Hi all,I want to go get one of those battery backups with the surge protectors before hurricane season kicks off here in Florida, but since I'm entirely computer illiterate, I'm not sure what to look for. I see all kinds of wattage options and other features to choose from, but don't know what I need. The computer I'll be using it for has an i7-960 OC'd to 4.0 with a 1000 watt ATX power supply on an MSI X58 Pro-e motherboard with dual GTX 460's. I just want something that will protect the computer and maybe give me a few minutes of battery time so that I can shut it down properly if when the power cuts out.This is the one I had in mind. Will it do the job, or is it overkill for what I'm looking for?

I recently went through the same ordeal and chose this http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5705522&CatId=234You also need this if you you are on DSL or otherwise you need a cable protector http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=PTEL2I wanted the same thing you do; I was only interested in surge protection and enough time to safely shutdown (10-minutes). If you want to run longer you need a bigger unit.My selection was based on internet study and the pure sine wave output. The SMT750 afforded me the middle ground between inadequate and high end protection. It is the one I recommend for you.Use the APC wizzard for your selection http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm

That APC wizard is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you for the link.

Jeremy, I have six APC units here, although a few years older models. All of 'em are connected via USB and will perform a controlled auto-shutdown of the computers to which they are assigned if the power is out longer than ten minutes.The one connected to my development system also filters the cable connection to my bridge and router, so it can't get 'spiked' that way either... ;)When I saw these on sale at CompUSA a few years ago for $89 each, I snapped up six of them immediately!At least once a month there's a hiccup in power here in my area, and it's so pleasant not to have my network crash right in the middle of something... :LMAO:

Jeremy, I have six APC units here, although a few years older models. All of 'em are connected via USB and will perform a controlled auto-shutdown of the computers to which they are assigned if the power is out longer than ten minutes.The one connected to my development system also filters the cable connection to my bridge and router, so it can't get 'spiked' that way either... ;)When I saw these on sale at CompUSA a few years ago for $89 each, I snapped up six of them immediately!At least once a month there's a hiccup in power here in my area, and it's so pleasant not to have my network crash right in the middle of something... :LMAO:

I ran that ACP wizard and it gave me three recommendations - one for best price, one for best value, and one for best performance. I decided to go with the 1500VA LCD-120V, which is supposed to be the best performance of the three, so I'll keep my fingers crossed once the hurricanes start rolling in. It says it has 54 minutes of runtime after a power failure, and it came with a disk that has some software that will shut the computer down for you.......which I'm guessing is the controlled auto-shutdown you mentioned. I'm just happy knowing that I've got some protection now.

I've been running a 1050 VA APC ups for quite a while. It has not had any problems. I find it kicks in every now and then for a few seconds, even when it isn't obvious (from dim lights) that there is a power issue. It also gives you a power draw monitor, so you can see how much juice you are actually pulling.I bought it after the power company took down a $120 Antec true blue power supply.scott s..