Which PSU PC P+C 1kw or ultra x4 1200w

Performance (40% of the final score) - the Ultra X4 1200 watt model started off with a bang and ended with a resounding thud. Yes, it did the whole one thousand two hundred watts of rated power. But it was hardly without issue. First, we saw efficiency numbers so embarrassing they left me wondering how this unit could have ever passed 80 Plus standard, let alone Bronze. Then, due to a fair sized gap between the 12V maximum capacity and the total rated capacity, we saw some not so good voltage stability from the 3.3V and 5V rails due to the need to max them out to get up to full power. Last but not least, we have a unit that was only too happy to exceed ripple specs at 12V for several seconds before the overtemp protection was able to kick in and shut the unit down. There are a few good points about this unit, like the overshoot transient protection, the ripple suppression, and the 12V regulation, but for the most part it's all overwhelmed by sheer blandness. This unit gets a 5 for being so... well... so-so when everything is taken into consideration.

Functionality (20% of the final score) - if the performance score of this unit is worthy of a big point smackdown, the functionality score is going to be the exact opposite. Why? Well, not too many companies do modular like Ultra, who holds the patent on it. Every last cable is neatly and obsessively sleeved, each with its own little velcro cable tie. If you need to pull the main ATX cable off, you can. There's no chance of mixing up the connectors on the back of the unit. There are tons of connectors for every possible combination of parts this unit is able to run, and yes, Virginia, you can run three way SLI on this unit without worry because you'll not be able to hit 1200W with a modern 12V based rig on this unit. 10.

Value (30% of the final score) - Provantage is currently offering these for $256.56. Yes, folks, for the low low price of two hundred, fifty-six dollars and fifty-six cents, you too can own a 1200W power supply with 1020W of useable 12V capacity for your very own. Just... don't pay any attention to that BFG EX-1200 over there, which uses a superior Andyson built platform to this one. No, it's not forty two bucks cheaper, you're seeing things. No, the 80 Plus Gold rated OCZ Z series unit over there isn't seven smackers cheaper either. 5.

Aesthetics (10% of the final score) - I have to admit, the looks of this unit are the best thing it has going for it. I have to do a 10 here, I just have to.

Performance

5

Functionality

10

Value

5

Aesthetics

10

Total Score

6.5

Summary

The X4 series is Ultra's attempt to freshen up the X3 line by adding 80 Plus certification among other things to the aging X3 lineup. While this unit's performance is in no way indicative of the rest of the product line, and the big 1600W monster is likely still pushing its own special platform that has proven to be absolutely awesome at other sites, I have to say I am disappointed by this unit. It is a good thing the 1200W model is not the flagship of Ultra's fleet, because this one's barely holding itself above water.

The Good:

good ripple and noise suppression
did 1200W
extremely flexible cabling
lifetime warranty
ran at full power well above rated operating temperature
overshoot transient suppression well above average
The Bad:

somewhat sloppy build quality
no overtemp shutdown until it was almost too late
one must run the combined 3.3V and 5V rails almost wide open to get to 1200W
The Mediocre:

efficiency below standard 80 Plus certification