Uninterruptable Power Supply Question

AMDMan2016 · 27 Feb 2018

Hi There all

Currently have a APC BE750G model, believe its only rated to 400watts, anyways just upgraded my main Desktop to Evga G3 650watt power supply, am i right in not using that UPS for the Tower/plugged into separate surge for right now til i get to store and get a bigger UPS to support this system properly, hoping to go tomorrow and get that if possible

Otherwise really liking this EVGA power supply, system temps are averging around 33C with same stuff open as previously with 300watt power supply, in addition system responsiveness seems a bit better, installation was good, despite trying to get the dvd drive reconnected was a little problem, but got it

EdTittel · 27 Feb 2018

The rating for the PSU tells you how much it can deliver, if asked to do so. That's not necessarily (and probably not really) what you're actually using. The Kill-A-Watt electricity monitor ($19.99 @ Home Depot) or the Kill A Watt EZ Meter ($28.97 same outlet) will tell you exactly how much power your PC is consuming at peak load. That's what you want to buy your UPS for (not maximum rated load, which may very well be overkill).
HTH,
--Ed--

AMDMan2016 · 27 Feb 2018

Oh ok will look into getting one of those meters, and go from there

EdTittel · 28 Feb 2018

Hope the metering produces a good result -- that is, one where you don't need to buy as much capacity for battery as the PSU puts out. Let us know what you see when you start measuring. Thanks!
--Ed--

Berton · 28 Feb 2018

I've noticed the larger-capacity UPS devices give a bit longer time to the orderly shutdown of computers and monitors. The printers do not need to be plugged into a UPS, can always do the job later, and a number of the Laserjet printers may instruct not to plug into a UPS but directly to a wall outlet, my Lexmark Optra R was one. Speakers need not be plugged into a UPS. The intent of a UPS is to provide an orderly shutdown to avoid data loss in the event of a power failure but also is quite nice for those instances of momentary [power bump] or short term failures.

pbcopter · 28 Feb 2018

Also if you get a power meter, note the peak power during startup of your PC. I have seen lower wattage UPSs overloaded during startup if they are too small.

EdTittel · 28 Feb 2018

Yes, indeed: sizing to fit the peaks in is VERY IMPORTANT. Otherwise, the UPS may not be able to do its job of providing enough power to perform an orderly shutdown (which is its most essential ability).
HTH,
--Ed--

AMDMan2016 · 28 Feb 2018

Well got the Machine plugged into the old UPS device right now, no beeps or nothing at this time, haven't been able to get over to Home Depot yet to get the meter, Gaming and PC functions working fine though, so guess ok for now

EdTittel · 28 Feb 2018

Unless something else about your PC has changed (other than the PSU) your power draw shouldn't change very much. By themselves, PSUs don't account for a huge percentage of total PC power draw. My old colleague Don Woligroski edited this material from Scott Mueller for Tom's Hardware back in 2012, but it's still true today: Power Supply Reference: Consumption, Savings, And More.
HTH,
--Ed--

AMDMan2016 · 28 Feb 2018

Nothing else has changed yet, originally planned to just upgrade memory for birthday, but didn't receive as gift a giftcard that could afford the memory, so went with Plan B, and upgraded Power supply as eventually wanna in the future upgrade Video card to support future games. Will read that article as well