I am thinking of buying a UPS for my mac pro. It has 2 HDs and a 20" will also be on it. I want one that has software for mac. I don't need much run time just long enough for it too shut down and thats it. What would you guys recommend. I don't want something terrible expensive. The power voltage here is very good so i don't know if i need one that regulates voltage as my voltage here is just fine.
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UPS for mac pro
- Thread starter trainguy77
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Sun Baked
macrumors G5
Get one with AVR.
Doesn't matter that the voltage seems to be good, if you are protecting against power problems and blackouts -- it'll be a dice roll to see if you get nailed by power spikes/undervolts preceeding a blackout that cause your machine to shut down very ungracefully or the UPS actually catches quickly enough to give you 3-5 minutes while it is shutting the machine down.
Usually I will see the lights flicker or change brightness before a blackout, hardly ever a no notice blackout.
Doesn't matter that the voltage seems to be good, if you are protecting against power problems and blackouts -- it'll be a dice roll to see if you get nailed by power spikes/undervolts preceeding a blackout that cause your machine to shut down very ungracefully or the UPS actually catches quickly enough to give you 3-5 minutes while it is shutting the machine down.
Usually I will see the lights flicker or change brightness before a blackout, hardly ever a no notice blackout.
JNB
macrumors 604
UPS's are rated in voltamps (VA) or kilovoltamps (KVA), an indication of power for a certain amount of time versus draw.
For most desktop systems, 450-900 VA is more than sufficient to save your work, shut down, and have no worries. You should expect 30-45 minutes minimum powering a tower PC and monitor.
Any APC unit is outstanding, I highly recommend them (http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13&subid=5). I specifically recommend against Monster, as they trade their name for price, and none - and I mean NONE - of their products is that superior or worth nearly the prices they charge. (I expect a cease-and-desist notice from Monster's attorneys anytime now, they are litigious bastards...)
Oh, remember to replace the batteries every 18-24 months, and don't run a laser printer through your UPS!
For most desktop systems, 450-900 VA is more than sufficient to save your work, shut down, and have no worries. You should expect 30-45 minutes minimum powering a tower PC and monitor.
Any APC unit is outstanding, I highly recommend them (http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13&subid=5). I specifically recommend against Monster, as they trade their name for price, and none - and I mean NONE - of their products is that superior or worth nearly the prices they charge. (I expect a cease-and-desist notice from Monster's attorneys anytime now, they are litigious bastards...)
Oh, remember to replace the batteries every 18-24 months, and don't run a laser printer through your UPS!
Yeah I have bought 2 APC server rack mount units for work but never for home. So APC has mac software?
So I am thinking either the APC Back-UPS ES USB 650 or the APC BACK-UPS RS 1300VA LCD your thoughts?
OldSkoolNJ
macrumors 6502
If your lights are already blinking or dimming the damage is already happening though. So no matter the computer or your area it is always worth the money to have one.
Kevin