3 Computers Which APC?

[BillP]

I have 3 computers on a KVM with 1 monitor and 1 switch. I would like to know which APC would work for what I need.

I would like these to be plugged into the battery backup:
2 Pentium 4 mini towers
1 Core 2 Duo mini tower
Nothing else needs to be on the backup.

I would like the computers to auto shutdown when battery power runs low. What would be a good solution for this? Would 1 APC work well or or should I use 1 per computer?

[BillP]

I have 3 computers on a KVM with 1 monitor and 1 switch. I would like to know which APC would work for what I need.

I would like these to be plugged into the battery backup:
2 Pentium 4 mini towers
1 Core 2 Duo mini tower
Nothing else needs to be on the backup.

I would like the computers to auto shutdown when battery power runs low. What would be a good solution for this? Would 1 APC work well or or should I use 1 per computer?

[Erasmus_apc · Accepted solution]

You should be fine using 1 APC unit for the entire setup, assuming you also purchase (separately) an AP9617 network management card with the UPS. This will allow you to shut down any computer with our PowerChute Network Shutdown software installed over the network, and cuts down on cable requirements (only existing ethernet connection required).

The other option for using 1 APC unit for the entire setup, and shutting down all the computers during a power outage, would be using our AP9607 (sold separately) interface expander to add extra serial ports to the UPS for use with our PowerChute Business Edition software. This will also require additional serial cables to be connected from each computer to the UPS.

Frankly, for the price difference, the AP9617 gives much more flexibility, accessibility, and the use of PCNS cuts down on the cable clutter that an interface expander could cause. The UPS you should consider should probably be an SUA1500, as this should give you more than enough runtime for 3 computers and is part of our "Smart-UPS" network/server line of UPS systems.