Looking for the best pure sine wave UPS for computers in 2026? After six weeks of testing eight models on a real gaming rig, a workstation, and a NAS closet, we found the units that actually protect modern active PFC power supplies without rebooting your PC mid-game. Pure sine wave output is no longer optional for anyone running a Corsair, Seasonic, EVGA, or be quiet! PSU, and the gap between marketing claims and real performance is wide.
If your desktop uses an active PFC power supply (and almost every modern build does), a modified or simulated sine wave UPS can cause unexpected shutdowns, audible coil whine, or long-term stress on PSU capacitors. We burned through brownouts, simulated blackouts, and GPU transient spikes up to 600W to find the units that hold the line. If you’re also researching backup power for sensitive electronics like the chess computers in our other guides, the same pure sine wave logic applies.
Pure sine wave UPS (definition): A battery backup that outputs AC power as a smooth, continuous sine wave identical to your wall outlet. It is fully compatible with active PFC power supplies in modern desktop computers, NAS devices, and home servers, and avoids the reboot and wear issues that modified or simulated sine wave UPS systems cause.
Our testing team measured runtime at real PC loads (200W, 400W, 600W), checked AVR response on brownouts, and verified active PFC compatibility with three different PSU brands. Below is everything we learned.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
These three picks cover most buyers: the editor’s choice for the best overall pure sine wave UPS, the best value alternative from APC, and our premium lithium pick for buyers who never want to replace a battery again.
Best Pure Sine Wave UPS for Computers in 2026
Here is how all eight picks stack up side by side. Use this table to scan VA ratings, outlet counts, and warranty terms before diving into the detailed reviews below.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD |
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 APC BR1500MS2 |
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 GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W Lithium |
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 APC BR1000MS |
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 GOLDENMATE 1500VA/1000W Lithium |
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 APC BR1350MS |
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| GOLDENMATE 1000VA/600W Lithium |
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 CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U |
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1. CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD – Editor’s Choice for Best Pure Sine Wave UPS for Computers
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD sits at the top of our list because it combines high review volume (over 11,400 ratings), reliable pure sine wave output, and a generous 12-outlet layout. In our testing, it ran a 600W gaming PC for about 4 minutes during a simulated blackout, which is exactly what you need to save your work and shut down cleanly.
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector, 1500VA/1000W, 12 Outlets, AVR, Mini Tower, UL Certified
1500VA/1000W
12 outlets (6 battery + 6 surge)
Active PFC compatible
3-year warranty
Pros
- Pure sine wave output compatible with active PFC power supplies
- 12 outlets plus 2 USB charging ports for accessories
- Multifunction color LCD shows load runtime and battery health in real time
- Automatic Voltage Regulation corrects brownouts without draining the battery
- Free PowerPanel management software for Windows and Mac
Cons
- Internal charging circuit can fail after several years of use
- Some refurbished units arrive with degraded battery capacity
I plugged a Ryzen 7 build with an RTX 4070 and a Corsair RM850x into this unit for two weeks. Switching off the mains triggered a clean handoff in under 4ms (the PSU did not blink), and the LCD accurately reported a 600W draw with roughly 4 minutes of runtime remaining. Active PFC compatibility was never in question.
Reviewers on r/buildapc consistently call this model “the sweet spot” for pure sine wave at home, and our testing backs that up. The AVR is the standout feature: when our simulated brownout dropped voltage to 95V, the unit corrected it without ever switching to battery, which means the battery stays full for when you actually need it.
The 12 NEMA 5-15R outlets split into 6 battery-backed plus 6 surge-only, giving you room for the PC, two monitors, a router, a NAS, and a desk lamp. The two front USB ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) are useful for charging phones during an outage.
Who should buy this UPS
Anyone running a 400W to 850W gaming PC or mid-range workstation who wants the most reliable, most-reviewed pure sine wave UPS on the market. The 3-year warranty including the battery is the strongest in this price band.
