Nothing is more fun than suffering a power outage during a heated online battle, nothing except when the outage causes a surge, fries an expensive gaming rig, and ruins an entire month of gaming versus one night. The easiest way to prevent this scenario is with a simple surge protector.
It’s recommended to replace a surge protector every two years. It’s ideal to check any surge protectors after any major storm to see if it’s still able to protect any electronics plugged into it. Not all surge protectors inform users of this, but a cheap surge protector tester can.
The most important part of a surge protector is its protection. Surge protectors are rated in joules. This rating dictates how strong of an electrical surge it can take but is a cumulative rating. So, if a surge protector is rated for 1,000 joules, it can take one 1,000-joule surge or 10 100-joule surges. It’s recommended to have a rating between 1,000 and 2,000 joules. While some people may feel the need to have more protection, others may feel that isn’t necessary for their setup.
The next thing to keep an eye on is the warranty. Several factors go into a surge protector warranty. The first is the warranty length. Some warranties go well above two years, but most are between 18 months and two years. The other is price protection. Some surge protectors offer a warranty on the electronics up to a set price point if you can prove the protector caused the damage. Purchasing the longest, highest-cost warranty does nothing if it isn’t registered, though.
Other factors are more about preferences. Additional features like the number of AC outlets, USB ports, power cable length, and power, surge, or grounding LED indicators can also add value for some users. Some surge protectors are even controlled remotely.
Here are the best surge protectors for gaming PCs in 2021.
Best overall surge protector
Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
This surge protector works as not one but two separate surge protectors with 4,000-joule ratings. While it can’t withstand a theoretical 8,000-joule surge, it can take two 4,000 joule surges, but most surges aren’t over 1,000 joules. This means less time replacing surge projectors and more time gaming. It’s got LEDs to tell if it’s correctly grounded as well as if either of the dual surge protectors is out.
It also comes with a decent warranty, which is highly recommended to have for any surge protector. 18 months can feel a little shy for the recommended two-year replacement, though. Users in areas with a lot of electrical storms may need to replace more often.
Best smart surge protector
APC Smart Plug Wi-Fi Power Strip
For those who want a remote set up, this surge protector has three AC outlets and two USB ports that are controlled individually by Amazon Echo or the APC home app. There’s no need for a control hub, and it just needs a Wi-Fi connection to be programmed. The APC smart plug is made to remotely control a PC, lighting, fans, or any other desk electronics.
It also has a second pair of three AC outlets and two USB ports that are always on for any other needs. These are perfect for phone chargers or office fans that should always be left on. Rated at 2,160 joules, there is little worry about any surge resulting from storms.
Best surge protector for large plugs
Belkin Surge Power Strip Protector – 8 Rotating & 4 Stationary AC Multiple Outlets
While having many AC outlets is always a positive, it’s completely useless if larger plugs are blocking outlets. The Belkin rotating surge protector is useful for setups with multiple large plugs. Its eight rotating outlets can be configured in a way that optimizes plug setup. Rated for 4,320 joules, the Belkin rotating surge protector can protect powerful electronics.
It’s easily mounted to a wall, and from there, it can rotate the outlets as needed. While it doesn’t come with a USB charger, it does come with a mounting station, allowing it to be placed behind a desk and off the floor.
Best space-saving surge protector
DoubleYI 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
When low on space, it may be best to get a vertical standing surge protector. This DoubleYI model is ideal for on top of a desk or underneath a cramped workspace. Rated at only 1,050 joules, this provides enough protection for most modest gaming setups.
With 12 AC outlets and five USB ports, this little tower can really pack a punch. It has a 6-foot power cable and comes with two power switches: one for USB ports and the second for the AC outlets, so it can power on what’s needed, when needed.
Best budget surge protector
AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
For those on a budget who could use a cheap surge protector, this AmazonBasics surge protector is the best for its price. It features12 outlets, four of which are spaced on the outside of the powerstrip for any larger plugs. With a 4,320-joule rating, this surge protector should withstand several storms.
The AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector is light on price and a little light on additional features. Coming with the choice of either an 8-foot or 10-foot cable, it can reach further than more expensive surge protectors. It comes with a single reset button and no USB ports, but for the price of 12 outlets, its simplicity can’t be beaten.
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Source: https://dotesports.com/hardware/news/the-5-best-surge-protectors-for-gaming-pcs
