CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS vs CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave: Spec Comparison
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This comparison covers the cyberpower or500lcdrm1u smart app LCD vs cp850pfclcd pfc sinewave ups. Both units provide battery backup for network gear and servers with automatic voltage regulation. They share UL safety certification and similar warranty terms. The main difference lies in their physical design and power output. One is a low-profile rackmount unit, while the other is a tower model with higher wattage capacity. You need to decide which form factor fits your setup.
Key differences
| Aspect | CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS | CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 1U Rackmount | Tower |
| Apparent Power | 500VA | 850VA |
| Output Wattage | 300W | 510W |
| Output Waveform | Simulated Sine Wave | Pure Sine Wave |
| Total Outlets | 6 | 10 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS if
- You need a unit that fits into a standard 19-inch equipment rack.
- Your connected devices do not require active PFC power supplies.
- You prefer a low-profile design that sits flat on a shelf.
Choose CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS if
- You have equipment with active PFC power supplies that need pure sine wave output.
- You require higher wattage capacity for more powerful servers or workstations.
- You want more total outlets for connecting multiple devices to a tower unit.
Verdict: The CyberPower OR500LCDRM1U is the right choice if you are building a rack-mounted server environment with standard power supplies. The CP850PFCLCD is better for tower setups or devices requiring active PFC compatibility and higher power headroom.
Waveform and Outlet Capacity
Output waveform type
The CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS delivers a true sine wave output. This waveform matches the clean power from your utility grid, making it safe for servers and workstations with active Power Factor Correction (PFC) power supplies. The CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS uses a simulated sine wave. This stepped output is generally fine for conventional power supplies but may not work correctly with high-efficiency PFC units. If your equipment requires pure sine wave protection, the 850VA model is the clear choice.
Power capacity
You get significantly more power with the 850VA model. It offers 850VA of apparent power and 510W of real output wattage. The 500VA rackmount unit provides only 500VA and 300W. This means the 850VA unit can support more devices or heavier loads. If you need to run multiple servers or high-draw equipment, the higher wattage rating of the 850VA model gives you more headroom and longer runtime potential for comparable loads.
Outlet configuration
The 850VA model includes ten NEMA 5-15R outlets. Five of these are battery backup and surge protected, while the other five are surge protected only. The 500VA rackmount unit has six NEMA 5-15R outlets. Four are battery backup and surge protected, and two are surge protected only. You get more connection points with the 850VA unit, allowing you to plug in more peripherals. However, the rackmount model concentrates its battery-backed outlets in a smaller footprint.
Physical form factor
The 500VA UPS is designed as a 1U rackmount unit. It measures 17.3 inches wide, 9.25 inches long, and 1.75 inches high. This low profile fits standard server racks. The 850VA UPS is a tower unit. It measures 10.4 inches long, 3.9 inches wide, and 9.1 inches high. If you are building a server rack, the 1U design is essential. If you place the UPS on a desk or floor, the tower form factor is more flexible.
Display features
Both units feature multifunction LCD panels to show battery status and power conditions. The 850VA model includes a color LCD display that tilts up to 22 degrees. This allows you to adjust the viewing angle for better readability. The 500VA model has an LCD display but does not list tilt functionality or color capabilities. The color and adjustable angle on the 850VA unit provide a slightly better user interface for monitoring status.
Included software
The 850VA UPS comes with free PowerPanel Personal Edition Management Software for download. This software helps you monitor power events and manage shutdowns. The 500VA rackmount unit does not list included software. It requires an optional RMCARD205 management card for remote management. If you want immediate software support out of the box, the 850VA model offers that value. The rackmount model relies on optional hardware for advanced control.
Which UPS fits your setup best
Data center admins needing rack space
This 1U rackmount unit fits standard server racks. Its compact 1.75-inch height saves valuable vertical space. You get six outlets for network gear. The LCD panel monitors power conditions. It is ideal for tight server closets where physical dimensions matter more than high wattage output.
Users with active PFC power supplies
This model outputs a true sine wave. That waveform is required for active PFC power supplies found in modern servers. It provides 510 watts of output power. The color LCD offers detailed status info. It safeguards sensitive electronics that simulated sine waves might damage or cause to shut down unexpectedly.
Workstations needing more outlets
You get ten total outlets on this tower unit. Five provide battery backup and surge protection. The extra capacity supports multiple devices. The tower form factor sits on the floor. It includes free management software. This setup is better for desktop environments than the six-outlet rackmount alternative.
The products compared
CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS
Best for: 1U rackmount backup for non-Active PFC gear
- Apparent Power
- 500VA
- Output Wattage
- 300W
- Output Waveform
- Simulated Sine Wave
- Total Outlets
- 6
- Form Factor
- 1U Rackmount
- Input Plug Type
- NEMA 5-15P
View on Amazon: CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS Affiliate link
This CyberPower OR500LCDRM1U is a 1U rackmount UPS with 500VA apparent power and 300W output. It uses a simulated sine wave, making it suitable for devices without Active PFC power supplies. The unit features an LCD panel for status monitoring and automatic voltage regulation. You get six NEMA 5-15R outlets for your network gear. It includes a three-year warranty covering batteries.
