Do you use an automatic voltage regulator?

[4fingerwu1]

The connection between my motherboard and power supply just burned up and I am guessing it is from a power surge-
I was told to get a AVR and that this will help prevent the problem in the future
Does anyone here use an AVR and what is your take?
Ric

 

[BCompDude]

I use one and my take is that no computer that you care about should be left w/o one. Sure, it protects you from lightening but the big (and most important) thing is that it protects you from spikes and other inconsistencies in your electricity. If you have an air conditioner, water pump or air compressor you will be able to SEE when those happen but it happens everyday regardless if you can "see" it or not. Get one.

 

[4fingerwu1]

Heya bcomp thanks for the reply
Do you have any recommendation on what type to get?
If I have a 400w power supply should I get at least a 400w AVR?
Ric

 

[Pilsnerpete]

I have a surge protector. This isn't the same thing is it?

 

[alkemyst]

AVR it not automatically part of a surge protector...my APC SmartUPS has it and if I go through it's log files I see tons of 'adjusting voltage - High Power Spike' or 'adjusting voltage - power sag'.

 

[Pilsnerpete]

what's a good brand name for one? The AVR, not the battery backup.

 

[Rogozhin]

Get an audiophile grade power line conditioner. I use this and a surge protector behind it. The Power line conditioner has both analog and digital output so you can hook up your turn table and home amp up to the analogs outs and the computer to the digital out. It has blow by fuse inline so you don't fry anything. I found mine for $200 a long time ago and it has kept all of my gagets alive and well. It also prevents interference.

try audioadvisor.com for powerline conditioners.


rogo

 

[Rogozhin]

Here is a url for a decent power lline conditioner for about $200.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/p...=Home Theatre Powerbar 1100 Power Conditioner

Here is a cut and paste from the spec sheet.



Latest Power Protection Technology Improves Home Theater
Monster Cable's Powerbar 1100 incorporates the latest technology for improved picture and sound as well as maximum protection for home theatres and computers. It also offers lots of capacity. Powerbar 1100 features eight power outlets, three pair of coaxial outlets, and one pair of RJ11 'telephone' connections.

Fasting-Acting SurgeGuard Circuitry
Power problems produce a host of bad effects on theater and audio equipment. Sound can lose dynamic range and be restricted to a compressed sound stage. Pictures can sacrifice sharpness and color detail while suffering from imprecise imaging. All of this lessens the home theater experience. Monster's exclusive power protection and conditioning circuitry uses special filters to dramatically reduce electronic noise and provide the best possible sound and picture.

Fast-acting, high capacity, Multiple SurgeGuard circuitry instantly detects a voltage surge or spike and immediately suppresses it before it can reach a component. Monster's Clean Power Stage 2 v2.0 application-specific filters have an impressive 2775 joule rating. A tri-mode AC over-voltage auto-disconnect safety feature prevents catastrophic, high voltage power disturbances from damaging valuable components.

Sleek Design, Hi-Tech Features
The sleek high-tech design features side entry outlets to eliminate the "Spider Webs of wires. The eight AC outlets are neatly and generously spaced to accommodate large component plugs and AC adapters. Three sets of coaxial connections offer protection for cable, satellite, antenna, or HDTV systems. An RJ11 phone output safeguards pay-per-view modems, internet connections, etc.

Innovative LED bars simultaneously display the voltage available to connected equipment, as well as indicating their total draw in amperes. Other LEDs give status feedback as to "Ground OK" (indicating the house wiring is properly grounded), "Wiring Reversed" (shows that L-N polarity is incorrect on the AC outlet the Powerbar is plugged into), and "Protection On" (indicating that the connected components are protected).

The Powerbar 1100 can sit on the floor, or using the included bracket it can easily be wall-mounted. The extra-long high current power cable has a flat profile plug design to eliminate wasted space.

As an extra bonus, the Powerbar 1100 comes packaged with a FREE High Performance Monster Video Cable and High Performance Monster Phone Cable, a $27.00 value!

 

[Rogozhin]

PS

Here is mine.

It has gone up in price a bit but still is an awesome piece of equipment for the money.


http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=PWPACKII&product_name=Power Pack II



The Power Pack II features the same advanced patented industrial-grade non-resonant filter technology as the more expensive Power Wedges in a compact, trapezoid-shaped metal case.

Power Pack II offers six high current outlets in two independently filtered groups, including four analog and two digital outlets. The analog and digital outlets are filtered separately to insure digital noise does not distort analog components - and vice versa. Power Pack II features spec-grade AC receptacles, high-grade teflon-insulated internal wiring, and offers power surge protection with both super-fast acting MOV and 15 amp circuit breaker. Power cord is detachable for easy upgrading.

Originally designed for budget high-end audio systems, Power Pack II also improves the performance of video and computer systems.

Highly recommended!



Rogo