APC by Schneider Electric SMX2200RMLV2U vs CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U: Specification Comparison
Both the APC Smart-UPS X SMX2200RMLV2U and the CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U are 2200 VA, 2U rack/tower-convertible UPS units targeting the same server-room and network-closet buyer. This comparison covers the three dimensions that drive purchase decisions in this class: power topology and output quality, runtime and battery architecture, and connectivity plus management flexibility. All claims are derived strictly from the published specifications provided for each unit.
In This Guide
Which topology and output waveform is right for your load?
The APC SMX2200RMLV2U is a Line Interactive UPS rated at 2200 VA / 1980 W, using an automatic voltage regulation (AVR) topology. In line-interactive designs the inverter only engages on a utility failure; during normal operation the load runs from conditioned mains power. The transfer time on utility loss is specified at 4 ms. Output waveform type is not stated in the provided specifications.
The CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U is a Double-Conversion (Online) UPS rated at 2200 VA / 1800 W. In this topology the load runs from the inverter continuously, meaning the output is fully isolated from mains disturbances with zero transfer time. Output is specified as pure sine wave at a configurable voltage of 100, 110, 115, 120, or 125 VAC ±2%. The online topology is generally preferred for sensitive or high-availability loads such as blade servers, storage arrays, and precision medical or lab equipment.
The APC unit delivers 180 W more real power (1980 W vs 1800 W) at the same VA rating, yielding a higher power factor of approximately 0.90 vs 0.82 for the CyberPower. Buyers with loads approaching 1800 W should note this ceiling difference.
How do runtime and battery serviceability compare under load?
At full load the APC SMX2200RMLV2U provides 10 minutes of runtime; at half load, 25 minutes. Battery chemistry is sealed lead-acid, user-replaceable using modules APCRBC117 or APCRBC117J. Recharge time is specified at 3 hours. The APC spec sheet references the Smart-Slot interface, which can accommodate APC extended-runtime battery packs (XL modules), though the number of supported external modules is not stated in the provided specifications.
At full load the CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U provides 8 minutes of runtime; at half load, 21 minutes. The internal battery pack consists of six 12 V / 9 Ah sealed lead-acid cells and is described as hot-swappable and user-replaceable—meaning battery replacement can be performed without powering down the load. The CyberPower unit explicitly supports up to 10 external battery modules (EBMs) for extended runtime, a key scalability specification.
The APC unit has a 2-minute runtime advantage at both load points in the as-shipped configuration. However, the CyberPower's hot-swap battery capability and explicitly documented support for up to 10 EBMs give it a structural advantage for sites requiring extended or field-serviceable runtime without a maintenance window.
What management and integration options does each unit offer?
The APC SMX2200RMLV2U includes one Smart-Slot expansion bay, which accepts APC network management cards (e.g., AP9630, AP9631) and other Smart-Slot accessories. The specific network card supported is not identified in the provided specifications beyond the slot designation. The unit provides configurable alarms including on-battery notification and low-battery warning with configurable delays.
The CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U ships with USB (HID) and RS-232 serial ports on-board. An optional RMCARD205 network management card can be added for SNMP/HTTP remote monitoring. The output voltage is configurable to five discrete settings (100–125 VAC), which is a useful operational flexibility not specified for the APC unit.
Both units use an add-in-card approach for network management, but the CyberPower includes USB and serial as standard on-board interfaces, ensuring basic PowerPanel software integration is available without additional purchase. Warranty terms are not stated for the APC unit in the provided specifications; the CyberPower carries a 3-year limited warranty plus a $400,000 lifetime connected equipment guarantee.
Which should you choose: the SMX2200RMLV2U or the OL2200RTXL2U?
