stress it too much. It'll do 500W, but it's efficiency isn't very good and I wouldn't want to get it too hot.

It seems to be a lot better than a lot of the "cheap" PSU's out there. We've got some reviews coming that are quite... well... you'll have to wait and see for yourself. :D

But the tier list is what it is for the particular models mentioned. Don't go by me saying "Ultra X3 is good" and then assume that all Ultras are good. Like I said to Kvar in his thread (paraphrased); "you can't judge a whole brand of product line from one particular model from one particular OEM." Just doesn't make sense.

[clsA]

They have had that Case and that PSU Free After Rebate several times in the past year.

It's still a Great Deal at $40 plus shipping, But like jonny just said that PSU is less that 66% efficient and puts off a bit of heat.
i have one powering a Athlon XP Mobile 2500 / Geforce 6800GS in the kids PC , never a problem, but it does put off some heat

[Raptorrr]

I plan on putting a 120mm fan on top, a 120mm in the back, an 80mm in the front and keeping the air duct on the side. I would think that would keep it plenty cool. If I had plenty enough cooling, do you think that would be able to run a Core 2 Duo and a 8800gts?

[Kvar]

I just wonder if kvar's experience has anything to do with where he bought it? I've never been to a Fry's, but in some respects, they sound like the Big Lots of the computer world.

It was not a returned or second hand product and if you looked at my pictures, the unwashed flux, solder droplets and such are production level issues. The unwashed flux together with overall shoddy construction isn't something that hits one unit, but usually the whole batch. Good QC wouldn't have even allowed that to hit the shelf.

[Raptorrr]

I plan on putting a 120mm fan on top, a 120mm in the back, an 80mm in the front and keeping the air duct on the side. I would think that would keep it plenty cool. If I had plenty enough cooling, do you think that would be able to run a Core 2 Duo and a 8800gts?

Does anyone know if this is good enough to run like a e4400 oc and an 8800gts?

[MrWicked1968]

probably so, but I think you should increase your budget another $10 and buy the 600w Xfinity EE from Tiger Direct. see here (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2700095&CatId=1483)

[Raptorrr]

$10? I am getting the case+PSU for $40. This is for a budget build that I hope can game well enough to play COD4 at 125 constant (when I get an e4400 and 8800gts).

Specs:
P4 3.6ghz
P945-S3
1GB DDR2-667 Kingston
x1650 512mb
LG DVD-RW
80GB SATA
500w PSU

I got the P4 free from a friend, so the total before shipping for grills, fans, thermal paste, and the parts is $321

[MrWicked1968]

do we even know for sure if that's even a V-series? The item listing only says that it's an "Ultra PSU". All of Tiger Direct's other items mention specifically what the PSU is, whether an X2, V-series, XVS, Coolmax, and so on.

I have my doubts that this is a V-series PSU, the price on the case/psu combo is too low.

[Raptorrr]

Look at the outside of the PSU and the specs, they are identical to the V-Series: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1187021&sku=ULT31795

[MrWicked1968]

I know. I'm just saying that neither Tiger Direct nor Ultra identify it as a V-series.

[Raptorrr]

Look at the outside though, that is impossible that it could be any other Ultra PSU besides the V-Series. If I don't have enough power for a top end gfx card, I will either step down to a 8600, x1950, or 7900, or buy one of those gfx card power supplies (250-300w specifically for the gfx card).

[clsA]

Look at the outside though, that is impossible that it could be any other Ultra PSU besides the V-Series. If I don't have enough power for a top end gfx card, I will either step down to a 8600, x1950, or 7900, or buy one of those gfx card power supplies (250-300w specifically for the gfx card).

?? why not add the price of a vga only psu now and get a better combo

[Raptorrr]

Since I am 16 currently without a job and I am buying this computer with money from the sale of my old computer and some money of my own. X-mas time I will ask for a new gfx card and/or processor. I am tired of playing at 50-60fps in COD2 and CS:S.

[clsA]

Since I am 16 currently without a job and I am buying this computer with money from the sale of my old computer and some money of my own. X-mas time I will ask for a new gfx card and/or processor. I am tired of playing at 50-60fps in COD2 and CS:S.

the ultra case combo is fine for what you want ..get a 7600GT with it
check ebay for some great deals everyone with 7600-7900 are getting new 8800's now and sell their old stuff cheap