CyberPower UPS Battery Backup for PCs

It's no secret that our cherished computers and personal electronic devices all depend on electricity. They can't live without power, and we feel powerless without them. Conscious of our need for continuous productivity, CyberPower Systems has built an entire battery backup product line designed to supply uninterrupted power to our PCs and HDTVs. So when winter storms come or summer brown-outs occur, there's no reason why your small business or home office should stop working. A sudden power-outage shouldn't mean crashing your computer system in the middle of an exciting video game, and an enjoyable movie should not need to restart. In this article Benchmark Reviews demonstrates how important CyberPower UPS battery-backup devices are for sustained computing as their Intelligent LCD Series CP825AVRLCD, CP1000AVRLCD, and CP1500AVRLCD models are put to test.

This article will focus on three specific topics: choosing which battery backup solution is right for you, testing how long they'll last for your device when the powers out, and comparing the CyberPower UPS solutions to other products in the industry. During the course of our tests, Benchmark Reviews learned that over-estimating power needs is a better decision than under-estimating. Remember the golden rule: it's better to have and not need than to need and not have. It's not just about having more time with any particular UPS battery backup, which is certainly preferable, but instead the primary reason is because larger Volts-Ampre ratings mean that high-demand devices will sustain heavy loads better than a smaller UPS.

Reader familiar with Benchmark Reviews generally work on netbook/notebook devices, desktop workstations, and high-performance enthusiast computer systems. CyberPower offers a UPS battery backup devices that caters directly to each crowd, and can be adapted for other purposes such as media players, entertainment centers, and HDTVs as well. Of the ten different personal battery backup models that CyberPower Systems offers in this product line, we test the CP825AVRLCD, CP1000AVRLCD, and CP1500AVRLCD devices from their Intelligent LCD Series. These three devices represent a common cross-section of sustained-power needs.

About CyberPower Systems (USA)

CyberPower Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures state-of-the-art power protection equipment for corporate, business, home, government and educational markets. CyberPower is an industry leader by surpassing customer expectations in the development, design, construction, durability and functionality of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) products for computers, peripherals and connected devices. CyberPower Systems operates in the Asian Pacific, North American, and European markets. For additional information, including sales office locations and authorized reseller partners, visit cpsww.com.

CyberPower Intelligent LCD Features

• Intelligent LCD Diagnostic Display: The innovative front panel LCD can be used to display detailed information on the status of your UPS and current power conditions. The LCD displays 11 different diagnostics: Input voltage level, Output voltage level, Automatic voltage regulator, Battery capacity, Runtime estimate, Load level, Output frequency, On battery, Overload, Fault Condition, and Silent mode.
• Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) - AVR technology will stabilize the AC signal and maintain a safe voltage level without switching to battery-mode. This conserves battery life, and delivers a cleaner signal to your connected equipment.
• GreenPower UPS - GreenPower UPS technology significantly reduces UPS energy costs by bypassing the AVR transformer when incoming AC power is clean. This not only dramatically reduces UPS utility consumption, but also reduces heat dissipation and system noise.
• Ultra-Quiet UPS - The combination of an advanced ventilation design, high-end system components, and GreenPower UPS technology give CyberPower UPS systems the lowest sound emissions in its class. This makes our UPS perfect for desktop applications, audio/video installations, and quiet workstation environments.
• EMI/RFI - Provides shielding against electromagnetic interference & radio frequency signals. Most commonly, this is used to prevent line noise or "humming" that occurs over telephone lines, or stereo electronics.
• USB Connectivity - An HID-compliant USB port enables full integration with the built-in power management and auto shutdown features of Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.
• PowerPanel PE Smart Management Software - In event of a power outage, PowerPanel PE saves your open files and will "Hibernate" your PC to increase the run-time on the UPS unit. PowerPanel is quickly and easily installed on any Windows-based PC and is designed to utilize minimal system resources. Diagnostic screens give immediate visuals of the UPS's status, and also include the following features: Silent operation mode, configurable system notifications, automatic self tests, adjustable high/low voltage warnings, event/data logging, and scheduled shutdowns.
• LED Indicators - LED status lights indicate Power-On and wiring faults.
• Audible Alarms - Audible tones identify when the unit is running off battery power, unit overloads, and low battery.
• Resettable Circuit Breaker - Convenient unit reset switch in case of an overload.
• 3-year Warranty - CyberPower will replace your unit if damaged within 3 years of purchase date. We stand behind our products and guarantee quality. CyberPower also offers a #1 rated technical support team that will assist you with product, installation, or warranty concerns - Free of Charge!
• ISO & Safety Certifications - All CyberPower manufacturing facilities are ISO-9001 Quality Tested. Our products are also certified by the FCC, cUL, and UL.

