Running Computer During Power Outage Without Gas Generator

Urzu1000 · Sep 9, 2014

The title does a fair point of making my questions apparent. The area where I live is prone to hurricanes from time to time, and power outages aren't uncommon.

I would like a solution so that I could run my computer (650W), and one (24 in) monitor for at least one day, preferably two or three, without using a gasoline powered generator.

Not that I'm against generators, but to be honest, when the power goes out the human population becomes crazy. Stealing generators is a common issue, and they have to be constantly guarded if outside. Inside, I can't use them due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Does anyone know of any solutions to my predicament? Thanks in advance for your help!

permanoob · Sep 9, 2014

Outside of a generator you're looking at a massive UPS that you're not going to be able to store or afford really. Check out www.apc.com and see what they have to offer. Their beefiest "home" solution would keep your computer running for about 30-60 minutes. Even there I think you'd be looking at close to $500 for that.

USAFRet · Sep 9, 2014

I would like a solution so that I could run my computer (650W), and one (24 in) monitor for at least one day, preferably two or three

That is a crapload of batteries. Or a whole house solar+battery solution.
Or, a power inverter running off the car. Eats gas, though.

I too live in a hurricane prone area. If my power is out due to a hurricane, so is the ISP substation. So I'd be limited to futzing around locally on the PC. And if not just internal use, I'd also have to power the modem/router/switch.

Powering a PC + monitor + networking equipment for 2 days offgrid is a major investment.

13thmonkey · Sep 9, 2014

nothing that is cheaper than moving. Or hiring a guard for a genny.

You could run an inverter off a car, and keep the engine running, but car engines are not designed for static running really, and you'd need fuel.

If your generator did not run of gasoline, but ran off something else, then Carbon Monoxide might not be a problem, hydrogen for instance like they use for forklift trucks. But you are not talking about a cheap solution, and you'd better really need to run it.

mbarnes86 · Sep 9, 2014

Hi

I suggest you measure the power consumed by the PC 650 Watts is max supported by psu
Poor quality ones will fail if you try to draw 95% or even 90% of rated power

If you don't have a seperate gpu the power draw will be much less
Look at a APC 2200VA ups which the biggest I ever specified for a server
But cost about £1000 (UK )

Or get a system running on a intel Atom or other low power CPU

Or a laptop or a desktop system using a laptop CPU

Good enough for simple office tasks

Maybe you can get upto a days running on one charge

Regards
Mike Barnes

USAFRet · Sep 9, 2014

Hurricane + power outage = cooking on the grill + candles + books and conversation + gas chainsaw for cleanup.
And other stuff, but this is a family friendly website...

Urzu1000 · Sep 9, 2014

So far it looks like the best solution to this problem might be going camping, having a BBQ, or buying around $12,000 in UPSs. To be honest, it would be cheaper to buy 12 gaming laptops, and just run each one until they dry up. Or just get an outside generator and pay someone to hold a gun and stand guard.

I don't think I'm that addicted to my computer though. I'll probably stick with the best suggestion so far, which is get some books, fire up the grill, and spend some quality time with family. And maybe some "other stuff..."

Or, take my computer, load it into the car, and go get a hotel room a few cities over, and make up for the cost of my stay in electricity.

Thanks guys for all the answers lol.

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