Ultra X-Connect 500W Modular PSU - Installation Issues

I had trouble installing the X-Connect PSU in the CoolerMaster Wave Master case that I am using. All the CoolerMaster cases that I have seen (and I'm sure there are other makes) use a power supply cage that allows you to install the PSU from behind. While the X-Connect itself fits just fine with space left over, there is not enough space left over and it is impossible to install the motherboard X-Connect cable to the PSU.

The 4-pin Molex connectors do clear the drive cage, but the motherboard connector is so much larger that it clearly does not. This constriction causes the PSU to hang approximately half an inch out the back side of the case. Ultra could have prevented this if they turned the motherboard connector horizontal, but unfortunately it seems they did not know about this problem and no where is the issue documented.

Another space restriction problem occurs because of the larger cable connectors and the stiff cable due to the UV plastic covering occurs if there is a device installed opposite a long video card. This picture shows what I mean:

In the center you see the cable header and how large it is. To the right is the hard drive and its power connector and to the left is a NVIDIA 6800 graphics card with its power connector. The 6800 and the hard drive's connectors are not exactly in line so with an ordinary power supply, it is possible to connect these without any problems. But longer X-Connect connectors mean the cables have to bend even tighter and the UV plastic covering makes this extremely difficult. In the end I was able to hook everything together with the X-Connect cables but it was a little difficult to do and required extra care.

Here is a shot of everything fully hooked up under a black light. Looks pretty snazzy!

Next: Tests and Conclusion >>
 

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