Help Choosing the Right UPS for My PC with Active PFC PSU

[neonbulb]

Hi everyone,

I recently built a PC using some new and pre-owned components, and I need help selecting a UPS that is compatible with my setup. Here are the details of my configuration:

PC Specifications:

CPU: Intel i5-12600K

Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 ARGB

Motherboard: Asus Prime B760M-A

RAM: G.Skill Flare X5 32GB (16GB x 2)

GPU: Zotac RTX 3060 Ti 8GB

Storage: 2 x WD SN850X 1TB M.2 SSDs, 4 x SATA SSDs

PSU: MSI MAG A750GL PCIe5 (750W, active PFC)

Case: Corsair 4000D

Fans: ARCTIC P12 PWM PST (5 fans)

Monitors: 2 x BenQ GW2480

Peripherals: Standard peripherals, a Focusrite audio interface, and a planned Novation FL Keys MIDI keyboard.

My main concern is ensuring that the UPS I choose is compatible with the active PFC feature of my PSU. I’ve read that active PFC PSUs generally require a pure sine wave UPS for proper operation, while simulated sine wave UPS models may not work reliably (though not much sure about this).

I am considering the following APC models available in India:

1. APC Back-UPS BX1100C-IN (1100VA / 660W)

2. APC Back-UPS Pro BR1000G-IN (1000VA / 600W)

3. APC Back-UPS Pro BR1500G-IN (1500VA / 865W)

Can anyone confirm if these models are compatible with an active PFC PSU like mine? If not, could you recommend a better-suited UPS for my system?

Additionally, my PSU came with a large 16A 3-pin Indian power plug, but the UPS models mentioned above seem to have standard (small) 3-pin sockets. Would it be safe to use a standard small 3-pin PC/monitor power cable instead of the provided 16A cable to connect to the UPS? The power socket I use to plug the PC is a 6A one (for the above mentioned standard small 3-pin ones).

I haven't been able to power on my PC yet due to this uncertainty (it's been three days since I installed all the components) and would appreciate any advice or recommendations.

Thank you in advance!

[Teken]

You would need to validate if any of these specific APC UPS models operate as you expect when on battery only mode as it relates to PFC.

If you have only these three units to choose from in your region then the APC Back-UPS Pro BR1500G-IN would be the choice.

This is only from the perspective of offering better specifications and longer warranty. All of these are stepped appropriate sine wave (PWM) systems.

In 2024 there is absolutely no reason to buy such bad technology given how cheap pure sine wave units are today. ☝️

From personal experience I would not even consider these specific units much less in the APC Back-UPS Series.

I would be investing in the Smart-UPS Series instead. This line offers pure sine wave, better components, longer warranty, and higher reliability when compared to the other lower line.

You may be restricted as to what’s available so the above may not even be possible or apply. ☹️

Regardless, of all the above as it to your power cord issue. It technically doesn’t matter what cord you use so long as it’s so rated for intended use and ampacity.

Meaning the wire inside must be the proper size (AWG / Gauge) or diameter. So if the the original one 12 AWG and the other is tiny 16-18 AWG.

You want to (must use) a 12 AWG size cable. ☝️

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