Power
Power cuts: choosing the right UPS
VA rating, runtime, outlet type: how to protect your computers and data without overpaying.
· 4 min read
A sudden outage can corrupt a document, damage a hard drive or fry a power supply when electricity comes back. A UPS absorbs these shocks and gives you time to save and shut down properly.
Working out the power you need
Add up the consumption of what you want to protect: around 60 to 120 W for a desktop PC, 25 W for a monitor, 10 W for an internet router. Then choose a UPS whose wattage exceeds that total by at least 30%.
- A workstation with a monitor and router: 650 to 800 VA.
- A gaming PC or workstation: 1200 to 1500 VA.
- A small server and its network: 1500 VA and above, ideally online type.
Runtime, an often misunderstood point
A home UPS is not designed to keep you working for hours without power. It usually gives 10 to 20 minutes, enough to save your work. For long runtime you need a solar system or a dedicated battery.
Cutting consumption
A mini PC uses three to four times less power than a classic tower. Paired with a UPS, it keeps running much longer during an outage.
