Member Avatar for UNE

I do have 11 computers and I am having some power problems it goes on and off so I have decided to buy a 2000 Watt Ampere Accumulator..

What I need to know is that is there anyone who knows how much electric power does a computer tower needs to start and will 2000 WA be enough for 11 computer towers only for 2-3 min max without monitors…

Thank you

  • 3 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 124 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Thong_Ispector

Dani AI

Generated

This thread rightly focuses on two things: true load (not guesses) and the UPS type/capacity needed to survive the switchover. is running many PCs; and highlighted that per‑machine consumption varies and that measuring real behavior matters. The following practical checklist fills gaps left by earlier posts and gives concrete steps for a safe, verifiable solution.

Measure first, then size. For each machine note running watts and peak draw under load (use a plug wattmeter on representative systems, or the UPS load display). Add the measured totals for everything that will be on the UPS (PCs, network gear, routers, switches). Consult each UPS datasheet for its continuous watt rating (not just VA) and its short‑term overload capability — many consumer UPS ratings ignore power factor. If runtime is required, use the UPS runtime graph from the manufacturer rather than guessing battery life; manufacturers publish run‑time curves for different loads. General background on UPS types and rating concepts is here: Uninterruptible power supply and on power/VA differences here: Power factor.

Account for startup/inrush and transfer behavior. Switching power supplies can produce brief inrush currents larger than steady watts; a UPS must handle those peaks without tripping. Line‑interactive or standby UPS units have a small transfer time; true online (double‑conversion) UPS provides no transfer gap. If all machines switch states simultaneously, the peak can exceed continuous ratings even for a short time — staggered shutdown or power sequencing on PDUs reduces that risk. Basic computer PSU behavior is explained at Computer power supply.

Final practical points: prefer a unit whose continuous watt rating comfortably exceeds the measured steady load (allowing headroom), verify building wiring and breaker capacity, consider several smaller UPSs for distribution/redundancy if wiring or racks make one large unit impractical, and consult an electrician when in doubt.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

It depends on what kind of computers you have there.

With all newer computers it could take twice that much...

Member Avatar for Dani

I'd say a rough estimate is 250 watts for an barebones PIII and as much as 550 watts for the latest and greatest gaming machine. Of course if it's only going to be powering each one for 2-3 minutes while they shutdown or whatever it is they have to do, I'd say figure 300 watts per machine? Whatcha guys think?

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

The initial switchover point/draw is what we need to look at.
He should be able to hook up a clamp-over ammeter and see how much he is drawing at any one time. (Home Depot)

While he will use less while he is shutting down.
The power loss or drop triggers the shutdown and thus the power switchover must handle the peak load at that point even though it will quickly diminish.

Add 10% as a safety margin to what he shows as the total draw.

He might be better off getting 11 of the smaller UPS systems that are available everywhere. I have half a dozen here that I use on home electronics like TV, stereo and SAT dishes...

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.