questions regarding wattage and using a UPS

[toyota]

I had an APC XS 900 that died right after the warranty ran out of course. we have a lot of random outages here so I am really needing a new ups soon. Best Buy has the CyberPower CP625HG GreenPower UPS - 625VA(375 Watt) on sale and I was thinking getting it.

now I am sure this ups will be okay for my current system but I do plan on building a more power hungry system in a few months. what would happen if I was playing a game where a pc was using right near the 375 watt rating of the ups when the power goes out? should I just wait and buy a ups with much more headroom?

sorry if these are stupid questions but we had two outages this week alone and that ups at Best Buy is the only one that's in my price range locally.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Generally, there are two things. Runtime, and inverter capacity. The ratings for the UPS are generally the inverter capacity. Which means that if you are running close to max, just like a PSU, it's likely to shut down on you. Which is generally not what you want a UPS to do; they are supposed to keep the power going.

I would get something 1000VA/700W or better for a gaming rig. Remember, that because of efficiency issues in PSUs, what your rig is drawing on the DC, is multiplied slightly at the AC outlet.

So that (the hypothetical 1000VA) would probably be safe, for a rig that takes 500-600W at the wall. I think mine are 1200VA. I know that they are at least 700W.

 

[toyota]

yeah I think I am going to wait because I also want to have my monitors and printer plugged in which would really be pushing it. hopefully a higher end Cyberpower ups will go on sale soon. the APC unit I had before did a great job but it got so noisy over time.

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

Its simple. How much is your system worth to you? Is it 100usd or 300 plus? That will answer your question on the quality of the ups.

 

[toyota]

Its simple. How much is your system worth to you? Is it 100usd or 300 plus? That will answer your question on the quality of the ups.

its not always simple. if it was then everybody would always have the best of everything. I was just trying to get something now so as not to risk damaging my pc. clearly I would need a more robust ups though if I want to use it on my next build.

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

Nope electrical equipment works one way. You get what you pay for. I think you notice that in PSUs.

Remeber a UPS is not only a backup its a protector as well. Paying 250-300 usd for something that protects a 2 to 4k system isnt much really. You will have a peace of mind with a quality one.