F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Sure, I can assist with that. What do you need help understanding about buying a UPS?

Sure, I can assist with that. What do you need help understanding about buying a UPS?

Sure, I can assist with that. What do you need help understanding about buying a UPS?

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81
12-08-2023, 11:27 AM
#1
Hi guys, i want to purchase a UPS for my home office but i literally have no clue.. The only point of the PSU is to avoid my pc, 5 monitors, 1 imac, 1 router, 1 cctv NVR system to turn off in the event of a powercut. If a powercut happens then i can save everything and turn off my devices manually. So an autonomy of 30 mins or 1 hr is ideal. everything has UK British plugs
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catarinabernas
12-08-2023, 11:27 AM #1

Hi guys, i want to purchase a UPS for my home office but i literally have no clue.. The only point of the PSU is to avoid my pc, 5 monitors, 1 imac, 1 router, 1 cctv NVR system to turn off in the event of a powercut. If a powercut happens then i can save everything and turn off my devices manually. So an autonomy of 30 mins or 1 hr is ideal. everything has UK British plugs

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MikeDragon159
Senior Member
661
12-08-2023, 06:52 PM
#2
Calculate the overall power consumption first. Because no PSU operates at 100% efficiency, determine its rated capacity and increase it by 20% for safety. Include the power usage of each device not connected to the chosen PSU. Add roughly 10% extra for a buffer. Keep in mind that power rating (VA) doesn't always match actual output; ensure the specified wattage is sufficient or higher. You can extend battery life with extra batteries, and most premium UPS models support this feature.
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MikeDragon159
12-08-2023, 06:52 PM #2

Calculate the overall power consumption first. Because no PSU operates at 100% efficiency, determine its rated capacity and increase it by 20% for safety. Include the power usage of each device not connected to the chosen PSU. Add roughly 10% extra for a buffer. Keep in mind that power rating (VA) doesn't always match actual output; ensure the specified wattage is sufficient or higher. You can extend battery life with extra batteries, and most premium UPS models support this feature.

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hamstro24
Junior Member
14
12-09-2023, 03:36 AM
#3
FYI, my 1500VA APC model predicts 15-19 minutes with the 5900X build. It includes a single M.2 drive, Scythe Mugen 5, WD Black 6TB HDD, one 55-inch display, six 120mm fans with limited RGB, and an RTX3060ti paired with an 850W power supply. Since setup, it hasn't exceeded 450W peak draw. For the roughly 30 minutes you're planning with extra monitors, expect around 2200-2500VA, possibly higher at 2800VA or more. Make sure to use a pure/sine wave solution—modified sine waves aren't suitable for motors in hard drives and fans. Edited April 8, 2022 by An0maly_76 Updated, more details
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hamstro24
12-09-2023, 03:36 AM #3

FYI, my 1500VA APC model predicts 15-19 minutes with the 5900X build. It includes a single M.2 drive, Scythe Mugen 5, WD Black 6TB HDD, one 55-inch display, six 120mm fans with limited RGB, and an RTX3060ti paired with an 850W power supply. Since setup, it hasn't exceeded 450W peak draw. For the roughly 30 minutes you're planning with extra monitors, expect around 2200-2500VA, possibly higher at 2800VA or more. Make sure to use a pure/sine wave solution—modified sine waves aren't suitable for motors in hard drives and fans. Edited April 8, 2022 by An0maly_76 Updated, more details

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Silcraft_Frost
Junior Member
1
12-14-2023, 06:42 PM
#4
Consider purchasing a power meter that connects to a standard outlet. These devices cost around twenty dollars. Record the wattage displayed, then explore UPS options. Typically, VA ratings are shown in VA units, which reflect apparent power like reactive power. A UPS’s VA rating is often double its real output, but most home models only last a few minutes under full load. Therefore, focus on battery life and load graphs when choosing. In short, measure your watt usage, multiply by two for VA compatibility, and examine battery performance charts to find the right fit. For a specific model, I prefer APC Pro backups—they come in various sizes, are reasonably priced, and their batteries are widely available from different brands.
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Silcraft_Frost
12-14-2023, 06:42 PM #4

Consider purchasing a power meter that connects to a standard outlet. These devices cost around twenty dollars. Record the wattage displayed, then explore UPS options. Typically, VA ratings are shown in VA units, which reflect apparent power like reactive power. A UPS’s VA rating is often double its real output, but most home models only last a few minutes under full load. Therefore, focus on battery life and load graphs when choosing. In short, measure your watt usage, multiply by two for VA compatibility, and examine battery performance charts to find the right fit. For a specific model, I prefer APC Pro backups—they come in various sizes, are reasonably priced, and their batteries are widely available from different brands.

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Remigiusz1991
Member
68
12-15-2023, 02:36 AM
#5
Your setup is feasible. With a Corsair RMA850 drawing up to 350 watts during gaming and your other devices around 175W and monitors at 40W each, total usage could reach roughly 850 watts. The Amazon link you shared suggests a power supply capable of handling that load. Regarding the second question, yes, you can connect it directly to an UPS if needed, but ensure compatibility with your existing setup.
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Remigiusz1991
12-15-2023, 02:36 AM #5

Your setup is feasible. With a Corsair RMA850 drawing up to 350 watts during gaming and your other devices around 175W and monitors at 40W each, total usage could reach roughly 850 watts. The Amazon link you shared suggests a power supply capable of handling that load. Regarding the second question, yes, you can connect it directly to an UPS if needed, but ensure compatibility with your existing setup.

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Shikeishuu_
Member
154
12-15-2023, 04:44 AM
#6
I just need the time to turn everything off manually without any problems. I’m not aiming for full self-sufficiency in an hour, as that would likely be very costly.
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Shikeishuu_
12-15-2023, 04:44 AM #6

I just need the time to turn everything off manually without any problems. I’m not aiming for full self-sufficiency in an hour, as that would likely be very costly.

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Theggamez
Junior Member
4
12-15-2023, 01:10 PM
#7
Having the ability to link batteries or other features requires verification on the manufacturer’s site. Generally, your calculations match the UPS information you shared. However, the time it can sustain full usage remains unclear.
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Theggamez
12-15-2023, 01:10 PM #7

Having the ability to link batteries or other features requires verification on the manufacturer’s site. Generally, your calculations match the UPS information you shared. However, the time it can sustain full usage remains unclear.

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MC_dude_75
Junior Member
18
12-17-2023, 11:51 AM
#8
It seems you're looking for affordable UPS options under £300. Let me help you find some recommendations.
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MC_dude_75
12-17-2023, 11:51 AM #8

It seems you're looking for affordable UPS options under £300. Let me help you find some recommendations.

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Ryanime
Junior Member
6
01-03-2024, 07:27 PM
#9
Likely out of budget for this price range.
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Ryanime
01-03-2024, 07:27 PM #9

Likely out of budget for this price range.