UPS (power, not delivery) question

[slackerinabox]

Hey guys,
We've been having a lot of brownouts /blackouts lately and I hate the tolll they're taking on my beloved computer.. Any suggestions for a good UPS? Just specs would be fine too.. I'd also like one that does an automated save/shut down... Again, I don't need my system to run 24/7 I just hate losing data...

Here's my specs:
Sony epd-500 monitor (21")
400 watt powersupply pushing an Intel p4-2.4 gig (not over clocked)
3 hds/ one dvdrw drive
Any other specs required? I don't care about my printer or speakers - i just want to be able to save and properly shut down.
Thanks!

 

[owensdj]

I put your system specs into APC's online UPS Selector utility and it recommended the APC Back-UPS 650, which is the one I use.

This UPS can shutdown your computer automatically using the serial port when the battery power is about to expire during an extended power outage.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: owensdj
I put your system specs into APC's online UPS Selector utility and it recommended the APC Back-UPS 650, which is the one I use.

This UPS can shutdown your computer automatically using the serial port when the battery power is about to expire during an extended power outage.

Awesome! Thanks so much!

 

[slackerinabox]

Wow - $250... Hmm, anything cheaper/

 

[owensdj]

You can get the APC Back-UPS 650(BK650MC) for $119.49 at BuyUptime.

 

[Thied1]

I got a Back-UPS XS 1000 for $100 from CompUSA after $25 MIR. It's USB-connected and has some spiffy monitoring software.

 

[ProviaFan]

I have an APC Back-UPS 650 that is powering two computers and one monitor; it works well. However, I've not heard very good things about APC's willingness to honor their "insurance" that they give you with their UPSes. On the other hand, I've heard nothing but good things about Belkin's policies concerning the honoring of their warranty on their UPSes (fortunately, I haven't had to experience this, yet... *knocks on wood*).

 

[zephyrprime]

Get the APC smart ups. It can boost power during brown outs. Get one from ebay where all sorts of UPS's are cheap.

 

[owensdj]

zephyrprime, what do you mean by saying the Smart UPS can "boost power during brown outs?" The non-Smart UPS by APC will switch to battery power during a brown out too AFAIK, if that's what you mean.

 

[sharkeeper]

zephyrprime, what do you mean by saying the Smart UPS can "boost power during brown outs?" The non-Smart UPS by APC will switch to battery power during a brown out too AFAIK, if that's what you mean.

Most UPS' will switch to inverter during a power anomaly based on the user's settings. (if adjustable!)

Better models feature inductive components that allow for bucking and boosting. This allows for steady 120VAC even if the input drops to 90VAC or surges to 145VAC! This prevents excessive switching and prolongs battery life. It also costs more money. Some models will run the inverter 100% and use the incoming power to charge batteries only. This provides exceptional if not galvanic isolation from utility power but has drawbacks as well. Ferroresonant UPS' have exceptional isolation and zero transfer times as well without the requirement of the inverter running all the time. Both types are expensive and not usually found in home UPS systems.

That said, a 500~1500VA (somewhere in between) should suit your needs well. Use pricegrabber.com if you're buying new or ebay.com to find a deal on a used unit.

-DAK-

 

[snailophone]

So what's the advantage (other than not losing data youre currently working on) over battery back up vs. good surge protection? Battery is really pricey compared to plain old surge protection.

 

[owensdj]

snailophone, having a battery back up also prevents the power surges and sags that over time take a toll on your computer's power supply and monitor.