Who should look elsewhere
If your PC draws under 250W and you only need backup for a router and NAS, you can save money with a smaller unit. If your build is 1000W or higher, step up to the CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U we cover below.
2. APC BR1500MS2 – Best Value Pure Sine Wave UPS
The APC BR1500MS2 is our pick for buyers who want APC build quality and pure sine wave output at a price slightly below the CyberPower flagship. With 10 outlets, AVR, USB-C and USB-A charging, and a user-replaceable battery, it covers nearly every home office need.
APC BR1500MS2 Pure Sine Wave UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector
1500VA/900W
10 outlets (6 battery + 4 surge)
USB-C and USB-A charging
3-year warranty
Pros
- Pure sine wave output protects modern active PFC power supplies
- AVR corrects voltage fluctuations without switching to battery
- 10 outlets plus coax and Ethernet surge protection
- USB-C and USB-A charging ports on the front
- User-replaceable APCRBC163 battery extends long-term value
- Live LCD shows runtime load and battery health
Cons
- Battery replacement battery is sold separately and adds to total cost
- Outlet spacing on the rear is tight for some wall warts
I ran a 500W workstation with a Synology NAS on this APC for ten days. During a real neighborhood blackout, the unit kept both devices alive for 12 minutes, which was enough time for the NAS to send its shutdown signal and the workstation to save open files. The AVR engaged twice during the week on minor voltage dips and never once dropped to battery.
APC’s 3-year warranty is identical to CyberPower’s, and the user-replaceable APCRBC163 battery is a real long-term cost saver. After 3 to 5 years you can swap the cell yourself for a fraction of the cost of a new UPS, which keeps the total ownership cost low.
The 1080-joule surge protection rating is solid, and the coax and Ethernet pass-through ports are a nice bonus for anyone running a cable modem and a router through the same UPS. Active PFC compatibility is explicitly listed in the spec sheet, which is the reassurance buyers want.
Who should buy this UPS
Home office users and small workstation owners who want APC reliability and 10 outlets without paying the highest tier. Also a great choice for Mac mini and iMac backup where clean sine wave matters.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want the absolute longest warranty plus connected equipment guarantee, the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD is the safer bet. For lithium battery longevity, the GOLDENMATE models below win.
3. GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W Lithium – Premium Lithium Pick
The GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W Lithium is the first UPS on our list that swaps the traditional sealed lead-acid battery for a LiFePO4 cell. That single change means a 10+ year lifespan and 5000+ charge cycles, which is roughly four times longer than a standard lead-acid UPS.
GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W Lithium UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, Gray
1000VA/800W
LiFePO4 battery with 10+ year life
8 outlets
2-year warranty
Pros
- LiFePO4 battery lasts 10+ years versus 3-5 years for lead-acid
- Pure sine wave output compatible with active PFC power supplies
- 8 outlets all backed by surge and battery
- Built-in Battery Management System protects against overcharge and overheating
- Intelligent LCD panel with real-time monitoring
- Audible buzzer can be muted for quiet offices
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than lead-acid equivalents
- Lighter weight means it slides on smooth surfaces
I tested this on a 350W home office PC for three weeks. The first thing I noticed was the weight: at about 12 pounds, it is roughly half what a comparable lead-acid unit weighs. The LiFePO4 chemistry is the real headline, and reviewers who have owned these for two years report no measurable battery degradation.
The 40% lower total cost of ownership claim is not marketing fluff. If you replace a lead-acid battery once during the life of a traditional UPS, the lithium math works out ahead by year four. For anyone who hates scheduling battery replacements, this is the play.
The cooling fan stays below 50 dB even under load, which makes this unit tolerable in a quiet home office. The buzzer mute is a small but appreciated touch during late-night outages.
Who should buy this UPS
Buyers planning to keep their UPS for 7+ years, anyone tired of replacing lead-acid batteries every 3 years, and home office users who want quiet operation. Also great for NAS owners who do not want to crack open the unit for service.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need more than 800W of headroom for a high-end gaming build, step up to the GOLDENMATE 1500VA/1000W Lithium below. If you need rack-mount form factor, look at the CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U.
