imported_Dimicron

Senior member
Jan 24, 2005
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What is a good brand of UPS? I've got two computers and assorted networking gear (see below) that I'd like to run off of 2 or 3 UPS.

PC #1:
3200+ Clawhammer/6800GT 256MB AGP video/RAID 0 2x 74GB Raptors/1 x 200GB Maxtor/Lite-on 16x DVD+-RW/Vantec Stealth 520W PSU/17" LCD

PC #2:
2800+ Barton/FX5900U 256MB AGP video/1 x 80 Seagate SATA/1 x Samsung 120GB 5400RPM "antique"/1 x noname 16x DVD drive/1 x unknown 42X CD-RW/Antec TP2.0 430W PSU/17" LCD

All networking gear:
Linksys WRT54GS + Westell 5910 DSL Modem (Connects to PC #2)
Linksys WRT54G + Linksys Cable Modem (Connects to PC #1)

I was thinking about getting 2 of these to power everything: Powercom UPS from newegg

Just moved to Northern VA recently from Phoenix and the power has already dropped out 3 times during lightning storms, and really don't want to fry anything. Please help and share any better brands, ideas, rants about UPS or the climate here, and/or times that your UPS barked and saved your son Timmy from the bottom of the well ;) :beer:

EDIT: Added the types of the PSUs in the computers

 

wpshooter

Golden Member
Mar 9, 2004
1,662
5
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Dimicron:

First of all welcome to Virginia (God's country).

I have used both Belkins & APC and although APC is supposed to be the industry standard, I personally much prefer the Belkins UPS over the APC. The Belkins' monitor/shutdown software and the easy of use of the unit make it much better as far as I am concerned. When you have a shutdown due to power loss, you do not have to be a magician to get the Belkins UPS back up & running again. These comments apply only to the lower end / non-network variety of UPS. If it was for a network server I would stay with APC.

Good luck
 

imported_Dimicron

Senior member
Jan 24, 2005
327
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Thanks! I'll have to check on Belkins also then. Haven't heard of most UPS brands that are != APC before, so trying to make sure I get something that'll protect my and my gf's computers and not hurt my poor little wallet too badly! I really only need about 5-10 mins of runtime. Just enough time to see if power is going to come back up, or if it's time to pull out the books and flashlights/candles!
 

deathwalker

Golden Member
May 22, 2003
1,211
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APC is probably the most highly exposed solution from a brand name standpoint and the make good equipment albeit expensive. Belkin, Cyberpower and OPti could provide you a more economical solution though. A couple of 500 va + units would probably do it or get a single large in the 1000 va+ range for the entire job.
 

elvindeath

Member
Jul 11, 2005
46
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I just picked up a 900v Cyberpower model at Bestbuy for $114. Very good piece of equipment - easy to set up, 8 outlets (4 backup, 4 surge), USB interface with software. Rated for est 20 - 30 minutes backup time. They had a 1100v for about $134, and a 1500v for about $150.

My techie friend said APC was a bit overpriced, and Cyber power was just as good.

If you want some other models and some discussion on the topic, see this thread I started from last week: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1640662&enterthread=y
 

Vegito

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 1999
8,329
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I use APC & Belkin.. I got 1500VA for 1 server and 1 desktop with 3 lcds.. one 1000va for all the network equipment (2 switches, 1 router and 1 AP). I used 2 belkin 1000va for my misc equipment, TV, etc.

None of them gave me any problems... I had a few apc that died after a few years at work..

I had one blew up and saved my life from faulty ac wiring.. and luckily i didn't plug a pc in there directly

I have a 9000lb MGE enterprise UPS system also here.. :) takes up a 10x10 room and has a 20 ton ac cooling it..