So recently I had a leg of our power drop randomly, and I'm wondering should I invest in an uninterruptible power supply?
 
I'm kind of weary of the things I've heard regarding overheating and potentially starting fires with those units.
Would I be safe to get a high joule protection surge protector, or do I absolutely need a UPS?
I don't want to lose a GPU to a power outage.
 

Well that definitely gives me something to think about, now just to figure out which one I should buy... lol
Thanks for the reply, I've set my motherboard to stay off at power loss just in case it happens again in the meantime.

Oh... I just purchased a 1350va/810w APC unit... is that a bad thing?
 
I used a power checker online to determine power usage and it said I'd only need a 1000va unit, but I figured with my monitor and modem/router connected to it I'd do with a bit more.
Should I have gotten a bigger one?

Make sure it's a true Sinewave UPS and not a simulated one.  Long story short and iirc, the real one is healthy for your PSU while the simulated one is a wannabe and not great for your PSU/components in the long run and it might give you issues. 
 
I just bunched up the things I've heard over the years and anyone with a better explanation, pls do.

Depending on the watts pulled and how much time you'd like, this PSU is what I'll eventually get unless there's a new gen out since I pull around half of the load capacity giving me more time during a blackout and it's a true Sinewave.  They are pricey compared to the simulated ones.

GTXJackBauer
Make sure it's a true Sinewave UPS and not a simulated one.  Long story short and iirc, the real one is healthy for your PSU while the simulated one is a wannabe and not great for your PSU/components in the long run and it might give you issues. 
 
I just bunched up the things I've heard over the years and anyone with a better explanation, pls do.

Depending on the watts pulled and how much time you'd like, PSU is what I'll eventually get unless there's a new gen out since I pull around half of the load capacity giving me more time during a blackout and it's a true Sinewave.  They are pricey compared to the simulated ones.

I just bought this one: APC Battery Protector BackUPS BX1350M
Did I choose incorrectly?
 
 
 
edit Link added by Cool GTX

Cool GTX
 
 
 

Do EVGA Power Supplies support UPS backup devices that support Line-Interactive AVR UPS which uses a simulated/artificial sine wave?
Answer / Solution 
 
 
Yes, all EVGA power supplies support UPS backup devices.


In regards to this concern, the high voltage coming from a UPS backup device may damage the PSU.


1. EVGA power supplies that support active PFC, and the IC can sense the voltage of main capacitor.
        -If the voltage is too high(over 380V), the PFC will be protected.


2. The main capacitor can stand higher voltage around 420V(more than the voltage comes from UPS)

So does this mean I should return the one I bought?
For some reason the link you posted takes me to the main EVGA website, not a sub page. Could just be my phone.

Digital Palette

Cool GTX
 
 
 

Do EVGA Power Supplies support UPS backup devices that support Line-Interactive AVR UPS which uses a simulated/artificial sine wave?
Answer / Solution 
 
 
Yes, all EVGA power supplies support UPS backup devices.


In regards to this concern, the high voltage coming from a UPS backup device may damage the PSU.


1. EVGA power supplies that support active PFC, and the IC can sense the voltage of main capacitor.
        -If the voltage is too high(over 380V), the PFC will be protected.


2. The main capacitor can stand higher voltage around 420V(more than the voltage comes from UPS)

So does this mean I should return the one I bought?
For some reason the link you posted takes me to the main EVGA website, not a sub page. Could just be my phone.

 
 
I posted the content of the - FAQ ID # 59443 ---> you do not need to follow the link
 
[ Link works for me, just tested them to make sure - no idea why they are not working for your phone ]
 
OK go here   https://www.evga.com/support/knowledgebase/

enter "UPS" (remove quotes) in the Search Box
 
Your in a Ford vs Chevy - everyone has their favorite Brand.  Shipping can be expensive as they are usually heavy items, buying locally is faster - not always cheaper
 
I changed brands because of the reviews from other Forum members for the CyberPower & my experience with APC & short battery life - have not bought APC in a few years, maybe they have gotten it fixed ?
 
 
 

Your PC if it normally draws 750 W or less should work ---> with that 810 W UPS

Just note that the UPS you purchased is not a pure sinewave. You may also have a buzzing noise when the UPS is on battery coming from the computers PSU. Which is ok. I have had that in the past and never had any issues or anything that effects the PSU.
 
Here are the new APC UPS' with pure sinewave. https://www.amazon.com/dp...baa43417a348c&th=1

You should be fine with the APC and as long as your PSU is below the 810W of the UPS you will be fine. If it is running the system off of battery you can bet that a buzzing sound will not be an issue. Normally they beep or sound an alarm if the power goes out to let you know it's on battery. 

 
Yes. I use CyberPower 1325w

Is 'Adaptive Sinewave' the same as 'Pure Sinewave'?  I'm confused because I'm looking at the link of the cheaper CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD 900w compared to the pricier CyberPower PR1500LCD 1050w (Pure Sinewave?) to see if they both are 'Pure Sinewave' and why one costs almost double than the other.

I have definitely used American Power Conversion (APC) Battery Backup for awhile. Like others have mentioned they allow you to shutdown your computer and other connected devices rather than a hard shutdown through losing power. The APC ones tend to sacrifice Joule rating for Battery Backup capability. I would think a higher Joule rating would protect the electronics better. However, I have never switched from Battery Backup so I do not know and never had a surge damage my equipment.
 
The best advice I learned from a friend. Neither Battery Backup nor Surge Protector will save you from a direct electrical storm lightning hit. Only the warranty associated with a Battery Backup or Surge Protector can help if that helps. Better advice is to unplug your electronics when there is thunder or lightning nearby that you can hear or see. Inconvenient, however it saves you the headache associated with replacing things in the even that you are struck.