Battery Backup for Mac Pro

[Anonymous user]

My Mac Pro 2.66 is overloading the APC Back-UPS ES 650 that it is connected to.

What UPS do you suggest I get for my Mac Pro?

Also, are the other appliances that are on different circuits than the computer (such as a portable A/C or garbage disposal) also impacting the UPS? Every time the A/C goes on the UPS unit makes a clicking noise. Will getting a new UPS with a higher VA solve all issues with other appliances going on and off?

Thanks:)

[BillP]

Hi Rose,

Do you know the wattage on your power supply? The 650VA model that you have can handle about 390 watts.

First I'd want to know the total wattage of everything plugged in. Also, you want to make sure that your Mac doesnt have problems with the step approximated sine wave that a Back UPS (vs. Smart UPS) provides. A lot of higher end computers including macs dont like it and either reboot or make a buzzing noise. A smart UPS provides a pure sine wave. Furthermore, it also provides a shorter transfer time to battery which can cause an issue.

There should be a clicking noise when the relay moves to transfer the Back UPS to battery operation. If its constantly clicking, there could be something else going on such as electrical noise or something causing a really high current draw on the circuit, maybe a refrigerator or vacuum. Unfortunately, powerchute support for Macs isnt HUGE so I dont believe it will tell you if there is electrical noise or anything.

Other items on different circuits should not have an effect on other circuits unless theres something funky going on (which I doubt).

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for your response.

The apple website lists the CPU max power consumption as 250 W. However, I think that with everything else (RAM, drive, card slots, etc....) the wattage might be about 350 and I also saw listed in an apple discussion board that it can draw up to 865 W. (From the manual, I think that the amps it is drawing can get up to 12a.)

I am considering replacing my 650VA with the APC RS1500. Someone on the apple discussion board also recommended the XS model but I don't see that listed anywhere on the APC site. What is the XS model?

Do you think that the back ups or smart ups is better for my MacPro? I was confused which one you are referring to that provides a shorter transfer time causing issues.

Please also let me know if you need any more information.

Thanks!

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thanks so much for your help! That makes sense.

If I was to look at a Smart UPS to compare to the Back UPS RS1500VA for my Mac Pro, which Smart UPS would you recommend?

Thanks:)

[BillP]

hi,

The XS is the retail version of the RS, which is sold on our website. They have a few differences - XS only has boost for automatic voltage regulation (so if you have low incoming voltage it will boost it) and I believe that they have different dataline protection - i dont think that the XS has RJ-45?

To clarify: the Back UPS models have a 4-6ms transfer time and a step approximated sine wave. The Smart UPS has a pure sine wave and a transfer time of 2-4ms. Typically, 2 ms.

It kind of depends, some Mac users have issues with the Back UPS, some do not. If you saw someone recommend the XS for your model, go for it.

If I had to pick a model, I'd say the BX1500 (retail only) or BR1500 as you suggested since its the biggest Back UPS. I am sure if its an average computer (1 hard drive, 1 GB of ram, etc) you will be fine with the 1500VA model. If not, you'd have to look at a smart ups.

Dont forget to figure in a monitor, modem etc.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous user]

The apple site says the computer itself can draw 250W under full load, but to add 50W for high ambient temperature and give 50W or so for monitor..

You should still be below the 390W, however how old is your UPS? The battery loses its ability to provide maximum power and these smaller units are designed such that they push the battery to the limit, so it only takes the slightest degradation in battery before the unit will complain of bad battery/over load.

I'd try to look for a refurb SU1000NET or SU1400NET these are very common, very durable UPSs and can be had for significantly less but perform comparably with the newer models.

The 1400 has 12v 18Ah and the 1000 has 12v 12Ah battery pack. Since you're nowhere near ~1000va/650 ish watt the SU1000NET can provide, make the decision based on the runtime you need. There is also an extended run version of 1000 available with 18Ah batteries and external battery capability, but don't get it unless you want a longer runtime as it is more expensive.


Is your A/C a window AC? If so, you might think it's on a different circuit because it's on a different plug, but it might actually be on the same circuit. To be considered a different circuit, the outlet for AC and the outlet for computer must be on separate breakers at the panel. If they're separate and you continue to have the UPS switching to battery on A/C turning on, have an electrician check out your wiring. Changing the UPS won't correct the problem.

[BillP]

I'd agree with KVAr on this one - the older models are the SU1000NET and SU1400NET as he mentioned and the new models that take their place are SUA1000 or SUA1500.The old SU700NET or newer SUA750 only has 500 watts so if you have other items, you'd be cutting it too close I think with that model.

Any of the extended run models have XL in their part number if you are interested in those, ex: SUA1000XL.

[Anonymous user]

In my personal opinion if you're looking at tower SU1000NET and SU1400NET are the flagship UPSs. The SUA1000 and SUA1500 have a few extra features, USB connectivity, a facelift and supposedly more accurate calibration, but it's like buying the same model car in this year's model versus last year's with almost the same specs at a significantly more cost.

The batteries used in these UPSs are common and packs are easy to rebuid.