OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W PSU

The ModX

OCZ's ModXStream Pro mixes a bit of red into a classic plain black style, with large stickers on both sides and a huge fan on top. The look is a little muddled with these stickers and logos against a decent finish that doesn't pick up fingerprints, but isn't designed to be particularly hard wearing.

The 13.5cm fan is the usual size we're used to seeing that barely squeezes between the sides. However, while this extra girth provides a bit more cooling, it doesn't mean the dead-spot underneath is any larger because the central motor is still small and the very small gaps between the blades means it sucks more air in. Sadly though, the ModXStream Pro's cost of manufacture - or lack of it - shows up clearly here because it's not particularly well balanced and the thinner plastic on the blades is clear to see when comparing against other (smaller) fans.

OCZ doesn't put in an annoying lighted fan on its ModXStream Pro series though, just like the old ModXStream, limiting this to its GameXStream and Fatal1ty models.


OCZ splits its 12V supply between two 18 Amp rails providing 432W in total - only 86.4 percent of the full 500W. In addition, because it's a multi-rail design you'll have to use both rails fully to get all the juice, but given the limited connectors provided (as expected), this shouldn't be too much of an issue even if it isn't ideal.


The cable braid goes right inside the casing for the ATX cable, so it looks a little cleaner, but it's not matched by the two EPS 12V CPU power cables that stop short, and since we're being particularly pedantic: a black zip tie would have matched better than a white.

OCZ's ModXStream Pro modular connectors get a revamp for the better - not only are they far easier to use with the clips on the outside, they're easily differentiated by colour - PCI-Express are red, peripherals are black - and finally it's all very well labelled making it easier for modders and enthusiasts.


Having gone through the connectors like we usually do, using them continually for a few minutes to see if there's any obvious wear or breakage (typically they're only plugged in a few times anyway), we have to say the ModXStream Pro's connectors are very good. The connection is solid, the fit is very good, the plastic is not prone to denting or breaking, and the modular connectors are solid and correctly positioned.


Finally a surprising tit-bit: OCZ doesn't place stickers over any of the screws, so if you do fancy a nose inside, it won't void your warranty if you're careful with the screwdriver and don't burr the edges...