Smart-UPS or Back-UPS for Proliant ML370

[Anonymous user]

I am relative newbie in IT.
In my current job we have a number of servers running off of APC SmartUPSs. However these UPS's from what i'm aware of are not currently being monitored. I do not have any exp with monitoring server loads etc. But I would like to improve my understanding of it esp the Smart-UPS line.

so here's what i have done and why i need some direction. I was able to secure 2 really old Compaq ML370 server running Windows 2000. they both have 2 P3 CPUs, 5 scsi3 hdd with raid 5, and a cdrom drive with 512 mb ram. I'm thinking of purchasing the Back-ups 1300 XS, then connecting the servers to it and practice using the Powerchute software to perform diagnostic/monitoring etct.

I'm hoping that the skills i'll acquire from using Powerchute on the desktop XS model is transferable to the Server Smart-UPs line.

-q: therefore, based on what i have read online so far, do i really have to go with a Smart UPS versus a BACK-UPS if I want to monitor a Compaq ML370?
-q:what will happen if i connect the ML370 servers to a Desktop UPS(BACK-UP XS 1300)?,
-q:will i take a performance hit, or lose some monitoring functionality or will the server just not power on ?

fyi: I do realize that I can accomplish the same thing by using my PC's instead of the servers. But I'm just curious.

thx

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello,

I will answer your questions in the order in which they were asked.


-q: therefore, based on what i have read online so far, do i really have to go with a Smart UPS versus a BACK-UPS if I want to monitor a Compaq ML370?
A: If you're starting to get into the business of potentially monitoring other servers using APC Products and Software, you may want to use a Smart-UPS since you cannot use PowerChute Personal Edition with any Smart-UPS, and vice versa, cannot use PowerChute Business Edition with any new Back-UPS. Business Edition is smart-signaling with direct connections to Smart-UPS and allow for more detailed information such as data and event logging, which PowerChute Personal Edition does not.

-q:what will happen if i connect the ML370 servers to a Desktop UPS(BACK-UP XS 1300)?,
A: It would depend on how sensitive your PSU on the server is to a step-approximated sine wave. It may reboot, it may operate online with some humming from the PSU. Again, it's dependant upon the PSU's requirements.

-q:will i take a performance hit, or lose some monitoring functionality or will the server just not power on ?
A: The server will power on, but as stated before, with the Back-UPS if the PSU cooperates, you're going to have VERY limited information and diagnostics you can run on the UPS.

[Anonymous user]

so what you're saying is ..the Powerchute PE is for Back-ups & PowerChute BE is for the Smart-ups...i did not know this...thks

-The Model of the PSU in the PL370 is 325 Watt PFC -Model:PS-7331-1
-So it seems like I can run the server off the XS model the only concern is the effect the sine wave will have on the PSU and limited Event/Diagnostic logging.

thanks for the info bro, again my goal is to just get more familiar with this and you have already been of a tremendous help.

one last question:even though the combined watts of the PSU in both servers is around 700,,does that mean i have to:
-a:purchase a ups that is rated 700 watt or more?

i thought that there is a difference between the maximum potential draw of each unit(around 400 watts) and the real world requirement (each unit will never draw more than 200 watts) ?

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc · Accepted solution]

Your next step would be to determine the amount of runtime that you're going to want when the UPS goes to battery for an abnormal power event. The closer you are to full capcity, the less runtime you'll receive. Right now, I'm leaning towards an SUA1500 which is I think off the top of my head, an 865 or 925W UPS. That will cover the initial inrush of the PSU's, then give you a decent amount of runtime while on battery once the PSU's go back down to a normal operating Wattage.