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Do I need a UPS for 6-core Mac Pro
- Thread starter lbeck
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I have 2 for my system but I also have 10 things to plug in so it is needed. If you do anything mission critical (I assume so with a 6-core) then I would most definitely get a battery backup. Use the backup for your tower and any external drives you may have. The other non battery ports can be used for your monitors or other non essential items.
As an editor, if my RAID got messed up due to a power outage I would be SCREWED. The $100 is a small price to pay for security. And that begs the question... OP, how can you spend that kind of dough on a system and even bat an eye at $100 (max) preventative maintenance measure? Seems to me it is an absolute no-brainer.
EDIT - I say $100 because for just the system, you don't need a $400+ UPS. Get a good APC and you'll be fine. I'm using 2 of these: http://www.amazon.com/APC-BACK-UPS-BE750G-10-Outlet-System/dp/B000Z80ICM/ref=sr_1_2?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285687994&sr=8-2
As an editor, if my RAID got messed up due to a power outage I would be SCREWED. The $100 is a small price to pay for security. And that begs the question... OP, how can you spend that kind of dough on a system and even bat an eye at $100 (max) preventative maintenance measure? Seems to me it is an absolute no-brainer.
EDIT - I say $100 because for just the system, you don't need a $400+ UPS. Get a good APC and you'll be fine. I'm using 2 of these: http://www.amazon.com/APC-BACK-UPS-BE750G-10-Outlet-System/dp/B000Z80ICM/ref=sr_1_2?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285687994&sr=8-2
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$100 is perfectly fine, most people say $250-$500 for a good one. I'm not batting my eye at spending the money, just trying to figure out if its necessary. Like I said, been using iMac's for 7 years and never had a problem and have even had a few outages.
What UPS do you have for $100. Can you provide a link to it?
oops, look like your response and my edit cross paths
I added a link to the UPS's I am using.
Thanks!
Nothing, it's just weird that all of your sentences end with question marks. Maybe some weird character encoding thing?
hehehe OK now I get it
sorry guess I leave things open and not make statements ? see did it again bad grammar
Just reporting back, also don't mean to hijack the thread, but I do confirm the buzzing sound from the Mac Pro after unplugging the power cord.
Based on internet readings and other confirmed user reports, it's pretty much safe to safe the simulated sine wave is causing the buzzing sound that I am getting from my Mac Pro, and I know this has been reported on the other UPS threads as well.
I'm in the same boat as you, and rarely, if ever experience blackouts. I have set my energy prefs to shut down to only one minute after power outage so I also don't intend to keep my Mac Pro running for any extended period of time during such circumstances.
However, at the same time, even though some very knowledgeable folk like Nano here have stressed sine wave models, and it's all very appreciated info, but I also have yet to come across any long term effect reports on using a simulated sine wave model.
But I'll be frank, the buzzing noise does make me worry a little bit. To the OP, if you are still considering a UPS, you should note the buzzing noise. Aside from being a minor audible annoyance and possibly disruptive to your work, whether you think or not that this buzzing noise that comes from using a simulated sine wave model is truly damaging to the machine, its difficult to say. Where is the evidence?
I'd skip it. For a +/- 10% on 230VAC (inverter output voltage range = 207 - 253VAC), I really have to wonder what the stepping looks like.
Sounds like brownouts, which can actually damage your electronics over time. I've experienced this (cheaper goods not attached to a UPS).
As per the stepped units not having a reason, I do. I've also had systems (and seen others) killed by stepped inverter outputs in past years (namely PSU's).
That's why I went to pure sine wave units for personal use. So the recommendations of pure sine wave units isn't without warrant. Damage actually can and does occur as a result of using them. How quickly it can happen depends on the power quality of the grid (frequency the inverter needs to kick in, as that's when damage occurs), and the damage is dependent on the equipment (including the UPS, as not all stepped inverters are the same; think cost cutting).
This is a major clue that damage is occuring when running off of the inverter. Newer PSU's in particular are more succeptible (Power Factor Controlled = pretty much any of the "Green"/80Plus units). Cost cutting doesn't help either, and is a reason non PFC units can be damaged as well.
Ultimately, the only way to be 100% sure, is to run stepped (get a full battery charge, pull the plug and run until the batteries are depleted, then repeat for say a month). If the system isn't affected you're fine. Otherwise, you're screwed as you need to get the damaged hardware fixed or replaced.
Rather expensive proposition. So the cost difference is well worth it IMO, especially if you locate a refurbished unit. It's possible to find pure sine wave, Line Interactive models refurbished for about the same cost as a new stepped output Line Interactive model.
Now which do you think is the better way to go?
