Keeping It Current: Best UPS for a Gaming PC

One of the more prominent players on the UPS market is Cyberpower. The American UPS brand has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing quality UPS products and supplies numerous US government institutions. The first Cyberpower product on our list is the CP1500PFCLCD.

This UPS is small and light. It comes with an LCD screen, tuning buttons, and two front USB ports. So, if you are wondering what the best UPS power supply for gamers is, the CP1500PFCLCD ticks all the right boxes.

The model excels in many key areas, including power capacity, which stands at 1500 VA / 1000 W. That’s more than enough for most high-end PCs.

Although the CP1500PFCLCD doesn’t have a true sine-wave system, its manufacturers came up with an alternative to the choppier simulated sine wave. The adaptive sine wave has all the perks of a pure sine wave but a significantly lower price tag, making it the best uninterruptible power supply. 

The CP1500PFCLCD has 12 outlets - six are battery-backed, and six are only surge-protected. We recommend using the battery-backed ones for your PC and monitor, which require time to be properly shut down in case of sudden power loss. Your printer, speakers, and similar devices should go into surge-protected outlets to save battery backup slots for more important devices.

This model also comes with automatic voltage regulation, which regulates any fluctuating voltage levels. Furthermore, the CP1500PFCLCD’s GreenPower feature reduces energy consumption by 75%.

In your search for the best UPS for a gaming PC, the CP1500PFCLCD should be a top candidate. Its affordability, sine wave circuitry, ample power capacity, numerous outlets, and neat design make it one of the best available solutions.

The second Cyberpower product on our list is the EC650LCD. This model is part of the ecological UPS series and is focused on energy conservation.

The best cheap UPS for a gaming PC needs to have a hefty power capacity. Unfortunately, the EC650LCD fails to impress in this particular category. It has a capacity of 650 VA / 350 W that provides about 4 minutes of full power before your device shuts down. Low and mid-range gaming PCs won’t have trouble with the smaller power capacity, but higher-end ones will.

However, this product is not focused on power capacity but power conservation. Its unique features make it the best home UPS. The Eco Mode button activates the power-saving capabilities that rely on a system of tiered eco outlets. These outlets are labeled: master, always-on, and energy-saving. The PC is meant to be plugged into the master outlet, while peripherals such as the monitor and speakers go into energy-saving slots. When the UPS power system detects that the device connected to the master outlet is off or on standby, it automatically shuts down devices on the energy-saving slots.

One downside to this best budget UPS is its reliance on simulated sine wave technology. This can be problematic for higher-end gaming setups that are designed with a pure sine wave output in mind. However, pure sine wave circuitry is extremely rare in this price range.

Its low price and eco-friendly features make the EC650LCD the best PC battery backup budget option. So, if you’re not running a power-hungry high-end gaming rig, we definitely recommend the EC650LCD.

Tripp Lite is an American UPS manufacturer based in Chicago. The company doesn’t only specialize in UPS production but also manufactures networking equipment, cables, and other products. The first Tripp Lite product up for review is the SMART1500LCDT.

The SMART1500LCDT might look like a cute little black box, but this long-lasting battery backup packs quite a punch. It weighs approximately 12 kg, and the product dimensions are 49 cm x 23 cm x 28 cm. The blue LCD screen is positioned on the front of the device where users can track input/output voltage, battery voltage, and the load the UPS is under. The UPS power source can also be managed through the PC’s power management options or via Tripp Lite’s software.

The UPS has 10 outlets split between those that provide only surge protection and those with battery backup. In addition to AC line surge protection, the SMART1500LCDT has Data Line protection, which puts it on our “Best UPS for PC Gaming” list. Data lines are largely unprotected and can facilitate power surges that damage your devices. That’s why Tripp Lite added Data Line protection, which keeps your phone and modem lines safe.

This UPS system for computers comes with pure sine wave technology while you have power. But it switches to a simulated sine wave when the backup battery comes on. Although a simulated sine wave is less desirable, the SMART1500LCDT is the best UPS system for gaming. The product has a power capacity of 1500 VA / 900 W. At maximum power, users have over two minutes to properly shut down all processes. Keep in mind that most devices rarely operate at full capacity, giving users additional time to turn off their devices.

With a slightly lower price than that of Cyberpower’s CP1500PFCLCD, the SMART1500LCDT is a powerful battery backup and surge protection device. The only downside is the modified waveform which doesn’t necessarily translate into serious issues. Therefore, if you are looking to save money, our computer UPS review can attest that this is a great choice.

