Graphic Card sucking too much Juice from my UPS cant keep up. How to reduce Power Draw?

[Mike Messiah]

Hi, i live in India, where power cuts happens very frequently, so we use a device called UPS or Uninterrupted Power Supply . My mains line go to UPS, which connects to my PC
This is my current specs
Ryzen 5 1500x
16Gb DDR4 2666
Zotac GTX 1070
Antec 500W power supply

Additionally, my Monitor (Samsung 24inch 144hz) is also connected to my UPS

My UPS is Zebronics ZEBU1200

• Input: 220-240Vac, 50/60Hz, 7.5A
• Output: 220-240Vac, 50/60Hz
• Capacity 1000VA/600W

Earlier when i used a GTX 1050ti (which is 75W only), i never had issues. However, after getting this GPU from my bro, i face problems in certain games like Desperado 3 (but no problems in heavier games like Control,Witcher 3, COD Warzone)
My PC runs fine, its my UPS that faces problems.
After 10min or so,my UPS starts beeeping. When i check the manual, it says that this warning comes where there is too much LOAD.
Now wait a minute. My PSU is 500W, my monitor is maximum 59W, Why cant my UPS handle the pressure?

Anyways, so i think the only option i have is to reduce the TDP of my GPU.
Can anyone tell me how to do it? Maybe reduce it so that it consumes only 100W or so ?
Is there any other way of reducing the Watt load on my UPS?

 

[xman2007]

Use afterburner to undervolt and down clock it or plug your monitor straight into the mains /get a higher capacity ups

 

[sepheronx]

Is there the possability that the UPS could be defective? I had a UPS that the battery died on me recently. Cost of the battery is as much as a new UPS.

 

[Mussels]

a 500W PSU delivering 500W can draw more at the wall, due to the efficiency.

You dont have a super high wattage system, so likely the UPS isn't delivering its full power amount due to an aging battery... upgrade it, or take the monitor or something else off the UPS

 

[Powindah]

The problem with your UPS is the battery capacity is too small for extended use with your new graphics card. Most consumer grade UPS batteries are only capable of providing power for a short period of time, due to their low ampere-hour rating. Although the specification of your UPS might say it is capable of providing power for up to 1 hour, this is only true for very light loads, e.g. a small laptop PSU. I am not surprised that your gaming system only lasts for 10 minutes when the mains power disappears.

If it was my system, I'd consider modifying the UPS and install a larger external battery, to increase the run time of the UPS. As an electronics engineer, I regard this as a simple task, but I would not recommend it if you are not confident of your abilities. The first thing I'd check is the capacity of the UPS battery. Chances are it's a single 12V 7AHr or 12V 9AHr battery. These batteries usually work for only for only 5 to 10 at full load (1000VA/600W), or 10 to 20 minutes at half load (500VA/300W), before the battery goes flat. Bigger UPS sometimes contain a pair of batteries, wired in series to provide 24V DC to the inverter. Despite containing two batteries, these UPS may not run any longer than a small UPS, because larger UPS have a higher rating, e.g. 2000VA/1200W and tend to be used with more power hungry equipment.

If you can find a source of suitable 12V sealed lead acid batteries, connect them in parallel with the existing battery using heavy duty insulated wires and observing polarity (+ to +, - to -). This would increase the ampere hour rating of the UPS and provide longer operation. I do not recommend the use of "wet" acid motorcycle, car or truck batteries, because they are not have exactly the same characteristics as normal UPS sealed lead acid batteries. To extend the range of your existing UPS from 10 minutes to 1 hour, you would need to add another 5 identical 12V batteries (assuming there is only 1 battery inside the UPS). Alternatively, you could add a single much larger battery with 5 times the ampere hour rating of the existing battery.

12V or 24V batteries do not pose a risk to human life in terms of electric shock, because the terminal Voltage is below the 50V DC SELV limit (a UK safety standard). You will not get an electric shock if you touch both terminals on a 12V or 24V battery. However, lead acid batteries store a lot of energy and are very dangerous when shorted out or connected up the wrong way round. If you short out a large battery, you may end up scarred for life with acide burns. Unsealed lead acid batteries also constitute a risk in confined spaces, because they may emit hydrogen gas during charging. The dangerous circuits inside a UPS at mains potential (115V AC or 230V AC) are usually well shielded when all the covers are in place.