Our take: The OL2200RTXL2U is the stronger choice when load sensitivity and battery serviceability are the primary criteria. Its double-conversion online topology delivers zero transfer time and a pure sine wave output versus the SMX2200RMLV2U's 4 ms transfer and unspecified waveform, a meaningful difference for sensitive servers or storage. Its hot-swappable battery and explicit support for up to 10 external battery modules provide a runtime scalability path the APC spec does not document. However, the APC SMX2200RMLV2U delivers 180 W more real power (1980 W vs 1800 W) and 2 additional minutes of as-shipped runtime at both full and half load. Buyers powering a dense physical load approaching 1800 W, or those standardized on APC's Smart-Slot ecosystem, will find the SMX2200RMLV2U the more capable fit. For double-conversion protection of sensitive IT or mixed loads where hot-swap maintenance and runtime expansion matter, the CyberPower is the more purpose-built choice.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMX2200RMLV2U | CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 2200 VA | 2200 VA |
| Watt Rating | 1980 W | 1800 W |
| Power Factor | 0.90 (1980 W / 2200 VA) | 0.82 (1800 W / 2200 VA) |
| Topology | Line Interactive | Double-Conversion Online |
| Transfer Time | 4 ms | 0 ms (online) |
| Output Waveform | Not specified | Pure sine wave |
| Output Voltage | 120 V AC | 100/110/115/120/125 VAC ±2% (configurable) |
| Input Voltage Range | 70–153 V | 60–150 VAC (load-dependent) |
| Input Connection | NEMA L5-30P | Not specified |
| Outlets | 8 (6× NEMA 5-15R, 2× NEMA 5-20R) | 7 (6× NEMA 5-20R, 1× L5-20R) |
| Runtime at Full Load | 10 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Runtime at Half Load | 25 minutes | 21 minutes |
| Battery Type | Sealed Lead-Acid (APCRBC117/117J) | Sealed Lead-Acid, 6× 12V/9Ah |
| Hot-Swap Battery | Not specified | Yes |
| External Battery Modules | Not specified | Up to 10 |
| Battery Recharge Time | 3 hours | Not specified |
| On-Board Connectivity | Smart-Slot (expansion card) | USB (HID), RS-232; optional RMCARD205 |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack/Tower | 2U Rack/Tower |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 3.35 × 16.97 × 26.26 in | 3.5 × 17 × 23.62 in |
| Weight | 84.60 lb | 68.2 lb |
| Surge Energy Rating | 540 J | — |
| Operating Temperature | Not specified | 32–104°F (0–40°C) |
| Warranty | Not specified | 3-year limited + $400,000 equipment guarantee |
| Certifications | UL 1778, CSA, FCC Part 15 Class A, TUV, BSMI, NOM, VCCI, EN 55022 Class A, REACH | UL 1778, CSA C22.2 No.107.3, FCC Part 15 Class A, RoHS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMX2200RMLV2U or the OL2200RTXL2U?
The OL2200RTXL2U is the stronger choice when load sensitivity and battery serviceability are the primary criteria. Its double-conversion online topology delivers zero transfer time and a pure sine wave output versus the SMX2200RMLV2U's 4 ms transfer and unspecified waveform, a meaningful difference for sensitive servers or storage. Its hot-swappable battery and explicit support for up to 10 external battery modules provide a runtime scalability path the APC spec does not document. However, the APC SMX2200RMLV2U delivers 180 W more real power (1980 W vs 1800 W) and 2 additional minutes of as-shipped runtime at both full and half load. Buyers powering a dense physical load approaching 1800 W, or those standardized on APC's Smart-Slot ecosystem, will find the SMX2200RMLV2U the more capable fit. For double-conversion protection of sensitive IT or mixed loads where hot-swap maintenance and runtime expansion matter, the CyberPower is the more purpose-built choice.
Is the SMX2200RMLV2U or OL2200RTXL2U better for servers with sensitive power requirements?
The OL2200RTXL2U is the more appropriate choice for sensitive loads. Its double-conversion online topology keeps the load continuously on the inverter with zero transfer time and a pure sine wave output, fully isolating equipment from mains fluctuations. The SMX2200RMLV2U is line-interactive with a 4 ms transfer time, which is adequate for most standard servers but is a step below double-conversion for the most sensitive or high-availability applications. Output waveform is not specified in the APC documentation provided.
Can either UPS be expanded with external battery modules for longer runtime?
The CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U explicitly supports up to 10 external battery modules (EBMs), providing a documented path to significantly extended runtime. The APC SMX2200RMLV2U includes a Smart-Slot interface that can accept APC XL extended-runtime battery packs, but the maximum number of supported external modules is not stated in the specifications provided. Buyers requiring a guaranteed, scalable EBM count should verify APC's compatibility list separately.
Which unit is easier to maintain in a live environment?
The CyberPower OL2200RTXL2U specifies hot-swappable, user-replaceable batteries, meaning the internal battery pack can be replaced without shutting down the protected load. The APC SMX2200RMLV2U lists user-replaceable battery modules (APCRBC117/APCRBC117J) but does not specify hot-swap capability in the provided specifications. For environments where zero planned downtime during battery replacement is a hard requirement, the CyberPower's documented hot-swap feature is the verifiable advantage.
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