[Dave Canon]

I have just ordered my new PC but have been concerned that the current PC has required the O/S disk image to be recovered about 8 times in the last 6 months. Some of these are probably due to a failing HDD. However, three occassions were due to a mains power failure at a critical time.

It appears that Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) are now not uncommon in a home environment even where the mains supply is usually reliable. Can anyone recommend a suitable good value home UPS. I will need around 600 to 800VA. I feel that I should protect my new PC investment.

[Chris H]

I've never needed one in all the years I've been into PC's but I do know Silkstone uses on just for mains dropouts.

Have a look for a Powerchute made one. They are not too expensive.

[silkstone]

Yep, I have one that was very kindly supplied by C-Man and is powerful enough to protect the whole of the village.

I have another which is now redundant, and that is a cheap Trust 800VA one which was fine for just a single PC. However, it does not have Powerchute which allows automatic shut-down if a mains failure occurs while the machine is unattended. It's very similar to this one...

Amazon.co.uk: Trust Power Master PW-4075T - UPS ( external ) - AC 230 V - 750 VA - 3 Output Connector(s): Electronics & Photo

If you search Amazon for UPS there are loads to choose from - APC is a well-known make, as is Belkin.

I wouldn't be without a UPS. We get very few power cuts but a lot of voltage fluctuations and 'brown outs' which can cause problems, and it just isn't worth the risk when a decent UPS costs less than £100.

[Dave Canon]

Thanks for the advice

Dave