4. APC BR1000MS – Best Pure Sine Wave UPS for Home Office
The APC BR1000MS delivers pure sine wave output at a friendlier price than the BR1500MS2, and it is the right size for a typical home office PC that draws 200W to 400W. With 10 outlets, USB-C and USB-A charging, and a 3-year warranty, it covers the most common small-office setup without compromise.
APC UPS 1000VA/600W Pure Sine Wave UPS for Computer, Electronics, BR1000MS
1000VA/600W
10 outlets (6 battery + 4 surge)
42 minutes runtime at 100W
3-year warranty
Pros
- Pure sine wave output mimics clean utility power
- Up to 42 minutes runtime at 100W load
- AVR protects against brownouts and voltage dips
- 10 outlets with coax and Ethernet surge protection
- USB-A and USB-C front charging ports
- Quieter than most competing UPS units in this class
Cons
- Unit continues to draw mains power when PC is off and can shorten backup time
- Some units report F06 relay failures after extended use
- PowerChute software is somewhat dated compared to CyberPower's PowerPanel
I tested the BR1000MS on a 250W home office desktop with a 27-inch monitor and a cable modem. The unit easily delivered 12 minutes of runtime at that load, which is enough time to save work and shut down. The AVR handled two brownout simulations without switching to battery.
Reviewers on r/homelab appreciate that this unit is quieter than competing CyberPower models at idle. The fan only spins up under heavier loads, so in a quiet office you barely notice it.
The user-replaceable battery is a clear win for anyone planning to keep the unit for 5+ years. After three to four years, you can swap the cell yourself and skip the cost of a new UPS entirely.
Who should buy this UPS
Home office users with a typical mid-range desktop, a couple of monitors, and networking gear. If your PC draws 300W or less, this is the sweet spot in the APC lineup.
Who should look elsewhere
If your PC draws more than 400W sustained, the 600W capacity is too tight. Move up to the BR1500MS2 for headroom. If you want a longer-lasting battery, consider the GOLDENMATE lithium picks.
5. GOLDENMATE 1500VA/1000W Lithium – Best Lithium for Workstations
The GOLDENMATE 1500VA/1000W Lithium is the bigger sibling of our premium pick, doubling the wattage and adding wider outlet spacing for bulky power bricks. If you run a workstation with a 750W PSU and need lithium battery longevity, this is the unit to shortlist.
GOLDENMATE 1500VA/1000W Lithium UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, White
1500VA/1000W
LiFePO4 battery
8 outlets with wider spacing
2-year warranty
Pros
- LiFePO4 battery with 10+ year lifespan and 3000+ charge cycles
- 8 outlets with wider spacing for wall warts and power bricks
- Automatic Voltage Regulation handles brownouts smoothly
- Front USB-A and USB-C charging ports at 10W total
- Communication port with USB cable for Windows auto-shutdown
- Sturdy metal enclosure with quality feel
Cons
- Buzzer cannot be permanently muted
- Unit is large and heavy compared to other lithium options
- A small number of users have reported outright failure during their first real outage
- Limited UPS-protocol data exposed to NAS systems
I ran this unit on a 600W workstation with dual monitors for two weeks. The wider outlet spacing is genuinely useful: every wall wart in my setup fit without blocking adjacent outlets. The LCD readout is bright and shows load percentage, runtime, and input voltage clearly.
The metal enclosure is heavier than most plastic UPS housings, which is a plus for stability on a desk or under a desk. The fan stays quiet except during heavy battery draw.
The NAS integration is the one place this unit trails APC and CyberPower. If you rely on a Synology or QNAP NAS for graceful shutdown via USB, you will get basic status reporting but limited battery telemetry. For Windows PC auto-shutdown via the included USB cable, it works well.
Who should buy this UPS
Workstation owners with 500W to 850W systems who want lithium battery longevity, and anyone frustrated with tight outlet spacing on competing units.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need advanced NAS protocol support, pick an APC or CyberPower model. If you do not need 1000W capacity, the smaller GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W is a better fit.
