I need help choosing a UPS

[Anonymous user]

Hi there.

I've got a beefed up machine, and I want to get a UPS for it. It's an alienware (don't start).

It's got a 590GTX, i7 2600, and a 875W power supply.

All I'm really looking for is something that will give me a few minutes to shut down my computer gracefully when the power goes out.

I'm all ears to any suggestions.

[Anonymous user]

Hi Francis,

I would suggest you to get the total watts and va of all loads that you want to attach on the UPS. And then using [this link|http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector] - configure by load, should provide you the solutions. If you need further assistance, you may always call our hot line : 800-800-4272.

[Anonymous user]

That's the thing; I'm not exactly sure about how to calculate those two values...

[Anonymous user]

Have you seen a tag from the devices where those information should be specified?

[ginbot86_apc · Accepted solution]

I have a similarly powerful gaming rig, and it draws about 200 watts on average. For just enough time to shut down and save files, you can go with an APC Back-UPS 550. For that particular model you'll get about 9 minutes of runtime.

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BE550G&total_watts=200

Personally, I find that buying a higher-VA UPS (1000 VA or more) makes better use of your money. With my Back-UPS XS 1300 I can get about half an hour of runtime during an outage.