Best UPS for a gaming computer?

Minstedmaz · Jul 15, 2014

Hello everyone, I want to get a UPS for my gaming computer, and doing my research I found out that the big names are APC, Cyberpower, Eaton and Tripplite, which one would you suggest to me?

I have an intel i7 4770, an Asus Z97-A motherboard, 2 hard disks, a GTX 660 Ti, and 3 led case fans (120 mm), this PC is connected to a 40" Sony LCD, so thats what I need to keep on for at least 2 minutes.

I was recommened to get a 1000 KVA or more UPS, but the prices skyrocket from model to model.

Some people say APC is the best and some people say its now really bad, some people like cyberpower and some people hate it, so I'm really confused in which APC to get, my budget tops at $150.00 dlls.

ErikV55 · Jul 15, 2014

Hello, I work with APC and Tripplite regularly. There are a few things you need to consider. How much wattage do you need the UPS to provide? How long would you like the unit to supply power for? Obviously the higher those two numbers go, the higher the price. I recommend choosing one that provides enough time for you to shut your pc down safely and nothing more. (Since that's what UPS' are for, unless of course the machine is mission critical.)

Minstedmaz · Jul 15, 2014

ErikV55 :

Thanks for your message, acording to the Xtreme Power Supply calculator (http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine) my pc uses around 433 watts, I don't know how much does my lcd screen use, and I need them to stay on between 2-3 minutes, just enough to properly shut down my equipment.

nukemaster · Jul 15, 2014

You may want to look into your system as well. Some of the newer power supplies do not get along with step/square/simulated sine wave and work fine on pure sine wave.

I would go about 2x the run time you want(so if you take 5 min to save and shut down, try for 10 min uptime at your wattage) so that as the battery ages the system is usable longer(run time decreases with age). Now only do this if the price is not too much more.

Some of the Cyberpower units use some form of triangle wave that works with these newer power supplies and they are rather cheap to buy as well.

I have a Backups XS 1200 from APC(not pure sinewave but has worked on the system it is connected to. It DOES make the power supply buzz, but I shut it down right away so it is not an issue for me) and just got a battery for an old SmartUPS 1400.

EDIT
Your screen should have a power listing on it, check the input section.

volts x amps = wattage.

I would guess you have to work rather hard to pull 433 with the computer.

Minstedmaz · Jul 15, 2014

What is the sine wave stuff you mentioned, I haven't found a website where I can learn and finally understand that stuff.

nukemaster · Jul 15, 2014

Well you can find some general info here
http://www.overclock.net/t/1305395/the-uninterrupting-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups-guide/0_40

This may give you an idea of the sine wave thing.
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/ups/funcOutput-c.html

AC power swings from about 170 volts positive to 170 negative in a smooth wave. The average of all this alternating(called AC for a reason

) power is 120 volts(Canada) or 110/115(USA) depending on your location(230/240 are common in in other countries as well.).

The active power correction portion of the power supply does not always get along with square or modified waves found in some ups setups. Again, it may be best to get ahold if you power supply maker to confirm.

My system despite Active Power Correction works fine, but also only draws 40-150 watts(at higher loads maybe it becomes more of an issue).

Minstedmaz · Jul 15, 2014

nukemaster :

Thanks for your answers and the info provided in the Links, it was nice to learn somethin new.

What do you think of this one? It looks good.

http://www.amazon.com/APC-BR1000G-Back-UPS-Uninterruptible-Supply/dp/B0038ZTZ3W

nukemaster · Jul 15, 2014

It is a Stepped approximation to a sinewave unit so please ensure you power supply is ok with it.

Again, I have been using stepped approximation for years without issues, but some have been reported so I want you to be sure.

Other than that it seems to have a good set of features for the price.

Did you see how much power your TV takes?

Minstedmaz · Jul 16, 2014

nukemaster :

Thanks for all of your messages and time, I did notice that it was a Stepped approximation ups, I saw some Cyberpower APC that have pure sinewave, but unfortunately I can't get a hold of those where I live.

I did check my TV it says 180 watts on the sticker.

Minstedmaz · Jul 16, 2014

nukemaster :

I might go with this one:

http://www.cyberpowersystems.com/products/ups-systems/pfc-sinewave-series/CP1000PFCLCD.html

I just found a retailer and it is a sine wave ups.

nukemaster · Jul 16, 2014

Seems like a good unit.

It will not let your ride out power outs, but that is not the reason home users get a ups anyway.

Remember to install the software so it can shut down the computer even if you are not around.

Minstedmaz · Jul 16, 2014

Thank you all for your help!

Minstedmaz · Jul 21, 2014

Hello everyone I just wanted to let you know how did this thread finished.

I bought this APc Ups:
https://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BN1080G

I couldn't get the pure sinewave I wanted, so I had to buy the APC one with its stepped aproximation to a Sine Wave, the results are:

I'm very happy with my purchase, the UPS unit works great, I haven't had any problems with it, it works very good, my pc keeps working like promised running with the ups battery without rebooting or any kinds of buzz from neither the UPS nor the PSU, I think I was overworried about the issue and that my Antec HCG620m psu works great with APC brand UPS'

nukemaster · Jul 21, 2014

Glad you got it all setup and working.

Did you install the software that came with it.

If not, I would do that too. The software allows the system to be shut down or placed into hibernation(suspend to hard drive) when the power is out for a set time(1-5 min on my XS1200 and as long as I want on the SmartUPS) or when the battery is too low to keep the system on. This will leave one less thing to worry about if you are not at the computer and the power fails. On some models the UPS will also shut off after.

Minstedmaz · Jul 22, 2014

Yes I did install it and so far everything is working excellent.

Ar_Manav · Apr 18, 2017

nukemaster :

Can you please tell how to ensure that the stepped approx UPS is compatible to any existing PSU we have?? any particular way to check??
thanx in advance

nukemaster · Apr 18, 2017

Some power supply makers will list it on the specs. If you already have the ups you can just test it by pulling the power cord when the system is on.

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