New UPS for my Server?

[jptaz]

Hi all,

I have had a UPS on my computers for years now and truthfully this latest UPS failing has me wondering if it is really worth it. I think this latest UPS caused more problems because of failures as it was unable to handle peak loads and was overloading. I believe I will need at least a 2000VA UPS which from looking on NewEgg Means $400+. I do at least have 20 AMP outlets at my server so I can actually use a UPS keyed to 20A. I am just trying to decide if it is worth the investment.

My Server has a 850 Watt Power supply + I have a number of external Devices including server Powered USB hubs, Hard Drives, etc.

Any thoughts as to whether this is worthwhile and if so ant particular models that will do the job in the 2000VA+ range?

Thanks,
John

[GKusnick]

Personally I think a UPS is a must for any server you rely on. I suppose if you never have power failures or brownouts where you are, you might be able to get by without. But I wouldn't chance it.

APC is the gold standard for UPS. They have a load calculator on their site that can recommend specific models for a given usage scenario.

If you're not already doing so, you should put your network infrastructure (modems, routers, and switches) on the UPS as well, so be sure to factor that into your load calculations.

[Opus4]

I don't now what the failure was, but the batteries need replacing after a few years, in case that had anything to do with it.

Also, I found that Dell had (has?) some larger APC units w/the Dell name on them, for quite a bit less. I called APC to ask about the difference & was told they had the "Dell" name on them... and that's it. Warranty service was through APC. They Dell models were listed on Amazon.

- Andy

[jptaz]

I would bet the failure was related to the battery as it the battery is at least 4 years old. I am not sure it is worth replacing the battery as I do not believe it meets my needs in terms of power. I think I was hitting pretty hard during boot up of my system.

How about Cyberpower or Powercom? They are in the $400 range where as APC is the $600 to $700 range.

John

[lovingHDTV]

I buy my replacement batteries here:

http://www.batterywholesale.com/

For me I just drive over and get them, but I've never found a cheaper place to get batteries. I'm just a happy customer.

[jptaz]

Definitely Cheaper...Maybe it is worth trying to replace the batteries first, but I still suspect that I will have power problems until I either go to a lower power Server solution...ditch my raid for fewer larger capacity drives and move to smaller Power Supply. I have at least just recently backed up all my data and created an acronis backup of the boot drive.

[elaw]

One approach that might be cost-effective would be to put a new battery in your existing UPS, plus buy a new smaller unit for some of the peripherals?

Also you might want to check out the "APC factory outlet store" (boy that's a pun, huh?) at http://buy.apc.com/commerce/storefro...countrycode=us

Personally I'm not too impressed with the newer APC models, I've seen quite a few failures with them. My rule of thumb is always stick with the models with metal cases.

[paulbeers]

Both of my servers are on a seperate UPS's. Neither is all that large (maybe 500VA's?), and won't last all that long, but I have them set to power down my servers when the power drops below 15% capacity. My thoughts are that they will at least make it through temporary power outtages (5 minutes or less) which is probably 95% of the outtages we have and in the long power outtages, it will at least power down correctly rather than just an abrupt stop.

The problem with basic UPS's is how they work is your PC is constantly pulling power from the battery and the battery is constantly being charged which causes the batteries to go bad faster than the alternative which is to have a controller card that switches to batteries as soon as the power goes out (this conserves the life of the battery).....

Also you can google DIY UPS's to "roll your own" if you want a long lasting UPS cheaper than an off the shelf, however, they will not power down your PC when the charge begins to fail.

[GKusnick]

I've never used anything but APC so I can't comment on the lower-priced alternatives. I will say that I've never had to guess whether my battery was going bad; the APC units do regular self-tests and warn you when the battery needs changing. So maybe that's a factor in the higher price.

[mikesm]

I have a separate APC 1500VA rackmount UPS for each server. They work great, have good software support, and have lots of alternate sources for batteries.

I got each of mine (I have 4 in service) for $50 each with new batteries via craigslist, as UPS get replaced by businesses periodically, and used APC's work just fine. If you get a used UPS, you may need to replace the batteries sooner rather than later.

Anyways, craigslist is a great place for finding high wattage APC's for cheap. Low wattage UPS you can find on sale periodically at the big retail chains.