CyberPower CP850AVRLCD 450W UPS

The CyberPower Systems' Intelligent LCD Series CP825AVRLCD UPS (as well as CP800AVRLCD-G) provides 450W/850VA of battery backup power and is designed for basic to mid-level computer systems. The Intelligent-LCD battery backup series offers the only UPS in its class to feature the combined power of AVR line conditioning, multifunction LCD readout, compact footprint, and "Green UPS" cost-reducing technology.

CyberPower's patented GreenPower-UPS technology used in the CP850AVRLCD battery backup unit significantly reduces energy-usage and cooling costs associated with UPS power protection. In fact, the GreenPower-UPS advanced circuitry bypass reduces energy use by up to 75% compared to a traditional UPS design (according to CyberPower internal tests).

Real-time system vitals can be viewed using this Crystal-Blue LCD display. The CyberPower CP850AVRLCD can be conveniently placed in a workstation cabinet, or directly on a desktop. The CP825AVRLCD guards against surges/spikes, and offers battery backup in the event of brownouts, or total power loss. The unit's unique combination of advanced energy-saving circuitry and shielded Ultra-Quiet design also make it the quietest compact UPS available for office and home office settings.

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) ensures that all your electronics are receiving clean power and maintains a safe voltage level. PowerPanel Personal Edition Management Software automatically saves and closes open files and then shuts down the computer system in an intelligent and orderly manner.

The CyberPower Intelligent-LCD Series is also equipped with full data line protection: RJ11/RJ45 (phone, fax, Ethernet, network, DSL) and RG-6 coax (DSS, cable modem, satellite, cable TV). The UPS's "Surge-Only" outlets are perfect for high-power non-critical peripherals such as lamps, printers, scanners, or powered multimedia speaker.

CyberPower stands behind their products by offering an consumers a three-year warranty, professional Technical Support, and a Connected Equipment Guarantee of $200,000 for the CyberPower CP850AVRLCD model. Additional details and specifications can be found on the CyberPower CP850AVRLCD UPS product page.

CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD 600W UPS

The CyberPower Systems' Intelligent LCD Series CP1000AVRLCD provides 600W/1000VA of battery backup power and is designed for mid- to high-end computer systems, features dynamic line conditioning and an Intelligent LCD diagnostic display.

Real-time system vitals can be viewed using the Crystal-Blue display. The UPS unit can be conveniently placed in a workstation cabinet, or directly on the desktop. The CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD guards against surges/spikes, and offers battery backup in the event of brownouts, or total power loss.

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) ensures that all your electronics are receiving clean power and maintains a safe voltage level. PowerPanel PE Management Software automatically saves and closes open files and then shuts down the computer system in an intelligent and orderly manner.

CyberPower Estimated Runtimes:

• Entry-level PC with 19" LCD (150W) - 15 minutes
• Mid-range PC with 19" LCD (300W) - 7 minutes
• Performance PC with 19" LCD (500W) - 3 minutes

The CyberPower Intelligent-LCD Series is also equipped with full data line protection: RJ11/RJ45 (phone, fax, Ethernet, network, DSL) and RG-6 coax (DSS, cable modem, satellite, cable TV). The UPS's "Surge-Only" outlets are perfect for high-power non-critical peripherals such as lamps, printers, scanners, or powered multimedia speaker.

CyberPower stands behind their products by offering an consumers a three-year warranty, professional Technical Support, and a Connected Equipment Guarantee of $350,000 for the CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD model. Additional details and specifications can be found on the CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD UPS product page.

CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 900W UPS

Benchmark Reviews previously tested the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD back in August 2007, and it earned our Golden Tachometer Award and 2007 Editor's Choice Award. as a result of superior run-time performance and affordable relative pricing.

The CyberPower Systems Intelligent-LCD Series CP1500AVRLCD UPS (as well as CP1500AVRLCD, BC1500C, and CP1500C models) provides 900W/1500VA of battery backup power and is designed for mid- to high-level computer systems. Alternatively, the CP1500AVRLCD can be used for other high-demand devices such as home theater components and HDTVs.

Real-time system vitals can be viewed from this Crystal-Blue (see below) display. The unit can be conveniently placed in a workstation cabinet, or directly on the desktop. The CP1500AVRLCD guards against surges/spikes, and offers battery backup in the event of brownouts or total power loss.

