Modern gaming PCs can cost a lot of money and as such, it is important to protect those investments. Surge protectors and AVRs are both viable options for protecting your gaming PC from electrical surges. It is important to understand the difference between a surge protector, UPS, and AVR for gaming PC, and similarities in order to make the best choice.
Here, we will compare and contrast two popular forms of protection: AVRs and surge protectors. We will explore the benefits and drawbacks of each type. Then we will show you which one is best for your needs.
Have you ever had an electrical surge? I know I have. If you’re like me, then the experience has probably scared the daylights out of you. From appliances to electronics, it’s always a good idea to invest in a surge protector for your home.
The Different Types of Protection
The first thing to know is that AVRs are not surge protectors. AVRs are designed to be more sophisticated, with some even providing protection against lightning strikes. Surge protectors are more simplistic, with the main goal of blocking power surges.
Surge protectors are designed to block power surges coming from your home’s electrical outlet.
The outlets on a surge protector contain metal oxide varistors or MOVs, which act as a barrier to the power surge.
If the electrical current exceeds a certain amperage threshold, these MOVs will discharge an equal amount of electricity so there isn’t any damage done to the connected devices.
AVR’s offer another level of protection that surge protectors can’t provide. They come equipped with filters that prevent electromagnetic interference, which can disrupt internet connections and cause problems with computers.
Furthermore, they have advanced circuitry that helps deal with spikes of voltage created by lightning strikes.
They also have ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, which helps us avoid any chance for electrical shocks and fires caused by faulty wiring in our homes and protects against potential electrocution hazards in older homes where we don’t use GFCI outlets.
What is an AVR?
An AVR is an acronym for “automatic voltage regulator.” It is a device that regulates the incoming current to the PC. An AVR has protection against power surges, spikes, and other issues.
What is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a device that protects electrical devices from voltage spikes caused by things like thunderstorms, power outages, and equipment malfunction. A surge protector contains an outlet and a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or a metal-oxide varistor (MOVE). The MOV/MOVE clamps down on the voltage to keep it from going any higher.
What is a UPS?
An uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, is a device that provides backup power in the event of a power outage. This type of device is typically used for businesses and other high-tech applications.
UPS devices allow you to run your computers without any interruptions during a power outage.
In fact, they can provide up to 10 minutes of battery life in the event of a blackout.
When the power comes back on, these devices will automatically supply electricity to all your devices. Thus, you don’t have to worry about powering them back up manually.
How do AVRs and Surge Protectors Differ?
AVRs and surge protectors are both excellent methods for protecting your PC from electrical surges. However, they offer different benefits and drawbacks.
Surge protectors plug into a wall socket and then a power strip or a UPS.
They come with a variety of features such as being able to shut off automatically in case of an electrical surge. However, the outlets will only be protected if the surge protector has been connected to a power strip or UPS.
On the other hand, AVRs are installed at the back of your computer and will protect all devices connected to it. This is as long as those devices have been plugged in correctly.
One drawback of AVRs is that they can’t be used for devices that remain unplugged from the outlet; these devices may experience power fluctuations because their circuit isn’t grounded.
AVRs also usually come with more features than surge protectors. This includes more outlets for peripherals like printers or monitors, USB ports for charging devices like smartphones or tablets, and better protection against power surges.
Which one is best?
There are pros and cons to each type of protection; it is up to you which one makes the most sense for your specific needs! If your gaming PC is on 24/7 then you should choose an AVR since it will provide continuous protection against power fluctuations (although you will need to make sure everything is plugged into the right sockets). If you’re looking for better protection against power surges then opt for an AVR.
AVR, UPS, or Surge protector: Which One is Right for Your gaming PC?
If you want to protect your gaming PC by avoiding electrical surges, it is best to purchase an AVR. An AVR is an uninterruptible power supply that plugs into the wall. They are affordable and ensure that your PC will stay on in the event of a power outage.
The surge protector, on the other hand, can be plugged into a wall outlet and protected from surges from any device connected to it. If you have a desktop computer but want protection from surges, a surge protector may be better for you.
Regardless of which type of protector you choose to use, it will help keep your PC safe from electrical damage. With either option, it is important to take time and compare the two types before making a decision.
Who needs AVR, UPS, and Surge Protector for a gaming PC?
Who needs an AVR?
AVRs are for gamers who want to be able to game at their full potential, unhindered by any kind of lag. AVRs work by stabilizing the voltage coming into your PC, which keeps it steady and prevents sudden changes in power.