APC, formerly known as American Power Conversion Corporation, was founded in 1981. It’s another trusted brand on our list that manufactures numerous network and power-related products. The product we are reviewing is the APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA.

This model made our “Best Budget UPS for a Gaming PC” list for a number of reasons. Like some of the products mentioned above, it has an alluring design. The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA also has an LCD screen with a Mute button, a Power button, and one for navigating the screen.

Moreover, this product has the most considerable backup power source capacity in the APC Pro line with 1500 VA / 850 W. In case of a power outage, a 500 W PC will get four minutes of extra time on battery backup before the lights go out.

As is the case with any of the best UPS battery backup devices, this model also has 10 outlets divided between battery backup ones and those that provide protection from power fluctuations. Just remember to plug your PC and monitor into battery backup slots. Aside from standard power slots, the product also has slots for coax and Ethernet cables, ensuring that all your devices are safe.

This product, like many cheaper UPS variants, relies on simulated sine wave technology. That particular feature didn’t lead to any significant problems for those using this product. However, those with more sensitive equipment should look at the computer battery backup reviews for pure sine-wave devices.

So, where does this product stand in the broader Cyberpower vs. APC tussle? Cyberpower’s CP1500PFCLCD and the APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA are similar in their capabilities. But the APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA stands out thanks to its Power Saving mode, which can help you conserve electricity and reduce your utility bills.

We have yet another Cyberpower UPS review here, this time for the CP1500AVRLCD. 

CP stands for Cyberpower. The number 1500 is the power capacity in volt-amperes, and LCD tells us that the product comes with an LCD screen. AVR is short for automatic voltage regulation, which allows the device to stabilize the incoming AC signal and maintain it at 120 volts. In the first Cyberpower product we’ve reviewed, the CP1500PFCLCD, PFC stands for power factor correction, which minimizes the reactive power produced by computers and reduces overall power consumption. We’ve found this to be one of the best pure sine wave UPS devices, as it doesn’t rely on simulated sine-wave systems.

Meanwhile, the AVR model relies on a simulated sine wave. Both have the same battery capabilities. The 1500 VA / 900 W allows users to operate their PC for 10 minutes at 500 W. 

Both models have 12 outlets evenly split between backup and surge protection. However, if your gaming PC is AC-sensitive, avoid the modified sine wave model. Otherwise, the CP1500AVRLCD might be the best battery backup for a PC you can find. This model is also about $60 cheaper. 

Tripp Lite’s ultracompact device is the best surge protector for a gaming PC if you are looking for something on the smaller side. 

The model looks more like an extension cord than a traditional UPS device. But despite its size, this UPS can still power most medium-range gaming rigs with its 750 VA / 450 W. If you’re rocking something heavier, you should consider more powerful best-buy surge protector options. At maximum power, the Tripp Lite 750VA/450W AVR will give you 2.4 minutes to save your game, let your teammates know what’s happening, and shut down the PC properly.

One of the model’s main advantages is its compact design. It’s small and light and doesn’t take up much room. However, the smaller size means fewer outlets, and this model has only six. But as is the case with all other products on our “Best UPS for a Gaming PC” list, the outlets are evenly split between battery backup and surge protection. The ultracompact Tripp Lite 750VA/450W has no LCD screen, but it does have an HID-compliant USB port which allows you to utilize your PC’s power management software to regulate UPS use.

The model includes automatic voltage regulation, guaranteeing stable input voltage without using up battery power. When it comes to the best computer battery backup in this particular price range, most use simulated sine wave output during battery backup mode, and the ultracompact Tripp Lite 750VA/450W is no different. 

The bottom line is that the ultracompact Tripp Lite 750VA/450W is a pretty solid choice. Its features and power capacity won’t turn any heads but meet all the needs of an average user.

Another product on the smaller-sized-UPS backup power supply market comes from APC. The APC Back-UPS ES - BE700G is similar to the ultracompact Tripp Lite 750VA/450W. These two products we’ve covered in our uninterruptible power supply reviews have similar power capacities and unique designs.

The APC model brings 700 VA / 405 W to the table. This gives users operating on full power exactly 2.5 minutes to shut down their equipment. However, most PCs run on roughly 70% of their maximum power, which will give most users additional time to power down.

This contender for the best UPS title also resembles a bulky extension cord and comes with eight outlets. On one side, the outlets are reserved for a UPS slot, while the second set of outlets provides only surge protection without battery backup. Additionally, this product has tiered outlets - one UPS slot is the master port, and three are non-UPS-controlled. Once the device in the master slot is shut down, the devices in controlled ports follow suit, conserving power.