If you are not confident about jury rigging an external battery on to your UPS (which will invalidate the guarantee), refer the matter to a qualified electrician. It's not worth the risk of setting fire to your house, if the wire you use is too thin and it overheats then catches fire!!! Take care.

 

[newtekie1]

Since you have a GTX1070, lowering the power draw is actually really easy.

Just install MSI Afterburner, and lower the TDP slider. It is a percentage slider, so by default it is at 100%, and I believe most nVidia cards let you go all the way down to 50%. Of course this will affect performance of the card. You can just keep adjusting the slider down until the problem goes away.

The problem with your UPS is the battery capacity is too small for extended use with your new graphics card. Most consumer grade UPS batteries are only capable of providing power for a short period of time, due to their low ampere-hour rating. Although the specification of your UPS might say it is capable of providing power for up to 1 hour, this is only true for very light loads, e.g. a small laptop PSU. I am not surprised that your gaming system only lasts for 10 minutes when the mains power disappears.

If it was my system, I'd consider modifying the UPS and install a larger external battery, to increase the run time of the UPS. As an electronics engineer, I regard this as a simple task, but I would not recommend it if you are not confident of your abilities. The first thing I'd check is the capacity of the UPS battery. Chances are it's a single 12V 7AHr or 12V 9AHr battery. These batteries usually work for only for only 5 to 10 at full load (1000VA/600W), or 10 to 20 minutes at half load (500VA/300W), before the battery goes flat. Bigger UPS sometimes contain a pair of batteries, wired in series to provide 24V DC to the inverter. Despite containing two batteries, these UPS may not run any longer than a small UPS, because larger UPS have a higher rating, e.g. 2000VA/1200W and tend to be used with more power hungry equipment.

If you can find a source of suitable 12V sealed lead acid batteries, connect them in parallel with the existing battery using heavy duty insulated wires and observing polarity (+ to +, - to -). This would increase the ampere hour rating of the UPS and provide longer operation. I do not recommend the use of "wet" acid motorcycle, car or truck batteries, because they are not have exactly the same characteristics as normal UPS sealed lead acid batteries. To extend the range of your existing UPS from 10 minutes to 1 hour, you would need to add another 5 identical 12V batteries (assuming there is only 1 battery inside the UPS). Alternatively, you could add a single much larger battery with 5 times the ampere hour rating of the existing battery.

12V or 24V batteries do not pose a risk to human life in terms of electric shock, because the terminal Voltage is below the 50V DC SELV limit (a UK safety standard). You will not get an electric shock if you touch both terminals on a 12V or 24V battery. However, lead acid batteries store a lot of energy and are very dangerous when shorted out or connected up the wrong way round. If you short out a large battery, you may end up scarred for life with acide burns. Unsealed lead acid batteries also constitute a risk in confined spaces, because they may emit hydrogen gas during charging. The dangerous circuits inside a UPS at mains potential (115V AC or 230V AC) are usually well shielded when all the covers are in place.

If you are not confident about jury rigging an external battery on to your UPS (which will invalidate the guarantee), refer the matter to a qualified electrician. It's not worth the risk of setting fire to your house, if the wire you use is too thin and it overheats then catches fire!!! Take care.

The issue here is not the size of the battery, it is the size of the transformer in the UPS. Upgrading the battery won't help. The battery size doesn't determine the wattage the UPS can output, the transformer does.

 

[Mike Messiah]

The problem with your UPS is the battery capacity is too small for extended use with your new graphics card. Most consumer grade UPS batteries are only capable of providing power for a short period of time, due to their low ampere-hour rating. Although the specification of your UPS might say it is capable of providing power for up to 1 hour, this is only true for very light loads, e.g. a small laptop PSU. I am not surprised that your gaming system only lasts for 10 minutes when the mains power disappears.

