How big of a UPS do I need?
Not sure what UPS to buy? Use our quick chart to match 600VA to 1500VA+ to your router, PC, NAS or server, and avoid buying too small.
For most home setups, a 600VA to 1500VA UPS is enough. Pick by what you plug in.
| What you are protecting | Typical draw | Suggested UPS |
|---|
| Router and modem | 15 to 30 W | 600VA |
| Router, switch, and NAS | 60 to 120 W | 750VA to 1000VA |
| Home office PC and monitor | 150 to 300 W | 1000VA to 1500VA |
| Gaming PC and monitor | 400 to 800 W | 1500VA to 2000VA |
| Small server | 200 to 500 W | 1500VA or more |
VA vs watts
The watt rating is the real limit. A 1500VA unit commonly supports about 800 to 900 watts, and a 1000VA unit about 500 to 600 watts. Always compare your total watts to the watt rating on the box.
Add headroom
Keep your load under 75% of the UPS watt rating. A safety margin of 20% to 25% covers future devices and aging batteries.
How long will it run?
Battery runtime in a power outage is usually 5 to 15 minutes at moderate load. That is enough to save work and shut down. If you want longer, choose a larger UPS or one that accepts extra battery packs, and check the runtime chart.
Quick tips
- Leave laser printers off the battery outlets, as they pull large surges
- Choose a model with surge protection and enough outlets
- Pick pure sine wave for gaming PCs and sensitive electronics
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