APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000HV vs Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL: Specification Comparison
Both units are 3 kVA rack/tower UPS systems targeting the same mid-range power-protection tier for IT closets, edge deployments, and small data rooms. The APC SMX3000HV is a Line-Interactive model rated at 2,700 W output with a wide international input voltage range, while the Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is an On-Line Double-Conversion model rated at 3,000 W with ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification. The comparison centers on topology, efficiency mode trade-offs, power density, and management interface depth.
In This Guide
- How do the UPS topologies differ, and what does that mean for load protection quality?
- Which unit delivers more usable watts and at what efficiency cost?
- Which unit offers broader management integration and what certifications apply?
- Which should you choose: the SMX3000HV or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the UPS topologies differ, and what does that mean for load protection quality?
The SMX3000HV uses Line-Interactive topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) and a sinusoidal output waveform. In this topology the inverter corrects voltage fluctuations without switching to battery, but during a deep outage or severe disturbance the load briefly rides on the inverter transfer path. The manufacturer specifies a hold time of 2 ms minimum and 10 ms maximum before full battery support engages, which is adequate for most server-grade PSUs but is a finite transfer gap.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL uses On-Line Double-Conversion topology, meaning the load is continuously powered through the inverter with zero transfer time to battery. This eliminates the hold-time gap entirely and provides galvanic isolation from all input anomalies — spikes, sags, frequency deviations — at all times. For sensitive loads such as medical equipment, financial transaction servers, or industrial controllers, double conversion is the higher protection standard. The trade-off is slightly lower efficiency in normal on-line mode (up to 95% on-line) versus the SMX3000HV's 98.5% standard efficiency.
The SMX3000HV specifies a crest factor of 3:1, meaning it can handle non-linear loads up to three times the RMS current without clipping. The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL does not publish a crest factor spec in the provided data.
Which unit delivers more usable watts and at what efficiency cost?
The SMX3000HV is rated 3,000 VA / 2,700 W, reflecting a 0.9 power factor. Its single published efficiency figure is 98.5%, achievable in its normal line-interactive mode. No ECO or bypass mode efficiency is specified in the provided data. Surge energy absorption is rated at 645 J.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is rated 3,000 VA / 3,000 W, reflecting a unity (1.0) power factor. This means it can deliver 300 W more to the load than the SMX3000HV at the same VA rating — a meaningful difference when powering high-power-factor modern server PSUs. Efficiency is stated as 'up to 98%' in Active ECO Mode and 'up to 95%' in standard on-line double-conversion mode. The ECO mode figure approaches the APC's line-interactive efficiency but involves a brief transfer risk similar to line-interactive operation; the 95% on-line figure represents the protection-guaranteed operating point.
No surge energy rating is provided for the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL in the supplied specifications. The SMX3000HV specifies 645 J of surge absorption, which is a defined protective capacity for transient events not covered by the inverter path.
Which unit offers broader management integration and what certifications apply?
The SMX3000HV includes Emergency Power Off (EPO) capability, a relevant safety feature for data-center installations where local codes require remote shutdown. Input frequency range is 50/60 Hz. No management interface details, communications card options, or certifications are listed in the provided specifications for this model.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL provides USB, RS485, RS232, and terminal block interfaces natively. An optional Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard adds full SNMP and web-browser management. The control panel is a full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation for both rack and tower mounting. Certifications on record are ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH. Output receptacles are 2 × L6-15R and 2 × L6-20R; input is L6-20P. No EPO feature is listed in the provided specifications for this model.
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL's ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification is directly relevant to customers with green-IT procurement mandates or rebate programs. The SMX3000HV's EPO capability is directly relevant to customers subject to NEC 645.11 or equivalent data-center shutdown requirements. Buyers should verify whether the absent specs for each model exist in full product documentation before ruling either feature in or out.
Which should you choose: the SMX3000HV or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
Our take: The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is the stronger choice when zero transfer time and maximum watts-per-VA are the primary requirements. Its on-line double-conversion topology eliminates the 2–10 ms transfer gap present in the SMX3000HV, and its unity power factor delivers 3,000 W versus the APC's 2,700 W — a 300 W advantage at identical VA ratings. ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification and a richer native management interface (USB, RS485, RS232, SNMP-ready) add operational depth. The SMX3000HV counters with a published 98.5% efficiency that exceeds the GXT5's 95% on-line figure, a specified 645 J surge rating, a documented 3:1 crest factor for non-linear loads, and an EPO output absent from the Vertiv spec sheet. The SMX3000HV suits cost-conscious installs with transient-heavy loads or EPO code requirements; the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL suits precision or compliance-driven environments where zero transfer time and watt-density matter most.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SMX3000HV | Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Line-Interactive | On-Line Double-Conversion |
| Power Rating (VA) | 3,000 VA | 3,000 VA |
| Power Rating (W) | 2,700 W | 3,000 W |
| Power Factor | 0.9 | 1.0 |
| Efficiency (primary mode) | 98.5% | Up to 95% (on-line); up to 98% (ECO Mode) |
| Transfer / Hold Time | 2 ms min – 10 ms max | Zero (continuous inverter) |
| Output Waveform | Sine wave | — |
| Input Voltage Range | 140–280 V | 208 VAC nominal; variable based on load |
| Output Voltage Range | 208–240 V | 208 VAC |
| Input Frequency | 50/60 Hz | — |
| Surge Energy Rating | 645 J | — |
| Crest Factor | 3:1 | — |
| Emergency Power Off (EPO) | Yes | — |
| Noise Level | 55 dB | — |
| Management Interfaces | — | USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block; optional SNMP/Webcard |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SMX3000HV or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is the stronger choice when zero transfer time and maximum watts-per-VA are the primary requirements. Its on-line double-conversion topology eliminates the 2–10 ms transfer gap present in the SMX3000HV, and its unity power factor delivers 3,000 W versus the APC's 2,700 W — a 300 W advantage at identical VA ratings. ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification and a richer native management interface (USB, RS485, RS232, SNMP-ready) add operational depth. The SMX3000HV counters with a published 98.5% efficiency that exceeds the GXT5's 95% on-line figure, a specified 645 J surge rating, a documented 3:1 crest factor for non-linear loads, and an EPO output absent from the Vertiv spec sheet. The SMX3000HV suits cost-conscious installs with transient-heavy loads or EPO code requirements; the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL suits precision or compliance-driven environments where zero transfer time and watt-density matter most.
Does the Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL have zero transfer time to battery where the APC SMX3000HV does not?
Yes, based on the provided specifications. The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL uses on-line double-conversion topology, meaning the load runs through the inverter continuously and there is no transfer event during an outage. The SMX3000HV is line-interactive and specifies a hold time of 2 ms minimum to 10 ms maximum before full battery support is established.
Which unit can power more watts at 3,000 VA — the SMX3000HV or the GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL?
The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL is rated 3,000 VA / 3,000 W (unity power factor), while the SMX3000HV is rated 3,000 VA / 2,700 W (0.9 power factor). The Vertiv unit can deliver 300 W more to the load at the same VA nameplate, which is significant when connected equipment has modern high-power-factor PSUs.
Is the APC SMX3000HV or the Vertiv GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL more efficient?
It depends on operating mode. The SMX3000HV specifies 98.5% efficiency in its normal line-interactive mode. The GXT5-3KL620RT2UXL specifies up to 98% efficiency in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in standard on-line double-conversion mode. If maximum efficiency in the fully protected double-conversion state is the comparison point, the SMX3000HV's 98.5% exceeds the GXT5's 95%. The GXT5 can approach 98% in ECO Mode, but that mode involves a transfer mechanism similar to line-interactive operation.
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