UPS for iMac 21,5 mid 2011

[majkom]

Hi, I would like to buy UPS for my iMac - I know nothing about UPS and so on, so what I am searching for is:
- energy backup for few minutes in case of electric black out - just to have time to shut down the machine correctly
- protection against occassional overvoltage

Only iMac will be connected to this UPS.

Thx for any tips.

 

[panzer06]

Hi, I would like to buy UPS for my iMac - I know nothing about UPS and so on, so what I am searching for is:
- energy backup for few minutes in case of electric black out - just to have time to shut down the machine correctly
- protection against occassional overvoltage

Only iMac will be connected to this UPS.

Thx for any tips.

We use these APC BE750s. We have them all over the house, everything expensive is connected to one. Really saved us when lightning hit the house. Destroyed a couple of the UPS but all the connected devices were safe.

http://www.amazon.com/APC-BACK-UPS-BE750G-10-Outlet-System/dp/B000Z80ICM

Cheers,

 

[Hamilton1963]

My suggestion is the APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1000. Read the specs here

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1000G&total_watts=200

Hi, I would like to buy UPS for my iMac - I know nothing about UPS and so on, so what I am searching for is:
- energy backup for few minutes in case of electric black out - just to have time to shut down the machine correctly
- protection against occassional overvoltage

Only iMac will be connected to this UPS.

Thx for any tips.

 

[majkom]

My suggestion is the APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 1000. Read the specs here

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1000G&total_watts=200

Thx for some tips, but I was hoping for sthing less expensive, all I need is simple solution for what I described in first post. I was thinking about sthing like this:http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BE400-CP , but again, I know nothing about this issue.

SO, I am searching for solution that will keep iMac online for few minutes during blackout and protect it against overvoltage... and it wont make any damage to imac! (i mean, that APC i linked has sthing called approx sinus - is that enough, or not?)

 

[Hamilton1963]

Take my advice, get yourself a good reliable UPS. What would cost more loosing your computer or spending $129.00 ($129.00 at amazon.com) on an UPS?

Thx for some tips, but I was hoping for sthing less expensive, all I need is simple solution for what I described in first post. I was thinking about sthing like this:http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BE400-CP , but again, I know nothing about this issue.

SO, I am searching for solution that will keep iMac online for few minutes during blackout and protect it against overvoltage... and it wont make any damage to imac! (i mean, that APC i linked has sthing called approx sinus - is that enough, or not?)

 

[Spike88]

Definitely use 850W to 1,300W (average 1,000W) depending if router, external drives, etc. are also connected. I have a APC LCD 1,300W with attached usb cable and it works great. If possible, do get a UPS that produces "pure sine" instead of "step approximation" output. If wondering, the "pure sine" is much cleaner output and iMacs (and stereo equipment) love it much better. On some brands of UPS units that produces "step approximation", some of the iMAc flicker and burp. Thus, always best to get "pure sine" - which is within the APC SmartUPS models.

Personally, I'd use a 1,000W or more on an iMac + external drive + router. Printer goes on "only surge Protection" outlet on the UPS unit. Otherwise, plug printer directly into wall outlet. With UPS units, going middle to slightly larger is always better. Thus, why my APC is a 1300W model.

.

 

[joudbren]

I sell APC for a living including their big 3 phase iron for data centres. At home I'm using a mix of smaller APC units and now a couple of Cyberpower units. I'm an APC junkie usually but for the smaller PC stuff the Cyberpowers have been a pleasant surprise compared to some junky Tripplite's I tried a few years ago. The advantage with the Cyberpower units is they give you AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) even in their smaller units which you typically have to go up in the line to get with APC. ($$$) AVR means you get stable, consistent and clean power continuously to the connected devices regardless of the power coming into the UPS.

I have a new 27" i7 iMac and it's working flawlessly with a Cyberpower CP1350AVRLCD. In my case it's also backing up external drives and my modem/router and it has tons of time. It's currently showing 40 minutes available on the display. We had a power failure last month so I shut down the iMac after about 10 minutes and just let the UPS backup the network. It indicated over 4 hours of runtime with that load and I was still able to surf the net with my iPad during the failure. Way cool.

For a 21", I would recommend the CP1000AVRLCD or even the CP850AVRLCD if budget is a concern. The 850 will have more than enough power for the 21" iMac and even an external drive. I would guess in the range of 5 to 10 minutes depending. Battery is also easily accessible and is easily replaced. This is important as most of the batteries in these smaller units are typically only good for 2 to 3 years at the most. OEM replacement batteries are easily purchased locally in most places and I recommend a 2 year replacement cycle. Put the install date on a piece of tape on the UPS as it's easy to lose track of how long it's been in service. The batteries are lead/acid (same as car battery) and they will bulge and even crack if they are worn out. I've seen that a million times... You can typically buy replacement batteries for about $25 to $30ish or so each for OEM. Some units have one battery, some two or more.

