What size UPS do I need for a gaming PC?

Add up the wattage of your PC and monitor, then choose a UPS with comfortable headroom above that figure. A mid-range gaming desktop is usually well served by a line-interactive unit in the higher VA brackets with pure sine wave output. Sizing up gives you more runtime and keeps the UPS from running at its limit.

Will a UPS keep my PC running through a power outage?

A UPS is built to bridge short interruptions and let you save and shut down safely, not to run a full desktop for a multi-hour outage. For internet and Wi-Fi, a small UPS can keep a router and ONT online for much longer because they draw little power. For long PC runtime, look at higher-capacity units or an inverter setup.

What's the difference between a UPS and a surge protector?

A surge protector only guards against voltage spikes — it does nothing when the power cuts out. A UPS does both: it filters surges and supplies battery power during an outage. If you want to keep working or shut down cleanly when the grid drops, you need a UPS, not just a surge plug.

Do I need a pure sine wave UPS?

For a desktop PC or workstation with a modern active-PFC power supply, yes — pure sine wave output prevents the compatibility issues that stepped "simulated" sine wave units can cause. For simpler loads like a router or basic electronics, a simulated sine wave unit is usually fine and costs less.

Can a UPS power my router and Wi-Fi during an outage?

Yes, and this is one of the most useful jobs for a small UPS in South Africa. A router and ONT draw very little power, so even an entry-level unit can keep your connection alive for a long stretch of an outage, letting you stay online while the area is dark.

How long do UPS batteries last?

UPS batteries are wear items that gradually lose capacity, so runtime declines as the unit ages. Many units flag when the battery needs attention. Keeping the UPS cool and ventilated extends battery life; when runtime drops noticeably, it's time for a replacement battery.

Why does my UPS list both VA and Watts?

VA is the apparent power rating and Watts is the real power it can actually deliver; the gap between them is the power factor. The Watt figure is the one that limits what you can run, so size your load against Watts and treat VA as the headline number, not the usable ceiling.

Does a UPS protect against power surges and lightning?

A UPS includes surge protection that guards your gear against spikes and dips on the line, which is valuable on an unstable grid. For lightning specifically, combine it with proper surge protection and unplug sensitive equipment during severe storms — no single device is a guarantee against a direct strike.

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All UPS

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) ⚡

A UPS is a battery backup that keeps your equipment running when the mains power cuts out, and shields it from surges and dips in between. When the grid drops, the UPS switches to its internal battery in milliseconds, giving you time to keep working or shut down safely without losing data or damaging hardware. In South Africa, that mostly means riding through power cuts and protecting against an unstable grid.

Size a UPS to its load: add up the wattage of what you want to back up — PC, monitor, router, ONT — then choose a unit with enough capacity and the runtime you need. For a desktop with an active-PFC power supply, a line-interactive UPS with pure sine wave output is the safe choice. A smaller standby unit is fine for a router and Wi-Fi to keep you online.

Evetech stocks UPS units for everything from a single router to a full gaming rig or small office, all with local warranty and nationwide delivery. Compare capacity and runtime below, and pair a higher-capacity unit with surge-protected outlets for the gear that matters most.

UPS & Battery Backup for Power Outages (4)

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Elecstor-DELTA Mini 14400mAh UPS - Image 1

Elecstor-DELTA 60W mini DC UPS

Elecstor ECO mini ELE-ECO1825 UPS

Elecstor DC UPS Router Power Bank - Image 1

Elecstor-ECO TIT-ECO32700 Mini DC UPS

promate-powertank-600-portable-power-station - Image 1

Promate PowerTank-600 600W Portable

How to Choose a UPS

Choosing a UPS comes down to two questions: what do you need to keep powered, and for how long. Work out the total wattage of that gear, then match it to a unit's capacity, topology and runtime. The guide below covers the decisions that actually matter.

Add up the wattage of everything you want to back up, then leave headroom — don't load a UPS to its full rating. UPS capacity is quoted in VA and Watts; the Watt figure is the real-world limit because of power factor. As a rule, size up rather than down so the unit isn't running flat out.

Standby (offline) units are cheapest and fine for a router or basic PC. Line-interactive units add automatic voltage regulation for dips and spikes — the sweet spot for most desktops. Online (double-conversion) units give the cleanest, zero-transfer power for servers and sensitive equipment, at a higher price.

Modern PC power supplies use active PFC, which can misbehave on the stepped "simulated" sine wave that cheaper UPS units produce. A pure (true) sine wave UPS avoids this, so it is the recommended choice for a gaming PC or workstation. Simulated sine wave is acceptable for simpler loads like a router.

Runtime depends on how heavily the UPS is loaded — the more watts you draw, the shorter it lasts. A unit might run a light load for many minutes but a heavy PC for only a few. Decide whether you want enough time to save and shut down, or to keep working through a longer outage, and size accordingly.

UPS batteries are consumables and lose capacity over time, so runtime gradually drops as the unit ages. Most modern units let you check battery health or warn you when a replacement is due. Keeping the UPS in a cool, ventilated spot helps the battery last longer.