Good UPS

[peterj1967]

Seems I have problems with noisy power, which is causing system shutdowns with my hardware. There are so many options and little review or suggestions, so I am looking for some suggestions

Anyhow, I have a PM G4 Dual 1.25

I don't need anything like 5 minutes or backup power, I need a buffer to keep the power clean.

I'd like to keep the cost around $100 if that is reasonable.

Any comments or suggestions appreciated

 

[Wyrm]

I'd recommend APC (http://www.apc.com).

The more you spend, the more you get -
I use an APC surge arrest personal, and although I'm not sure if it does anything, I've never had a power problem. It is supposed to protect you against noisy power, but I'm sure it wouldn't do much in a brownout. You'd need to buy a UPS for that.

A low-end APC Back-UPS CS or Pro will probably give you around 5 min but you need your power req, and they run anywhere from $70 - $200.

-Wyrm

 

[Eniregnat]

I work with roughly 20 computers (including 3 servers) that are all on APCs. They work great. I work in an area with a very unstable power grid and they smooth out the power perfectly. Don't cheat yourself, but the best that you can afford, perhaps a 350, 650, or the like. They also have an application on their website (or call in) that will help you choose the proper UPS.

 

[Le Big Mac]

Another vote for APC products. I have a couple of them -- the Office Backups type, I forget the model. Both have worked very well during our power outages. The computers keep running and give time to shut down. They also condition the power. For $75-100, it's good protection to have.

 

[ddtlm]

APC sells a line conditioner with no battery power which may be better than a UPS for you. Why? It corrects undervolts and overvolts where a cheap UPS might not, it won't fail with age (I guess), and it generally acts as a really good surge protector. I almost got one, but instread got a high-end UPS that has batteries and this functionality.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=67

At my house we've got perhaps 5 APC office type 500VA backups which seem to work well (cost $60 at SAMS), as well as the 1500VA one I just got. The high-end adds features like battery charge and load read out, plus automatic battery checking, and power conditioning. I like it a lot so far.

 

[peterj1967]

Thanks for all the advice. I picked up an APC ES500 for $20 at Staples.

Surge protection and UPS so I should be covered.

I was on clearance, I didn't realize it doesn't have the USB connection for the Powerchute software. That isn't my real need, I think I now have a pretty good line conditioner and for $20 I don't think I can go to wrong.

Originally posted by ddtlm
APC sells a line conditioner with no battery power which may be better than a UPS for you. Why? It corrects undervolts and overvolts where a cheap UPS might not, it won't fail with age (I guess), and it generally acts as a really good surge protector. I almost got one, but instread got a high-end UPS that has batteries and this functionality.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=67

At my house we've got perhaps 5 APC office type 500VA backups which seem to work well (cost $60 at SAMS), as well as the 1500VA one I just got. The high-end adds features like battery charge and load read out, plus automatic battery checking, and power conditioning. I like it a lot so far.

 

[evildead]

I got one at Frys

I dont remember the name.. I think it was like powerForce... or something like that. I got it for $39 on some super sale and it gives me about 15 min uptime with the LCD, 867, and wireless router.

I think I Have seen it for $69 arround town