My iMac is talking to the UPS via USB and seems to be working fine with the UPS functionality built into OSX. You don't need to load any additional software and Cyberpower includes the USB cable. Cheers!

http://www.cyberpowersystems.com/pr...D.html?selectedTabId=overview&imageI=#tab-box

 

[majkom]

Hi guys, thx for those replies, I appreciate it very much. Got some questions:
1. do I need sine wave? I mean, I read a lot of articles saying that i really need sine wave, othervise the iMacs power supply will make some strange noise during blackout (time when it is supplied from the batteries) eventually, UPS without sine wave (with approx. sine) may damage iMacs power supply! Is that true?
2. do u have any experience with that strange sound of the iMacs power supply using yours UPS (nad which one do u use with iMac)?
3. which one should i choose:
a)http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR550GI
b)http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=be550-fr
c) CyberPower Intelligent LCD Series PFC 900VA
d) different cbyer power solutions?

and why?

Again, all i need is few minutes during blackout to turn off iMac properly and all time protection (all time iMac is being used) against overvoltage or whatever happens there with electricity (I am not expert, dont know what may happen And of course, i must be sure that UPS wont damage my beloved iMac

Last but not least, money is concern.

Thx very much for any advice.

 

[Spike88]

The UPS makes weird humming noise or the iMac makes weird humming noises when using "Step approximation" power. This is because "step approximation" is uneven power. For sensitive electronics like iMacs, Stereo and TV/LCDs, its always best to use UPS that produces "pure sine".

If wondering, I use a normal APC UPS LCD unit (that uses "step approximation". And yes, my little iMac does have a low sounding hum - when its on Backup power. When this UPS needs replacing, I'll be replacing with a "pure sine" UPS unit - like the APS Smart series. I too should have spent a few more dollars for the "smart series" years ago. re: http://excessups.com/smartups-1000va-smt1000-p-169.html

For more details, surf entire post at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2396452?start=0&tstart=0

.

 

[spoon72]

Hi guys, thx for those replies, I appreciate it very much. Got some questions:
1. do I need sine wave? I mean, I read a lot of articles saying that i really need sine wave, othervise the iMacs power supply will make some strange noise during blackout (time when it is supplied from the batteries) eventually, UPS without sine wave (with approx. sine) may damage iMacs power supply! Is that true?
2. do u have any experience with that strange sound of the iMacs power supply using yours UPS (nad which one do u use with iMac)?
3. which one should i choose:
a)http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR550GI
b)http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=be550-fr
c) CyberPower Intelligent LCD Series PFC 900VA
d) different cbyer power solutions?

and why?

Again, all i need is few minutes during blackout to turn off iMac properly and all time protection (all time iMac is being used) against overvoltage or whatever happens there with electricity (I am not expert, dont know what may happen And of course, i must be sure that UPS wont damage my beloved iMac

Last but not least, money is concern.

Thx very much for any advice.

fyi I got this 900 pro with 500W which can last me almost an hour on battery(without running any program) of course mine is 230Vac which is not suitable for US.
http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR900GI

 

[Texran]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FBK3QK

This is the one I purchased due to the fact my house loses power quite frequently for split seconds, just enough to make computers reboot.
I know thats its more than most are willing to spend. However, to provide some protection to what's actually an expensive computer, and to be able to keep working after the short outage, it's worth it to me.

 

[majkom]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FBK3QK

This is the one I purchased due to the fact my house loses power quite frequently for split seconds, just enough to make computers reboot.
I know thats its more than most are willing to spend. However, to provide some protection to what's actually an expensive computer, and to be able to keep working after the short outage, it's worth it to me.

Thx for tip, personally I start to prefer cyberpower solution over apc - price seems to be more reasonable... so u used that cyberpower ups for imac? is power supply in iMac OK with this upc while running on batteries? (no sound from imac).. it has just simulated sine wave, not pure one, is that enough?

thx!

 

[Texran]

Pure sine wasn't a concern of mine since it only applies when on battery time.
If your imac must run unattended during extended outages, then pure sine-wave power is the only way to.

Here's a review, take with a grain of salt

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/maintenance/gr/cp1500avrlcd-review.htm

Or you might be interested in one of the others that I considered with pure sine.

http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1350PFCLCD-1350VA-810W-Compatible/dp/B00429N19M

http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1500PFCLCD-1500VA-900W-Compatible/dp/B00429N19W

 

[majkom]

Pure sine wasn't a concern of mine since it only applies when on battery time.
If your imac must run unattended during extended outages, then pure sine-wave power is the only way to.

