Hey everyone! I've been using power strips for my PCs for years without any issues, as I typically only deal with a power outage about once a year. However, lately, I've been facing around 1-2 outages every month, which has me concerned about my PC's safety. I'm thinking about getting a UPS, but I'm not entirely sure if it's necessary. I've also heard that UPS units might not protect against surges effectively, so I'm curious if it's a good idea to use both a UPS and a power strip together or if there's a device that combines the two. My power supply unit is 850W, but I'm not sure how crucial that is for selecting a UPS. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
If you’re using a desktop, a UPS is way better than just a power strip. It keeps your PC running long enough for a proper shutdown instead of a sudden power cut. If you have a laptop, a surge protector is usually fine unless you need extended runtime.
Many UPS models double as power strips and surge protectors. I recommend the APS Gaming UPS 1500W, which has worked great for me.
Definitely consider getting a UPS! It provides battery backup during outages, giving you time to save your work and shut down your PC correctly, which helps prevent damage.
Thanks for the info! I have a desktop and need multiple sockets, but UPS with many sockets are pricey. Is it okay to use a smaller UPS for my PC and monitor and plug other devices into a power strip?