An AVR will also protect your PC from spikes in voltage, like those caused by lightning strikes, for example. If you notice your game lagging or running slowly after a storm, this may be why.
A major downside of an AVR is that it can only protect against one electrical surge before it must be replaced. Surge protectors can often allow up to six surges before they need to be replaced.
Who needs a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a device that protects your electronic equipment from sudden voltage spikes, also known as power surges. These surges can come from even common household appliances like refrigerators and microwaves.
A surge protector does not provide protection against fluctuations and brownouts and should be used in conjunction with a UPS to give you complete protection.
This device provides immediate protection for any electronics plugged into it – the device will turn off the power to those devices if a spike occurs so they won’t be damaged.
A surge protector usually has an indicator light as well as a reset button so you know when the surge protector was activated. You’ll need to unplug your electronics or use the reset button before plugging it back in after a surge.
Some other benefits of using a surge protector:
– Some models offer multiple outlets which gives you more room for all your devices and adapters
– The outlet and cord may be wrapped together for easy storage
– Some models offer safety covers over unused outlets – this prevents curious children or pets from getting hurt by exposed electrical prongs by flipping down the safety cover before inserting an adapter
Who needs a UPS?
Some people are lucky enough to have a UPS in their homes. A UPS acts as a backup power supply for your PC. It will provide power during short, temporary outages – say, if the power goes out for 15 minutes or so.
This can help prevent damage to your PC caused by brownouts or spikes in voltage.
They do have their disadvantages, however. A UPS is not suitable for continuous use – it needs time to recharge after delivering enough power for all your devices, which means that it’s possible that you’ll lose some work time while it recharges.
Additionally, because they require an electrical outlet nearby, it may be difficult to install one near the computer you want to be protected.
Drawbacks of AVR, UPS, and Surge Protector for a gaming PC
The Drawbacks of AVRs
One of the drawbacks of AVRs is that they are not always compatible with all PC parts. When it comes to installing an AVR, the user must have the right amount of power on their circuit for the AVR to work properly.
If you don’t have enough power on your circuit, you will need to upgrade your electrical system or install a new AVR. This can be an expensive undertaking.
AVRs also require cooling units and fans to work correctly. Without these, the gaming PC will overheat and shut down after a few minutes of use. Even if you’re able to install one without cooling units and fans, they still produce some heat that could potentially damage components in your PC.
Surge protectors are more reliable because they provide protection without relying on complex circuitry. They consist of nothing more than a length of wire with an outlet at either end for plugging in devices like your computer and monitor.
Surge protectors are also cheaper than AVRs, which can offset costs if you don’t want to upgrade your electrical system or buy a new type of protection altogether. However, surge protectors do not cool electronics as AVRs do so be sure there is enough room inside your PC for additional ventilation systems.
The Drawbacks of Surge protectors
Surge protectors are a popular method of protection for gaming PCs. They may seem like the perfect choice, but there are some drawbacks to these devices.
A surge protector will not provide any protection unless it is plugged in and turned on. If you forgot to turn it on before a power outage, then your PC is no more protected than if it had no surge protector at all.
Another drawback of surge protectors is that they cannot provide protection from voltage spikes or voltage dips that occur due to brownouts or blackouts.
Surge protectors can help you in the event of a power outage where the electrical current dips below zero volts for an extended period of time, but if the power supply dips or surges above zero volts instead, your equipment is still vulnerable.
Finally, one single surge protector won’t be enough to protect your entire system from all types of electrical problems such as lightning strikes and EMPs (electromagnetic pulses).
The Drawbacks of UPS
Though there are many benefits to having an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, it is not the best option for everyone. UPS systems are designed to provide a temporary battery backup should power be lost.
They are not designed to offer long-term protection from power surges. That is where surge protectors come in! If you need long-term protection from power surges, then surge protectors are the right choice for you.
Are There Any Downsides to Using a Surge Protector?
Surge protectors are designed to help protect your computer from electrical surges, but they can sometimes cause more problems.
For example, if there is a surge and the surge protector shuts off the power to your whole house, your gaming PC will shut down too.
This is because your computer is plugged into the same outlet as all your other electronics. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should always unplug your surge protector before you unplug your gaming PC.
This will help make sure that your gaming computer doesn’t accidentally lose its ground and become a target for surges.
Do You Really Need a Surge Protector for Your Gaming PC?
It’s the little things that can make a big difference when it comes to your gaming experience. From monitor and headset setup to lighting and sound effects, there are many factors that can impact how much you enjoy playing video games. Do You Really Need a Surge Protector for Your Gaming PC?