Here's a review, take with a grain of salt

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/maintenance/gr/cp1500avrlcd-review.htm

Or you might be interested in one of the others that I considered with pure sine.

http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1350PFCLCD-1350VA-810W-Compatible/dp/B00429N19M

http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-CP1500PFCLCD-1500VA-900W-Compatible/dp/B00429N19W

Strange, I thought u use that ups even for supplying power to imac during blackouts, isnt true? If so, just question, how it workd with imacs power supply??

I plan tu use that ups for two things:
- protecting imac from overvoltage and other baaad things
- battery supply during blackouts - just to turn of imac safely

so, do i need pure sine wave?
And, one little question, how did u connect imac to that ups? it cant be connected via standard imacs power cord, i think that Cyberpower supplies its own cable, but i do not believe id would fit perfectly to imac (i mean, imacs power cord got circle form on that end connected to imac)?

 

[spoon72]

Strange, I thought u use that ups even for supplying power to imac during blackouts, isnt true? If so, just question, how it workd with imacs power supply??

I plan tu use that ups for two things:
- protecting imac from overvoltage and other baaad things
- battery supply during blackouts - just to turn of imac safely

so, do i need pure sine wave?
And, one little question, how did u connect imac to that ups? it cant be connected via standard imacs power cord, i think that Cyberpower supplies its own cable, but i do not believe id would fit perfectly to imac (i mean, imacs power cord got circle form on that end connected to imac)?

Is the plug that goes to the ups that you need to worry but it can be solve by adaptor ,with adaptor you can still use the original cord from apple. Communication is through USB to iMac. That's the case for my apc brand.

[/IMG]

 

[Texran]

If you feel more comfortable with pure sine, get it as the money is not that much more. I wasn't concerned with it as I'm only trying to prevent reboots during brownouts, and split second outages. I never turn my computers off.

Pure sine is recommended since Newer computers use Active PFC. They say if you don't use pure and your UPS goes to batteries your computer will restart, make humming noise and potentially damage the PSU. I don't have this problem when going onto battery power.

 

[majkom]

If you feel more comfortable with pure sine, get it as the money is not that much more. I wasn't concerned with it as I'm only trying to prevent reboots during brownouts, and split second outages. I never turn my computers off.

Pure sine is recommended since Newer computers use Active PFC. They say if you don't use pure and your UPS goes to batteries your computer will restart, make humming noise and potentially damage the PSU. I don't have this problem when going onto battery power.

OK, i will go for this one: CyberPower Intelligent LCD PFC UPS 900VA / 540W
Just last one question, is that ups noisy? i mean, while just protecting your iMac (not going on battery supply), is it noisy? or its completeley silent?
Thx!

 

[Texran]

When I've pulled the plug to test several times I heard it, other than that it's quiet.

 

[mapleleafer]

You may have the European equivalent of what I received two days ago. I have the CP850PFCLCD, which has no fan and so is completely silent.

 

[spoon72]

Take my advice, get yourself a good reliable UPS. What would cost more loosing your computer or spending $129.00 ($129.00 at amazon.com) on an UPS?

hi hamilton do you have any idea what does the reading on watt and percentage on the apc ups provide us with what info when the ups still on incoming power supply? not on battery. i can see the watt and percentage reading is changing all the time.

 

[Hamilton1963]

The information you see is for the battery only, nothing else.

hi hamilton do you have any idea what does the reading on watt and percentage on the apc ups provide us with what info when the ups still on incoming power supply? not on battery. i can see the watt and percentage reading is changing all the time.

 

[majkom]

Thx!

Hi guys, thx for all comments. Finally I have decided to buy this one, hope it will work perfectly: CyberPower Intelligent LCD PFC UPS 900VA / 540W

Once again, thx for all posts!

 

[Texran]

you might also find this useful

http://www.cyberpowersystems.com/support/faqs/faq_OSX_UPS.html

 

[wxman2003]

FWIW Best Buy is selling this CyberPower UPS for $40. I have this one and works great and can use the Energy Saver preference per previous post. Simple to set up.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/CyberPower+-+625VA+Battery+Back-Up+System/9926091.p?id=1218196445055&skuId=9926091&st=UPS&cp=1&lp=5

 

[majkom]

Little question about usage of ups

Hi, so I got UPS from cyber power, so far so good But i got one question, shoul I turn it off for the night or time being out of house? or shoult it be turned on permanently? I mean, the time while iMac is off or I am not in home, isnt it dangerous to keep it on?

thx in advance...