Let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing, and I mean NOTHING more frustrating than being in the final circle of Warzone or a ranked League match, only for the screen to go black. Load shedding has become an unwanted teammate for South African gamers; however, it doesn’t mean you have to forfeit the match. Whether you are based in Randburg or dealing with the erratic schedules in Cape Town, protecting your rig is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Sudden power cuts don’t just kill your kill-streak; the subsequent surges can fry your PSU, corrupt your SSD, or brick your motherboard. In this guide, we are breaking down the best Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units and inverter solutions available right here at Supply Shack to keep your system running when Eskom pulls the plug. Why a Standard UPS Might Not Be Enough Many gamers make the mistake of buying the cheapest UPS they can find at a local supermarket, plugging in an 850W gaming rig, and then wondering why it lasts only two minutes. When selecting a backup solution for a gaming PC, you need to look at two things: Capacity and Waveform. The “Pure Sine Wave” Factor Modern gaming Power Supply Units (PSUs),especially those with Active PFC (Power Factor Correction), do not play nicely with the “simulated” sine wave found in cheaper UPS units. Using a standard modified sine wave UPS can cause your PSU to buzz, overheat, or simply shut down instantly. If you are running an RTX 3060 or higher, you should be looking at a Pure Sine Wave Inverter or UPS. This ensures the power delivery mimics the clean electricity you get from the wall, keeping your expensive components safe. Top Pick: The RCT 2000VA Line Interactive UPS For the budget-conscious gamer who just needs enough time to save the game and shut down safely (or finish that quick round), the RCT 2000VA is a staple in the South African market. The Heavy Hitter: 3kVA Inverter Trolleys If you want to keep playing through a 2-hour load shedding block, a standard desktop UPS won’t cut it. You need a Trolley Inverter system. These units usually combine a pure sine wave inverter with deep-cycle gel or Lithium-Ion batteries. Protecting Your Peripherals: The Mini-UPS for Routers Don’t forget the internet! Your PC might be on, but if your Fibre box (ONT) and Router are off, you’re playing offline. We stock a variety of Mini DC UPS units. These are small, cheap (usually under R1000), and keep your Wi-Fi live for 4+ hours. It is the single best return on investment for any SA gamer. Surge Protection: The First Line of Defense Even if you can’t afford a full inverter setup right now, you must have surge protection. When power returns after load shedding, the voltage spike can be massive. A dedicated surge plug protects your monitor, PC, and console from being fried. Ready to Load-Shed Proof Your Setup? Don’t let the schedule dictate when you can rank up. We have stocks of Inverters, UPS units, and Lithium batteries ready to ship from our Johannesburg warehouse. Browse our Power Solutions and protect your gear today! Need advice on sizing a UPS for your specific rig? Call our JHB team at +27818545393 or email info@supplyshack.co.za.