You should use a surge protector with your computer. It is filled with voltage-sensitive components that a power surge could damage very easily. At the least, this damage will shorten the life of your computer, and it could wipe out all your data or destroy your system.
You might not realize it at first glance, but another important aspect is your computer’s hardware. Things like your processor and graphics card even the type of surge protector you have could all affect the performance of your gaming PC.
Fortunately for us, most modern electronics are built with safety measures in mind. If something goes wrong or is about to when exposed to a surge of electricity like from lightning or switching outlets then these devices will shut down in order to protect themselves from permanent damage.
However, if they do not have this functionality and instead just have a standard outlet as their only defense against surges. Well, let’s just say that won’t end well for them.
Why Do You Need a Surge Protector for Gaming?
A surge protector is a quick and easy way to protect your gaming PC from power surges, blackouts, and brownouts.
Power surges can happen for any number of reasons, from an electrical storm to one person using too much power in an area.
These surges can be harmful to your equipment since they can greatly increase the voltage passing through your home’s outlets. A surge protector acts as a barrier between your electronics and the power coming into your house. In the event of a surge, it will divert the extra electricity away from your gear.
A surge protector can also protect you against a power outage. If for whatever reason, your power goes out, your surge protector will cut power to your equipment to keep it from being damaged.
Since power outages can last for a few minutes to a few days, having a surge protector can save your gaming PC from being fried by a lengthy outage.
Protecting your gaming PC with a surge protector is an important step to ensuring that your computer will last. Power surges are often undetectable by your computer and can lead to damage like burnt-out wiring, fried circuit boards, or even a fire.
You may not be able to see or feel the immediate effects of a surge, but over time it could take a serious toll on your PC’s functionality and lifespan.
A quality surge protector can help absorb the extra voltage, preventing it from reaching your computer and damaging any of its sensitive components.
The protector’s job is to redirect the extra voltage to its own internal components, which are designed for this purpose.
With a surge protector, your gaming PC is better prepared for common but dangerous power fluctuations. Whether it’s a sudden increase in voltage from a lightning storm or a sudden drop in voltage from an electrical outage, a surge protector will help reduce the risk of damage to your computer.
Which Type of Surge Protector Should I Get?
Surge protectors come in two main varieties: Wall-mount surge protectors and plug-in surge protectors. Wall-mount surge protectors have a plug built into them, so you can plug your gaming PC directly into it.
However, plug-in surge protectors are better for a few reasons. First, you can plug more than just your gaming PC into a surge protector.
You can plug in your speakers, monitor, computer, printer, and many other devices. Second, it’s easier to replace the surge protector than it is to replace the wall-mount surge protector.
If it stops working, you can easily unplug it, plug in a new one, and start using your equipment again.
Best Surge Protectors For Gaming PCs
Here are a few of our top picks:
- Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip – This power strip can be plugged into a wall outlet to provide surge protection for up to 12 devices at once. The most appealing thing about the surge protector is that it has 8 Rotating and 4 Stationary AC Multiple Outlets. It also has a built-in circuit breaker to prevent dangerous overloads.
- APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector – This surge protector has 11 outlets and 2 USB ports for charging your devices. It can also be mounted on a wall to keep your space looking clean and organized.
- CyberPower 10-Outlet Surge Protector – This surge protector can be plugged into a wall outlet and has 10 outlets for plugging in your devices. It also has 2 USB charging ports and an LED display that shows its current power usage.
What to Look for in a Gaming PC Surge Protector
Not all surge protectors are created equal. There are several factors to consider when shopping for a surge protector for your gaming PC.
You want to make sure your PC plugged into the surge protector is getting the right amount of power (no more, no less) so it doesn’t overheat. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough USB ports to plug in important devices like your keyboard, mouse, and headset.
Amperage: Amperage, or the amount of current flowing through a device, is measured in amps. It’s important to make sure your surge protector has an amperage rating that’s high enough to handle your gaming PC.
Most gaming PCs have an average amperage of 20 to 30 amps. You can find an accurate reading of the amperage of your gaming PC in the device settings.
Joules: The amount of energy a surge protector can absorb is measured in joules. Since there are no set amount of joules your surge protector will need to have, it’s important to check the joule rating of different surge protectors before you buy them.
The higher the joule rating, the more protection the surge protector has. For gaming PCs, you’ll want a surge protector with at least 600 joules of protection.
Should you plug your PC into the wall or a surge protector?
You should plug your gadgets into a surge protector. This includes your gaming PC, audio equipment, and internet router. You can plug the surge protector into the wall or an outlet.
