I am looking to buy a new power strip for my rig and every other part of my PC set up, but I noticed something interesting on the packages of some power strips I've seen in a few stores: a surge protection rating. What I would like to know is how high of a rating should I be looking at, and what else is important in a power strip?
That all depends on the quality of the power grid in your area, if it storms a lot and if you get a lot of blackouts. If you do, then get some really good protection. Otherwise, don't really worry about. Most, if not all, modern power supplies have internal surge protection, of course that goes only so far; but a simple power strip should suffice if you live in an area with consistent, nonfluctuating power.
Makes sense, thanks.
Sure, no problem. The building where I work is very old...over 60 years, and the power cables are very old as well so we have fluctuating power and power surges from time to time.
My computer is hooked to a simple power strip and the power supply is an Antec Basiq....and still my computer functions well. So you should be good ; )