Do I Need a UPS?

Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 82
    10
       #1

    Do I Need a UPS?


    I recently built a PC. The link to the parts is linked below. I don't know if I should buy a UPS for it since I live in NYC, Manhattan where thunderstorms dont affect the city and all electric cables run underground. That said should I still buy a UPS?

    Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core, GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Founders Edition, HAF 912 USB3.0 ATX Mid Tower - Lighter Rig w/ New MSI Mobo - xlooks Saved Part List - PCPartPicker
    Last edited by xlook; 12 Aug 2016 at 14:56.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #2

    I have never lost a PC, or a Windows installation, to a power glitch.

    If you're the cautious (paranoid?) type, an alternative would be a surge protector, possibly of a type that you can't buy at Staples:

    http://www.brickwall.com

    I know a guy who uses one of these, built into an electrical utility box (rather than a proper chassis). Ugly, but relatively inexpensive. He was inspired to do that by having a plasma TV die after a power problem.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 13,899
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #3

    It's not always a power failure but brown-outs and power bumps can cause damage. I've only lost 1 motherboard to such problems. It is heavily recommended that any computer be attached to a UPS during BIOS updating or any operation that would be disastrous if the computer failed in the middle of it, having a power problem during the operation will render the computer useless. Bottom line, is a $300 or costlier computer better protected by a $40-100 device?
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 579
    Windows 10
       #4

    If can afford it, buy it. You only need a good qualtity and the minimum Power you need. Everything else is waste of money.
    There are some problems with sources, spikes of High Voltage, low Voltage , thunder Storms, any of this things can affect your Hardware.
    I lost 2 PC because of those problems.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    You might just be better off investing in a good surge protector. Some of them offer brownout protection as well (only momentary though).

    Even in NYC outages can and do happen, though they are more rare these days than they used to be. But, you should probably be more worried about your building's power capacity, since your neighbors might do something that could cause a brownout or surge in your circuits.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #6

    Wifey and I have an UPS for our computer center [desktop, modem/router, monitor on protected strip best], and for entertainment center [cable box, radio shack signal booster, vhs/dvd combo, tv] on the protected strip]. Most UPS come with two rows of outlets,
    -- one row is the protected side, meaning anything plugged in that row is protect for 15-30 minutes by built-in battery power, also protected against "less than a second" brown-out or black-out.
    -- other row is only protected against power spikes, power surges; not against brown/black out.
    -- both rows are provided "clean," regulated AC power

    Cheap, no. Compared to Waldamort outlet strips and top of the line surge protectors -- probably more expensive.
    Last edited by RolandJS; 12 Aug 2016 at 22:25.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 64
    Multiple systems on multiple computer
       #7

    bobkn said:
    I know a guy who uses one of these, built into an electrical utility box (rather than a proper chassis). Ugly, but relatively inexpensive. He was inspired to do that by having a plasma TV die after a power problem.
    Plasmas mostly die after a brownout or power cut (newer LED's as well, the cheap ones that is)and I am talking from experience (I fix 'em for a living). Good surge suppressors one does not buy at Staples. Myself has protected everything electronics with surge suppressors made by Panamax or Monster (mostly Panamax). So far I never had any problems with that....
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,524
    Win10 Pro
       #8

    If you live in a house and/or have a separate main power panel for you dwelling you can have an electrician install a surge protector I the panel (as long as you have an empty breaker) that protects every circuit in your house. It's about the cost of a good size UPS. That said a UPS is an accessory that every computer should have even if all you can afford is a small one. I have everything connected to UPSs including cable modem, router, switches, WAPs, and security/video surveillance system. It's just good practice and eliminates reboots due to power drops, sags, etc.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #9

    I have everything connected to UPSs including cable modem, router, switches, WAPs, and security/video surveillance system. It's just good practice and eliminates reboots due to power drops, sags, etc.
    Agree.
    Even with dedicated, grounded outlets and whole-house surge protector (expensive!) it's worth having the surge protection + battery backup for brownouts and glitches (I live in an older neighborhood).
    I factor it in to the cost of hardware, sort of like the cost of tires and good brakes when maintaining a car.
    It seems crazy to invest lots of $$ in a new computer/hardware/software and one's data without the added protection.

    I've used APC units (now owned by Schneider Electric) for many years, with excellent products and support.
    (I had one fail under warranty last year -- a first in many, many years! They issued an RMA and replaced the entire unit (not just the battery) with overnight shipping, no questions asked. I was impressed with that level of support.)

    MM
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
       #10

    A big advantage with a UPS, it gives you time to save and close anything you are working on in case you loose power. On my power grid they use a 3 trip breaker. If it sees a problem it will trip and reset twice and stays off on the 3rd trip. Causes my power to flash before going off which electronics don't like.

    I have one of these on all my systems. Has software to Hibernate or Shutdown your system before the battery runs low.

    https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-B...ds=apc+ups+750

    Jim
      My Computer


 

Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:47.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums