Please recommend an UPs

[new2toms]

I built my new computer few months ago and it got fried by a lightning strike. So I am back to square one again.
I would like to get an ups to avoid future disasters but I don't know what to look for or which power supply to get.

Here are the specs for future build:

Q9450
4 GB Cosair memory
650 power supply
Antec 900 case
saphire 4870 video
velociraptor 300GB
asus p5q deluxe MB
asus dvd drive
samsung 24" monitor

Thanks in advance

 

[chookman]

If you havent already checkout SomeJoe's UPS Sticky here

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/248245-28-tomshardware

Im currently using a Belkin 650VA and its enough to power my machine, 24" monitor and modem so you shouldnt need more than that, unless you want the battery backup to last longer.

 

[new2toms]

Thanks for the link and any suggestions for a battery backup?

 

[Conumdrum]

Okay, you need a good surge protector, not a battery backup.

A battery backup is a quality surge protector plus a backup to supply ya with power till ya shut it down. And it costs more.

A quality surge protector will NOT protect you from a very close, to the house/street hit. Nothing outside of a $10,000 system built into your house circuit breaker panel would even come close.

BUT, buying a good PC surge protector IS a good idea. Buying a good UPS IS a good idea IF you work on data that you can't lose, like writing a book, lose power, and have a hard drive write error at that moment of losing power.

If you go the UPS route, make sure the unit has enough ommmph power, V/A (meaning Volt/Amp) ability to keep the system running. I suggest buying a watt meter
Edit: http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-Kill-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU
($30) and plugging all your PC stuff into it, maxx out the PC whith whatever ya like to do, and recording the number, and add 20% to it. Then you know your min UPS you have to buy. I can't recommend any certain one due to what power requirements you have. That will ensure the battery backup system can supply enuff power to keep the system up till you shut down.


Still, under 100 for a surge, under 200 for an UPS should be okay. Look at the Joules for a good surge.

Read..............
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/248245-28-tomshardware

 

[Grimmy]

I got a secondary UPS from local Best Buy:

APC - 1300VA Battery Back-Up System

I'm pretty happy with it. And I do believe its plenty worth it.

 

[shadowthor]

+1 for the apc 1300va