cost effective line-interactive UPS

[BillP]

I am looking for a [line-interactive|http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/ups/typesLineInt-c.html] UPS for my desktop/server. It is a Dell PowerEdge 400SC which is designed to be a server but I use as a desktop. It is leaving my big 2200VA Smart-UPS and going to be used by the kids else where in the house. What is the most cost effective "line-interactive" UPS?

Just to clarify, the 2200VA Smart-UPS I own is a line-interactive UPS, correct? What exactly is the difference between the standard Smart-UPS and the Smart-UPS SC series?

It looks to me like the solution for me is the 420VA Smart-UPS SC.

Sam

[BillP]

Smart UPS SC units are similar to the Back UPS RS line except they work with Powerchute Business Edition and have a serial port on the back as well as USB port. also, like a regular smart UPS, all of the outlets are Battery and Surge protection unline a Back UPS. they are indeed line interactive but also output a step approximated sinewave - which your Smart UPS 2200 does NOT. so they are kind of a hybrid version of Back UPS and Smart UPS.

You'd want to see what type of power supply is on the server (size and if its active or passive PFC) and then go from there. most servers like pure sinewaves but some are fine.

can you find out the power supply size in the server..err..desktop ;-)?

[BillP]

oh and i forgot ALL Smart UPS have voltage regulation as well.

i have tried to find a document comparing them but can't seem to find anything official unfortunately..

[BillP]

It looks like the machine has only a 250 watt power supply, according to this FAQ.

So is my impression correct that ALL of APC's UPS's are line interactive? I thought the Back-UPS were not line interactive.

What are the advantages in the Smart-UPS's iv the Back-UPS are also line interactive? I ask this because I was telling clients to only purchase Smart-UPS's because the Back-UPS don't deliver the same level of protection, aka line interactive. I want to make sure I have my facts straight 😉

Sam

[BillP]

Back UPS RS and XS are line interactive and maybe the Back UPS LS but the rest of the Back UPS are Standby.

The Smart UPS SC is a cost effective UPS solution that gives some benefits of a Smart UPS but it is mostly a Back UPS at heart.

So for a Back UPS versus a true Smart UPS (Smart UPS or Smart UPS XL):

-Smart UPS output a step approximated sine wave - a lot of servers prefer/require this
-All Smart UPS have ALL Battery Back UPS+Surge outlets versus having some as Surge only outlets
-Smart UPS have a different LED display on the front which give you more information about the UPS
-Smart UPS have support for Powerchute Business Edition which has more features than Personal Edition
-Serial AND USB support is present on Smart UPS
-Lower transfer time to battery (2-4ms vs 4-6ms)
-Smart UPS have support for Smart Slot accessories such as a network management card
-Form factor is different

That is all I can rattle off for now but those are the bulk of the features of a Smart UPS over Back UPS.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

That is a great list, thank you! Is there any chance someone might be able to point me to a APC document with a complete list?

Sam