Pros
- 1U rackmount form factor fits standard server racks
- Multifunction LCD panel shows runtime and power conditions
- Automatic voltage regulation corrects minor fluctuations
- Six NEMA 5-15R outlets for connected devices
Cons
- Simulated sine wave output limits compatibility with Active PFC supplies
- Requires optional RMCARD205 for remote management
- 15A input plug may require specific circuit capacity
Good fit if
- You need a 1U rackmount solution for network equipment
- You power devices that do not use Active PFC supplies
- You want local status monitoring via an LCD display
Skip if
- You require pure sine wave output for sensitive hardware
- You need built-in remote management without extra cards
- You have Active PFC power supplies in your load
Verdict: CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS is a compact backup for non-Active PFC network gear. It suits users who need rack space efficiency and local LCD monitoring.
CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS
Best for: active PFC desktop workstations needing clean power
- Apparent Power
- 850VA
- Output Wattage
- 510W
- Output Waveform
- Sine Wave
- Total Outlets
- 10
- Form Factor
- Mini-Tower
- Input Plug Type
- NEMA 5-15P
View on Amazon: CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS Affiliate link
This mini-tower UPS delivers 850VA and 510W of pure sine wave power to support workstations and active PFC power supplies. You get ten total NEMA 5-15R outlets, automatic voltage regulation, and a tilting color LCD screen. It suits desktop setups where you need clean power and higher wattage than compact rackmount equipment.
Pros
- 850VA and 510W pure sine wave output supports active PFC systems
- Ten total NEMA 5-15R outlets with five on battery backup
- Multifunction color LCD screen tilts up to 22 degrees
- Automatic voltage regulation corrects fluctuations without using the battery
Cons
- Tower form factor cannot mount into standard server racks
- Only five of the ten outlets provide battery runtime
- Fixed five-foot power cord limits placement distance from wall outlets
Good fit if
- You need pure sine wave output for an active PFC desktop or workstation.
- You want a standalone tower with ten outlets for a desk workspace.
- You need up to 510W of battery backup capacity.
Skip if
- You need a 1U or rackmount form factor for a server cabinet.
- You have more than five devices requiring battery backup runtime.
Verdict: CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave Mini-Tower UPS suits desktop workstation users who need clean sine wave power and up to 510W of backup headroom outside of a server rack.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS | CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Apparent Power | 500VA | 850VA |
| Output Wattage | 300W | 510W |
| Output Waveform | Simulated Sine Wave | Sine Wave |
| Total Outlets | 6 | 10 |
| Form Factor | 1U Rackmount | Mini-Tower |
| Input Plug Type | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Waveform | not stated | Pure Sine Wave |
| Voltage Regulation | AVR | AVR |
| Outlets | 6 Outlets | 10 Outlets |
| Certification | UL Certified | UL Certified |
| Display Type | LCD Display | not stated |
| Dimensions | 9.25 × 17.3 × 1.75 inches | 10.4 × 3.9 × 9.1 inches |
| Weight | 18 pounds | 14.9 pounds |
| Size | 500VA | 850VA |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | OR500LCDRM1U | CP850PFCLCDA |
Frequently asked questions
Which CyberPower UPS is best for active PFC power supplies?
The CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS is the correct choice. It delivers a true sine wave output that matches utility grid power. This waveform is safe for servers and workstations with active Power Factor Correction power supplies. The other model does not specify this waveform type.
Can the 500VA unit fit in a standard server rack?
Yes, the CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS is designed for this purpose. It features a 1U form factor with a height of just 1.75 inches. This compact design saves valuable vertical space in standard server racks while providing backup for network gear.
What is the maximum wattage capacity of the 850VA model?
The CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS offers up to 510 watts of backup headroom. This capacity suits desktop workstation users who need clean power outside of a server rack. It provides sufficient power for most standard office and creative workstations.
Does the rackmount UPS include a display for monitoring?
Yes, the CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS includes an LCD display. This panel allows you to monitor local power conditions directly on the unit. You can check status without needing to access remote software or additional hardware.
How much do these UPS units weigh?
The CyberPower 500VA 1U Rackmount UPS weighs 18 pounds. The CyberPower 850VA Pure Sine Wave UPS is slightly lighter at 14.9 pounds. Both units are built with durable black casings suitable for their respective form factors.
Is automatic voltage regulation included in both models?
Yes, both units provide automatic voltage regulation. This feature stabilizes power delivery to connected equipment. It protects your gear from voltage fluctuations common in utility power sources, ensuring consistent operation for servers and network devices.