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) ensures that all your electronics are receiving clean power and maintains a safe voltage level. PowerPanel PE Management Software automatically saves and closes open files and then shuts down the computer system in an intelligent and orderly manner.

CyberPower Estimated Runtimes:

• Entry-level PC with 19" LCD (150W) - 50 minutes
• Mid-range PC with 19" LCD (300W) - 19 minutes
• Performance PC with 19" LCD (500W) - 9 minutes

The CyberPower Intelligent-LCD Series is also equipped with full data line protection: RJ11/RJ45 (phone, fax, Ethernet, network, DSL) and RG-6 coax (DSS, cable modem, satellite, cable TV). The UPS's "Surge-Only" outlets are perfect for high-power non-critical peripherals such as lamps, printers, scanners, or powered multimedia speaker.

CyberPower stands behind their products by offering an consumers a three-year warranty, professional Technical Support, and a Connected Equipment Guarantee of $500,000 for the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD model. Additional details and specifications can be found on the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD UPS product page.

UPS Power Testing

The central purpose of any battery backup UPS unit is to provide uninterrupted power to electrical equipment when the primary AC power has failed. Simple enough in theory, which ultimately means that battery backup tests will be straight-forward. What our UPS tests will demonstrate is how long the connected devices can survive after a power failure, and what CyberPower Systems UPS devices can offer above and beyond competing battery backup solutions.

UPS Test Methodology

Each UPS battery backup devices was purchased or received directly from the manufacturer within thirty-days of testing for this article. None of these devices offer a visible date of battery manufacture, so it not possible to estimate how long a unit may have been stored prior to shipment.

Battery life benchmark tests were conducted using different devices with measured output demands. In all of our tests the UPS received a full 24-hour period or longer to charge the battery with no device connected. All of the hardware test devices were fully operational and working prior to the start of each test for a period of several minutes. To begin each test, the UPS was disconnected from the power receptacle and the timer was started.

For PC tests, the computer system was booted into DOS mode and MemTest 86+ was run for the duration. The on-battery lifetime was recorded from the moment the UPS system was removed from the AC power source, until the moment the devices fully depleted the battery and the system shut off.

UPS Battery Backup Devices

For this article Benchmark Reviews compared the following UPS devices in our battery backup tests (listed alphabetically):

• APC BR1500LCD 1500VA 865W UPS - $187.89
• CyberPower CP825AVRLCD 825VA 450W LCD UPS - $99.99
• CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD 1000VA 600W LCD UPS - $119.99
• CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA 900W LCD UPS - $179.99
• Powercom BNT-1500AP Black Knight Pro 1500VA 900W UPS - $124.99
• Tripp Lite OMNIVS1500 1500VA 940W UPS - $167.99
• Tripp Lite SMART1500LCD 1500VA 900W LCD UPS - $212.95

Home Theater System (510W - Extreme Load)

• Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U 52" LCD 1080P HDTV
• Sony PlayStation-3 Game Console/Blu-ray Disc Player
• Yamaha RX-V565 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver
• Dish Network DuoDVD ViP-722 HD Digital Video Recorder
• Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote Control

High-Performance PC (360W - Heavy Load)

• Motherboard: ASUS P6X58D-Premium (Intel X58/ICH10R/Marvell SE9123)
• Processor: Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition overclocked to 4.0GHz
• System Memory: 6GB (3x 2GB) 2000MHz 1.65V Kingston KHX2000C8D3T1K3 DDR3
• Primary Drive: Crucial RealSSD-C300 CTFDDAC256MAG-1G1
• Secondary Drive: Seagate Barracuda XT ST32000641AS
• Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon HD 5970 Hemlock Video Card
• Power Supply Unit: OCZ Z-Series Gold 850W OCZZ850
• Monitor: 26-Inch SOYO DYLM26E6 Widescreen LCD

Workstation PC (200W - Medium Load)

Motherboard: MSI P55M-GD45 (Intel P55/ICH10R)
Processor: Intel Core i5-750 Processor BX80605I5750 2.66GHz
System Memory: 4GB (2x 2GB) Corsair XMS3 1600MHz CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 DDR3
Primary Drive: WD VelociRaptor 300GB SATA HDD WD3000HLFS
Graphics Adapter: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX
Power Supply Unit: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W OCZ550FTY
Monitor: 22-Inch Hanns·G Hi-221DPB Widescreen LCD

Waveform Power Output Notice

Utility companies provide AC power that has a true sine wave. Many UPS manufacturers acknowledge that most consumer electronics do not require a true sine wave signal to function properly, so they have engineered UPS systems which produce a simulated sine wave. Simulated sine wave systems use less expensive technology to produce battery power, and are very common in entry/mid-level UPS systems. UPS manufacturers have different types of simulated sine wave (Modified, Quasi, Stepped, PWM, etc.) but the basic characteristics of the power produced are similar.

