UPS for a gaming computer - unsure on where to start

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Warmacblu

Warmacblu

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Hi all,

I am looking to purchase a UPS for my gaming computer to combat the weekly brownouts in my area. I am unsure on where to start looking and how to select the proper UPS for my needs. Below are some of the specs for the PC:

Intel Core i7-3770K - not overclocked
MSI GTX 580 Lightning Xtreme - not overclocked
ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe
16 GB of G.SKILL RAM
Corsair AX750 PSU
1 SSD
2 SATA II HDD's
1 23 inch LED monitor

I am not looking to run this computer on battery when the power goes out, I would just like to prevent the computer from shutting down during brownouts. If there is an extended period of no power, I will shut the computer down and wait for the power to return.

Thanks for any advice and possible recommendations on some specific units that I should take a look at.
 
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HillBillyAsian

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ko888

ko888

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Based on your system configuration this one should give you around 6 minutes of battery runtime if your system is in full use at the time of a power interruption event. It has automatic voltage regulation to handle voltage sags or spikes. You'll need a pure sine wave UPS that can properly handle the Corsair AX750's active PFC circuit. X-bit labs tested the Corsair AX750 on a UPS that outputs a simulated sine wave and the UPS would not switch over to battery operating mode during a power interruption event.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842102132
 
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Warmacblu

Warmacblu

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Thanks for the replies guys. I've read those articles Jack, they were very helpful. I also did a little investigation work and discovered that those CyberPower units do not actually output a pure sine wave, even though they say that they do.

I've limited my search down to two UPS units now:

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMC1000

and

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SMC1500

I am kind of hesitant to purchase the SMC1000 because it only has an output of 600 watts. I know that my computer does not use that much wattage during full load but the difference between the two units is only 90 dollars.

What do you guys think?

Thanks
 
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Warmacblu

Warmacblu

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Thanks for the replies guys, I've spoken with several representatives from APC and they all recommend the SMC1000 as the most cost efficient choice and the SMC1500 as the optimal choice. I believe that I will purchase the SMC1500 just in case I decide to upgrade my computer down the line or add anything else to the UPS.
 
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carlw

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After a recent power-cut I figured it was time I maybe looked into buying one of these things too!


Intel i3-2120 CPU
Nvidia Geforce GTX 650 Ti
4GB RAM
32-bit Win 8.1
Asus P8H77-V LE
700w PSU
2x SATA HDD

As I have a 700w PSU, does that mean I need a 700w UPS?

I don't know much about this area of PCs but I assume that my system wont be drawing the full 700 unless I'm really hammering-away at a top-spec game?

The Nvidia is only rated 400w anyway but I assume it's everything added together that requires the 700w PSU?

(Because it didn't work right with my previous 500w PSU!)

Not bothered about playing game in power-cut, which would take more power I guess. I just need time to gracefully shut it down!

Sorry for rambling on and thanks!
 
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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It's always nice to have a Kil-o-watt meter handy

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akill%20o%20watt

Then yo can determine exactly what you need

I'd recommend a Pure Sine Wave unit from Cyberpower ..... APC has gone downhill since under new ownership

For 900 watt load, 1500VA unit recommended
For 750 watt load, 1250VA unit recommended
For 600 watt load, 1000VA unit recommended

There will usually be two models that are very similar in price , typically 50-75% more . For example

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842102134
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842102145

There will be huge differences however in run times, charge times, acceptable voltage range (important for brownouts)

Read the newegg reviews as to why peeps picked either
 
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ko888

ko888

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Asus P8H77-V LE ................ 38 W
Intel i3-2120 CPU ............... 53 W
4GB RAM ............................... 6 W
Nvidia Geforce GTX 650 Ti ... 99 W
2x SATA HDD ....................... 20 W

Total ................................. 216 W

Cooling fans weren't included since none were specified.

Since Brand and Model of 700W PSU wasn't specified use 80% as the conversion efficiency:
Power consumption at PSU's AC power plug: 270 W

You will still need to add the power consumption of the monitor.

Your total AC power draw should be under 350 Watts.
 
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