If it was my system, I'd consider modifying the UPS and install a larger external battery, to increase the run time of the UPS. As an electronics engineer, I regard this as a simple task, but I would not recommend it if you are not confident of your abilities. The first thing I'd check is the capacity of the UPS battery. Chances are it's a single 12V 7AHr or 12V 9AHr battery. These batteries usually work for only for only 5 to 10 at full load (1000VA/600W), or 10 to 20 minutes at half load (500VA/300W), before the battery goes flat. Bigger UPS sometimes contain a pair of batteries, wired in series to provide 24V DC to the inverter. Despite containing two batteries, these UPS may not run any longer than a small UPS, because larger UPS have a higher rating, e.g. 2000VA/1200W and tend to be used with more power hungry equipment.

If you can find a source of suitable 12V sealed lead acid batteries, connect them in parallel with the existing battery using heavy duty insulated wires and observing polarity (+ to +, - to -). This would increase the ampere hour rating of the UPS and provide longer operation. I do not recommend the use of "wet" acid motorcycle, car or truck batteries, because they are not have exactly the same characteristics as normal UPS sealed lead acid batteries. To extend the range of your existing UPS from 10 minutes to 1 hour, you would need to add another 5 identical 12V batteries (assuming there is only 1 battery inside the UPS). Alternatively, you could add a single much larger battery with 5 times the ampere hour rating of the existing battery.

12V or 24V batteries do not pose a risk to human life in terms of electric shock, because the terminal Voltage is below the 50V DC SELV limit (a UK safety standard). You will not get an electric shock if you touch both terminals on a 12V or 24V battery. However, lead acid batteries store a lot of energy and are very dangerous when shorted out or connected up the wrong way round. If you short out a large battery, you may end up scarred for life with acide burns. Unsealed lead acid batteries also constitute a risk in confined spaces, because they may emit hydrogen gas during charging. The dangerous circuits inside a UPS at mains potential (115V AC or 230V AC) are usually well shielded when all the covers are in place.

If you are not confident about jury rigging an external battery on to your UPS (which will invalidate the guarantee), refer the matter to a qualified electrician. It's not worth the risk of setting fire to your house, if the wire you use is too thin and it overheats then catches fire!!! Take care.

I am talking about running PC on mains. The UPS gives the warning beeps even when the mains are ON.

Since you have a GTX1070, lowering the power draw is actually really easy.

Just install MSI Afterburner, and lower the TDP slider. It is a percentage slider, so by default it is at 100%, and I believe most nVidia cards let you go all the way down to 50%. Of course this will affect performance of the card. You can just keep adjusting the slider down until the problem goes away.



The issue here is not the size of the battery, it is the size of the transformer in the UPS. Upgrading the battery won't help. The battery size doesn't determine the wattage the UPS can output, the transformer does.

So i need a bigger UPS?? I dont think there are any UPS that is higher than 1000VA/600WA in my country.

 

[A Computer Guy]

If your running your PC at idle will your PC run for any duration while on the battery?

 

[Assimilator]

Is the UPS properly ventilated? Most require a large amount of distance (30cm) between them and any other objects, because the internal components (like the transformer) put out a LOT of heat. And I don't see any sign of a fan on this model.

But honestly, it's far more likely that you've fallen victim to the no-name-brand part of the UPS market. As you'll notice, your UPS's product page claims 600W output, but not 600W sustained output. That means that it can probably hold 600W for a while (about 10 minutes as your testing has shown), but not indefinitely. In fact the page specifically mentions "100W @ 30 minutes", which does not give me any sort of confidence in its capabilities. (Nor does the omission of the power factor.)

My guess is that this UPS model can probably manage 500W indefinitely, at best. Reputable manufacturers like APC will unfortunately charge you an arm and a leg for a UPS, but at least they will guarantee you an output wattage.

 

[Mike Messiah]

my PC can run approx 10 mins depending on what i do. Gaming is a bit less than 5mins.

 

[newtekie1]

So i need a bigger UPS?? I dont think there are any UPS that is higher than 1000VA/600WA in my country.

A 1000VA/600W UPS should be enough. However, there are plenty of cheap UPSes that overrate the output. You might want to search for a brand name(APC/Cyberpower) UPS.

