A UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, provides backup power to your PC in the event of a power outage. This provides you with enough time to save your work and gracefully shut down your system. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best UPS for gaming PCs in 2023. We’ll consider factors such as power capacity, battery life, and features to help you choose the right UPS for your needs. But first, you might want to check out the following:
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Do I Need a UPS for My Gaming PC?
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, a UPS can be a lifesaver. It will give you enough time to save your work and shut down your computer properly. Apart from that, some UPSs also have additional features that might matter to you. These include network protection, a battery runtime indicator, and a USB port to interface with a computer. A UPS doesn’t just provide battery backup. In fact, most UPSs feature surge protection chops coupled with AVR. These can help to protect your PC from damage caused by power surges. Effectively, you can extend the lifespan of your PC components and peripherals. You can check out our detailed guide on why you should buy a UPS for your computer for more information.
How to Choose UPS for a Gaming PC?
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a UPS for your gaming PC. The first thing to note is the size of your PC’s power supply or PSU. The UPS should have a capacity that is at least equal to the wattage of your power supply. Secondly, you need to figure out how much battery backup you want. If you only need a few minutes of backup power to save your work, you can get away with a smaller UPS. However, if you need more time to shut down your computer properly, you will need a larger UPS. Or a UPS with an external battery pack. Apart from this, some UPSs also have additional features. These include a USB port for charging devices, or a network port for keeping your internet connection up during a power outage. If these features are important to you, you will need to factor them into your decision. Lastly, it’s always nice to get a warranty for your UPS. Some brands even offer a warranty for the connected equipment, so keep an eye out for the same as well.
Power: 600VA | Max Output: 360W Total Outlets: 8 | USB Port: No Built-in Display: No
2. CyberPower EC850LCD
Power: 850VA | Max Output: 510W Total Outlets: 12 | USB Port: No Built-in Display: Yes
The EC850LCD is a compact and well-built UPS. It is easy to set up and use, and it provides reliable power protection for your computer and other devices. One of the highlights of this UPS is its LCD display. It shows the UPS’s status, including the battery runtime, input voltage, and output voltage. Additionally, the display also features a battery runtime indicator which shows the estimated duration of the backup power based on the current load. You get a total of 12 outlets here, with six of them having support for battery backup and surge protection. Of the other six outlets, three are ECO-controlled outlets which automatically shut off power when they detect that the PC is in sleep mode. As a result, you will end up saving power and cutting down your electricity bills.
3. APC UPS BVK1200M2
Power: 1200VA | Max Output: 650W Total Outlets: 8 | USB Port: Yes, 2 Built-in Display: No
You get eight outlets with the UPS, all of which support battery backup as well as surge protection. Add to that, the UPS also comes with a USB-A port for conventional peripherals, as well as a modern USB-C port. Unlike the CyberPower EC850LCD, the APC BVK1200M2 doesn’t have a built-in display. However, it makes up for it by offering a seamless connection to your PC. You can then install the company’s PowerChute Software for easy monitoring and energy management of your UPS. As for the battery backup, APC claims you can expect around 30 mins of backup at 50% load, which is pretty great.
4. CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
Power: 1500VA | Max Output: 1000W Total Outlets: 12 | USB Port: Yes, 2 Built-in Display: Yes
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD comes with a total of 12 outlets. Half of these offer surge protection and relay battery backup. Add to that, you also get extra protection in the form of AVR. This not only protects your appliances but also protects the battery inside the UPS. Apart from that, similar to the APC BVK1200M2, the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD has a USB-A and a USB-C port on the front. You’ll also get a color, LCD display with the device which shows detailed information on battery and power conditions. The screen itself tilts upwards to 22 degrees. This is quite handy since most folks would want to keep this mid-tower UPS below their desk. That way, you can still view the LCD display with ease.
5. APC Gaming UPS BGM1500B
Power: 1500VA | Max Output: 900W Total Outlets: 10 | USB Port: Yes, 3 Built-in Display: Yes
Available in both black and white colors, the APC Gaming UPS features an interactive display up top. The display can be used to monitor important data pertaining to the remaining power and check the battery status. What’s more, the display is bordered by a Reactor Circle light which changes color to alert you of surges, dips, and remaining power. It also adds a bit of flair to the UPS’s design. You can even hook up the BGM1500B UPS to your gaming PC, and then change the lighting as you deem fit. In terms of outlets, the UPS gets a total of 10 ports, six of which support battery backup, surge protection, and AVR. Add to that, you also get a couple of USB Type-A ports and a single USB Type-C port. Compared to the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, you’re definitely paying more for APC’s Gaming UPS. But then again, you’re also getting a trendy UPS with RGB lighting.
6. APC BR1500G + External Battery Pack (BR24BPG)
Power: 1500VA | Max Output: 865W Total Outlets: 10 | USB Port: No Built-in Display: Yes
On its own, the APC BR1500G is a pretty reliable UPS for gaming PCs. It doesn’t have a flagship display and rather a basic one that gets the job done. And despite being a 1500VA UPS, it’s rated for a maximum load of just 865W. However, that should suffice for most gaming PCs, even at full load. You get a total of 10 outlets, five of which have support for battery backup and surge protection. There’s also support for AVR across them. However, unlike most of the UPS on this list, there aren’t any USB ports present on this UPS. What makes the BR1500G special is that it comes with support for an external battery pack. On its own, the UPS can provide a backup of up to 15 minutes at 50% load. However, with the battery pack connected, you can boost this number up to 200 minutes of additional backup power at a 50% load. The setup process is quite simple too. In fact, all you need to do is plug the BR24BPG into the back of the BR1500G UPS. The UPS should automatically detect the battery pack and will use the BR24BPG to extend its runtime. If you live in an area where you’re constantly experiencing power outages, that too for extended sessions, you will definitely benefit from this combination.
7. CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U
Power: 2000VA | Max Output: 1540W Total Outlets: 8 | USB Port: No Built-in Display: Yes
At 2000VA and a rated maximum output of 1540W, you can use the CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U to power up your flagship gaming PC and multiple displays with no issues. Of course, you can’t expect hours of battery backup with this. But you will still have enough time to save your progress and shut down your PC safely. A couple of things to note here though. First off, it’s quite expensive, so make sure that you absolutely do require this much power. Secondly, the OR2200PFCRT2U is a 2KVA UPS. As such, it requires a lot of current to be pulled from a single 120V plug. Make sure that you have proper wiring done inside your room where you plan to use it. For most folks, this is definitely an overkill. However, if you have got yourself the absolute best gaming PC that money can buy, it makes sense to spend some more to ensure you have a good battery backup for it.
Power Off; Game On
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