For those applications that require true sine wave power, UPS systems are also available with the true sine wave output, also known as Pure Sine wave. These UPS systems are designed for electronics which have PFC power supplies, small AC motors, or require true sine wave power to function properly.

As a side note, the issue of simulated sine wave versus sine wave is only an issue when the UPS is "On-Battery", or, providing power to the equipment via its internal batteries. When the UPS is using normal utility power, the UPS will be passing the utility generated true sine wave power to the connected equipment. View the CyberPower Pure Sine Wave UPS Series.

Battery Backup Test Results

While the Cyber Power CP825AVRLCD and CP1000AVRLCD UPS's are added for comparison, all of the other battery backup UPS devices are all rated for 1500VA. APC's premium-priced BR1500LCD model comes equipped with an LCD readout, although it provides only 865 watts at 1500VA. The Powercom Black Knight Pro BNT-1500AP is one of the most affordable products in the 1500VA segment, but this model doesn't offer any equipment guarantee or LCD diagnostic display like CyberPower does on their CP1500AVRLCD, and the warranty is a short-lived two years. Tripp Lite's OMNIVS1500 is a no frills UPS that offers a manufacturer-specified 940W but lacks any comprehensive status feedback or LCD display. The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCD provides basic feedback on a small LCD screen, and offers both rack or floor mount hardware, but also comes with a hefty price tag.

Home Theater System (510W - Extreme Load)

Home theater power demands will differ depending on the equipment used, and the task at hand. For our extreme load test we reproduced a higher-end entertainment center with all of the deviced powered on. HDTV's fluctuate their power demands based on the displayed content and screen temperature (blank screens draw very little power, while colorful motion draws the most), and our 52" HDTV consumed approximately 340 watts cold before warming up to 190W operational. The Sony PlayStation-3 gaming console serves a dual-purpose as a Blu-ray Disc player, and consumes up to 140W either way. Surprisingly, the A/V receiver required less power than anticipated, asking for only 80W on average with five large speakers attached at normal volume. The remaining power was drawn from a combination of satillite tuner/DVR and universal remote control.

High-Performance PC (360W - Heavy Load)

Computer hardware enthusiasts need consistent power for their high-performance computers systems as much as anyone, but they're more likely to require higher volts-amp power for their system than the electricity demands of similarly purposed devices. For our high-performance computer run-time tests, Benchmark Reviews used only the most powerful hardware for our computer system. A dual-GPU Radeon HD5970 powers high-end graphics and a 26-inch LCD monitor, while an overclocked quad-core processor and system memory keep the system running quickly. While not charted, we experimented with the CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD just to see what kind of on-battery run time we could reach, and learned that volt-amps is everything when the UPS lasted only six minutes.

Workstation PC (200W - Medium Load)

More in-line with what small-office and casual home users will require, the 200W workstation computer uses many of the latest performance-orientated parts but stops short of the obscene enthusiast hardware components used in our heavy load test. While we've labeled this as a 'medium load', the power demand is very much only relative to our other tests. As a result, this test includes the CyberPower 825 and 1000VA models for testing against the more powerful 1500VA versions. One lesson learned from this test is that UPS battery backup devices with high volts-amp rating will sustain a much longer run time thanks to a reduced relative load percentage, which we detail below.

After recording all of our test results, it was clear that CyberPower Systems offers consumers superior on-battery run time with their CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD UPS. My memory of our tests using the CyberPower CP1350AVRLCD a few years back reminded me of a similar outcome, which ranked the 1350VA/810W above some of the competing 1500VA/900W battery backup solutions. While the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD didn't outclass each and every other UPS, it certainly proved to outperform the competition.

Our tests on the less-powerful CyberPower CP825AVRLCD and CP1000AVRLCD UPS devices proved that they'll sustain a decent on-battery run time when the power goes out, but unless the outage is somewhat momentary it would be best to assign them to lightweight power applications such as basic computer systems and small electronic devices. While some users might appreciate the opportunity to save their work and power down the computer system, many of the visitors who frequent Benchmark Reviews would prefer to keep working through the storm and finish their download or get every last frag with their games.

