Best UPS

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kiwiwombat

23 posts

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#63614 30-Jun-2010 23:54

I am going be running an office at home - business use only, no gaming

Set up is likely to be

Desktop PC, say Core Duo
Single Video card with Dual output
Two 4:3 19 inch monitors (wide screen not suitable)
Router
VOIP phone

Continuity of power is critical but I don't know for how long I need to plan.

I will be living in Whitby. Does anyne know what the outages are like in that area? How often does power fail for more than an hour or two?

Ignoring cost, any thoughts on best brand and model?

Thanks

jaymz

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#347346 2-Jul-2010 16:31

In my opinion APC is the best brand.

kyhwana2

2566 posts

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#347351 2-Jul-2010 16:44

I would say APC as well. Just be aware you'll need to replace the battery after 1-2 years. :) (Like with any UPS, realy)

richms

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#347367 2-Jul-2010 17:19

Battery is what gives it run time. I have a 600VA here with just one battery so you get about 4 mins from it - and thats only running one 21" screen, the others are not on the UPS.

Barely enough time to hibernate the PC IMO.

A friend has a 475VA one with 2 batteries, and it will run his machine (admitidly its an LCD on his) for about 20 mins.

When I had one that switched over rathar than a true UPS, it managed to in the process of switching over cause more interuptions that it prevented whenever there was a small dip in the power like when I was welding and the rod stuck etc.

Richard rich.ms

Regs

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Snowflake

#347419 2-Jul-2010 21:20

APC is the best. With a usb connector it integrates directly into windows and power configuration meaning you can treat your desktop like a laptop with a battery. All the other brands i've tried require extra crappy software to be loaded and the integration is nowhere near as good.

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richms

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#347422 2-Jul-2010 21:31

Yeah, and some of the crap software cant do a hibernate just a shutdown so really dont achieve a hell of a lot.

Richard rich.ms

kiwiwombat

23 posts

Geek

#352658 17-Jul-2010 13:53

OK, I bought an APC Smart-UPS 750XL and even before I install it I can see a problem.

There are two power cables provided and I need 3 - One for PC and two monitors. Are the cables commercially available?

Next, how do I connect the modem/router and VOIP phone. These are more critical than the PC because all my work is done over the internet and by VOIP phone. Without power to these devices I can't work. Are there adaptors?

kyhwana2

2566 posts

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#352664 17-Jul-2010 14:02

kiwiwombat: OK, I bought an APC Smart-UPS 750XL and even before I install it I can see a problem.

There are two power cables provided and I need 3 - One for PC and two monitors. Are the cables commercially available?

Next, how do I connect the modem/router and VOIP phone. These are more critical than the PC because all my work is done over the internet and by VOIP phone. Without power to these devices I can't work. Are there adaptors?

You can pick up IEC to normal AC plugs..
http://jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=PS4100&keywords=UPS+cable+IEC&form=KEYWORD < one of those and hang a 4-8 power strip off it. Problem solved :)

Using the powerstrip will let you connect your modem/router/voip phone to it.

Quic Broadband

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kiwiwombat

23 posts

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#352720 17-Jul-2010 16:43

Great stuff

Thanks heaps

richms

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#352730 17-Jul-2010 17:11

Just dont plug your stereo into it, or goodbye UPS IME.

Richard rich.ms

1080p

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#352895 18-Jul-2010 09:12

Be careful where you buy it from:

http://thechive.com/2010/07/13/some-dude-bought-this-on-ebay-it-didnt-work-9-photos/

ZollyMonsta

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#352897 18-Jul-2010 09:34

1080p: Be careful where you buy it from:

http://thechive.com/2010/07/13/some-dude-bought-this-on-ebay-it-didnt-work-9-photos/

LOL Classic.

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As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

kiwiwombat

23 posts

Geek

#353019 18-Jul-2010 16:55

My UPS came from Harvey Norman and it works well

And thanks kyhwana2, Jaycar in Weliington had stocks and that worked as well. They also had they extra monitor cable I needed