I live in the Midwest, and my power tends to flicker out during storms about every couple of months. I'm wondering if I should invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for my computer setup, or if a solid surge protector would suffice. Additionally, I have a Corsair RM750 power supply and two 1440p monitors – would that impact the type of UPS I should look at?
4 Answers
A UPS can be really helpful, especially if your power tends to flicker. It provides backup power and surge protection, which can save you from losing work during outages. You'd want to connect your monitors too, so you can properly shut everything down. I recommend looking into Cyberpower units for solid performance.
Just keep in mind that a UPS isn't a permanent fix; you'd need to replace batteries every couple of years.
Honestly, it depends on how vital your setup is. If you're just gaming casually, you might get by with a good surge protector. But if you do anything work-related that can't afford to be interrupted, a UPS is the way to go. It’s like a safety net for your devices, especially during storms.
Gotcha! I might consider it just for peace of mind, especially with those summer storms.
Good advice! It's definitely something to think about if your equipment is worth a good bit.
I stopped using a UPS after my PC got fried through one. I did my research and found that many UPS models don’t offer enough surge protection. I switched to a powerline conditioner instead, but that's a bit over the top for most people.
Fair point! What’s the surge rating you’d recommend?
Yeah, I wouldn't trust a UPS alone either. It's good to have a solid surge protector first.
I've had my UPS since 2013, and it's saved me a ton. It definitely pays off to connect your important devices. Yes, you’ll need to replace the battery, but I've only done it a couple of times in all these years. Imagine losing thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment just because you didn't get one!
But isn’t a good surge protector enough? It's cheaper and does a decent job!
Surge protectors are okay but won't help with power cuts. A UPS is insurance for your setup!
I second that! These units are worth the investment. You'll get those extra minutes to save your work when things go south.