Noob question about buying a UPS

SmoothJK · 13-10-2008, 10:35 PM

Hi all,

Currently, my computer is running off of a 550W Antec PSU. It has things like an AMD X2 6000+ and a 9600 GT GPU. My computer, monitor, printer, and a couple of other minor things are plugged into a simple surge protector. However, I'm looking to use my Staples gift card and buy myself a UPS.

Here's one that I'm looking at (cheapest one, and my gift card will cover it):
CyberPower 425VA 6-Outlet UPS at Staples®

It has a 425VA rating, whatever that means, and 230W. This seems well below my computer's current specs, but I figure that since it's on a plain old surge protector right now, it's still worth buying. "Better than nothing," sort of.

Question is, how do the power ratings work relative to the computer? I'm guessing there's no way the UPS has to match the computer's PSU, because I'm looking at the prices and specs of various models, and it takes a LOT of dough to match up.

Please educate me on the subject, or send a link my way to read.

Thanks!

Anti-Trend · 14-10-2008, 03:07 AM

Your PC probably uses a less than 230watts while its running, especially if you're actually using the AMD "PowerNOW!!1" tech.

That model of PSU is actually not bad; I've worked with them before. They have UPS'ed plugs, and some that are just surge protected. More than likely you just want to plug the PC (and maybe the monitor) into the UPS side, and everything else into the surge protector side. It's probably not enough to keep everything up, but can most likely keep the PC up for a few minutes.

SmoothJK · 14-10-2008, 11:04 AM

Cool thanks man! Either way, it's gotta be better than this plain old surge protector I'm using now.

13-10-2008, 10:35 PM	#1 (permalink) Top
SmoothJK Geek Trainee Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Status: Offline	Noob question about buying a UPS Hi all, Currently, my computer is running off of a 550W Antec PSU. It has things like an AMD X2 6000+ and a 9600 GT GPU. My computer, monitor, printer, and a couple of other minor things are plugged into a simple surge protector. However, I'm looking to use my Staples gift card and buy myself a UPS. Here's one that I'm looking at (cheapest one, and my gift card will cover it): CyberPower 425VA 6-Outlet UPS at Staples® It has a 425VA rating, whatever that means, and 230W. This seems well below my computer's current specs, but I figure that since it's on a plain old surge protector right now, it's still worth buying. "Better than nothing," sort of. Question is, how do the power ratings work relative to the computer? I'm guessing there's no way the UPS has to match the computer's PSU, because I'm looking at the prices and specs of various models, and it takes a LOT of dough to match up. Please educate me on the subject, or send a link my way to read. Thanks!

14-10-2008, 03:07 AM	#2 (permalink) Top
Anti-Trend Nonconformist Geek Join Date: Oct 2003 Age: 27 Male Posts: 4,884 Times Helpful: 538 Status: Online My Computer	Your PC probably uses a less than 230watts while its running, especially if you're actually using the AMD "PowerNOW!!1" tech. That model of PSU is actually not bad; I've worked with them before. They have UPS'ed plugs, and some that are just surge protected. More than likely you just want to plug the PC (and maybe the monitor) into the UPS side, and everything else into the surge protector side. It's probably not enough to keep everything up, but can most likely keep the PC up for a few minutes. __________________ See My Desktop \| Try Linux \| Install Linux \| Visit My Server \| Support Hardware Forums \| Easily rip DVDs in Linux \| Remember Everything

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14-10-2008, 11:04 AM	#3 (permalink) Top
SmoothJK Geek Trainee Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Status: Offline	Cool thanks man! Either way, it's gotta be better than this plain old surge protector I'm using now.

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