Surge Protector for estimated 290w PC

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Tekiya

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Aug 30, 2015
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Hello! I recently finished planning out my first PC build, and have already ordered the parts. In the meantime, I found myself looking at my really old and ugly surge protector. I don't want to plug my brand new expensive PC to that thing, right?

So now, after looking at other, newer models, I am rather confused. I bought a 450w power supply, which I think should be enough, and am not sure if that has to do with which surge protector I should buy. I have looked at other threads regarding the topic, but the speech most of the replies use is extremely technical and detailed, and with english not being my native language it is rather hard for me to understand what they're trying to explain.

With this in mind, can anyone help me out and explain if I should look out for a specific kind of surge protector, or if I'm fine with whichever one I choose? Thanks in advance!
 
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ssddx
if you are only looking for a "surge protector" then most any will work, just look at the wattage ratings on the package. most larger bar styles should be good for like 1800w last i checked. this rating has more to do with the wire sizes used in its construction as really the only purpose of these is breaking the chain in case of overcurrent. a surge protector will not give you a battery to run on in case of power outtage and will not protect you from loss of power at all.

if you are looking for a "battery backup" then this is where things get a bit more confusing. this is where having one sized for your draw is important. generally you want something for at least 3-4x your maximum draw if possible as it would give you enough time to...
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Aspiring techie

Aspiring techie

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Mar 24, 2015
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I think you are safe with buying a surge protector that has many good reviews. If your computer pulls less than 500w of power, then a typical surge protector should be more than enough. I'm pretty sure they are designed to supply the same amount of power that the typical electrical outlet is designed to.
 
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ssddx

ssddx

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May 27, 2009
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if you are only looking for a "surge protector" then most any will work, just look at the wattage ratings on the package. most larger bar styles should be good for like 1800w last i checked. this rating has more to do with the wire sizes used in its construction as really the only purpose of these is breaking the chain in case of overcurrent. a surge protector will not give you a battery to run on in case of power outtage and will not protect you from loss of power at all.

if you are looking for a "battery backup" then this is where things get a bit more confusing. this is where having one sized for your draw is important. generally you want something for at least 3-4x your maximum draw if possible as it would give you enough time to shut down your pc in case of power outtage. a battery backup will protect you from power blackouts as well as surges given they have a surge protector built in. a 780w/1300va unit like i use would probably work fine for you with around (not calculated.. just rough guestimate) 3-8 minutes of run time to shut your pc down if the power goes out. note that i am assuming your average power usage to be around 250-400w (again, a guess based on you using a 450w power supply in your pc)
 
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