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6 Replies Last post: Feb 10, 2006 2:06 PM by Billman  
Click to view SSGoku's profile Member 224 posts since
May 14, 2004
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Jan 9, 2006 5:24 PM

What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?

I'm looking for a UPS, but I'm unsure what to get. I assume the energy rating of a UPS to be an important criterion, but I've seen energy ratings listed in Watts and in Joules. I'm a little confused as what to get. I don't want to get a cheap UPS only to find out it was insufficient.

At the very least, I'll be attaching my PowerMac G5, 19" LCD, DSL modem and printer to the UPS.

Ive heard a lot about APC and their products. Monster has good products too albeit pricey. So I'll probably stick with APC

Any advice will be appreciated.
thanks
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Click to view Rcovell's profile Enthusiast 990 posts since
Aug 7, 2001
1. Jan 9, 2006 7:14 PM in response to: SSGoku
Re: What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?
When I bought an APC UPS a while back, I looked at the power (watts) ratings. I have an iMac and just didn't want occasional power line hiccups to shut down my unit during it's sleep time. So, I bought a lower rated APC. The second criteria is to judge how long you want to operate the load you'll be placing on the UPS. Look at the devices you want to have on the UPS, find the mfr. electrical spec plate, add up the power ratings and go shopping. (If you don't see watts on the spec plate, you should see amps. If so, just multiply the amps by 120v. to get watts.)

Most UPS's specify how much load they'll carry for a length of time. Find one that meets your needs. BTW, you should be using a grounded outlet to plug in your UPS, most surge functions (part of the UPS package) dump excess current to ground, so you need to make sure your receptacle is grounded.

APC has a good reputation and I think is a good value for most of us. Bob.
Click to view macnuke's profile Old Hand 6,812 posts since
Mar 5, 2004
2. Jan 9, 2006 7:24 PM in response to: SSGoku
Re: What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?
I use an RS 1500 VA on my G5 DP.
but you may consider it pricey.
i wouldn't get anything smaller than an XS 900 which is what i have for my daughters G5 iMac.
APC has a helper at APC selector and you can get an idea of their recommendations. then google around for best price..
just remember, batteries are included, they are heavy when it comes to shipping. so after you find best price, print it and ask a local retailer if they will match the price.

luck
Click to view mdawson's profile Old Hand 3,710 posts since
Aug 31, 2004
3. Jan 9, 2006 7:47 PM in response to: macnuke
Re: What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?
Wow, macnuke do we consistently think along the same lines when we help people. I also have an APV Back-UPS RS 1500 and I bought it for my Power Mac G5 to replace the Panamax line conditioner that I used for my Cube. The RS 1500 is probably more than is necessary for my system but for what my new computer, new printer and new scanner costI am still using my reliable Cinema Display 22 for nowit is a worthwhile investment.


“Cannot run out of time. There is infinite time. You are finite. Zathras is finite. This is wrong tool.” 2.3GHz Power Mac G5/8GB/2x1TB HDD/OS X 10.4.11/30-inch ACD, 60GB iPod (Color)
Click to view macnuke's profile Old Hand 6,812 posts since
Mar 5, 2004
4. Jan 9, 2006 8:00 PM in response to: mdawson
Re: What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?
don't forget the data. that's the expensive part.
I have migrated hard drives for over 20+ years.
the oldest file on my G5 originated on an apple lle floppy

it's a VERY worthwhile investment.

Click to view jeffeyer's profile New Member 91 posts since
Sep 9, 2002
5. Feb 8, 2006 4:17 PM in response to: SSGoku
Re: What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?
I have the same hardware as yours. I have a Belkin Battery Backup with Tower or Horizontal Form Factor (1500VA) F6C1500-TW-RK. It is compatible with Mac OS X. It contains eight outlets and eight telephone protection ports. (I just like APC, but it only has two telephone ports.) Beklins has three warranty for this UPS. No noise - it has no fan - no problem since spring. That's why it is so popular, and it is out of stock. Tech support is good and clear - I had some questions and received the tech support email within two days.

Eight telephone protections:

(1) Telephone wire (Input) and (Output).

(2) DSL modem phone (Input) and (output) because of the protection.

Please think about these inputs and outputs on your paper. You will get the idea. There is no slow network.


For outlets:

(1) G5 desktop

(2) LCD monitor 20"

(3) DSL modem

(Never plug a printer for any manufacturer UPS. That's their rule.)
Click to view Billman's profile New Member 115 posts since
Dec 29, 2003
6. Feb 10, 2006 2:06 PM in response to: SSGoku
Re: What is the Best UPS to protect a PowerMac G5?
If all you want is maybe 10 minutes of run-time so you can finish something and shut down gracefully, you don't need anything bigger than 800. As the other guys sed, tho' , if you leave it on unattended or want to keep going a while, then 1000-1500 is a good idea. APC is my favorite, too, although I prefer Powerware for UPS's that include transformers (APC calls it AVR) because I've had too many Back-UPS Pro's where the AVR circuitry went bad.

Putting a printer into a UPS is not recommended. UPS of the desktop size are not built for the kind of current draw involved in laser printing. UPS's aren't meant for heaters or motors, and a fuser is nothing more than a special-purpose heating element. Even an inkjet (while printing) will run the battery down faster than most peripherals. As jeffeyer alluded to, the manuals say no printers at all. Tho' a small inkjet might not cause damage aside from using up the power quickly, I wouldn't try it.

If you need printing through outages, APC will direct you to a power consultant in your area. They can tell you what solutions are possible, but you'd probably be looking at a busine$$-class unit.