I'm trying to figure out if investing in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is worth it over just getting a regular surge protector. My setup has an 850-watt power supply, so what kind of UPS rating should I be looking for? Any advice or experiences would be appreciated!
4 Answers
A UPS is like a power bank for your devices, but it lasts long enough to let you finish important tasks when the power goes out. Most have built-in surge protection too. Just keep in mind that they aren't all rated the same way; you typically check the battery wattage instead.
A good UPS offers battery backup, surge protection, and power conditioning, which is often overlooked. Make sure you get one that provides clean power, especially for sensitive systems. For your 850-watt power supply, a UPS rated around 900 to 1000 watts should do the job. It's wise to connect other essentials like your monitor and modem to it too, so you stay connected during outages.
If you're asking, you might not need a UPS just yet. A surge protector could suffice unless your work is heavily impacted by power issues.
The main role of a UPS is to keep power flowing if there's an outage. If you're really concerned about power reliability and data loss, especially in areas with storms or bad wiring, it's definitely worth it. Cheap surge protectors are fine for basic use, but a quality UPS is great if you need that extra security—just know that online UPS systems cost more. I personally use a Cyberpower CP1500PFCLCD, which is pretty solid for my needs.
I also like APC brands! But yeah, just be mindful about battery replacements every few years.
That's right! They don't use standard ratings the way surge protectors do.