OMG, I can't believe I never got a UPS!

[bupkus]

Here in Phoenix (heat wave this month) it's so hot the air conditioner is on almost all the time. When it goes on all the lights in the house dim. [I'm setting the stage.]

I'm building a new computer for a friend and it's in the bios when the air kicks on. The moment I heard the AC click on, the computer rebooted. Realization sets in and now I'm wondering if my own computers' power supplies are taking a beating from this.

I just bought a new motherboard and Athlon 64 and I'm thinking UPS.
i goes to newegg to look at the most favored brands and clearly (unless I'm being hustled) the brand of favor is OPTI-UPS.
So, if my issue is whatever my AC is doing to the house current, what features in a UPS should I be looking for? We rarely have blackouts here so that's not the situation. How many PCs? I usually only run one, but if I'm building I will have 2 running. I rarely have more than 2 running at a time. Infact, I can wait until winter when the AC never goes on for that kind of nonsense.

Ok, what do you think?... I'm sitting at my PC waiting. "Call me.." :brokenheart:

 

[l Xes l]

it's a good investment.. why not

 

[bupkus]

Most models I'm looking at have an input frequency of 50/60Hz except one that has 47-63Hz. What's that about? It also has less joules, 350 as opposed to 1050 for the rest. It also has just one output voltage of 120V vs 6 for the other models. ??

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: krnxpride83
it's a good investment.. why not

 

[bupkus]

I need help with the features and model selection.

 

[Pabster]

Looking at your system in your signature, I'd say a 300-350W (not VA) unit would be plenty. These can be had relatively cheap now. Stick with APC or Belkin. Steer clear of CyberPower.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: PabsterSteer clear of CyberPower.

May I ask why?

I've been using Cyberpower products for over 5 years. They come with a full 3 yr warranty, and when I've had to RMA units they been replaced in a swift manner.

I currently use a pair of 825AVR's on each of my workstations that stay on 24/7, and even during a bad storm I am not the least bit worried about losing a component.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I agree. I have a CyberPower 1100VA model, and I've never had a single problem with it. And I would definitely buy another one should the need arise.
Tas.

 

[furballi]

First, find out why you have such big fluctuation in line voltage when the AC comes on. I'm aware that the inrush current can be very high for the compressor. A properly wired circuit should not cause the PC to shut down. Move the PC to another breaker and retest.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

APC, no question

 

[solofly]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
APC, no question

Yes APC is the best but I wish they would release 64bit supporting software already...

 

[cubby1223]

And with APC, when you purchase replacement batteries from them, they send you a pre-paid ups label to ship the old batteries back for proper disposal. :thumbsup: for them

 

[MWink]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
APC, no question

Yeah I agree. Whatever you do, don't get a Belkin. Also the Viewsonic Opti-UPS is ok but by no means great (speaking from experience). Most APC units are pretty good except the Back-UPS ES series, which I'd avoid if possible.

 

[bupkus]

Originally posted by: furballi
First, find out why you have such big fluctuation in line voltage when the AC comes on. I'm aware that the inrush current can be very high for the compressor. A properly wired circuit should not cause the PC to shut down. Move the PC to another breaker and retest.

I replaced the power supply on the pc I'm building and it's now stable.
The AC just kicked on and it had no effect on this pc with the SuperFlower PSU.

 

[glugglug]

APC no contest. There is a reason why the majority of UPSes in Florida (where there are literally millions of lightning strikes per day so you really need it) are APC. Also, avoid Belkin, they suck.

 

[bupkus]

Where did you guys by your APC (seems to be favored) UPS?
Online?
B&M?

 

[Zepper]

Get your UPS at B&M big box. They are heavy and cost a lot to ship individually. The stores truck them in with the rest of their inventory. Just watch the sunday circulars - I would say you would want about 1000VA to run two computers/monitors if the power goes off. You also want line interactive or auto regulating as that can cover fairly deep/high power sags/surges (down to around 90V and up to 130 or so) w/o having to switch to battery.
. I also hook things like cordless phone systems/answering machines to mine so they will keep working during power outages.

.bh.