Battery backup

[PSimpso]

I'm buying a ups/battery backup very soon. I need to make sure I'm buying an adequate unit without going overboard.

I'm using an intel iMac (20" 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo) which has pretty minimal power consumption of 200W (FAR less than a Mac Pro w/ monitor).

My PT interface is a 003 Rack+; digidesign lists the max power consumption for the 003 Rack (not Rack+) as: 1A / 110 watts @ 110 volts. However, if the UPS provides clean power through the surge-only outlets, then I can plug the 003 into them and the 110 watts won't be any extra load on the battery.

In addition I'd have one (and sometimes two) hard drives plugged in. Can't seem to find power consumption for these.

I suppose I should have my DSL modem and wireless router on the battery backup, but I'm guessing they don't use too much power.

Plus, I've read a bit about sine versus square waves; apparently Mac Pros need true sine wave power - only offered in more expensive units. Am I ok with a lower cost square wave unit?

If the 003 doesn't need to be plugged into the battery backup, I think I could get away with as small as a 330 watt UPS. If it does, I wonder if a 450 watt UPS would be enough.

I know I could plunk down $200 or more and get a phat APC unit; but I'm trying to be wise with the $.

[albee1952]

I would go with at least a 600 watt unit. I have an APC 800kva ($129) and it feeds a quad PC, dual 22" screens, outboard preamps and several other pieces(basically, everything except the speakers) and it has been a lifesaver on a few occasions. I can't comment on what a Mac Pro might need, but its better to err on the side of more power, than less. And I also bought a cheaper one(350 watt) for my router and modem.

[PSimpso]

I know I can't go wrong with a larger-capacity UPS. I'm just not sure if I need quite that big. I'm using an iMac which draws 200 watts, PC power supplies are usually like 400 - 500 watts.

[albee1952]

True, but don't forget to add the draw from the interface, any drives, and maybe any other goodies you might power up so you don't get any nasty surprises(like OOPS, I shoulda plugged ???into the UPS)