 

[Mike Messiah]

my issue is that my problems started only after i got a GTX 1070

 

[thebluebumblebee]

my issue is that my problems started only after i got a GTX 1070

You're just not getting it. The GTX 1070 is only a 200 watt GPU, and I doubt if the rest of your system is pulling 100 watts. But I don't have to guess, the 1500X was reviewed here and power draw for the whole system measurements were made with a GTX 1080, and although the PSU was a Seasonic SS-860XP (Platinum rated), the system load was only 260 watts. (if I did the math right, and if you have a 70% efficient PSU, the max draw would be around 350 watts EDIT: oops, forgot the monitor)

In short, you don't have a load problem, you have a problem with an over rated or faulty UPS. The 5/10 minute delay is also a big clue.

 

[Mike Messiah]

You're just not getting it. The GTX 1070 is only a 200 watt GPU, and I doubt if the rest of your system is pulling 100 watts. But I don't have to guess, the 1500X was reviewed here and power draw for the whole system measurements were made with a GTX 1080, and although the PSU was a Seasonic SS-860XP (Platinum rated), the system load was only 260 watts. (if I did the math right, and if you have a 70% efficient PSU, the max draw would be around 350 watts EDIT: oops, forgot the monitor)

In short, you don't have a load problem, you have a problem with an over rated or faulty UPS. The 5/10 minute delay is also a big clue.

will changing the battery inside my UPS work?

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

will changing the battery inside my UPS work?

You need a new higher quality UPS no ifs no ands no buts no what ifs no new battery.

You need a UPS that can actually deliver the power it claims to.

All one has to do is check the ratings, Your current Zebronics ZEBU1200 is rated for 30 mins at 100-watts, a Typical APC or Cyberpower where as at the same 1000VA rating they get 50-60 mins.
Shady product, with missing technical specifications, and with ratings that don't even come close to the two most popular brands available in the same performance category.

Even cheaper units from the main tiers offer better internals / battery power / life. This is an example of needing to know what it is your actually buying. Just because the numbers and shit look good on the box doesn't mean squat. Especially in countries/regions where consumer laws are weak.

Put another way your ZEBU1200 may be a 1000VA unit but its specifications indicate its closer to being a 360Watts / 600VA to 480Watts / 800VA unit or there about from what I can find in comparison to a top tier brand. Meaning for your system you need a proper high tier 1000VA unit to power your system and avoid problems. You paid for a cheaper alternative and well that is exactly what you got. You should never pinch pennies on a computer power supply OR a UPS.

 

[A Computer Guy]

will changing the battery inside my UPS work?

Since your unit is not working properly anyway might as well inspect the battery condition (if you can do so safely) and/or look for any obvious signs of damage to the unit if possible. I had a unit once with a cracked battery (normally sealed) and if I remember correctly the UPS had reported some error code related to an overload.

 

[Fangio1951]

How old is the UPS ?? as the internal battery might be EOL and need replacement.

Batteries don't last forever

 

[ChristTheGreat]

You're just not getting it. The GTX 1070 is only a 200 watt GPU, and I doubt if the rest of your system is pulling 100 watts. But I don't have to guess, the 1500X was reviewed here and power draw for the whole system measurements were made with a GTX 1080, and although the PSU was a Seasonic SS-860XP (Platinum rated), the system load was only 260 watts. (if I did the math right, and if you have a 70% efficient PSU, the max draw would be around 350 watts EDIT: oops, forgot the monitor)

In short, you don't have a load problem, you have a problem with an over rated or faulty UPS. The 5/10 minute delay is also a big clue.

This, I had a 2600x + GTX 1070, and while running 3dmark, wasn't more than 350w...

 

[Mussels]

just to back up the others wattage claims, this is a reading from my cyberpower UPS in HWinfo64 after a morning of DX9 gaming (Starcraft II/Rimworld)

Under 50W it cant give readings and drops to 0W, which is when my monitor goes blank/screensaver

 

[Mike Messiah]

You need a new higher quality UPS no ifs no ands no buts no what ifs no new battery.

You need a UPS that can actually deliver the power it claims to.

All one has to do is check the ratings, Your current Zebronics ZEBU1200 is rated for 30 mins at 100-watts, a Typical APC or Cyberpower where as at the same 1000VA rating they get 50-60 mins.
Shady product, with missing technical specifications, and with ratings that don't even come close to the two most popular brands available in the same performance category.

