I've been dealing with a lot of power outages lately, and with a close brush with a tornado this week, I'm looking for a good Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to protect my investment. I just got my power back and I'm feeling really tired and cranky. Can anyone recommend a reliable UPS that can properly keep my setup running during outages?
5 Answers
Just a heads up, a UPS isn't the same as a generator. It's mainly for keeping your devices running for a short time—usually around 5 minutes—so you have time to shut everything down safely. But it can really save your gear from sudden power loss!
That's good to know! Do you have any recommendations based on your experience?
I've had great luck with the APC BackUPS 1500. I've got them all over my house, keeping my computers and network gear safe. They’re super easy with battery replacements and they last a long time—usually about 3 to 5 years between batteries. Plus, they often go on sale for under $200, which is solid!
Awesome, sounds like a solid option! Thanks for the tip!
Good to hear! I’ll keep an eye out for sales!
Another option I found useful is the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. I got one during an ice storm when the power was out for over a week, and it's been great since. It helps with flickers, too, keeping my router from resetting—all in all, very reliable!
As an added tip, connect your computer to the USB on the UPS. This way, the UPS can notify your computer when it’s on backup power, and you can set it to shut down automatically after a while. I’ve got my PC and NAS hooked up to a CyberPower model, and it’s been a lifesaver!
That's a smart idea! I'll definitely do that to save my stuff.
Thanks for the suggestion! Gonna set that up right away!
If you’re looking for something with longer run times, I recommend the Renogy 2000-watt UPS. You can add your own batteries, which is a nice feature for getting extended power. It can be more cost-effective than traditional PC-specific UPS units.
That really sounds like a good solution for longer outages. Thanks for sharing!
That’s a unique approach! Definitely something worth considering!
Yeah, it sounds like a necessity when the weather gets rough!