The Ultra X3 1000W is an extremely powerful PSU that is very quiet - I can barely even hear it over my case fans when they are on low! Granted, my system doesn't load the PSU very much (though it will when I get the SLI setup I've been aiming for), but it's quieter than any other PSU with 1000W capabilities so I'm happy.
Now before I get criticized for "wanting to increase my e-penis" or whatever else some of you jealous types want to spew, I bought this PSU for a reason. Well, a handful of reasons, actually... It looks brilliant, it performs on par with top-notch PSUs (as rated by Jonny Guru), it has a unique modular cabling system that allows for excellent cable management, it was relatively inexpensive, and it is truly future proof with its 8-pin PCI-E capabilities and
lifetime warranty! So, if you still want to criticize me for this purchase, then you should reexamine your life and your priorities.
Onto the good stuff - pictures!
From just looking at the box you'd think that this PSU was made to look pretty:
The packaging is just as superb!
The cables come in the black box you see, with the PSU located beneath.
The PSU is situated in Styrofoam-like stuff to keep it undamaged during transport, and is within protective wrapping to prevent scratches until it is ready to be installed.
The ForceFlex cables are a very nice design and are high-quality. Very flexible, yet durable. There are more cables than you know what to do with, and many of the same type but varying lengths to help even more with cable management!
As if the pretty cables weren't enough to woo you into buying this PSU, the shiny coating certainly will:
It also appears to be at least semi-scratch resistant as I have yet to notice a blemish on the reflective coating despite a few run-ins with components and the occasional screwdriver. (For those wondering, I am wearing a 'Weird Al' Yankovic shirt from his "The Saga Continues" tour. Hey - it may be nerdy but he's quite entertaining and doesn't cost much to see live!)
Finally, let's see the PSU in action:
It is all black, including the fan, so it looks very elegant inside the case. The modular interface plate is aluminum (which you can't see since this picture was taken without a flash), so this PSU is definitely high-quality in appearence and design!
The nice reflection you see of me taking the picture and the internal components of the case is due to the AeroCool SilverLightning fan on the left. It has white LEDs, which really accentuate the PSU's shiny coat by reflecting things off of it. It looks just like the XtremeTurbine fans from AeroCool when shut off, and offers the blurred motion-effect as well. The blue glow you see on the upper surface of the case is the reflection from the XtremeTurbine fan at the rear of the case. I am very pleased with the AeroCool fans and I encourage you all to try them as well!
My next entry will cover the installation of my ASUS P5N32-E SLI motherboard and peripheral components.