Broadband forum: UPS Power Supplies

Which UPS to get depends on exactly what you plan on plugging into it. For instance, a 667MHz Intel Celeron system with a CD-ROM, integrated graphics, etc running off a 200W PSU will consume a lot less power than a desktop with a Intel Core Duo, 2 DVD burners, an ATI Radeon X1900 XT graphics card, etc running off a 600W PSU. Same goes when comparing a 15" CRT to a 19" CRT.

My suggestion would be to click here and use the APC UPS selector to help determine what's best for your setup. You don't have to purchase an APC UPS (Belkin is another good option, though I prefer APC for price and quality), but it will give you an idea of what to look for.

Something to keep in mind is that you also need to protect your phone line, coaxial cable line, etc since a surge can enter from any point, not just the power cable.

In regards to plugging a surge protector into a UPS, it's not recommended. It does not really provide you with any additional protection, it provides the potential to overload the UPS, it can cause grounding issues, and it may void the warranty on the UPS and/or surge protector so that if it doesn't work properly and you lose everything you are entitled to nothing. In short, I wouldn't do it.

Hope this helps,
John

John is correct - Powerchute v2 does allow elimination of the splash screen.

Would have been nice if APC had know that.

Thanks John!!

I extensively shopped Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) both on the web and physically in stores about a year ago. I ended up buying the Geek Squad UPS at Best Buy. At the time I could find only two sizes and I bought the second largest (1285VA). I would've bought the higher rated one but they were sold out at the store I bought from. It's a feature packed unit with a function display unmatched anywhere else in the industry. There is eight electrical receptacles, four of them battery back-up. ALL of the receptacles are surge protected including the cable and telephone. The controlling software, once installed, is totally unobtrusive and also gives the owner (you) several power management options. Additionally, should the battery wear out or burn out, it's designed to be replaced by the owner and further, I think it's ''hot swappable''. That is, if you're just slightly handy, you can do it yourself without having to take it back to the shop. The amount of forethought for function and design and consequent manufacture deserves nothing but praise.
Since installing the unit, I've had one power interruption and the unit performed flawlessly with only a nearly inaudible ''click'' when my computer switched to back-up power. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have noticed the ''swap'' had occurred. I lost nothing during ''the swap''.
Oh, I DO NOT work for Best Buy, The Geek Squad or any of its affiliates. I'm just a very satisfied customer who's glad he did his homework before buying. Good luck, and I hope this little blurb is helpful not just to you, but to all those who may be in the market for a UPS.

I have had three of their units over the past 10 years and have been totally satisfied. I just purchased my present unit which is a NS1250 at Sam's Club for $130, and it runs 2 complete computer systems, incl printers, scanners, turntable, hubs, etc. I have surge protecters plugged directly into the APS; no problems.
Their warranty is great in case something happens. My brother had a computer set next to an outside wall. Lightening came through the wall and cooked his machine. APC bought him a new computer even though the lightening did not get through their APS.
http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13

I have an APC BF-500, Back-UPS Office 500, have used ut 24/7 for the last, maybe 4, or 5, or 6 years,,,I don't know.
In it's latest activation during those annoying brownouts and then a 3 or 4/60 outage, it was driving a 12 point power strip with 3 desktops, 2 laptops, 2 monitors on kvm, a printer, scanner, 3 ext hd's, a wifi router, and several of those ac adapters that run speakers, charge cell phones, blueteeth etc. I was fairly apprehensive when it occurred, as I was doing a temp network to consolidate data from various hd's and clean up the old junk, hence so much running @ once.
I have never used any ups software with it, but just went through a staged shutdown of all but one desktop, monitor, and router...and merrily plugged along till power returned.
I love this unit, and confess neglect, as I have never followed through on my intent to get one for each 'system' in the house, like the 'tv/amp/cd/dvd/vhs system' in the den, the kids entertainment system in the toy room etc.
This intent follows the best advice I have received on UPS's. "I don't believe in surge protection, and ups is over-rated, but I do believe in insurance," he said, as he rotated the packaging and showed the insurance notice on the unit." (Larry of Lair Gauche, MHK.)
But like laptops, (more Larry advice), check the price of replacement batteries. Case in point, the only price I've checked for the APC unit is 22 bucks, including shipping. Not Bad! But the biggest surprise came on an UPS I bought from the university surplus for 10 bucks. UNTESTED, screamed the labeling, and of course, the 4 6v units inside are swollen and vivsibly fried. Googling the device, I set my teeth to pages that spoke of 210 bucks for replacements, meaning it would be 10 down the drain, plus gas to drive it to the recycling ceter. But, I just now got a price of 11 bucks each, plus 6 for shipping from batteries.com. This makes all the diff!
So not having used the Best Fortress yet, no recommendation yet, but as far as the APC BF-500, I give it a 10/10.
Cheers!
gump

Agreed on the overload, you appreciate my apprehension as the power was flickering. While obviously not an optimal solution, it nonetheless reinforced my faith in the BF-500, hence my recommendation of that unit.
Cheers!
gUMP

1. You should assess your needs solely in terms of utilizing the UPS as a device that will enable you to shut down safely, without losing any data. You should NOT view the UPS as something that will enable you to proceed merrily along for hours on end on your rig while everyone else around you is reading by candle light. If the latter is what you want to do then you should purchase a back-up generator.

2. I have been using Tripp-Lite equipment for years and years, both for my computers and various other electronic equipment (including high-end stereo). They have been in business for a long, long time. If I recall correctly they were manufacturing lightening arrestors for ham radio operators way back in the 1940s. Which is to say they know the business. I have seen Tripp-Lite UPS equipment available at Costco, and in fact purchased one there myself.

MikeyD215