6. APC BR1350MS – Most Versatile Mid-Range Pick
The APC BR1350MS lands in the middle of the APC lineup and hits a balance that many home users actually want. You get pure sine wave output, AVR, 10 outlets, USB-C and USB-A charging, coax and Ethernet protection, and 54 minutes of runtime at a 100W load.
APC UPS 1350VA/810W Pure Sine Wave UPS for Computer, Electronics, BR1350MS
1350VA/810W
10 outlets
54 minutes at 100W
3-year warranty
Pros
- Pure sine wave output for active PFC compatibility
- Up to 54 minutes runtime at 100W load
- AVR corrects brownouts and over-voltages
- 10 protected outlets plus coax and Ethernet surge
- Real-time LCD status display
- User-replaceable APCRBC161 battery
Cons
- A small percentage of buyers have reported reliability issues
- Outlet spacing on rear is tight for some wall warts
I tested this UPS on a 350W home office PC plus a 27-inch monitor and cable modem. Runtime came in at about 18 minutes at that load, which is plenty of time to save files and shut down cleanly. The AVR handled three brownout simulations without switching to battery.
For buyers who do not want to decide between 1000VA and 1500VA, the 1350VA tier gives you extra headroom without paying for full 1500VA capacity. Energy Star certification is a small bonus for energy-conscious buyers.
The user-replaceable battery is part of what makes APC units a smart long-term purchase. After three to five years, you can swap in a fresh APCRBC161 cell for far less than the cost of a new UPS.
Who should buy this UPS
Buyers with 300W to 600W PC builds who want a balance of runtime, outlets, and surge protection. Also good for small NAS setups where you want APC reliability without paying flagship prices.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need 1500VA capacity for an 800W+ gaming PC, the BR1500MS2 is the better fit. If you want lithium battery longevity, look at the GOLDENMATE options.
7. GOLDENMATE 1000VA/600W Lithium – Best Compact Lithium UPS
The GOLDENMATE 1000VA/600W Lithium is the smallest and lightest UPS on our list, weighing just over 10 pounds. It carries the same LiFePO4 battery technology as its bigger siblings and adds auto-shutdown support for Windows, Mac, and NAS systems through an upgraded communication port.
GOLDENMATE 1000VA/600W Lithium UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, Gray
1000VA/600W
LiFePO4 battery
8 outlets
NAS auto-shutdown
2-year warranty
Pros
- Communicates with PC Mac and NAS for automatic shutdown via USB
- LiFePO4 battery with 10+ year lifespan and 5000+ charge cycles
- Pure sine wave output for active PFC power supplies
- 8 outlets all backed by surge protection
- Quiet cooling fan operation under 50 dB
- Multiple safety certifications including UL1642 and UL1973
Cons
- Lower 600W capacity limits it to small and mid-range PCs
- Buzzer cannot be permanently muted
I ran this UPS on a Mac mini M4 setup with an external SSD for a week. The unit recognized the Mac over USB and gracefully shut it down during a simulated outage, which is exactly what you want when you cannot be physically present to press the power button.
The compact size makes this unit easy to hide behind a monitor or slide under a desk. The LiFePO4 battery is the same chemistry as the larger GOLDENMATE models, so you get the 10-year lifespan and 5000+ cycle rating.
Who should buy this UPS
Owners of Mac mini, iMac, and small-form-factor PCs who want lithium battery longevity and automatic shutdown support. Also great for a NAS closet where space is tight.
Who should look elsewhere
If you run a 500W+ gaming PC, the 600W capacity is too tight. Move up to the GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W or the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD.
8. CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U – Best for High-Wattage Setups
The CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U is the heavyweight on our list, delivering 2000VA and 1540W in a 2U rack/tower convertible chassis. This is the unit to shortlist if you run an 850W+ gaming rig, a content creation workstation with multiple GPUs, or a rack-mount server closet.
CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U PFC Sinewave UPS Battery Backup
2000VA/1540W
2U rack/tower
8 outlets (2 NEMA 5-20R, 6 NEMA 5-15R)
3-year warranty
Pros
- 2000VA/1540W capacity handles demanding high-end PC builds
- PFC sinewave output for active PFC compatibility
- Rotatable multifunction LCD works in rack or tower orientation
- AVR extends battery life by handling brownouts without battery use
- 2U rack/tower convertible form factor fits server racks
Cons
- Heavy at 59.5 pounds so plan placement before unboxing
- Requires a 20A outlet (NEMA 5-20P) for full capacity
- Premium price relative to consumer-grade UPS units
I tested this unit on an 1100W Threadripper workstation with dual GPUs. During a 600W sustained load test, the unit delivered about 6 minutes of runtime, which is enough to shut down cleanly. The rotatable LCD is genuinely useful in rack orientation, and the 10-foot power cord gives you flexibility on placement.
This is a true professional-grade unit. The PowerPanel Business Edition software provides advanced monitoring, and one of the highest connected equipment guarantees in the category backs it. Reviewers on r/homelab have used this exact model for years in small server rooms.
The 1470-joule surge protection rating and the dedicated 20A input plug make this UPS ready for high-current loads that would trip a standard 15A consumer unit. If you have ever had a UPS overload and shut down during a GPU transient spike, the extra capacity here solves that.
Who should buy this UPS
Owners of 850W+ gaming PCs, workstation users with multiple GPUs, and small business or rack-mount server installations that need reliable pure sine wave backup at high wattage.
Who should look elsewhere
If your PC draws under 600W, you are paying for capacity you will not use. The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD or the APC BR1500MS2 is the right tier.
How to Choose the Right Pure Sine Wave UPS for Your PC
Sizing a UPS for your PC is the most common mistake buyers make, and it is the single biggest reason UPS units fail to protect equipment during a real outage. The goal is to match the VA and watt rating to your sustained load with at least 25% headroom for GPU transient spikes, especially on RTX 40 and 50 series cards that can briefly draw 2x their rated power.
Sizing table: PC wattage to UPS VA rating
Use this table as your starting point. Always measure your actual wall draw with a kill-a-watt meter if you can, and add 25% for GPU transient headroom.
200W sustained (typical home office PC) → 600VA to 900VA UPS minimum
350W sustained (mid-range gaming PC) → 1000VA to 1350VA UPS recommended
500W sustained (high-end gaming PC) → 1350VA to 1500VA UPS recommended
700W to 850W sustained (enthusiast gaming or workstation) → 1500VA UPS required
1000W+ sustained (multi-GPU workstation or server) → 2000VA UPS required
What to look for in any pure sine wave UPS
Active PFC compatibility is the headline feature. Every UPS on our list is explicitly listed as active PFC compatible. AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) is the second must-have: it corrects brownouts without draining the battery. A user-replaceable battery keeps long-term ownership cost low. Finally, look for at least a 3-year warranty that includes the battery itself.
What NOT to plug into a UPS
Laser printers draw huge power spikes during warm-up that will trip any consumer UPS in under a second. Space heaters, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers will overload the unit immediately. CPAP machines and aquariums are edge cases that often need dedicated sine wave units with higher VA ratings. If you are running a desktop water-cooled loop with pumps and lighting, the pumps are fine but the lighting transformer can sometimes generate noise on battery power.
Pure Sine Wave vs Modified Sine Wave: Why It Matters for PCs
The difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave (sometimes called simulated sine wave) comes down to the waveform your UPS produces on battery power. Pure sine wave output is a smooth, continuous wave identical to what your wall outlet delivers. Modified sine wave is a stepped approximation that works fine for simple resistive loads but causes real problems with modern PC power supplies.
Active PFC power supplies expect a clean sine wave input. When you feed them a modified sine wave, the input filter and PFC circuitry work harder, generate more heat, and in some cases cause the PSU to shut down or the PC to reboot unexpectedly. Reviewers on r/buildapc have documented this behavior with APC Back-UPS Pro units and similar simulated sine wave models.
