APC or Cyberpower UPS for 27" iMac i7

[OTx]

Finally going to switch from PC to Mac. I won't be needing Retina today so I went with a BTO 27" iMac i7, 3TB FD, 4G GPU, Late 2013. Now I want a UPS Battery Backup for it.

Leaning towards APC, but started to read reviews on Sine waves, Buzzing, Restarts, loud fans.. On iMacs.

- What does everyone use and recommend for a 2013 iMac?

For: iMac 2013, Ext HD, Printer, 2nd monitor..

APC BR1000G - 1000VA/600W or Cyberpower what? (8+ outlets desired)

For: Airport Time Capsule 3TB, A/V Receiver, TV, Cable Box, Xbox..

APC BE750G - 750VA/450W or Cyberpower what? (10 outlets desired)

Thank You!!

 

[macnerd77]

I too am looking for recommendations on this. Same specs as OP

Thanks in advance

 

[kzhlin]

What are the benefits of using a UPS?

 

[numbersyx]

I have Cyberpower and it has saved my bacon a number of times when the power has gone out here in Toronto. It is silent and easy to operate.



Advantage of a UPS is that if there's a power surge and the power goes out, the UPS battery maintains power to the Mac for a short period of time to either ride out a momentary surge or shut down the Mac and peripherals properly (with less risk of damage) in the event of a longer outage.

 

[westonm]

The two APCs you're looking at don't seem to be Active-PFC compatible (the type of power supply in your iMac requires sine-wave input). If any reviewers mention a buzzing come from their computers when on backup, that's probably why. It may technically (although not necessarily) keep the computer powered on, but could damage the power supply. In order to get true sine-wave output you'd need to step up to APC's smart UPS line (which will nearly double your cost). However, I have used various refurbished APCs from Excess UPS I've been happy with.

I just recently switched one of mine from APC (the battery gave out), to CyberPower's CPPFC line. They are cheaper than APC for an Active-PFC compatible system. The best I can say is I haven't had any issues with it as of yet -- the smaller size is a plus too!

As to which is "better" I'd have to wager APC, but the difference seems minimal enough as to not make up for the price difference.

(I believe to be energy-star rated these days, any power supply that draws >100 watts has to be Active-PFC.)

 

[OTx]

Thank you for the replies! Here is what I ended up going with and is working well! Especially today, wind was high and lights kept dimming. I could hear the UPS switching on temporarily.

For: iMac 2013, 2nd monitor, dock, chargers

CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD 1350VA 810W PFC Compatible Mini-Tower (Amazon)

For: Airport Time Capsule 3TB, A/V Receiver, TV, Cable Box, Xbox..

CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD 1000VA 600W PFC Compatible Mini-Tower (Amazon)

 

[macnerd77]

Thanks for the great info guys. I went ahead and got a CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS 1000VA 600W PFC Compatible Mini-Tower The Price was right and reviews were very positive.