Do I need a UPS system, or would I just be fine with a surge protector?

[Duranson]

Where I live, we rarely experience lightning or blackouts. Blackouts happen maybe once a year, for maybe an hour. Very rarely. I'm planning on build a fairly expensive PC and want to make sure that I'm not taking a risk by not getting a UPS system. Would I just be fine going with a surge protector like this one? Amazon.com: Belkin 8-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector w/Telephone Line and Flat AC Plug, 12ft Cord: Home Audio & Theater

 

Thanks!

[Windows7ge]

That's a bit of a tough answer. IMO Id get a UPS because I have heard situations where some power strips only take one or a couple surges before they lose the ability to suppress them.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

14 minutes ago, Duranson said:

Where I live, we rarely experience lightning or blackouts. Blackouts happen maybe once a year, for maybe an hour. Very rarely. I'm planning on build a fairly expensive PC and want to make sure that I'm not taking a risk by not getting a UPS system. Would I just be fine going with a surge protector like this one? Amazon.com: Belkin 8-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector w/Telephone Line and Flat AC Plug, 12ft Cord: Home Audio & Theater

 

Thanks!

I personally just use a surge protector (and honestly... one that's nowhere near as trustworthy as that Belkin one). But if you can afford a UPS, why not? You also get the added bonus of having an opportunity to get everything saved and shut down properly in the case of a power outage. And better yet, if you have your modem connected to the UPS as well, you'll still have internet to use on your phone or tablet rather than relying on mobile data during the outage. 

[Intergalacticbits]

1 hour ago, Duranson said:

Where I live, we rarely experience lightning or blackouts. Blackouts happen maybe once a year, for maybe an hour. Very rarely. I'm planning on build a fairly expensive PC and want to make sure that I'm not taking a risk by not getting a UPS system. Would I just be fine going with a surge protector like this one? Amazon.com: Belkin 8-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector w/Telephone Line and Flat AC Plug, 12ft Cord: Home Audio & Theater

 

Thanks!

 

I used to use UPS on all my computers in the house. It made a fair amount of extra cost for all the computers plus they don't last forever and have to be replaced in time.

Over time I've changed over to just using the Belkin ones something like your talking about for my equipment without any problems in years so far.

Though I do plug my only desktop directly into the wall without the surge protector.

I do live in a area where we have violent thunder storms in summer.

Also outages in winter from snow and Ice storms.

 

The thing I would recommend is if you go without the UPS make sure you make it a habit to shut your computer off when you hear the thunder start.

Make sure the surge protector is rated for you computers power draw and for computer use in general.

 

What I also do is if my power goes out.

I unplug my pc and all equipment even if I wasn't using it at the time and take like 15 minutes before I plug it back in when the power does return.

That way when the power comes back on no possible surges hit the pc.

 

I also got a whole house surge protector installed at the main breaker box.

Which does cost from around $90.00 US on up depending on the model but I think it is worth it for where I live.

Hope that is a little helpful for you.

 

 

 

 

[dizmo]

I'd say no. Just get a quality surge protector.

 

I get lightning strikes constantly for a couple months a year. I've only had issues once; this includes no issues when my building was struck by lightening.

UPSs are usually to keep you from losing any work you're working on as they give you a couple minutes of run time to save everything and shut it down properly.

 

45 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

That's a bit of a tough answer. IMO Id get a UPS because I have heard situations where some power strips only take one or a couple surges before they lose the ability to suppress them.

Any power strip is supposed to be replaced after it takes a large surge.

 

[Windows7ge]

2 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Any power strip is supposed to be replaced after it takes a large surge.

Ah, makes sense then.

[DigiBeard]

Never NOT UPS (most) all the things!