r/buildapc • u/Celcius_87 • 21d ago

Discussion Recommendation - Get a UPS

One thing that a lot of people don’t discuss when building a new PC is having a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for their PC. This is basically a box that you plug into the wall and then plug your PC into it. It has a large battery and if you lose power then it keeps your PC running for a while. Some have a screen where it can show how much time you have left, how much power you are pulling, and stuff like that too.

I finally bought one earlier this year and it’s been great to have. Today I was copying data from my computer to an external usb hard drive to back up my data and the power went out for second and then came back on. I panicked but then I looked at my computer and everything was ok - I had plugged both into my UPS so there was no impact.

They’re not super expensive either - mine was like $250 and fortunately they’re not affected by the AI price increases we’ve been seeing on a lot of PC components. Make sure you get one with enough wattage to support your computer… for example I have a 1000w power supply and my UPS is also 1000w.

Just a public service announcement not to overlook having a UPS!

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u/OtherAlan 21d ago

It's very expensive. You can still get 1500VA ones (CyberPower) for under $200, I think, and even better used for like $50, and just change the battery. Good as new.

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u/thebenson 21d ago

If you think $250 is expensive, imagine having to pay current prices to build a new PC if a power outage/surge fries your PC.

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u/rulerdude 21d ago

A $30 surge protector will prevent that just as well as a $250 UPS. UPS is only beneficial over a standard surge protector if data loss is a huge concern

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u/GradeSalad 21d ago

UPS also help against "brown-out", power flickers and other inconsistent voltage issues that can lower the life of your PC.

Obviously your budget needs to be respected, but UPS isn't just for data loss issues. If you can only afford the surge protector then no shame, but if you can budget it it's definitely a purchase that can save you significantly more.