APC Rack rail kit

Advantages: Performance, Problem Free, Great Reporting
Disadvantages: None as yet

...The APC Smart-UPS 420 is a small surge protection & battery backup device. It will protect your Server, PC, Network Switch or Router from power failure or even a power surge. Many users of mission-critical applications need to be sure that if the power goes down for a few minuets, they have time to save their open files and shutdown cleanly. In fact many want to run their system on battery until the mains comes back on-line. The award winning APC Smart-UPS Range offers just that! Buying a 420 = There are many companies selling 420’s. Personally, I would do a quick search around to find the best prices. Online ordering seems to be the best way of getting these, and also the cheapest! The going price from the big names is about £95 +VAT. Don’t be put off by this though as there are cheaper firms out there... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very versatile mid range server
Disadvantages: support web site can be awkward to navigate

...I started building these when they were X232's,they were good then and are still good now. They work equally well as an SMB domain controller, larger corporate BDC/SQL server or mid use terminal server. I currently support a pair of them using round robin DNS supporting some 100 TS users using office docs, outlook and an accounts package. As you can see from the picture they are a tower unit but you can buy, for about £250 a rack conversion kit. The kit includes a new facia, metal case and rails. Once converted the rails will fit into most SERVER cabinets. This server will not go into a standard 600 wide data cabinet because you tend to find that the doors on the data cabinets hinge in such a way as to stop the server sliding out on its rails unless you remove the door. Secondly the cabinet should be at least 900mm deep... Read review

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Advantages: Increased runtime and cheaper than a new UPS
Disadvantages: Replacing batteries on some models can be tricky

...After the old battery for our UPS died (being as it was second hand) I thought I would have to be purchasing a new UPS at £££ costs!! But I was really surprised to find the cost of new/nearly new APC batteries wasn't that much. The capacity isn't great when you have only just replaced the battery but it's noticably better than an exhausted battery but after a few charges/discharged the run time is excellent. Having used APC and Belkin UPS's the APC's of the same capacity seem to last that little bit longer (which in business during a power cut can be vital, as I found out on a couple of occasions). So to summarise, a new battery is a very worthwhile investment for UPS's over 12 months old.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful