I had a bit of a scare earlier

[DaJe]

I woke up, went to my computer, noticed it was quiet in the room, then noticed the computer was off. At first, I just assuemd someone shut it off for some reason, but it wouldn't turn back on. I started thinking "Dammit, not another dead power supply". Then I thought "It probably killed my motherboard too". Well, I unplugged the power cable, switched off the power supply, reset the power strip it was plugged into, plugged it into a different outlet on the strip, and then made sure it was plugged intot he computer all the way. I don't know what did it, but it works fine now. I really didn't need another dead power supply.

[simon275]

Must have been a power surge in the night that tripped it.

[nil8]

There's a product called a UPS that stops electrical issues from the wall and can keep your computer running for a while if the power goes out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptible_power_supply

I put them on all my systems. APC is the most well known and trusted company on the market, and their refurbs are well priced.

Check for loose cords/other problems before you assume a snuffed psu. With the exception of defective equipment, random hardware failure is rare.

[slytherock]

I second that

[CanaBalistic]

I've had many power surges and brown outs. I've never fried a PSU that way, its only ever shut my system down. I power it up again and its fine.

I've heard of that APC company, they are pretty good. All of thier products come with a cash guarantee. $150,000 on the battery backup/surge protector that i seen.

[nil8]

It depends on the product you're buying. APC is the name in the server UPS market. With some plans on 100+kva systems, you better believe there is more than 150k insurance.

I've seen a computer get saved from lighting strike a house's power and telephone line. Very dead UPS, but the computer worked just fine. The lady was lucky, her home CPA business was on that box.

That's why you get a UPS.

Almost all companies that have computer systems use UPS systems. Hell, point of sale computers in restaurants have them.

Get one, they're lifesavers and not that expensive compared to a brand new computer.

[Crimson Sky]

This MoFo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16842101129) is what protects the Doom3 mod. nuff said.

[nil8]

That things a bit big for doom3 mod don't you think crimson? 1500VA is a bit overkill for 1 pc.

[Crimson Sky]

That things a bit big for doom3 mod don't you think crimson? 1500VA is a bit overkill for 1 pc.


Not when you have hardware invested in it that cost more than 15k. ;) If you want to add my time to that price, I'd say its right on target for protecting the piece. The power thats delivered to the floors of trade shows is not to be trusted--thats also a consideration.

[nil8]

Maybe, but wouldn't a 1000VA work just as well?

I'm not telling you not to use a UPS on that thing, that's crazy. By all means protect your investment.

[Crimson Sky]

It IS 1000va. stop breaking my balls.