Uninteruptable Power Supply

  • Thread starter Keef
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Keef

Keef

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I've been dealing with a frustratingly high number of power outages in my area lately. This hasn't been typical as far as I can remember. We've had numerous outages due to lightning and storms this year, and currently I'm experiencing random, split-second outages supposedly due to construction nearby. Our computers have forcibly shut down probably 10 times this year because of outages. That's tough on hardware.

So now I'm interested in something I probably should have started with, a battery backup or UPS. But I'm not expert on electricity, and I'm not sure how big a battery I need.

All I need is something that provides me enough time to save my stuff, or quit a game, or stop some downloads and then shut down my computer properly. Certainly not more than a half-hour of operation. But UPSs that last that long aren't putting out the wattage I think they should - my computer has a 750-watt power supply, not 200.

Obviously the computer is using a different amount of electricity while idle or while burning up during demanding games, so what kind of UPS do I need? Maybe you all could share your hardware and UPS setups, or problems you've had with power outages. I'd appreciate the help, thanks!
 
Hows this? It should be enough to power your PC and monitor. You could have a lamp attached if you want light during a long power outage(though I don't have experience with these things).
 
Just go on Newegg's site, select computer hardware -> power protection, then UPS, then 501-1000 Watts. Figure on spending $100-$150.
 
APC rules. I've got 20-year-old UPSs in my house, although be assured the batteries are not original.

All of the UPSs in my house were customer throw-aways. "It's fine, just needs the batteries replaced. Should be done every 2 or 3 years as regular maintenance." "Nah, get me a new one." "OK . . ." Goes to local battery wholesaler and has 1000AH or 1500AH UPS for the price of 4 batteries.
 
I bought a Tripplite 8 outlet 750W UPS a few months back and I couldn't be happier. I'm even considering getting one for my TV room as well, although of a lesser wattage. Good investment. If you have a regular computer (non-work station or gaming PC) then you shouldn't need anything higher than 800W in my opinion.
 
I'll second (third?) the recommendation for APC. Which reminds me... past time to try to source out some replacement batteries.
 

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