Choosing a rackmount UPS for critical power usually comes down to how much rack space you can give it and how much load you need to protect. The Eaton 5P 1U and the APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U take different routes to the same job: one is a new, compact 1U unit for 208V/240V racks, while the other is a used 2U unit with a higher wattage rating and more outlets for less money.
Quick verdict
If you want a new, compact UPS for a 208V/240V rack, the Eaton 5P is the cleaner choice. If you have 2U of space and want more output and outlet capacity, the APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U is the stronger value-as long as you can work around its used condition and missing batteries.
Comparison at a glance
| Spec | Eaton 5P 1U | APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $289.99 | $249.99 |
| Rack height | 1U | 2U |
| Rated capacity | 1550 VA / 1100 W | 1500 VA / 1200 W |
| Outlets | 6 x C13 | 8 |
| Condition | New | Used |
Where the Eaton 5P wins
The Eaton 5P is the new option, and it is built for high-voltage racks: the model name points to 208V/240V operation, and its 1550 VA / 1100W rating comes in a 1U chassis. That makes it a good match when vertical space is tight and your equipment runs on 200-240V power.
Where the APC Smart-UPS wins
The APC SMX1500RM2U steps up to 1500 VA / 1200W, so it can support a heavier total load. It also carries the lower listed price-$249.99 versus $289.99-which leaves a $40 cushion if you need to budget for other rack items or a battery set.
Product notes
Eaton 5P 1U 1550VA/1100W
The Eaton 5P 1U is a new, factory-sealed line-interactive UPS built around the 5P1550GR model. It delivers 1550 VA / 1100W in a 1U form factor designed for standard 19-inch racks, so it fits neatly where vertical space is at a premium. Its default voltage rating is 230V with broad 200-240V support, which makes it a natural fit for 208V/240V rack environments. The six C13 outlets handle a moderate number of devices, and the front trim panel plus DB9 serial adapter are included. The main drawback is the 1100W ceiling: if your connected load approaches 1200W, this UPS will be the limiting factor, and the 1U chassis leaves less room for future expansion. Choose it when a new unit, compact height, and high-voltage rack compatibility matter more than raw outlet count.
APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U 1500VA/1200W
The APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U is a 2U rackmount unit rated at 1500 VA and 1200W, with eight outlets for connecting more gear. That combination gives it a higher wattage ceiling and more outlet capacity than the Eaton, which is the main reason to choose it. The used condition and the missing batteries are the trade-offs you have to plan around. The APC comes without batteries, so you will need to source compatible cells before the UPS can deliver runtime. That adds cost and setup time, but if your rack has 2U to spare and your load sits closer to 1200W, this is the unit to build around.
Final choice by use case
- New compact unit for high-voltage racks: Eaton 5P 1U.
- Higher wattage and more outlets in a 2U footprint: APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U.
- Room to add batteries and work around a used unit: APC Smart-UPS SMX1500RM2U.
- A unit that arrives new without used-condition caveats: Eaton 5P 1U.
