MP 1,1-5,1 choosing an UPS for Mac Pro 4,1

[Sample]

Hi guys , I’ve made some research and I’ve found contrasting views on which are the best requirements for an UPS for a 2009 Mac Pro (4,1 to 5,1). Here are a few questions I still couldn’t find a definitive answer to:


1) In my case my Mac will be the only appliance to be connected to the UPS, no monitor, additional drives etc.
The kind of power outage that I’ve been experiencing in the last months is a brief (1 second) power interruption say once a week, definitely have to solve this, I guess I've been lucky so far?
A proper long blackout instead is extremely rare, maybe once every 2 years, it's not really an issue I guess. In case of this rare event prolly will never need to power the Mac on auxiliary power for more than 1 minute, just the time to save and switch off with keyboard shortcuts.
Here are some power consumption tests I made (with a cheap kill-a-watt tester) on my Mac:

startup peak: 360W
wake after sleep peak: 230W
idle: 180W
prime 95 CPU stress test: 330W

This said, which power capacity UPS should I go for? Would a 1000VA (600W) or even a 700VA (420W) be enough?

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2) Is it true that since it’s a PFC power-supply it requires a pure sinusoid? Because in case of an offline (switched) UPS or a line-interactive UPS the Mac won’t be constantly living on battery power but just in that 1 second when power goes off right? Will a stepped wave wreck the power-supply in such a short time?

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3) and that takes me to the kind of UPS:

1- switched (offline)
2- online
3- line-interactive?

I’d prefer to avoid the online one which uses the batteries all the time and will need to change them often, with all its economical and environmental downsides.

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What’s your experience? What would you suggest?
Thanks a ton guys?

 

[TECK]

I'm using an APC 1500VA Back-UPS Pro Series (BR1500G) connected to my cMP 5,1 via provided USB cable, battery source is detected automatically in Big Sur without any software installation.

 

[Sample]

I'm using an APC 1500VA Back-UPS Pro Series (BR1500G) connected to my cMP 5,1 via provided USB cable, battery source is detected automatically in Big Sur without any software installation.

Thanks for your answer TECK, I checked the model you have and saw that it does not have "pure sinusoid" current, I've read that a non-pure UPS can harm our cMP 4,1 & 5,1 PCF power supply in the long run, have you ever heard this?

 

[MarkC426]

PFC Sinewave ups's are the best option.
I have 2 Cyberpower units, which have been great.
Same situation as yourself, small surges which you wouldn't even know about (only by the UPS activating).
I would also connect a monitor to it, so in the event of a longer outage you can shut down manually.

 

[DPUser]

Cyberpower CP1500PFC here as well; has worked perfectly since purchased some years back. It connects via USB. Only issue I have ever had with it other than replacing batteries is when I connected it to my Mac Pro via a powered hub; the hub caused the UPS to crash when the computer was turned off. Rectified by connecting to a non-powered hub. Like MarkC426, I'd recommend connecting your monitor to the UPS, too. In my studio, I have a second UPS that powers my audio interface, so in the event of a power outage while recording, I won't lose a take.

 

[DPUser]

Also, nice to power your cable modem and router via the UPS; that way you can continue to work on-line with a laptop during a power outage.

 

[bsbeamer]

Have three Cyberpower CP1500PFCLCD variations - one with USB Type-A & USB-C on front, two with dual USB Type-A on front. They all work well with all Mac-based machines via USB and integrate without any additional software. Have a separate unit just for modem/router that will run internet for about 3 hours without power.

 

[TECK]

non-pure UPS can harm our cMP 4,1 & 5,1 PCF power supply in the long run

I did not know this, I just ordered a CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD on Amazon Warehouse, thank you @MarkC426. I will use the BR1500G for my media center, overkill but is not wasted.

 

[Sample]

MarkC426, DPUser, bsbeamer, teck, thanks for your help!?
Ok think I’ll go for the CP1500PFCLCD too, just 2 questions concerning batteries:

1) Since it’s a “line-interactive” model and not an “online” it will switch to battery power just when needed and not all the time like an online one. Thus it should have a much longer battery lifespan, does anyone know how many years the batteries will last?

2) Would it make any sense to purchase a spare battery now in case in a few years the model might get obsolete and batteries might be nowhere to be found? Or will an unused battery degrade if bought now and not used for years?

Thanks for your help guys?
S

 

[MarkC426]

My first one has been in use with my macpro since 2014 (original battery).
It will draw power from the mains keeping the battery fully charged and go onto battery when needed.
I would not buy additional battery as it may degrade.
Another nice feature is USB ports on the front, which I use to charge my iPad/iPhone.

 

[Sample]

My first one has been in use with my macpro since 2014 (original battery).
It will draw power from the mains keeping the battery fully charged and go onto battery when needed.
I would not buy additional battery as it may degrade.
Another nice feature is USB ports on the front, which I use to charge my iPad/iPhone.

Thanks MarkC426, just purchased it ?

 

[TECK]

Would it make any sense to purchase a spare battery now

CP1500PFCLCD model comes with 2 batteries, wait few years before you buy fresh ones. You will need a RB1280X2B set.

Is interesting to note that while the actual UPS is covered with a 3 years warranty, the batteries inside are only covered for 18 months.

 

[Sample]

CP1500PFCLCD model comes with 2 batteries, wait few years before you buy fresh ones. You will need RB1280X2B set.

Ok thanks Teck, just bought the UPS

 

[K2000]

I'm interested in this UPS for my cMP 4,1 flashed to 5,1

My question is, if I buy a new Mac Pro in 2022, can I use the same UPS?

 

[bsbeamer]

if I buy a new Mac Pro in 2022, can I use the same UPS?

Generally speaking, yes.

Whether Apple will have a different power management mechanism for true pro desktop Mac Pro style 8,1 on AS or not is a different question. If it has a USB port (absolutely should, but it's Apple...), VERY LIKELY you can use natively with OS built-in UPS energy saver pref pane.

 

[K2000]

I don't understand the purpose of USB connection... You're still plugging the Mac into the AC outlets on the back of the UPS, as expected? Does USB give additional options?

 

[bsbeamer]

Most UPS units have a USB cable that communicates with the machine (Mac Pro) and interfaces with the OS in the Energy Saver Preferences Panel that enables shutdown triggers, etc. Here's Cyberpower unit connected to an iMac19,1.

 

[K2000]

Thanks for sharing that!

 

[DPUser]

CP1500PFCLCD model comes with 2 batteries, wait few years before you buy fresh ones. You will need a RB1280X2B set.

Or any pair of 8 or 9ah 12 volt batteries... running under $20 per battery on Amazon and other sites. Save $30+