UPS advice?

[gadgetman]

My home 'server' has 2 RAID arrays and whenever we have a power outage it often does some error checking and rebuilding which can take the system out of full use for the best part of a day. Hence my request.

I have seen a few models at widely ranging prices. My main query is how to determine what power rating I need.

My server has 6 SATA hard drives, a core2 duo and 2Gb RAM. It has a low spec graphics card and generally is not used with a monitor or DVD. I have a fairly meaty power supply (>700 watts IIRC) but I've no idea how much of it is being used.

I don't need to keep it running for an extended period whilst the power is out, I only want to keep the system running long enough for an (automated) orderly shut down.

 

[KevinS]

I am using a Belkin UPS like this unit:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=153813 which works well enough.. The software will institute an orderly shutdown if the power is out for 5 minutes..

 

[gadgetman]

That one is rated at 550 watts, is that enough for my system?

What sort of spec is yours?

 

[KevinS]

So it is.. I originally had a 450 watt PSU, but I am currently running a 650 (4 SATA disks, AMD Dual Core, 4GB RAM, ATI X1950Pro) and I have the monitor plugged in to the UPS - seems to handle it well enough.. I note that the 1200VA is only rated to 670 http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=153777 but still available for under £100..

 

[Clippy]

APC have a web based tool (UPS Selector) which, based on information you provide, can suggest the relevant UPS you need.

APC UPS Selector

If you get stuck, give their Sales Support line a call: 0800 279 9254.
I have called them a few times in the past and they have been very helpful.

 

[gadgetman]

Thanks, unfortunately doesn't have an option for > 4 hard drives.

Might try calling them.

 

[basshead]

I am using a Belkin UPS like this unit:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=153813 which works well enough.. The software will institute an orderly shutdown if the power is out for 5 minutes..

I have the same, works very well, we get ~10s power cuts about once a month where I live in the sticks and it emails to tell me that something happened to the power

'Thanks' I think as my blackberry beeps and lights my way through the darkness

 

[gadgetman]

Thanks for all the posts, I've gone for the Belkin 1200.

Its £99 delivered at Play but out of stock so ordered from Amazon at £104.

 

[DS23]

I have a Belkin UPS....
Runs my naughty pc & a CTX 21" monitor ok for about 5 or 6 mins or so.

which is more than enough time.

 

[gadgetman]

Any details on how the shutdown software works?

I'm assuming it loads a driver but how does the driver communicate with or monitor the UPS?