First, both are line-interactive, they correct voltage variations but put a few milliseconds to take over if the sector jumps, which poses no problem for a PC or server with a correct diet. Economic inverters are often off-line, ie they do not regulate and take over in case of failure, while the high end is normally on-line, ie the battery is in the circuit permanently with voltage regulation. This latest version seeks more batteries and thus affects their life, but avoids some power loss of milliseconds in the event of battery switchover. In the context of use with a PC / server with a diet that meets the ATX standards, the line-interactive is sufficient and desirable for the control side and lifespan of batteries.
+ Software: soft Powerchute APC is clearly more advanced than the MGE solution, we see more information (input voltage, self-test cycles) and you can configure the inverter (sensitivity in case of failure behavior , energy saving function)
+ Case: access to the batteries is easy unlike the Ellipse, it features bright, with an LCD display buttons (void if connected to a PC but handy if you use it for a NAS for example). You can turn off the screen but not the white illumination of 3 buttons, not to put in a living room for example.
+ Warranty: 3 years for APC (back to customer), it seems that 2 Eaton / MGE, correct me if I'm wrong :)
- Noise: MGE is completely silent in standby, the APC unfortunately emits a light continuous hum to be covered by any PC even poorly ventilated but audible in a quiet room of a house in the countryside for example, if one tends the ear. This is also documented on the forum APC, it would seem that the models manufactured in India are more concerned, mine is made in the Philippines and I think that little noise is nothing compared to those covered by comments on their forum. In case of failure, the APC made a small noise, MGE is silent.
- Heat: The MGE stays cool in general, the APC is warm after a few hours. Not too many smells to report at the moment nor for the MGE elsewhere.
I use it for a PC i5 / 2500K and GTX 570 and remains of the margin, consumption 75 Watts in Win 7 at rest and less than 300 watts of power game with a Corsair HX 520.
After unpacking I had the impression of having received a repackaged product, some traces on the case and batteries charged to 100% but not connected, but maybe this is all normal?
For now, a star less for the presentation that we do not know if the product is completely new, and the little noise. I hesitated between MGE Ellipse Max 1100 USBS (totally silent after users) and the APC and that is the price differential, the software solution APC and availability stock that decided me to try this APC time, knowing that my old MGE will serve for network equipment even change the battery, it is also a good product.
Kudos to Amazon for delivery in 24 hours!
After the first power failure (02/13/2012): The UPS quite sizzles when it takes over, indication of battery life of about 20 minutes while I was in the process of playing :)
