Surge Protection for MacPro?

[THX1139]

Anybody using heavy duty battery backup with surge protection on their Macpro? On my last desktop, I had it hooked up to an (expensive) APC that would power my 20" CRT monitor, external drive and computer for up to 30 minutes in case of power failure. I remember paying around $300 for it. Over the years I used the setup it only came in handy only once during a power failure. However, aside from the power outage protection, I did notice that every once and awhile it would make a "clicking" sound to indictate the battery power was kicking in briefly. I'm not positive but I think it was balancing out powersurges and brownouts?

Aside from data protection during power outages, do you think the heavy duty battery backups are worth the money? If so, what backup do you recommend for the MacPro? What about the simple powerstrip surge protectors? Do you think they are adequate for protect against sudden power spikes? Thanks!

 

[Counterfit]

I would personally go with a small-medium capacity UPS for a desktop. It will help with over/under current (or voltage), and give you time to save and shut down in the event of an outage. I actually use one with my PowerBook, but I only have my external HDs and my BT headset charger plugged into the battery.

 

[bradc]

Surge Protection is a must and having a UPS is even better because it 'conditions' the power so you're Mac Pro gets a nice smooth supply of power. It doesn't really matter on the size as long as the UPS has a battery it has means of conditioning the power. I have a small UPS at home with just enough reserve power to save everything and shutdown.

I have this APC model http://www.pccanada.com/viewitem.asp?id=2622 except in 750 version.

 

[Digidesign]

I had an older APC 650 UPS that I plugged the Mac Pro into. However, everytime I turned on the Mac Pro the alarm would go off on the UPS. I remember reading somewhere that the wattage(?) required on boot is pretty high, though not as much as the quad G5 Powermac.

When I turn on my Mac Pro, the lights in my room dim/flicker briefly.

 

[YS2003]

I am using APC's 550 V UPS and 900 V UPS for my Macs, ACDs, and external HDs. My neighborhood's power supply is very stable; but, there is occasional power fluctuation during the windy days (my lights flicker here and there, indicating there is a change in power's strengh.
I am thinking about getting MacPro and I know it is a necessity to use MP with UPS as it is not good to cut off the power while MP is on (worse, when it is writing data on HD). I think I may need to get another APC unit for MP as MP needs more power than my notebook computers.