UPS newbie needs help

[Chubby]

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to UPS's and such, but I've been thinking of getting one for a while. I'm currently looking at this one: http://eu.cyberpowersystems.com/products/ups_systems/bs_lcd/bs850elcd.htm because it's on offer at my hardware store, but I have no idea if it's good enough for what I have. It has lots of fancy numbers and words, but that sadly doesn't help me.

My system, which I would using it with, consists of:
PC with a Corsair HX850W PSU
LG W2442PA
LG W2442PE
Possibly my Z-5500's

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dandragonrage]

ehh... I recommend this for you: http://www.refurbups.com/Liebert-GXT2-1000RT120-GXT2-1000VA-120V. I have the 1500va version and they are great units. Most people aren't familiar with Liebert but they are a pretty big name in data centers. My other recommendation would be an APC SUA1000... or even the old SU1000NET which is probably available on Ebay for next to nothing.

No reason to put speakers on what you linked because that unit is very low capacity and will hardly give you any runtime. Why put speakers on it only to be able to use them for 5 minutes?

Edit: just noticed that that's a Euro unit, so my recommendations are probably not gonna work, but you should be able to find Euro versions of them.

 

[drescherjm]

Stay away from such low powered UPSs. Especially ones with only 1 battery. I would do as the poster above said. Look for a refirb server grade unit from APC or similar.

 

[bjamm]

How do these two compare..

From your link the GTX2 2000VA or this Tripp-Lite 2200va for $349

http://www.refurbups.com/TrippLite-SU2200RT2U-SmartOnline-2200-Rack-Mount-2U

http://www.refurbups.com/Liebert-GXT2-2000RT120-GXT2-2000VA-120V

Or is there another one that is better in that range? Any other website has refurb'd ups's or free shipping?

Looking to backup two servers off of one UPS so larger one will probably be better for me, each may use 250-400 watts. One is 24 bay file server and other is i7 720 htpc..

 

[dandragonrage]

Do you need a European or American unit? Your first one linked is Euro. I linked a couple of American ones but figured I made a mistake after I realized that you had linked a Euro one, but now you link American ones as well.

 

[bjamm]

Oh sorry yes I need USA/American unit. Didnt realize the Tripplite was euro.

 

[dandragonrage]

I really like Liebert, and I would never choose Tripp-Lite over them.

 

[uunut]

First thing you want to look for is AVR, or auto voltage regulation. This is actually more important than the battery backup, as it compensates for voltage fluctuations, which is the biggest over time killer of electronics.

Second thing to watch out for is "simulated sine wave", I could go into technical detail, but I won't. Stay away.

Unfortunately, these two things are what generally separate the low end from the mid-high end UPS's.

My advice would be to keep an eye on craigslist for someone (local!) dumping one for cheap (happens all the time). I would look up the model # and verify the stats, the input connector type (watch out for 220v or 20+amp if you dont have the socket), and how much the replacement batteries cost. I would plan on buying new batteries right off the bat, unless the person claims to have just replaced the batteries and has a reciept. Batteries are good for 3-5 years typically. Some people opt to just get a new UPS, which is where you get the deals.

My favorites are the APC 1400 or 1500va models. Can usually pick them up used for $100ish and new batteries are 140-180.

Good Luck! B)

 

[dandragonrage]

Heh, new batteries are nowhere near that amount of money. Universal Battery brand AGM 12v 7Ah batteries are about $15-20 each. 12Ah not much more. (Most of the decent units you find will use 4x12v 7Ah or 2x12v 12Ah)