We’ve been getting a lot of emails and calls about a battery backup to protect the Mac Pro 8-Core and the Mac Pro 12-Core. People have been getting confused by the power consumption specifications provided by Apple. Can it really consume that much? Do I really need to have a massive UPS? Do I need to run a circuit just for the Mac? All great questions. After all, if you bought that awesome machine you want to protect your investment from harm. I’m going to demystify the subject.
Here are the power specs for the Mac Pro 8-Core and the Mac Pro 12-Core
Line voltage: 100-120V AC or 200-240V AC (wide-range power supply input voltage)
- Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz single phase
- Current: Maximum of 12A (low-voltage range) or 5A (high-voltage range)
The Mac Pro 8-12 Core can use a maximum of 12A; this is the maximum, with it being fully loaded and about to pop! In actuality, the Mac Pro consumes a lot less power during normal operations. We’ve tested several, and we were pleasantly surprised by how efficient they were.
The best UPS for the Mac Pro 8-Core and the Mac Pro 12-Core is the APC Smart-UPS 1500, model SUA1500. This is a UPS that outputs a sine wave (always preferred by the Mac Pro), regulates the power, has great surge protection, and will provide you more than 15 minutes of run time. We’ve even tested it with a few external hard drives plugged in and a cable modem/router. This UPS plugs in to a regular household 15A outlet, so you don’t need to run any kind of electrical wiring.
While operating, the Mac Pro 8-Core and the Mac Pro 12-Core consumed less than 30% of the capacity on the UPS, allowing for additional accessories to be plugged in and protected. If you’re doing heavy duty operations, you’ll consume more power, but it won’t overload the UPS — it can take it. You can also safely plug in your cable modem, router, and external hard drive.
As you attach the devices, you’ll see the load meter on the left side of the UPS light up. There are a total of 5 lights; with the equipment described here you’ll be under three. It’s a good idea to run the UPS with less than 4 bars of load, since that will ensure the UPS components don’t overheat and you have adequate run time to safely shut down in case of a power outage.
The refurbished Smart-UPS 1500 is the best value and protection for this set up. The UPS comes with a one year full replacement warranty so your purchase is protected. If you really want to splurge, buy yourself a brand new SMT1500, the newest generation of the Smart-UPS 1500. Same features, just newer!
Save yourself the headache and don’t buy a cheap $30 Back-UPS for the Mac Pro. That UPS will do a good job on a small PC or a cash register, but it won’t offer any protection for your Mac Pro. You’ll end up buying it, trying it and then have to go back to the store to return it.
If you have any questions about this UPS or need help deciding on a UPS for your particular configuration, get in touch anytime at 866-311-1945 or email at sales@excessups.com, we’re always eager to help.