Computer UPS questions... (those battery pack things in case of power failure)

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So I'm living out in the country now... well, it's not really out in the middle of nowhere. But anyway... since moving out here our power has flickered or shut off for less than a minute practically once a month. Somehow I don't think that's good for my computer to be subject to those sorts of power fluctuations, and I thought about getting one of those battery things for the comp... but after looking at what's available... I'm lost.

Is it even something I should be considering? (They are somewhat expensive, but then again if one of these power fluctuations trashes my comp, that could be expensive too).

Any suggestions as to what I need to look for other than a bunch of good reviews of it on Newegg?

I'm running a 610w power supply, I know I'm not making the psu work hard with what I got, but it was a quality unit and hardly makes any noise at all from the fan. (I wanted a powerful computer that didn't sound like an early jet engine at full song) and I have a 20" LCD monitor.

[mjonesjr]

You should go with a battery backup that is about 1/2 the size of your power supply.

I think ALL PC's should be on a battery backup. They double as a surge protector as well.

For the cost of a PC, then $100 isn't nothing for a battery backup.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...s-under-700VA&

Remember to install the software that comes with the backup in case you are not around to save and power off the PC when the power goes out.

[Mark_88]

The reason my internet took a dump was due to a circuit overload...my computer is on a surge protector but not a UPS...if it was on a UPS there is a good chance the modem wouldn't have fried...but, then again, it was an old modem that I've been using for four or five years...

I'd invest in a UPS if I had the money...

[COPPERHEAD85]

i get them for free all the time lol.
people bring them in because the battries die and dont want to replace them.
i reload them and take'em home.
got this honkin motha on my pc now,have about $80 worth of batteries in it.

http://newestrelease.stores.yahoo.net/apcbackups.html

[Nhaz]

a UPS is Never a bad idea, Especially if you have power fluctuations.

Just remember. Your computer can be just as fried from a lighting strike on the modem side as well as a power spike or brown out on the power side.

so a UPS will Not always save you. but it does help.

[Wicked_Sludge]

you can run phone and cable lines through a surge protector as well (if your really that worried about getting hit by lightening).

[Mark_88]

Originally Posted by Wicked_Sludge

you can run phone and cable lines through a surge protector as well (if your really that worried about getting hit by lightening).

True...my surge protector has built-in phone connections, but my ISP says not to connect them to a surge protector for some reason...

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I'm not too concerned with getting hit by lightning... I live down in the bottom of a valley in a concrete bunker...err "green" house... Hell, my monitor is even energy star certified....

[Wicked_Sludge]

ill bet a guy could build his own UPS fairly cheap...especially if you have some of the parts and/or hit up some garage sales.

60amp 12v battery charger
12 volt deep cycle battery
600+ watt 12v inverter

if i were to buy a UPS, i would look into a flywheel powered version...as opposed to battery power. not only because that means youll never have to open it up to replace the battery, but mainly because they're cool