UPS

[gib4501]

Are uninteruppted power supplies really needed for todays computers. I was reading up on them and decided i should get one for my computer. So got an apc 390 watt unit. However there are friends that i tell them they need one because the power in the area will flicker every now and then. I don't think they really believe me when i tell them they need them. So my question is are they really a neccesity for the sake of your computer or for the most part are they not necessary? Both of my friends just got new dell computers. Thanks.

 

[bigboxes]

Well, Dell computers need to die an early death so don't go recommending UPS for those friends. UPS devices are invaluable in protecting your investment (both hardware and data). A good UPS should do three things: 1. Protect pc components from sudden surges in voltage; 2. Provide power to a pc during a power outage allowing the pc to be shutdown properly protecting valuable data and hardware that might be damaged; 3. Help smooth out fluctuations in voltage (spikes and dips) that may cause system instability resulting in crashes, data loss, and component damage through the use of AVR (automatic voltage regulation). You also need to make sure that the UPS unit has enough power to keep your components running until you (or the provided software) can shut down your pc properly.

 

[cprince]

If your friends' household power flicker often, then I would recommend UPS's for them, for their data's sake. If the flickering is short enough that the computer's power supply can hold out and deliver the same amount of voltages to the system, then the computer is okay. However, if the flickering is long enough that the computer's power supply cannot hold out and drop the voltages to the computer, then the computer may freeze or reset itself leading to data corruption and/or data loss. I had this happened to me a few times. If you have a UPS, it will smooth out the flickering by supplying extra power from the battery.

 

[Blain]

More "power line" food for thought.

 

[Zepper]

The people I've put on UPSes have had much fewer hardware issues than those that aren't. Anecdotal evidence but it works for me.

.bh.

 

[AncientPC]

Brownouts will cause damage over time and are unprotected by power surges.

Of course, most people won't care unless a problem hits them smack dab in the face. That's how credit card companies can get away with the interest rates they charge (that and people have no impulse control).

 

[Captante]

I've always used one & its especially nice in very windy weather because my area gets frequent 15-30 second power-sags in these conditions but my PC doesn't so much as hiccup when they hit ... also since I switched to a 24 inch LCD from my old 21 inch Trinitron CRT I now get about 12 minutes run-time in total blackout conditions as opposed to less then 3 minutes before.

Note however that I have a 1200va Belkin UPS & I doubt a 390va model is going to give you much runtime in a power failure.

 

[gib4501]

Its 390 watts and 650va. So you don't think that is that enough for my setup? I'v got a single core athlon 64 processor. So my computer, 20 inch lcd moniter and dsl modem are currently connected to it. As long as it gives me a few minutes i'm fine with that. When i get a new computer possibly next year i'll probably get something more powerful as i will probably be getting a quad core computer.

 

[Blain]

I use UPS units on my PC's just to keep power clean, not so much for backup time.
Heck I even used a 750VA on my RePlayTV & TV.

390W / 650VA should keep your power clean and give you some backup time.
:laugh: >> Make Sure You Buy A Good Brand << :laugh:

APC, Belkin, Tripp-Lite and CyberPower are all used here.

 

[Zepper]

I wouldn't rely on any Belkin power products myself.

.bh.

 

[gib4501]

I just had my first outage since i got it. It was only a 10 second outage and the apc ups did it's job.