If you plug it into the wall, you should get a wall-mount surge protector so it isn’t taking up space on your outlet.
If you plug your gaming PC into a surge protector, you’ll get added protection from power outages, surges, and voltage variations. You can also plug in other important devices like your audio equipment and router to keep them safe from power surges and outages.
First, let’s talk about plugging your gaming PC into the wall. You can plug your computer directly into the wall without a surge protector as long as it’s plugged into a circuit that has enough power. However, the circuit breakers will sometimes trip and shut the power off due to the added load.
If you plug your gaming PC directly into the wall without a surge protector, it can put added strain on the circuit and cause the circuit breakers to trip.
If you don’t want to risk tripping your circuit breakers, then it’s a good idea to plug your PC into a surge protector.
How do I protect my gaming computer from a power outage?
One thing you can do to protect your gaming computer from a power outage is to purchase a surge protector.
A surge protector will cut power to your devices if the power goes out, preventing them from being damaged by a long, extended power outage. You can also get a battery backup for your computer. A battery backup will keep your computer running even if the power goes out.
All you have to do is make sure you plug your computer into the battery backup and set the correct settings so it knows when to start keeping your computer powered on.
If you’re worried about your gaming PC during a power outage, then you can plug it into a surge protector. Surge protectors come with a built-in battery that kicks in and provides continual power during an outage, keeping your devices running as normal.
Not only are surge protectors a great way to protect against power outages, they also help regulate the flow of electricity and reduce the chance of damaging voltage fluctuations.
What surge protector for gaming PC?
A surge protector is a device that is used to safeguard electrical devices against sudden fluctuations in voltage.
When choosing a surge protector for your gaming computer, you’ll want to make sure it has the right amount of joules, the right amount of outlets, and is rated for the correct voltage.
Depending on the type of surge protector you choose, it can divert excess voltages straight to the ground, which will prevent them from harming your devices.
Furthermore, you can plug your gaming PC into an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS is a device that is specifically designed to protect devices against power outages and voltage fluctuations.
When you’re shopping for a surge protector, it’s important to find one that is rated for “continuous” or “continuous-duty” use.
These types of surge protectors are designed to provide protection for equipment that is constantly plugged in, like a gaming PC. You also want to make sure the surge protector is rated for the correct voltage and amperage.
Barring any extreme weather events in your area, a surge protector rated for continuous use will be able to reliably protect your PC for years.
It’s also important to keep in mind that having a surge protector does not mean you can be careless with your equipment.
You still need to make sure you’re following safe practices. Don’t overload your surge protector with too many plugs, don’t use it on sensitive medical equipment, and don’t try to repair it if it breaks.
Are There Different Types of Surge Protectors?
Yes, there are different types of surge protectors. You have standard surge protectors and whole house surge protectors.
Standard surge protectors are designed to protect a single device, while whole house surge protectors protect your entire home’s electrical system. There are also different types of protection surge protectors provide.
A standard surge protector provides standard protection, while a transient voltage surge protection (TVSS) device provides extra protection against electrical surges.
There’s also a differential surge protection (DS) device that provides additional protection for sensitive electronics. An electrical isolation surge protection (EIS) device also protects against electrical grid malfunctions.
Are There Different Types of Surge Protectors?
You’ll find three different types of surge protectors. The first is a standard surge protector. These are the most common surge protectors and are designed to handle moderate electrical surges.
Next, there are surge protectors with built-in protection. These surge protectors have a few extra features that make them more helpful.
They can have a built-in circuit breaker to help cut off power when there’s a problem with your electrical system.
They can also have a voltage regulation feature to smooth out any fluctuations in your home’s electricity. And for the extreme gamers, there are surge protectors with surge protection.
These surge protectors can handle massive electrical surges, like those caused by lightning. They’re great for people who live in areas with extreme weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AVR?
AVR stands for “automatic voltage regulator.” An AVR regulates the electricity coming into your PC. The AVR will be able to turn off your power supply when the voltage is out of range. This will help to protect your expensive gaming PC components from any power surges due to electrical spikes or brownouts.
Can AVR damage PC?
Many people don’t realize that AVRs can actually damage your PC. When you plug your PC into an AVR, it will use the AVR as a power source to power the PC’s components and charge its battery. This is fine as long as you leave the house and turn off the AVR. However, if you forget to turn off the AVR, then the PC will be running on AC power 24/7 and will be potentially fried by a surge.
Do I need AVR for a laptop?