Simulated is bad. At my company it won't work at all with many of the Dells or any other computers with similar Active Power Factor Correction power supplies.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19281682/19509341.aspx
If we unplug the UPC from the wall, all devices on the UPC stay on except the Dell, which instantly turns off.
The Mac Pro doesn't seem to turn off instantly, but the PS buzzes. The whole point of a UPC is to protect your computer from crappy power problems, so why get a crappy UPC that makes your PS buzz?
I would also recommend one. I just got one for my 6-core today. It is the APC XS 1300G (http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BX1300G&tab=documentation) The only problem that I have is when it runs off battery. It can power all of my equipment, but my Mac Pro makes this "buzzing" sound from the Power Supply (I think that's where it comes from) when it's running off battery. Is this normal to hear when running off battery? Im sure that it's coming from the MP and not the APC. I can hear the APC's own fans kicking in. Anyone else also experience this?
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Lol, read the last couple of posts.
Lol, read the last couple of posts.
Still would go with a refurbished $180 APC SmartUPS 1400 or $250 APC SU 1500 from ExcessUPS.
Heck, buying those is generally a 1 time purchase and batteries at Batteries+ or drop shipped every couple-few years.
A cheap UPS you'd basically end up spending about the same over the next decade, though you'd replace the unit a couple few times, rather than refurbish it with new batteries.
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Generally outages aren't the problem, it is the under-over volt situations that cause the grief.
A pure sine unit like the APCs generally eliminate all the power problems as sources of pain -- like those machines that never work at home, and work fine at the Apple Store.
Some computers are sensitive to power problems and line noise, while others aren't, all depends on luck of the draw.
Heck, buying those is generally a 1 time purchase and batteries at Batteries+ or drop shipped every couple-few years.
A cheap UPS you'd basically end up spending about the same over the next decade, though you'd replace the unit a couple few times, rather than refurbish it with new batteries.
---
Generally outages aren't the problem, it is the under-over volt situations that cause the grief.
A pure sine unit like the APCs generally eliminate all the power problems as sources of pain -- like those machines that never work at home, and work fine at the Apple Store.
Some computers are sensitive to power problems and line noise, while others aren't, all depends on luck of the draw.
Same here when my AVR1500 is running off the bats. The buzzing is faint ............ can barely hear it with the MP under the desk. The fan noise from the AVR1500 is significantly higher intensity. JMO, but I don't think this small buzz sound from the MP PSU is reason for concern.
cheers
JohnG
it is awsome.....
i dont understand why people buy those monster surge bars for 300$, they offer no protection compared to even a 60$ APC ups.
also, if you buy a tv....buy a ups and it will save you from possible expensive tv repairs from not shutting down properly (cooling cycle)
I consider a UPS to be an absolute requirement for any desktop system.
Not only that, but you can plug your network router and switch into the UPS and keep power outages from taking out your network, even if you're using the laptop.
I've had a UPS system of some sort since 1996. This is what I use on my current system:
http://www.amazon.com/APC-BACK-UPS-BR1300LCD-1300VA-System/dp/B000NDA5CM
However it may be overkill for some; I am currently running my Mac Pro, a Dell system running Linux as a network router, cable modem, and a gigabit switch on this. And it's less than half-utilized most of the time.
Get a UPS. Compared to the Mac Pro itself, it's a TINY investment with lots of advantages.
Not only that, but you can plug your network router and switch into the UPS and keep power outages from taking out your network, even if you're using the laptop.
I've had a UPS system of some sort since 1996. This is what I use on my current system:
http://www.amazon.com/APC-BACK-UPS-BR1300LCD-1300VA-System/dp/B000NDA5CM
However it may be overkill for some; I am currently running my Mac Pro, a Dell system running Linux as a network router, cable modem, and a gigabit switch on this. And it's less than half-utilized most of the time.
Get a UPS. Compared to the Mac Pro itself, it's a TINY investment with lots of advantages.
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Most certainly you need a UPS!
I know everyone suggests APC, and for good reason, but I went the slightly cheaper route and got this 1500VA Cyberpower model and it has saved me twice in the last two years.
It can power my MP Quad / 26in LCD / 1x External HD up to about 19-20min.
I know everyone suggests APC, and for good reason, but I went the slightly cheaper route and got this 1500VA Cyberpower model and it has saved me twice in the last two years.
It can power my MP Quad / 26in LCD / 1x External HD up to about 19-20min.
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I ordered one the moment I saw that price. They just sent me shipment notice. I'll report back if/when I receive it.
I just got mine from Vann's yesterday for the $200 shipped. I think it might be a price mistake too, but they took the order and shipped it, but it still shows as $200. I'm quite happy with the deal, so THANK YOU FOR THE LINK. I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't seen it in this thread.
Glad it all worked out (incredible price for a really good unit; only step up, is an Online/Double Conversion model).