A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a battery that sits between your wall and your computer. When the power blips, your PC keeps running instead of losing unsaved work.
Size it in watts, not VA. A 1500VA unit with 1000W capacity comfortably powers a desktop PC, monitor and router — roughly 15-30 minutes of runtime during an outage, depending on load.
Output type matters. Pure sinewave output delivers clean power that sensitive electronics — especially modern PCs with active PFC power supplies — prefer over simulated sinewave.
Surge protection should cover data lines too, not just power: look for Ethernet/coax protection on the back panel. Outlet count matters: 12 outlets means your monitor, router, modem and console can all be covered.
Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) is the quiet hero. It corrects low and high voltage without switching to battery, so your gear runs on clean power even when the wall voltage is sloppy.
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD is the benchmark pick: pure sinewave, AVR, 12 outlets, a color LCD that shows load and runtime, plus a 3-year warranty including the battery.
Where to put it: next to your computer, not in a closed cabinet — batteries need airflow. And test the unit once a month by pressing the test button.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A 1000W unit runs a typical desktop about 15-30 minutes — enough to save work and shut down cleanly. Runtime shrinks as you add load.
