As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, this 800W is not the first Ultra X3 to be reviewed by OCIA.net but it is a first for me. It just so happens to also have the highest wattage rating and most consistent power output of any supply I've ever used, period. The amount of watts available to the +12v line is pretty insane, and even though my test system was recently upgraded it still didn't come close to making the 800W break a sweat. I doubt that even if I add a second video card for SLI that the X3 would be pushed to its limits.

When it comes to the X3's features you won't be disappointed. Like the XVS 700 that this replaced, both use Ultra's FlexForce modular cables, in my opinion the best cable design to date. The 800W unit comes with twice as many cables as I could use, so there's plenty of room for growth. The finish on the X3 is outstanding and aside from its good looks the fit and function of all of the cables is impeccable. The fan runs super quiet and the power supply never got much above luke-warm. The air coming out of the back was no warmer than the case exhaust.

I tried to come up with even one little thing that I didn't like about this Ultra power supply and you know what? I couldn't. Okay, maybe I'd like thumbscrews to mount the X3 in my case... there, how's that for nitpicking? But honestly, once you get your hands on one of these X3's you won't ever want to let go, so the fact you need a screwdriver to remove it from your case never becomes an issue.

So what's the catch you ask (there's always a catch)? Well, Ultra's MSRP on the X3 800W is $249.99 and unfortunately due to Ultra products near exclusivity to Tiger Direct, you're not going to find it much cheaper than that. So you are definitely paying a premium for all that power supply goodness. The old cliche still rings true though, you really do get what you pay for. And I think Shawn put it best when he said about the X3 1000, "This unit has become my new favorite power supply..."

The Ultra X3 800W easily earns our OCIA.net Seal of Approval.