Compare BX1300LCD to BX1500LCD...Same Unit!

[Anonymous user]

I just bought a BX1300LCD at Best Buy. I thought about buying the more expensive BX1500LCD but decided the 1300 would be strong enough. It works fine with a computer, monitor, modem, router, XBox 360 and 57-inch rear-projection TV running all at once. I also have my new 58-inch plasma hooked up to it with a power cord running through the wall. If I turn off the rear-projection TV and turn on the plasma it doesn't overload but comes pretty close. (Plasma TV is a power-hog) I'm left with only 3 minutes battery time, whereas, with the rear-pro TV I have 10 minutes or more.

So, I was about to go back to BB and exchange the 1300 for the 1500 but decided to check the specs first and see how much more I'd be getting for the extra 20 bucks. What I found is that they are exactly the same unit, only with different numbers stamped on them. Check it out for yourself.

1300 spec sheet:
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BX1300LCD

1500 spec sheet:
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BX1500LCD

The physical characteristics are exactly the same with both units. (weight, size, etc.)

Everything else is listed as being exactly the same too, except for the output ratings, which are listed as:
780 Watts / 1300 VA (for the BX1300LCD)
865 Watts / 1500 VA (for the BX1500LCD)

Now check the "Batteries & Runtime" section.

BX1300LCD:
Typical Backup Time
at Half Load
16.4 minutes (390 Watts)
Typical Backup Time
at Full Load
5.4 minutes (780 Watts)

BX1500LCD:
Typical Backup Time
at Half Load
13.4 minutes (432.5 Watts)
Typical Backup Time
at Full Load
3.3 minutes (865 Watts)

See what I mean? You don't actually get any more power out of the 1500. If that was the case, the backup time would be about the same, running 865 watts on it, as it is for the 1300, running 780 watts. Instead, there's a difference of 3 minutes on half-load and 2 minutes on full load.

So, if you're thinking of buying the 1500, save twenty bucks and go with the 1300. It's the exact same unit, only cheaper!

[voidstar_apc]

It's great to see smart consumers who see past superficial feature lists and look closer.

Those two UPSes don't look the same to me. Sure, they're similar sizes, which fits a similar capacity battery. That means they will have similar runtimes at the same power level, but look closer.

On the back of the 865W/1500VA UPS, there is a 2nd fan, whereas on the 780W/1300VA UPS only has one. The 865W UPS is built to handle more power, and therefore can potentially produce more heat and therefore needs more cooling. The big differences are the internal electronics.

On the subject of superficial feature lists, one thing to watch out for is comparisons of VA. These numbers are derived from the watt rating by dividing by a "power factor" around 0.6, but manufacturers can choose any power factor they want. Therefore, I recommend comparing the watt ratings rather than the VA ratings.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Well, by golly, I stand corrected. There is an extra fan on the rear of the 1500. That may be the only difference but it may make a significant difference when I'm using my plasma TV. Sometimes I game on that one for hours at a time, so maybe I'll just have to head back to Best Buy tomorrow and make the swap after all. Either that or buy an extra unit so I won't have to worry about overheating. Also, with two units I'd be able to run both TVs simultaneously...Decision, Decisions...aaaarrrgghh! LOL

Thanks for the reply Man. I reckon I should have examined the photos before spouting off!