This leads into a related point worth making: don't overload your UPS battery backup with unnecessary devices. It's important to avoid placing lamps, printers, and personal space heaters on the battery-backup side of any UPS, and relegate them to surge-only support. The average laser printer or 100W light bulb could consume as much power as the computer system does, and heaters will dramatically reduce battery run time. Monitors add nearly as much load as the average PC tower, but most users can't get by without one.

CyberPower Intelligent UPS Conclusion

Unlike many of the other projects here at Benchmark Reviews, this article focused on the CyberPower Intelligent-LCD series of UPS battery backup solutions. The added LCD feedback is rather informative: input voltage level, output voltage level, automatic voltage regulator, remaining battery capacity, estimated on-battery runtime, device total load level, output frequency, on battery alert, overload warning, fault condition notice, and silent mode display. For the casual PC user that only wants to keep from losing work during a power out condition, this could seem like information overload... but even the average personal computer user benefits from knowing how much time remains before it's lights out.

Of all the electronic devices we use these days, only a few require constant power to avoid losing data while others are required support equipment. When we group the various CyberPower Intelligent-UPS battery backup devices, we give them generic light/standard/heavy-demand labels that don't define exactly what fits inside the description. For reference, light-demand devices would include cordless telephones, Internet modems and routers, multimedia speaker systems, and clocks. Consumer electronic devices such as DVD/BD players, A/V receivers, monitors, netbook/laptop computers and basic desktop systems fit under the description of standard demand devices and should all work extremely well with the CP825AVRLCD and CP1000AVRLCD UPS products we've tested. Heavy-demand devices include enthusiast computer systems, home theater systems, HDTVs, security surveilance DVRs, and game consoles; all of which will enjoy several minutes of on-battery run time with the CP1500AVRLCD model.

Charted above you will find the entire CyberPower Intelligent-LCD series of UPS battery backup products with the best available online price (before shipping) as of March 2010. Looking over the prices you'll notice that many of these products cost the same but offer better power output... which is why it's important to shop around. Based on our tests, the best UPS of the bunch also offers the best value, which explains why the CP1500AVRLCD earned our Editor's Choice award back in 2007 (and might receive it again in 2010).

The "tower" design and black appearance of the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD is probably the most appealing on the UPS market. CyberPower has tried other colors such as white and charcoal, but the black tower design fits best. While the plastic encased battery construction is more than rugged enough for indoor use, I am not so sure you want the LCD display resting under a desk where people are prone to kicking or driving a chair into it.

In terms of performance and functionality, the results speak for themselves. The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD lasted much longer than several other 1500VA-rated UPS devices, and did so with plenty of extra features at a less expensive price. You aren't going to find a longer lasting 1500VA UPS, and you certainly won't find many that offer a portion of these features while still being affordable. I found the diagnostic LCD display to be a real asset. Not only could I now see exactly how much drain my equipment was creating, but I could see precisely what kind of load was taxing the UPS batteries and an estimation of remaining on-battery life. Like the LCD the power button is also backlit, and unlike the LED display which turns itself off after a few seconds the power button makes a dim great nightlight.

Benchmark Reviews is quite proud to recommend the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD for personal computer and home theater equipment use. The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD UPS provides consistent AVR power with a Crystal-Blue LCD diagnostic display and GreenPower UPS technology. Since the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD offers the longest on-battery lifetime we've recorded, it's easy to recommend this battery backup to our visitors. Add to this the long list diagnostic LCD display features, a three-year warranty, $500,000 equipment guarantee, and you'll be surprised to learn that the very best products can still be purchased for less than you would think. The 900-watt CP1500AVRLCD battery backup is available for $150 online or $179.99 shipped from NewEgg. Alternatively, the 600W CP1000AVRLCD can be purchased for $100 to support smaller support devices.

Pros:

+ Intelligent LCD diagnostic display
+ Outstanding on-battery life
+ $500,000 Connected-equipment guarantee
+ Convenient transformer-adapter spacing
+ 3-year battery/product warranty
+ High-quality rugged construction
+ Attractive tower design

Cons:

- Does not accept add-on battery packs
- Power button illuminates full time

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.75
• Appearance: 9.50
• Construction: 9.00
• Functionality: 9.25
• Value: 9.00

Final Score: 9.30 out of 10.

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

Previous Awards: 2007 Benchmark Reviews Editor's Choice Award.

Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.

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