Like many best battery backup devices, this one too relies on simulated sine wave technology. Newer higher-end gaming setups tend to be sensitive to AC fluctuations, and a modified sine wave could be damaging. If you’ve already decided to spend $1,500 on a new gaming rig, we certainly recommend investing in a model that uses a pure sine wave.

The APC Back-UPS ES - BE700G is on the cheaper side and represents an ideal option for cash-strapped gamers. Maybe this isn’t the best UPS battery backup out there, but it’s reliable enough to keep mid-range rigs protected.

By now, we’ve established that not all UPS devices are created equal. This is a good thing because we all have different needs. Even gamers, who usually require more advanced gadgets, don’t need a $200 UPS for each section of their house. APC’s BE600M1 is an affordable solution and a solid contender for the best UPS for home use. 

It acts as a backup battery and surge protector for computers and other electronic devices. This is the smallest UPS we’ve reviewed so far. But its power capacity of 600 VA / 330 W is nothing to scoff at. It is more than enough to keep your devices, such as speakers and modems, up and running. 

The best way to use the APC BE600M1 is in conjunction with a stronger 1000 VA UPS. That way, both your PC and your network connection are safe - crucial when playing online games.

UPS battery backup reviews have revealed that this device is capable of keeping your Internet connection as well as your laptop, tablet, and smartphone up and running in case of sudden power loss. If you’re in the middle of writing an email or some other important document, you’ll get more than enough time to save your work.

The APC BE600M1 relies on simulated sine wave technology, which is perfectly fine in this case when the UPS is being used for accessories and peripherals. It also features a USB port that allows you to charge your phone and other devices.

So, why do we think this deserves a spot on our “Best UPS for Computer Gamers” list? We recommend this to everyone because everyone should ensure their nonessential accessories are protected in addition to their beloved gaming machine. The product’s affordability makes it even more appealing. 

This Cyberpower beast has a power capacity of 3000 W and is the strongest and most expensive of all UPS backup power supplies on our list.

Those looking for the best UPS for a gaming PC of 1100 watts or more should definitely check out the Cyberpower PR3000LCDRTXL2UN.

The device has enough power to cover up to five high-range gaming PCs for enough time to safely shut down and save everything properly. If you have fewer PCs or slightly weaker ones, you could probably run them for more than 10 minutes each with this UPS.

So, what is the best UPS for a gaming PC? Well, if you are the proud owner of a newer AC-sensitive setup, pure sine wave technology can make all the difference. The Cyberpower PR3000LCDRTXL2UN is one device that uses pure sine wave circuitry, ensuring maximum quality waveform for your computer.

This device boasts an informative LCD screen that displays useful information like battery levels and the current load. The PR3000LCDRTXL2UN has nine outlets, which is more than enough to cover multiple PCs and peripherals.

Furthermore, the model has AVR and GreenPower features, maximizing safety and energy conservation. Another reason we included this model in our battery backup and surge protector reviews is its generous lifetime $400,000 guarantee for all connected equipment and a three-year warranty.

But all these features don’t come cheap. Those interested in purchasing this device should be prepared to dish out $1,000. So, this is probably not an ideal candidate for casual users looking for the best UPS for a computer. 

On the other hand, if you need to protect multiple high-end PCs in an office environment, the PR3000LCDRTXL2UN is the perfect solution.

We’ve reached the last product on our list. Since we’ve covered a number of devices on our “Best UPS for a Gaming PC” list designed to protect your computer, we’ve decided to change things up a bit. The BR700ELCD is more geared toward protecting your network and accessories.  

This relatively small device is similar to the APC BE600M1. While it doesn’t take up much room, its power capacity is no laughing matter. Its 700 VA / 420 W is more than enough to keep your modems and speakers running for 10-15 minutes. This is sufficient breathing room before everything goes dark.

Another set of key components the best battery backup for a PC should have are the environmentally-friendly features. The BR700ELCD shuts down all peripherals connected to the eco-ports when it detects that the computer is off or in sleep mode. It also incorporates other energy-saving technology that reduces power consumption.

The BR700ELCD has eight outlets - four battery/surge protected and four surge-only. This is just enough to cover all the devices you might want to connect to the UPS. If you are trying to find the best UPS for a home office, rest assured that this is an excellent option for protecting your accessories. The LCD screen allows users to monitor the current load, voltage, battery power, and which mode is currently active.

To wrap it up, the BR700ELCD is a great choice for any user looking to protect their non-PC devices and peripherals. The device is very cheap and a great addition to our “Best UPS Battery Backup for a PC” list.