UPS suggestions

[xthekidx]

My cat has stepped on my power strip and shut my computer off in the middle of use for the last time. Its getting old anyway and needs replacing.

I'm looking for a good UPS for my rig, anyone got suggestions? Wouldn't like to spend a fortune on it, maybe $100 or less, but then again if the ones worth getting are all more than that I will pay for them :/

My setup:
i7/P6T OC @ 3.6
GTX 260 core 216 (will probably get another in a couple months)
850w Real Power Pro PSU
1 optical
2 HDD's
CM 690 Case.
HP Printer
Cheap speakers

 

[falconerh92]

Whats a power strip? is it like a power board or something?

 

[xthekidx]

AKA Surge protector/suppressor

 

[WR2]

APC BE750G 750 VA 450 Watts $90 ($100 @ BestBuy). Will be borderline for 2x GTX 260 in SLI gaming, but I'd still recommend it. But its fine for a single GTX while gaming and for all non gaming operations. Hold up time @ full power is 2.3 minutes, 10 min @ half load. I have the 650VA model and it's been great.
Be sure to check local sources so you don't have to pay the hefty shipping charges.
A "free shipping" option might be OPTI-UPS Enhanced Series ES1000C 700W $125

edit; I figured 75watts for your monitor and 325watts for your PC. Be sure to check your actual monitor consumption - I saw a couple go higher than 75watts.

 

[xthekidx]

Whats your opinion on this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842107140

 

[xthekidx]

What exactly do you look for in a UPS that makes it good quality or not besides the Wattage it can supply and outlets? Is there a reason this one wouldn't be a good choice other than it only has 4 outlets? Really all I want it for is my tower and monitor, I have other outlets for the Printer/speakers/desklamp.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842117005

 

[WR2]

It's got the right specs. Only six outlets, 3 on the battery but thats not a "fail" issue. Opti-UPS is probably a 2nd tier UPS and I've read that older models were over-rated - they didnt hold up under full spec load.
Check around and see if you can find any reviews of that model. The NewEgg customer reviews are mixed, about what you'd expect from any product.

 

[WR2]

I don't know enough about DirectUPS to have an opinion.
The model you linked doesn't have a UPS to PC data connection so the PC can shut itself down during unattended operation. For me that would be a major issue.

Besides having the correct amount of VA (or wattage as 2nd choice of measuring) support you want to look at features such as the data link (and software) to PC to let the system shut itself down in a power outage if you're not around. You also want to look for a user replaceable battery (can really extend the useful life of an UPS).
Usually the UPS is also an excellent surge protector but there are differences in how well UPS clamp spikes. How well they handle under voltages (brownouts) is also important. That type of technical stuff is difficult to dig out of the MFGR's websites.
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) is nice to have but adds to cost.
It's pretty much like anything else - you get what you pay for. It's just difficult to know for sure if some of the lesser players are over-rating their UPSs knowing its almost impossible for the average owner to check.

It's a little bit strange that for such an important component that there are very few reliable reviews out there.
I get enough clicks and chirps out of my APC UPS to make me glad I have it.

 

[Outlander_04]

My cat has stepped on my power strip and shut my computer off in the middle of use for the last time. Its getting old anyway and needs replacing.

quite right .

new cats are far less likely to step on computer hardware

 

[xthekidx]

quite right .

new cats are far less likely to step on computer hardware

:lol:

 

[2flow]

I had APC 950 a few years ago, must have lasted 5 years before I tried to rig it to a small 50Watt solar panel. Basically the battery plumped up like a baloon. I couldnt get the battery out of the UPC case for replacement. I ended up purchasing the 1000UPS at the local costco and have been good for 2 years now without a problem.

 

[xthekidx]

I don't know enough about DirectUPS to have an opinion.
The model you linked doesn't have a UPS to PC data connection so the PC can shut itself down during unattended operation. For me that would be a major issue.

Besides having the correct amount of VA (or wattage as 2nd choice of measuring) support you want to look at features such as the data link (and software) to PC to let the system shut itself down in a power outage if you're not around. You also want to look for a user replaceable battery (can really extend the useful life of an UPS).
Usually the UPS is also an excellent surge protector but there are differences in how well UPS clamp spikes. How well they handle under voltages (brownouts) is also important. That type of technical stuff is difficult to dig out of the MFGR's websites.
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) is nice to have but adds to cost.
It's pretty much like anything else - you get what you pay for. It's just difficult to know for sure if some of the lesser players are over-rating their UPSs knowing its almost impossible for the average owner to check.

It's a little bit strange that for such an important component that there are very few reliable reviews out there.
I get enough clicks and chirps out of my APC UPS to make me glad I have it.

Thanks I appreciate the input.