What's wrong with this UPS?

[AdikRahman]

OK so, I bought a new PC recently, (http://pcpartpicker.com/list/jHgxhM ]LINK[/url]) and since power outage isn't uncommon in our country, I bought a UPS along with it. I have no knowledge on UPS powers so, I bought the one recommended by the seller, a DigitalX 850VA UPS.

Now, when there's a power outage while I'm using the PC for web browsing or playing some old games, the UPS kicks in nicely.

But, when there's a power outage while I'm playing a high end game, like DARK SOULS III or Rise of the Tomb Raider or any new high end game, the UPS gives a continuous clicking sound and the PC loses power instantly and turns off.

Now, what's wrong here?

1. Is the UPS not powerful enough to run my PC? I mean, is 850VA not enough?
2. Or, is it defected and not running on it's full potential?

What do I do? Should I try to repair the UPS or buy a new one?


If I buy a new one,

3. How do I calculate the VA requirements for my PC?



Thanks.

 

[bamanec]

I hope someone with much greater knowledge answers you, but their are a few things it could be.

1. Like you mentioned it could be damaged and not work too its full power

2. Gaming uses way more power than just website browising.

3. Your video card itself pulls about 299-304 watts. Again shouldn't really be a problem

4. Not sure what country you are in, but hardware stores have meters that you plug into the outlet, then you plug your PC into the meter and it reads what your pc pulls. You can have it read IDLE and FULL load to see what the difference in wattage is.

 

[nukemaster]

It sounds like a defect or overloaded unit.

Most units will list a VA and Wattage. Most 850VA units are good for about 500 watts of load. In general, Your system should not be exceeding that, but anything else you have connected also adds to this.

Also note that not all units and power supplies get along.

Does the unit allow ups monitoring? You may be able to see how much load it is under(this will allow you to see if it is overloaded or not).

 

[c4s2k3]

As nukemaster said, 850VA is likely around 500W or so. If your monitor is also on the UPS, I could easily see the load getting close to that during demanding 3D gaming. If your GPU can pak around 300W as bamanec said, plus another 100-110W or so for motherboard, CPU (under load), drive, case fans, etc. taht's over 400W. If your monitor sucks up another 40-70W that could put you VERY close to what the UPS can deliver.

 

[Corwin65]

As nukemaster said, 850VA is likely around 500W or so. If your monitor is also on the UPS, I could easily see the load getting close to that during demanding 3D gaming. If your GPU can pak around 300W as bamanec said, plus another 100-110W or so for motherboard, CPU (under load), drive, case fans, etc. taht's over 400W. If your monitor sucks up another 40-70W that could put you VERY close to what the UPS can deliver.

Router/Modem will add some as well.

 

[c4s2k3]

If I buy a new one,

3. How do I calculate the VA requirements for my PC?

There isn't a hard/fast formula, as the wattage capacity depends greatly on the internal design of the UPS. If you multiply VA by .5 and .6, that might give you an approximate wattage range. If you use .5, I think you would be erring on the side of caution. By that *approximate* logic, if you want to cover a system (computer, peripherals, monitor, etc) that peaks at 600W, you'd be looking at about 1000-1200VA.

 

[AdikRahman]

Thanks so much for such amazing answers. It'll help me alot. But I have to confirm something first,

Does the unit allow ups monitoring? You may be able to see how much load it is under(this will allow you to see if it is overloaded or not).

My UPS doesn't have a monitoring option.

If your monitor is also on the UPS, I could easily see the load getting close to that during demanding 3D gaming.

I just tried with the monitor disconnected. PC start's up fine. But as soon as I start a game, UPS fails to hold up and turns off.

@Corwin65
There are no routers connected to the UPS.


So, in conclusion I think that my UPS is defected. I'll first try to repair it. If I fail, I'll just buy a new one.

THANKS SO MUCH 😀

 

[Corwin65]

Thanks so much for such amazing answers. It'll help me alot. But I have to confirm something first,

Does the unit allow ups monitoring? You may be able to see how much load it is under(this will allow you to see if it is overloaded or not).

My UPS doesn't have a monitoring option.

If your monitor is also on the UPS, I could easily see the load getting close to that during demanding 3D gaming.

I just tried with the monitor disconnected. PC start's up fine. But as soon as I start a game, UPS fails to hold up and turns off.

@Corwin65
There are no routers connected to the UPS.


So, in conclusion I think that my UPS is defected. I'll first try to repair it. If I fail, I'll just buy a new one.

THANKS SO MUCH 😀

If your router or modem is not connected and you have a power outage how can you play any online games?

 

[AdikRahman]

@Corwin65
The answer is simple. I DON'T!
Well, at least not during the power outages

The outages ate rare and they dont last for long. During that time, my internet stays off.