APC SMC1500C 1440 VA 900 Watts 8 Outlets

Pros: Let me start by saying I have an APC Smart-Ups 750 from 2004 that to this day is STILL running like a champ. I’ve replaced the batteries about 4 times in that time frame. This model looks, feels, and smells just like the old with a more modern front panel and cloud service port. It feels just as well constructed and in almost every way functions the same. The updated display lets you change certain settings and displays the current load and charge. The SmartConnect network port is a fantastic addition to this device. It connects to the APC SmartConnect cloud service and monitors your UPS at a simple and basic level. If it’s online or on battery, estimated runtime, charge, temperature, firmware version, input/output voltage, load, when you should replace the battery, warranty date, and an event log. It will send you an email with the alert level you would like as well. This is REALLY nice feature out of the box without needing to add a management card, which they can get pretty expensive. Cons: The SmartConnect service is a website only. I REALLY wish they had a mobile app. Overall Review: The PowerChute software is pretty much unchanged from any version I have ever installed. The Agent has slightly updated graphics and is the only item worth installing at all. It provides basically a local webpage to manage your APC when the USB cable is connected. It is helpful if you want to change settings on your UPS and monitor in more detail. However, to be honest, unless you are running this on a 24/7 system you probably don’t need it. Windows 10 detects the UPS as a battery and you can manage any desired shutdowns after a certain time from Windows power settings. I have never, now or previously, successfully gotten the Server/Console software to work. Unless you have a REAL need for this, don’t bother. Keep in mind this device is really business oriented. However, it is small enough to be a fantastic personal UPS for the home on a nice setup. With the below system at idle the load was about 10% when I was actively using my desktop and estimate runtime is 1hr 30m. While gaming it jumps to 35-40% load and drastically decreases runtime. My current Smart-Ups 750 from 2004 runs my router, switch, and cable modem in the basement and lasts for over 2 hours during a power outage. This was a PERFECT device for that need. I have the management card in that UPS that runs essentially the Powerchute server. However, with this UPS I would never have gotten that management card due to the SmartConnect service does everything I would need it to. Machine Specs: ————— Intel i7-6700K (4.6GHz) Gigabyte Z170X-Ultra Gaming G.SKILL Ripjaws 16GB DDR4 2800 Gigabyte GTX1080 G1 (2) Intel 330 Series 240GB RAID0 2TB WD Blue Antec HCP-750 Platinum PSU

Pros: – Power conditioning! I can’t tell you how many people I know who have had high priced gaming rigs destroyed by low and high voltage spikes. You need some sort of power conditioning to keep your stuff safe! – Hot swappable batteries. I love this. No need to shut down when you have to swap out the battery, and the unit provides a level of conditioning even without the battery, so no need to worry if you fumble replacing it for a few minutes. – Small footprint. These units get smaller all the time, and yet still offer the same level of protection and number of outlets. – The Cloud! I know, it’s a marketing term, but it’s really nice to scan a code and be notified when you have power events. You still have the option to hardwire this thing, but why? Cons: – Heavy! I know, it’s the battery, but man, these things weigh many times what you would expect just by looking at them, and they only seem to get heavier as the technology advances. They get smaller, but not lighter. I know, I’m reaching. Overall Review: – I just moved into a new house and we’ve had several storms in the brief period of my residence. This thing matches its big brothers (Also by APC) with ease. No interruptions, no wackiness from voltage variations, just pure, uninterrupted power. Yes, as others have mentioned, this unit is overkill for your average consumer. You also would not be sorry if you purchased it anyway.

Pros: This nice reliable unit has saved me on 3 occasions now. Super glad I bought and in fact, may buy another in the near-future. Cons: none. Overall Review: Does what it says reliably. While the source battery rate based on plugged-in load may say “25 min, or 76 min” etc, my experience on 3 occasions were when power was lost, it adjusts load real time on the read-out, and providing you’re not running tons of processes, battery power lasted a bit longer than initial read-out showed (10% longer apx.) During a recent power-failure episode (last Thursday) I had plenty of time to get the back-up generator started, running, and plugged in (smooth sign wave inverter type – only use those types of generators), plugged APC unit into the generator and nothing went wrong. After we re-gained power 4 hours later, and I turned off the generator and plugged this back into the wall, 2 brief over-charge warnings popped up on main-screen light, it tripped the resistor shunt and buzzed a few times for 2-3 seconds, bled off the over charge, and continues to work flawlessly. Good investment for equipment you respect and need to keep safe. I live in an area with 50yo electric utility infrastructure, and it’s a perfect unit for what I needed it for….. Hey, nothing like your “prepping” investments paying off in spades when you need them most. I’d definitely recommend this unit, I’d also say, unlike older battery back-up units that seem to jack up your electric bill, this one did a bit too, but not nearly as bad as the older technology from 10-20 years ago. APC has keep their quality game in check, and I’d definitely recommend this unit.