Need to buy a UPS

[terrorist96]

I've been planning on investing in an uninterruptible power supply for my computer so I don't keep losing everything during rolling blackouts or a storm. It'd give me the opportunity to at least finish what I was doing, save, and shut down properly after a power outage. But it doesn't seem as easy as I thought. There are so many different options. I mainly just need something that I can plug my computer, monitor and maybe router to. (See my system specs)

I looked on Amazon Amazon.com: uninterruptible power supply: Electronics and eBay uninterruptible power supply, Computers Networking, Electronics. Great deals on eBay! to see what my main options were.

If anyone could give me some tips or recommendations, that'd be great!

 

[richc46]

The best to buy is UPS. by APC. I will get you the phone number. Give them a call, they are knowledgable and helpful and most of all friendly. Give them your specs, they will tell you what you need. You can then shop around or buy from them

Since all of your choices seem to be APC, I suggest that you give them a call. Ihave found them to be honest in all my dealings with them.

I have had one since windows 98

 

[richc46]

Here is their website. Select your Country and give them a call.

APC - Country Selection Page

 

[GEWB]

First calculate your power needs (amps being used). As a minimum add your cpu and monitor (router/modem optional) - include all components (mobo, cpu max, video card, hard drives, dvd, etc.).

Next decide how long you need it all to run (10 minutes is usually enough as long as your system is not left unattended). That will determine the rating you need (make sure the UPS can deliver the amp-hours you calculated).

Don't go overboard on rating of the unit you buy because the batteries wear out (even when not called to provide auxillary power) - typical is two years - factor in battery replacement cost.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[terrorist96]

Thanks guys. I used this tool https://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm to figure out what I could get by with and ended up buying this one APC Back-UPS ES 8 Outlet 550VA 120V
Not from APC though, Amazon Amazon.com: APC Back-UPS ES 8 Outlet 550VA 120V: Electronics Free shipping.

 

[richc46]

You will not be sorry with APC. Good luck to you.

 

[Zepher]

Thanks guys. I used this tool https://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm to figure out what I could get by with and ended up buying this one APC Back-UPS ES 8 Outlet 550VA 120V
Not from APC though, Amazon Amazon.com: APC Back-UPS ES 8 Outlet 550VA 120V: Electronics Free shipping.

that unit may be too small for your application.
After it is charged for a day, hook up your machine to it and then pull the plug and see if it will run the machine.

 

[terrorist96]

I only need it for no more than 5 minutes. So if there are rolling blackouts, it'll be fine or if the power goes out indefinitely, I have at least 5 minutes to save my stuff and shut down. The APC tool that I linked to earlier said that with my monitor, computer, router, and external hdd plugged in the battery outlets, it would last around 5 minutes.

 

[seekermeister]

I know that when I bought my APC ~4 years ago, I was surprised that I got less battery time than it claimed on the box. When I spoke to APC about this, they pointed out that the time on the box specified an LCD, rather than a CRT as I was using then. I've had to replace the battery once, and the data collection function on it no longer works, but as a battery backup, it still going strong.