I will be playing HC for the first time in D3. Anyone have exp with using a PSU?

[svenop]

I have been planning on playing HC in D3 this time around it seems to be more enjoyable to actually achieve getting through the game. I just read the HC 101 on the main page and it made me wonder about a UPS and running on one could really save you on day.

I live in southern California and during the summer with everyone blasting their A/C's Edison will cut the power once in a while.
Does anyone have experience using a UPS for the computer and modem/router and did it save you when the power went out? If so, could you recommend one that you've used and liked

[Brokenstorm]

What you're looking for is a UPS (Uninterruptible power supply). These can get quite expansive if you're trying to find one powerful enough to run a 1000W PC while you wait for power to return, but if you only hooking it up to a laptop you can get away with cheaper/smaller ones.

[terrrrrible]

http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13

Check 'em out. Plug everything into it, plug the thing in to the wall. I think the consumer products come with a software that you can install and configure the shutdown method on your PC. The thing will beep and turn on a notification light when it goes to battery power. At that point you should have enough time to log out safely and wait for the power to come back.

[Srikandi]

Hah... I live in Southern CA too, and also use a UPS. Where I am it's those Santa Ana winds, and above-ground electric lines... whenever there's a high wind the power tends to flicker. And, of course, there's the earthquakes and wildfires ><

And yes, it has kicked in lots of times. It's good for your system too, flattens fluctuations, less wear and tear on the electronics. And, if the power is out for a long time... there is enough juice in it to recharge a rechargeable flashlight, cell phone or operate a radio... it's basically just a big battery. Once or twice it's been a lifesaver for me.

In terms of selecting one, the main thing you have to know is how much wattage your system draws. Easiest approach is to find out what your power supply is rated for (750W in my case, probably overkill but I selected it with room for expansion ). You'll also want at least one monitor and modem/router, as stated, so you need enough plugs for that.

I have the "Geek Squad" brand from Best Buy, no idea if that's an ok brand or not, just drove over there to pick one up when my old one died

[svenop]

I dont plan on having it to play on when the power is out, just keep me going so i can get to safe ground and log out.

How long does a UPS usually last before I'll have to purchase another one?

[Crono]

You're gonna have to ask a more expert person, and in you country things may be different, but when I researched about one for my PC, I discovered an interesting thing about computer power supply units and UPSs, some PSUs come with something called active PFC, and this is a "problem" with some UPS.

More info on the webz but here is a link : https://www.dougv.com/2010/03/01/act...t-low-end-ups/

edit: from the article :

In short, if you send a high-end PSU the current created by a lower-end UPS, the PSU’s built-in power factor correction hates it, and cuts power to the PC immediately. As in, the exact thing you bought the UPS to prevent in the first place is exactly what happens.

[debilistic]

usually you replace batteries once every several years, depends on the brand and usage.

[svenop]

Hah... I live in Southern CA too, and also use a UPS. Where I am it's those Santa Ana winds, and above-ground electric lines... whenever there's a high wind the power tends to flicker. And, of course, there's the earthquakes and wildfires ><

And yes, it has kicked in lots of times. It's good for your system too, flattens fluctuations, less wear and tear on the electronics. And, if the power is out for a long time... there is enough juice in it to recharge a rechargeable flashlight, cell phone or operate a radio... it's basically just a big battery. Once or twice it's been a lifesaver for me.

In terms of selecting one, the main thing you have to know is how much wattage your system draws. Easiest approach is to find out what your power supply is rated for (750W in my case, probably overkill but I selected it with room for expansion ). You'll also want at least one monitor and modem/router, as stated, so you need enough plugs for that.

I have the "Geek Squad" brand from Best Buy, no idea if that's an ok brand or not, just drove over there to pick one up when my old one died

What size are you using?
Im looking at this one but i dont know if its too much
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842102048

[Srikandi]

Mine's 750. Whether that's enough or not depends on the power draw of your system. How many watts is your power supply?

I'd had my old UPS for at least 7 years when I replaced it... maybe more, don't remember exactly when I got it. It is a battery, like your car battery, they do have a shelf life. Though it's possible the ones they make these days last longer, dunno

[svenop]

Your UPS is 750 max watts or 750VA? The VA is basically how much charge it holds so the more the longer it will allow you to run.

The PSU for my computer is 850 watts but i know im pulling that much.