We are going to have a look at the Ultra X Connect modular power supply in chrome. If you’re not familiar with the concept behind a modular PSU, it’s really quite simple. You only plug in the wires you will need. This eliminates cable clutter and improves air flow. Pre-rounded UV reactive cables also reduce air obstruction, and look better as well. The only problem is that the included modular cables may be too long for your application and have molded plugs on each end.

So today, we will have a look at the PSU itself, do a little Fan Grill mod, and I will show you how to easily shorten those cables. This will not be a full blown PSU review as I am not qualified, nor equipped, to make all those microscopic (and boring) measurements. I have, however, used these PSU’s in many installations without any problems.

A quality carton that will draw attention on store shelves--or get you your PSU safely if you order online. Inside we find our PSU, in this case the chrome model, a box with 9 X -Connect modular cables, and simple instructions.

For the project we are currently working on, we ordered the chrome 500-watt version you see here from CrazyPC. You can find it, and several other colors here. In the top view, you can see the very attractive fan grill treatment that incorporates the logo and a black mesh. We’re going to yank it, and paint it red to match our project.

In the middle image above, you see the front with its modular plug sockets. As a nice touch, these sockets have a rubber cover to protect unused ports. The sharp eyed among you may have noticed that the mainboard power socket is a 20 pin, wich brings us to another strength of this PSU. When a format changes, like the new 24 pin main power, or SATA power connectors, or the new 6 pin video card connectors, all you need to do is order a new cable, not a whole new PSU.