SMX3000 - 2U or 4U?

[DazOG]

Hi,

Hopefully the answer to this is obvious.  I have seen several different SMX3000 units for sale, some of them are 4U, others 2U.  As far as I can make out the runtime without additional battery packs is the same on both units.

Can someone tell me what the differences are between 2U and 4U units?

SMX3000HV - 4U - http://www.apc.com/shop/uk/en/products/APC-Smart-UPS-X-3000VA-Rack-Tower-LCD-200-240V/P-SMX3000HV

SMX3000RMHV2U - 2U - http://www.apc.com/shop/uk/en/products/APC-Smart-UPS-X-3000VA-Rack-Tower-LCD-200-240V/P-SMX3000RMHV2...

There is also another 2U unit with the same capacity?...

SMT3000RMI2U - 2U - http://www.apc.com/shop/uk/en/products/APC-Smart-UPS-3000VA-LCD-RM-2U-230V/P-SMT3000RMI2U

Thanks in advance,

Darren

[BillP]

Hi,

U is a unit of measurement. Each U equals 44.45 MM or 1.75 inches.  Check out Schneider Electric FAQ FA158600. 

[DazOG]

Hi Bill

Sorry, I guess I didn't make myself clear.  I am aware of rack terminology, so I know that 4U is twice the height of 2U.

What I don't understand is why there are two APC SMX3000 SKUs, with the same apparent rating (2700W, 3kVA) in two different sizes.  I would have presumed that the 4U was larger due to more internal cells, or something, but it seems that isn't the case since the runtime on both units for the same wattage is identical.

What I am trying to understand is, why if SMX3000 can exist in a 2U package there is a 4U version at all?

I feel like I am missing something obvious but I haven't been able to establish what that is from the specs alone.

[BillP]

Hi,

The difference beyond size is the available outlets, price, and replacement battery. 

The 4 U unit offers

(2) IEC 320 C19 (Battery Backup)

(2) IEC Jumpers (Battery Backup)

(8) IEC 320 C13 (Battery Backup)

RBC143

The 2 U

1) IEC 320 C19 (Battery Backup)

(8) IEC 320 C13 (Battery Backup)

(2) IEC Jumpers (Battery Backup)

RBC117

[DazOG]

So one additional C19 outlet and a different battery type (for some reason?) is the reason one unit is twice the height of the other? 

Sorry I still don't understand this, there must surely be some functional reason besides one additional outlet, otherwise wouldn't everyone choose the cheaper one?

[BillP]

Hi,

If space is not an issue then purchase the 4 U at £1,770.00 If space is an issue then purchase the 2 U at £2,190.00. Or if space is an issue but run-time is not (no need for external batteries) then purchase the SMT 2 U at £1,830.00

You need to decide which model and features are needed and you should take into account what will be needed in the future. 

[voidstar_apc]

The 4U unit can be used as a tower as well as rack-mount.

From the specs, the 2U units seem deeper and wider, the 4U unit taller and shallower. The 4U unit might be good for a half-rack.

[DazOG · Accepted solution]

Thanks both. 🙂