How do I choose the correct size of UPS for my system? They are sold for certain watts and volts and I can't find in my computer information what the volts are. Also do I need to consider what I have hooked up to my computer? I have found that my computer is 300 watts but what would cover me in a power surge or outage? Also when I know what size to order any suggestions on a brand to go with or not to go with?
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choosing the correct ups
- Thread starter dlgguru
- Start date
The voltages should be: 12v, 5v and 3.3v
Wattage can be the same as what you have - i.e. 300w
Typically your machine will not use the full output from the power supply - it depends on the hardware - number of drives/CDR etc - manufacturers tend to use oversized Power supply's so that they will run cooler, last longer, and have the ability to handle more hardware than is there to start with in case you add something to the system. I don't know much about the different makes however.
Kim.
'Everybody is ignorant - only on different subjects.'
Will Rogers.
Wattage can be the same as what you have - i.e. 300w
Typically your machine will not use the full output from the power supply - it depends on the hardware - number of drives/CDR etc - manufacturers tend to use oversized Power supply's so that they will run cooler, last longer, and have the ability to handle more hardware than is there to start with in case you add something to the system. I don't know much about the different makes however.
Kim.
'Everybody is ignorant - only on different subjects.'
Will Rogers.
Alfredo240
Technical User
Hi, dlgguru;
I would Recomend you this Ups:
Powercom E-book 350 Model PS2-350S 3+1
Super slim 50mm in height and 200mm width
Specifications:
-AC Input Voltage 100V +20% / -15% at line input, 110V / 115V +/- 20% at line input
-Battery Back up time (1 PC with 15’ monitor) 7-13 minutes
-Output Capacity 350VA
-Output No Of Sockets 3 UPS Sockets and 1 Bypass Socket
-Battery Type Sealed, Maintenance-free lead acid, with 3 ---6 years typical lifetime
-Battery Typical 4 hours
-Power Management Software: As soon as power failure occurs, the software will broadcast warning and automatic close and save.
It looks Nice, Affordable and if you need more info on it:
I would Recomend you this Ups:
Powercom E-book 350 Model PS2-350S 3+1
Super slim 50mm in height and 200mm width
Specifications:
-AC Input Voltage 100V +20% / -15% at line input, 110V / 115V +/- 20% at line input
-Battery Back up time (1 PC with 15’ monitor) 7-13 minutes
-Output Capacity 350VA
-Output No Of Sockets 3 UPS Sockets and 1 Bypass Socket
-Battery Type Sealed, Maintenance-free lead acid, with 3 ---6 years typical lifetime
-Battery Typical 4 hours
-Power Management Software: As soon as power failure occurs, the software will broadcast warning and automatic close and save.
It looks Nice, Affordable and if you need more info on it:
etarhan
Technical User
- Mar 26, 2003
- 101
The size usually depends on your purpose for having a UPS. If you want to be on the safe side and have a decent chance to power down properly in the case of a blackout, you would buy the smallest one with the capacity to support your system.
* Your computer is 300 watts (I'd be inclined to think that this is VA, not watts, but not so important). This is the maximum power your CPU box will ever draw, regardless of what you throw in (otherwise you would have a smoking PS).
* Add the power requirement of your monitor to that figure.
* Add any peripherals that are powered on in most situations. But please do not add a laser printer, and do not plug it to the UPS.
* add an additional 10-50% to cover the dishonestly stated figures by the manufacturers.
This is the capacity that you want. You will have 10-20 minutes for an orderly shutdown. If the UPS has the capability, the shutdown will be automatic, but I don't trust it very much.
If your aim is to continue operation for n hours, regardless of a blackout, then you're in trouble. Small UPSes do not give you much time and they do not allow you to connect additional batteries. Even if they did, you would have a problem of recharging those batteries within a decent period. So, you will have to opt for a much higher rated UPS and you will use it for, say, 25% of its capacity and benefit from the longer time allowed by this. Keep in mind, though, you will have paid a lot more for this option and the efficiency will not be as much.
As to the brand and model, buy whatever you have nearby, as long as it has a good reputation.
Good luck,
Engin
* Your computer is 300 watts (I'd be inclined to think that this is VA, not watts, but not so important). This is the maximum power your CPU box will ever draw, regardless of what you throw in (otherwise you would have a smoking PS).
* Add the power requirement of your monitor to that figure.
* Add any peripherals that are powered on in most situations. But please do not add a laser printer, and do not plug it to the UPS.
* add an additional 10-50% to cover the dishonestly stated figures by the manufacturers.
This is the capacity that you want. You will have 10-20 minutes for an orderly shutdown. If the UPS has the capability, the shutdown will be automatic, but I don't trust it very much.
If your aim is to continue operation for n hours, regardless of a blackout, then you're in trouble. Small UPSes do not give you much time and they do not allow you to connect additional batteries. Even if they did, you would have a problem of recharging those batteries within a decent period. So, you will have to opt for a much higher rated UPS and you will use it for, say, 25% of its capacity and benefit from the longer time allowed by this. Keep in mind, though, you will have paid a lot more for this option and the efficiency will not be as much.
As to the brand and model, buy whatever you have nearby, as long as it has a good reputation.
Good luck,
Engin
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