Choosing between two rackmount UPS units for your critical power setup can feel like comparing a ready-to-run appliance with a project kit. The Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120 and the APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U are both 1500VA units built for rack environments, but they take very different paths to the same goal. One arrives as a complete unit, the other as a platform you build on. Here's how to pick the one that matches how you want to deploy backup power.
Quick Verdict
The Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120 is the more straightforward choice for anyone looking to start protecting equipment with minimal setup. The APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U is the right call for those who want the flexibility to assemble their backup solution around a specific set of components.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120 | APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $249.99 |
| Price bar | ||
| Capacity | 1500 VA | 1500 VA |
| Battery included | Yes | No |
| Outlets | - | 8 |
| LCD display | Yes | Yes |
| Form factor | Rackmount/tower | 2U rackmount |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where Each Product Wins
Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120 fits the shopper who wants a turnkey solution with no additional parts to source. The setup is designed to be complete, so you can focus on plugging in your equipment rather than hunting down components.
APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U fits the shopper who prefers a component-style approach and wants the ability to configure the backup solution on their own terms. It's a platform you can build around.
Product Notes
Both of these are used units meant for rack deployment, but they diverge in how you reach backup readiness. The Vertiv arrives with its batteries and has been verified, while the APC hands the battery decision to you.
Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120
The Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120 is priced at $149.99, making it the lower-priced of these two used UPS units. It's a rackmount/tower UPS with pure sine wave output and automatic voltage regulation. The battery set is included, and the unit has been individually tested: it powers on properly, passes its built-in self-test, and shows no "Replace Battery" messages. That testing detail is useful when buying used, since it points to a working unit. The main limitation is that it's used, so it won't feel factory-new; if you are looking for pristine hardware, that could be a drawback. For most critical power needs, the included batteries and the tested status make this a very convenient way to get complete backup protection without additional purchases.
APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U
The APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U is priced at $249.99, so it requires a larger upfront investment. It's a 2U rackmount UPS with eight outlets, giving you room to connect multiple servers, switches, and network devices. It's positioned as an enterprise/data center UPS and is designed to work with APC hardware, so it slots neatly into an existing APC-centric rack. The critical limitation is that it does not include batteries. That means you'll have to source and install batteries separately before the UPS can actually provide backup power, which adds time and cost beyond the price. If you already have a battery plan or you're building out a new rack, this chassis gives you the open-ended platform to do that.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want a quick start: The Vertiv PSI5-1500RT120 is the one to get. Everything you need to begin protecting critical equipment is already in place, so you can move from unboxing to power protection in a single step.
If you prefer to customize your power path: The APC Smart UPS SMX1500RM2U leaves the door open for the exact configuration you want, with the chassis serving as the foundation for your own choices.
If you're already invested in APC hardware: The SMX1500RM2U fits naturally into that environment, making integration simpler than starting from scratch.
