Need a UPS spec'ed for a Dell PE 1900 Server

markwombat

markwombat

markwombat

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Hi guys,

I am currently in the process of purchasing a UPS for the Dell Power Edge 1900 in my office. The server is running a single Quad core Xeon at 2.3Ghz (or thereabouts), with 4GB of RAM, and 3 SATA hard drives, plus the usual array of fans Dell ship with their systems.

I had a 650V UPS lying around the office which I tried to use, but upon killing the power the UPS buzzed very loudly and despite being able to power the server, resulted in the server restarting before using the UPS....

Am I right in thinking that I need a bigger UPS for this? I'm rather new to this area so any help will be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks,

Mark
 
If it was just knocking about the batteries are probably dead. For a single server like that, 650VA should be about adequate, depending on how long it takes to properly shut down your server.

What you should do is look up or measure the power consumption of your server and then do the sums, bearing in mind that your UPS will operate most effectively when at about 60% load (that is, they don't behave as linearly when you get past that point). Spec a UPS based on that and you will not have gone far wrong.
 
APC have a sizing tool, doesn't take long to get some rough times and models. Based on one PE1900 it suggested the following (I assume you don't need rackmount):

upsdell1900.jpg


You can play around with expansion requirements and required run time.....
 
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Great, thanks for your replies. I've been playing around with the UPS I have here, it was brand new a few weeks ago so would like to think the batteries aren't dead?? It seems to be able to quite happily power a regular workstation.

Could there be any other reason why the server reset itself when switching to the UPS? As I said before, the following happens when cutting the power to the UPS:

Kill power to UPS
Server resets and proceeds to start up
UPS 'knocks' around but does seem to power the server

Is the knocking a sign of the UPS being under extreme strain? Neither the "overload" or "UPS fault" symbols on the UPS display light up.

Thanks in advance :)
 
Can you not log into the UPS to check on the logs as to whats happening? It should also say in the Event viewer if it's been installed correctly.
 
Xez said:
Can you not log into the UPS to check on the logs as to whats happening? It should also say in the Event viewer if it's been installed correctly.
Click to expand...

I did try looking at the UPS logs but sadly all it reported was "AC failure" and then "AC Restored" when I had turned on the power. Windows event viewer only listed a system restart at the time of "AC Failure" so didn't really reveal much more than I already knew.

I've since ordered a bigger APC UPS (1500VA), which I hope will solve the problems and also provide me with a longer backup power period.

Incidentally, if anyway knows how to power devices that don't use "kettle leads" from a UPS (e.g. a router and switch) then I'd be interested to know. :)

Thanks for your help, I'll post the outcome of using the 1500VA UPS on as soon as it arrives.
 
You need something that'll do IEC C14 Male to UK Plugs, normally labeled "pdu" or "power distribution unit" (£50-100 as a v.rough guide).

This just plugs into the UPS and will enable you to power anything with a standard UK plug.

Good choice on the APC UPS.
 
markwombat said:
I did try looking at the UPS logs but sadly all it reported was "AC failure" and then "AC Restored" when I had turned on the power. Windows event viewer only listed a system restart at the time of "AC Failure" so didn't really reveal much more than I already knew.

I've since ordered a bigger APC UPS (1500VA), which I hope will solve the problems and also provide me with a longer backup power period.

Incidentally, if anyway knows how to power devices that don't use "kettle leads" from a UPS (e.g. a router and switch) then I'd be interested to know. :)

Thanks for your help, I'll post the outcome of using the 1500VA UPS on as soon as it arrives.
Click to expand...

I admit this is a bit of a bodge type solution, but don't forget that a kettle lead is simply the three mains type wires :)

Get hold of an old extension lead, & a spare lead from your UPS. Chop the plugs off each of these & join with a suitable set of cable joiners.

I'm sure that you can get UPS solutions with a simple socket on too, although I really can't be bothered to go searching :)

-Leezer-
 
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