If you've never seen a modular PSU before, this is how they look. =D There are no labels to let you know which connection fits where, but it doesn't matter as the cables are the same each end, so you can use them either way around. The only exception being the main 24 pin ATX connector which has at one end a four pin block that's removable to use with a 20 pin mainboard. Of course, if you plugged this end into the PSU, you'd lose that functionality. Otherwise connecting the cables is not an issue at all as size wise each cable only fits in one type of slot. Also, If you're familiar with the original X-Connect, you'll notice that the 2x 80mm fans have been replaced by a single 120mm to reduce noise.

Aesthetically, this PSU is different from a regular PSU. The windows in particular makes it rather unique. A window also means the manufacturer has to make sure it's tidy in there! The PSU is just as heavy as any major brand, but is actually a little longer than most. Certainly not enough to start worrying about dimensions though. ATX standards have to be met, so the width and height must be the same, but the length can and will vary.

On the back of the unit you'll notice the input voltage selection switch. What this means is that the unit does not have active PFC, which can be expensive to implement because it uses a complicated method of power factor correction, but the majority of modern PSUs do have it. Ultra have taken the cheaper route.

A close up of the fan and grill on the underside of the PSU. The fan is of course blue, we'll show you that later. You can also notice the chromed Ultra logo and surround.

Since Ultra decided to use a single 120mm fan, there is no fan on the back, simply venting holes for the air to be released through and yes they were needed.

This sticker is normally on the side of PSUs, but is actually on the top here so as not to render one of the windows useless. This sticker gives the specs of the unit and to the side are logos to certify it meets certain criteria. The lower most sticker there says "Hi-Pot Passed." Hi-Pot stands for high potential, which means high voltage testing. Hi-pot testing is the name of the process for applying high voltage to a device in order to determine the status of its electrical insulation. To add to that, this product is also burn-in tested (tested at full load for extended periods of time with no problems) and has all necessary protections in place should the unit fail - OVP (over voltage protection), OCP (over current), SCP (short circuit) and OTP (over temperature). 

You can't see it very well in the picture, but under where it says "550w" at the bottom of the table is the UL number. The number for this particular PSU is E178768 and if you visit http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/gfilenbr.html you can enter that number and find out the manufacturer of the PSU. This can be done with most PSUs, so if you're curious you can now find out. Most manufacturers don't make their own PSU's in house. Perhaps they may modify it in house but usually they just buy from an OEM and stick their name on it.

For example Antec PSUs used to be made by CWT (Channel Well Technology), though I'm not sure if they still are. I can pretty much guarantee that most people wouldn't have heard of CWT, but most people have certainly heard of Antec. With the Ultra X2-Connect it's actually made by a company called Wintech, who I really know nothing to be honest. The original X-Connect was manufactured by a company called Youngyear.

Here's a close up of those modular connections. The connectors fit very snugly, they are not a pain to remove nor are they likely to fall out.

The cables are actually very long. I have a mid-tower and these cables reach the bottom of the case no problem and have a lot of length to spare. You would have no problem using this PSU in a large case. Ultra have reverted back to using the standard type of molex connection for the X2-Connect, you know, those awkward things that are a pain to remove when stuck inside drives and such. =P Since the rest of the PSU is modded out, I would've thought Ultra might've changed these to easy grip connectors, which are a lot easier to use. That would've been good. The cables are silver and of the "FlexForce" variety.

Whilst they are a little easier to manouvre than standard cables, they are a lot wider, so air will be blocked. The only way that they would help airflow is if you had them so they were flat the whole time, which is pretty much impossible. But really the difference in airflow blockage between these and regular cables is hardly a point worth mentioning.

A quick shot with all the cables plugged in.