Even cheaper units from the main tiers offer better internals / battery power / life. This is an example of needing to know what it is your actually buying. Just because the numbers and shit look good on the box doesn't mean squat. Especially in countries/regions where consumer laws are weak.

Put another way your ZEBU1200 may be a 1000VA unit but its specifications indicate its closer to being a 360Watts / 600VA to 480Watts / 800VA unit or there about from what I can find in comparison to a top tier brand. Meaning for your system you need a proper high tier 1000VA unit to power your system and avoid problems. You paid for a cheaper alternative and well that is exactly what you got. You should never pinch pennies on a computer power supply OR a UPS.

Well, i bought it for Rs4000 (approx $55)
How good is the APC Back-UPS 1100VA, 230V, BX1100C-IN . It costs Rs 6500 ($85)

How old is the UPS ?? as the internal battery might be EOL and need replacement.

Batteries don't last forever

2 YEARS OLD

Since your unit is not working properly anyway might as well inspect the battery condition (if you can do so safely) and/or look for any obvious signs of damage to the unit if possible. I had a unit once with a cracked battery (normally sealed) and if I remember correctly the UPS had reported some error code related to an overload.

Battery looks fine, just checked

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

Well, i bought it for Rs4000 (approx $55)
How good is the APC Back-UPS 1100VA, 230V, BX1100C-IN . It costs Rs 6500 ($85)


2 YEARS OLD


Battery looks fine, just checked

At 100watts load its rated to last 1 hours and 15 minutes according to APC, vs the ZEBU1200 at 30 mins under the same load.


Your system under gaming load with monitor included is likely around 300-watts. Which depending on your ANtec PSU (you never gave the actual model) could be pulling around 350-375 watts. At that load level the APC unit should hold out on Battery alone for 10 mins.

Just remember even if the ratings look similar always check the finer details on a UPS. Companies will do just about anything even the top tier brands to cut corners somewhere you likely wouldnt notice. So make sure to check that a battery is included, it has the features you need etc etc. I noticed on amazon.in that many UPS units do not come with a battery. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Mike Messiah]

At 100watts load its rated to last 1 hours and 15 minutes according to APC, vs the ZEBU1200 at 30 mins under the same load.


Your system under gaming load with monitor included is likely around 300-watts. Which depending on your ANtec PSU (you never gave the actual model) could be pulling around 350-375 watts. At that load level the APC unit should hold out on Battery alone for 10 mins.

Just remember even if the ratings look similar always check the finer details on a UPS. Companies will do just about anything even the top tier brands to cut corners somewhere you likely wouldnt notice. So make sure to check that a battery is included, it has the features you need etc etc. I noticed on amazon.in that many UPS units do not come with a battery. Just something to keep in mind.

my PSU is Antec VP500PC 80+ with no certification. I hope the APC's transformer in this is better than my Zebronic's transformer . I dont care about backup time. I just want to be able to play heavy games with the mains ON. My current Zebronics UPS starts beeping even with the mains ON because of the Load.

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

my PSU is Antec VP500PC 80+ with no certification. I hope the APC's transformer in this is better than my Zebronic's transformer . I dont care about backup time. I just want to be able to play heavy games with the mains ON. My current Zebronics UPS starts beeping even with the mains ON because of the Load.

The APC unit is rated for 660-watts. / 1100 va it should have no troubles.

 

[Vayra86]

my PSU is Antec VP500PC 80+ with no certification. I hope the APC's transformer in this is better than my Zebronic's transformer . I dont care about backup time. I just want to be able to play heavy games with the mains ON. My current Zebronics UPS starts beeping even with the mains ON because of the Load.

I'd place a diesel generator somewhere at this point lol.. I'm not so sure undervolting and all of that is going to make a big difference here. You'd be best served running things on the optimal efficiency curve; after all, if you underclock really far might as well take a laptop and have more certainty + mobility and similar performance... And the laptop won't be beeping at you.

 

[theonek]

it's perfectly normal ups to last 10-15min under load, anyway normal ups is designed to save your work and shut down the pc if power outtage occurs and not it's power to last for hours..... If you want hours of work, you need bigger or industrial unit or a generator. They lasts for hours though. and thats why the weight in kg much more and have enormous capacity for power. So don't expect miracles from soho/home ups, which is designed for work about a minutes.