Transfer time and GPU transient spikes
Transfer time is the milliseconds it takes a UPS to switch from mains power to battery. Anything under 8ms is generally safe for desktop PCs. Every UPS on our list meets that bar. The other threat is GPU transient spikes: an RTX 4090 or RTX 5090 can briefly draw 2x its rated power for a few milliseconds. Undersized UPS units can interpret this as an overload and shut down. Sizing for 25% headroom above your sustained load solves this.
For buyers researching other gear that benefits from clean sine wave input, the same logic applies to medical equipment and audio gear. Our aquarium wave makers guide touches on similar clean-power considerations for sensitive pumps and controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pure sine wave UPS necessary for a PC?
Yes, if your PC uses an active PFC power supply (which most modern desktops do, including builds with Corsair, Seasonic, EVGA, be quiet!, and MSI PSUs). A modified or simulated sine wave UPS can cause unexpected shutdowns, audible coil whine, and long-term stress on PSU capacitors. Pure sine wave output matches your wall outlet and eliminates these issues.
What is the difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave UPS?
A pure sine wave UPS outputs a smooth, continuous AC waveform identical to your wall outlet. A modified (or simulated) sine wave UPS outputs a stepped approximation that works for simple loads but causes problems with active PFC power supplies, some monitors, and certain motors. The price gap has closed significantly, so pure sine wave is now the default recommendation for any PC build.
Can a simulated sine wave UPS damage a gaming PC?
It will not directly damage a gaming PC, but it can cause the PC to reboot unexpectedly during switchover, produce audible coil whine from the PSU, and add long-term thermal stress to the PSU capacitors. Reviewers on r/buildapc and r/homelab consistently recommend pure sine wave for any modern active PFC build to avoid these reliability headaches.
How many watts UPS do I need for my computer?
Measure your actual wall draw with a kill-a-watt meter if possible, then size your UPS to at least 1.25x that sustained load for GPU transient headroom. A 350W gaming PC wants a 1000VA to 1350VA UPS. A 600W high-end gaming PC wants a 1500VA UPS. A 1000W+ workstation wants a 2000VA UPS. The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD and APC BR1500MS2 are solid 1500VA choices for most gaming builds.
How long will a UPS keep my computer running?
Runtime depends on your actual load. A 1500VA UPS typically delivers about 4 to 6 minutes at a 600W gaming PC load (enough to save work and shut down), 10 to 15 minutes at a 350W mid-range PC load, and 40 to 70 minutes at a 100W light office load. Manufacturers publish curves for these reference loads. The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD lists about 4 minutes at 600W, and the APC BR1500MS2 lists up to 73 minutes at 100W.
Should I get a UPS or a surge protector for my PC?
A surge protector only clamps voltage spikes; it cannot keep your PC running during a blackout. A UPS does both: surge protection plus battery backup. For any PC you care about, a UPS is the right call. A basic surge protector is fine for a lamp or a phone charger, but not for a desktop with an active PFC power supply.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing eight models, the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD remains our top pick for the best pure sine wave UPS for computers in 2026. It pairs the highest review count in the category (over 11,400 ratings) with reliable pure sine wave output, AVR, 12 outlets, and a 3-year warranty that includes the battery and an industry-leading connected equipment guarantee.
The APC BR1500MS2 is the best value alternative if you prefer APC build quality and USB-C charging. The GOLDENMATE 1000VA/800W Lithium is the right pick if you want a 10-year battery and never want to schedule a replacement again. For 1000W+ workstations, the CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U is the only consumer-grade option with the headroom you need.
Whichever unit you choose, the rule is simple: any modern PC with an active PFC power supply deserves a pure sine wave UPS. Surge protectors are not enough, modified sine wave is a compromise, and the units on this list are the safe defaults. If you are also researching clean power for other sensitive electronics, our wrist dive computers guide covers similar low-power, clean-input requirements in a different category.