APC BX1100LI-MS compatible with my system?

[BillP]

Hello this is my specs:

intel core i7 3770k stock clock

msi z77mag45 motherboard

Asus Strix Gtx 960 4gb

Kingston fury x 1600 mhz ddr3

1tb HDD seagate 7200rpm

600 watts thermal take power supply: http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00001858

4 120mm case fans raidmax raptor.

Now if my estimates is correct my PC should be at 350 watts max load say runningcrysis 3. The problem is that my currentAPC 650va like 325 watts can no longer support it and overloads while gaming except when browsing or doinglite stuff it works. Now the ultimate question: is theAPC BX1100LI-MS enough? I am sure I am not going to reach bloody 600 watts with this set-up! and the manufacturer page claims that the Battery Volt-Amp-Hour Capacity is 96 and my consumption should be like 30? this is running on 220 volts btw in my country.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: I only need a maximum of 40 seconds to exit my games and shutdown

PLEASE HELP thanks.

[prince213_apc]

Hi,

You can check the previous thread discussing about same issue

http://forums.apc.com/spaces/4/back-ups-surge-protectors/forums/general/12682/bx600c-in-ups-beeps-wi...

The problem is not due to connected load watts instead the UPS power output which is modified sinewave or square wave which is incompatible to most SMPS (PSU) which is based on active PFC design. It require pure sinewave and for that purpose you need to look for sinewave ouput giving UPS. All online ups are sinewave ones and some line interactive ones too like this model http://www.apc.com/shop/in/en/products/APC-Smart-UPS-750VA-USB-Serial-230V-India-Specific/P-SUA750I-...

[BillP]

Hello prince. Thank you for the reply. If that is the case then why does APC still produce these products if they are incompatible wit today's modern PC?

Furthermore, my current APC 650 VA 325watts works fine during idle or web browsing it keeps my entire system powered on except when gaming when there is a long beeeeeeepppp probably signifying overload.

[prince213_apc]

Modified sinewave UPS can be used for many applications where this active PFC design not comes examples like non active PFC based SMPS. For TV. Set top box, mobile chargers, various lights etc. Its cost is much less thats why still there is a huge market for it.

Active PFC SMPS are relatively costlier than normal SMPS so for that require expensive UPS too to work. Also the components attached to such SMPS like CPU, graphics cards, motherboards are all expensive ones too. You can select any brand's Online UPS it will give sinewave and best protection from voltage fluctuations and other distortions as they use double conversion using battery power and line power and gives clean power to computer and attached devices.

[prince213_apc]

Sorry, forgot to mention about current UPS you are using. Yes it does sound like overloading. But during power failure it gives square wave to your SMPS which will affect its performance and might affect the performance of connected components too so its risky and suggest you to buy a sinewave UPS as soon as possible.

[voidstar_apc]

See APC's article on the subject: UPS selection for servers with active PFC supplies.

[BillP]

Thank you for the reply. I want to add that this problem started happening the moment I upgraded my gpu from a GT 630 to a GTX 960. Back when I was using my low end gpu my current 325watts UPS can support it even running crysis 2 and Skyrim or Battlefield 4 during a power surge or power outage. I have also read the APC guideline in choosing a UPS. It says that a non sinewave UPS should work as long as it can handle the temporary battery overload of the tansfer time. Since my PC consmes around 350 Watts max load .. overload should be around 450 watts.

If you have connections with APC tell them to bloody manufacture economical pure sinewave UPS which doesn't cost like a brand-new motorcycle 

[BillP]

Thank you. But can you explain to me why the guide said to consider nominal power of the PSU during battery transfer time? My old GT630 and i73770k on maxload was able to survive a power outage with this 325watt Ups with my 22inch monitor connected?

[prince213_apc · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Active PFC can draw a huge power almost double or triple of usual. Ex: if your usual power is 150 watts then it can draw at some times 450 watts. Also these active PFC smps draw power in form of pulses rather than continuous so the UPS must be able to handle spikes of power and usually require double of rated SMPS power. 1 KVA must be the minimum rating for the UPS though your normal power demand is only about 200 watts.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Which means the APC BX1100LI-MS is not strong enough for my current set up?! Oh bloody hell... 

[prince213_apc]

Its power rating is this 550 Watts / 1100 VA may be due to that. Possible reason either due to insufficient power rating or it might require pure sinewave. Anyway the best solution is to get an online UPS of any brand, it will satisfy both demands.