UPS Overloading

So, you set the LCD display on the APC unit to display actual watts draw ... are you actually seeing it go from 300w to something close to 800w ?

If so, move everything (LCD monitors, etc.) from the battery sockets to surge-only sockets. Leave only the PC on the battery-backup circuit. Not ideal, but see if that helps. Could also move all that stuff to a second APC.

www.bit-tech.net/.../8

This is also only one 590, but in a whole machine

www.legitreviews.com/.../15

... So, could be close to 800w with 2x590 ... that's 4x GPU chips, right?

They make bigger APC units, but I don't think they are consumer models (instead, for servers).

Here it is ...

www.guru3d.com/.../3

System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 890W

So, looks like it will max it out.

Thank You Tesla1856 for all the info. Looks like I'll have to find a 1000+w UPS (900 at the low end) if I want to run the GTX590 in SLI

HI Blaze,

Interested in how your going with the APC UPS. I too have the exact same problem and the same game. I have noticed that the battery backup does not work at all. Have you tested this?

My case the Alien 51 simply powers down. Not certain I missed a setting somewhere??

I'm testing 2 x 590 and yes I understand the draw on power. Shutdowns are envitable, but that's usually in 3D surround.

I'm using a Smart-UPS which rates at 980W. Its simply not enough. Beyond this requires changes to the 10amp plug/circuit to cater for say a more effective UPS.

I'm somewhat disappointed in the Alienware Area-51 tower it lacks MOBO power for the PCIe slots and it can't handle highend graphics setups as well as it should without an EVGA boost cable etc. The new rig I have built is far more efficent and powerful - pity!!

Let me know if you get a chance.

Cheers.

Hey A Victor D,

My solution so far was just to take out one of the GTX-950's until I found a UPS with a higher wattage rating. I was actually looking at the one you mentioned (980w)  does your system shut down or does your UPS alarm sound when it's wattage rating peaks?

Hi Blaze,

Unfortunately No. The Area-51 powers off with an idle loading of some 34% on the UPS. Simply the battery backup does "not" work as it must be drawing too much power, assuming I dont have a configuration problem with either the Area-51 and/or UPS (I'm certain the UPS is all good having tested it -  kept reading below).

What happens is I pull the UPS power plug out (or run power cycle test) to emulate a black-out. The alarm sounds on the APC as it should with all the appropriate display notifications. Unfortunately the Area-51 immediately powers off (note at 34% UPS utilisation), then whilst the UPS is still in battery mode  the Area-51 begins to reboot. I have'nt figured out why given the utilistaion is not at peak. APC thinks its a BIOS thing (@Chris).

The strange thing is I have a home built rig that is more powerful and it stays on when the APC UPS goes into battery mode (emulated blackout). Although I have only tested it with the idle loading (28%). This rig has 3 x GTX 580's (water cooled), 2 x RADs with fans, Pumps, EVGA 4-WAy MOBO, 12GB RAM, Blu-Ray, Fan controller, 1200W PSU, i7 960 (water cooled)..you get the picture....

Overall it may suggest that the Area-51 CAN NOT be set on this UPS possibly even Dell's own UPS with this Watt rating, "if any UPS" - who knows - one for @Chris. Further if I was to upgrade the UPS to the APC Smart-UPS 1980W (or a Dell 1920W), the wall plugs will need to be changed from my understanding from 10Amp (house standard) to 20Amp.

Note when the Area-51 is at full use during gaming with both 590's its close to 950Watts (95% US utilisation roughly - nearly full utilsation). But doesnt explain the above when the system is idle (34% - no gaming). I do also get blackouts on the Area-51 even before I used 590's.Running directly off the wall plug I have less problems funny enough but I'm not really comfortable with that.

Let me know if your battery test work ok and what your UPS utilisation is on your Alienware (Area-51 or R?)

Cheers

Since I've taken the second GTX950 out my UPS is at 148watts of power at normal usage (Non-Game Playing). The UPS works as intended when it has no power. My problem is that with both cards installed they draw to much power for the rating of my UPS . I have no answer for your issue, my system goes on UPS power without shutting down when I have a simulated blackout.

Thanks Blaze,

I'm going to try a test with one card powered. From my comments I would recommend the next level above the 980Watt UPS. The APC Smart-UPS 1980W (or possible a Dell 1920W) looks ideal. It also means I can run everyting off it. But right now that would mean upgrading the circuits/outlets etc...

The things we do...