An AVR, or an uninterruptible power supply, is a device that provides protection for your home appliances from power spikes and brownouts. In the event of a power surge, it will kick in to provide high-quality power to the PC. It is not designed to provide protection for your laptop because laptops require a battery in order to function during a power outage
AVR, UPS, or Surge protector: which is the best for gaming PC?
AVRs and UPSs are different ways to protect your PC from electrical surges. AVRs work in tandem with your PC’s power supply to regulate voltage levels. The power supply takes the voltage from the power line, converts it to a lower level, and sends it to your computer.
Surge protectors absorb the excess current when there is an electrical surge; they act like a gate to let electricity pass through only when the voltage drops below the threshold
What exactly happens during a power surge?
A surge happens when the amount of power coming into your home is higher than normal. It’s as if someone pressed the big “on” button for the whole neighborhood at once.
The surge travels through your electrical system and into your appliances, computer, and other electronics. Most appliances are designed to handle the surge-type voltage and will not be damaged by it.
But computers are particularly sensitive to surges, especially if they’re unplugged while they’re on. This is because most computers have a metal chassis that acts as the ground for the electrical system.
When the computer is unplugged, it loses its ground and becomes a target for surges.
Why Should you Have a Surge Protector for Your Gaming PC?
If you’re still not convinced that you need a surge protector for your gaming PC, this might help. A surge protector can protect your gaming PC in a few ways:
- First, it will protect your gaming PC from electrical surges caused by weather conditions like thunderstorms and extreme weather.
- It can also protect your gaming PC from electrical surges that come from nearby electrical devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, and ovens. And if you’re thinking, “Hey, my gaming PC isn’t plugged into any of those devices,” you’re right.
But surge protectors aren’t just plugged into the wall outlet. They have multiple outlets that are used to plug in your gaming PC, other electronics, and even some appliances. So, if one of those nearby devices experiences a surge, your surge protector will help protect your gaming PC.
Is it safe to use a PC without AVR?
A very common question is whether it is safe to use a PC without an AVR. And the answer to this question is: it depends on where you live. If you live in a country that has a high incidence of brownouts or power outages, then it could be very harmful to have your PC unprotected.
If you have a UPS, then your computer will be protected during a brownout or power outage.
Surge protectors don’t offer the same protection. If there’s a brownout or power outage when your surge protector is working, then all your electronics can get zapped by the sudden change in voltage.
However, if you have an AVR – which stands for “automatic voltage regulator” – and if there’s a sudden change in voltage, then the AVR will adjust the current so that no electrical surges happen and no damage will be done to your PC.
Is AVR important for PC?
Many people wonder if they should be using a surge protector or an AVR for their gaming PC. The answer to that question depends on your needs.
Surge protectors are typically cheaper and easier to install.
An AVR, on the other hand, provides more protection from power spikes and outages. In the event of a power outage, you could lose everything in a matter of seconds. That’s why an AVR is important for your gaming PC.
AVRs will also have a battery backup to provide temporary power during a blackout or outage. Surge protectors do not have this capability. Thus you require a generator to provide any kind of backup at all.
Best AVR for gaming PC
One of the more popular methods of protection for a gaming PC is an AVR. These devices are typically found in the power supply. AVRs work by monitoring the voltage levels and automatically shutting down when a surge or spike occurs.
This offers greater protection than a surge protector.
This is because it is constantly checking what is going on with your power supply, instead of relying on you to check.
However, some people don’t like that they must have a technician install them as they need access to the interior of your PC. In addition, AVRs can be expensive as they range from $150-$500.
The best is the Cyberpower UPS system.
Which Type of Surge Protector Should I Get?
It really comes down to a few factors, like how much you’re willing to spend and how much protection you need.
If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather, you might want to invest in a surge protector with surge protection. This can help protect your gaming PC from electrical surges caused by lightning.
If you have a lot of gaming equipment plugged into your surge protector, you might want to invest in a surge protector with built-in protection.
This will help smooth out any fluctuations in your home’s electricity. If you’re on a budget and only have a few things plugged into your surge protector, you can get away with a standard surge protector.
Conclusion
AVRs are designed to be the gold standard of power protection. They are more expensive than surge protectors but offer more features and better performance.
Surge protectors are designed to handle the basic power protection needs of a modern computer. They are cheaper and easier to install but offer fewer features and worse performance.
The first thing you need to ask yourself is what you want out of your power protection. If you want total peace of mind, then an AVR is the best choice. If you are on a budget, then a surge protector is the best choice.
Different people have different gaming PC protection needs, so it’s important to think about what’s important to you before making a purchase between a surge protector, UPS, or AVR.