Power Supply Buddy - AVR vs UPS

[AlgaeEater]

Okay folks, a new technical question that's going to shake up the normal around here. 😛

In any case, over the years I've had my share of power supplies going bad on me. But I've also had high quality power supplies that have never gone bad on me and are doing just fine.

However, I still feel something's missing throughout the process. I've always wanted the security of having "clean" power fed into the power supply I was using. I know that the latest (and my Enermax has it) power supplies have a small form of protection against fluctuating draw on the line, but I would still like something stand alone.

Now here's my question... is it better to assume that a dedicated line conditioner (or dedicated AVS) is far superior than a UPS unit with AVR integrated?

Point in question; look at these two...

Line Voltage Regulator (AVR)
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200

vs

UPS with AVR
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/tec...x.cfm?base_sku=BP700UC&total_watts=200

Am I basically paying more for just a backup battery and a few extra outlets? I'm not asking a direct comparison of these two specific models, but all UPS in general versus a dedicated line conditioner as shown in the first link.

Any power geek's advice would be greatly appreciated on this matter, as I've set aside some money for Memorial Weekend, and realize instead of buying more useless crap for my computer... I really should invest into a highly quality UPS or Line conditioning unit for my already established computers. Piece of mind is worth it.

 

[Navid]

All a home PC needs is a conventional (standby) UPS from a reliable manufacturer like APC and a PSU from a reliable company.

Different types of UPS are explained here (just a Google search hit).
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/ups/types.htm

An equipment used in an operating room in a hospital would need all you can give it to reduce the probability of failure because we are talking "life and death".

Do you consider your PC to deal with matters of "Life and Death"? If yes, you should get all bells and whistles (AVR, SMART, Line interactive, .........). That will come at a cost. Other than cost, you could be wasting power too because some of these reliable systems are not that efficient.

 

[AlgaeEater]

Although I appreciate your response, I'm not sure if that actually covers the information I was kinda hoping for.

Honestly, I think the two examples I gave are quite laughable solutions if you're outside the home in my opinion, they're far from high tech. 😛

I'm really wanting to see what's the better alternative, or the better solutions for the cheaper dollar. Think of over clocking a PC; you shouldn't do it and the cost of cooling could almost equate to the price of a retail stable processor... but people still do it. That's kinda the angle I'm asking this from.

Thanks none the less! Keep more advice coming guys, I appreciate it.

 

[RacerXC2C]

Seeing as it's now Jan of 08, with no further posts on this thread, I'm curious if you ever found an answer to your question.

Thanks!