APC by Schneider Electric SYA8K16I vs Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN: Specification Comparison
The APC Symmetra LX SYA8K16I and Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN are both 8 kVA-class online double-conversion UPS systems designed for critical infrastructure, data centers, and server rooms. Both support hardwired connections and operate across the same 0–40 °C temperature range, making them genuine cross-shop candidates for buyers specifying high-availability power protection at the 8 kVA tier. Key decision axes include power and efficiency ratings, scalability and runtime, and management and integration capabilities.
In This Guide
- How do the power ratings and efficiency compare between the SYA8K16I and GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
- Which unit offers better runtime and scalability for growing deployments?
- How do the management interfaces and integration options differ?
- Which should you choose: the SYA8K16I or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the power ratings and efficiency compare between the SYA8K16I and GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
The APC SYA8K16I is rated at 8 kVA / 5,600 W, yielding a power factor of approximately 0.70. The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is rated at 8,000 VA / 8,000 W, reflecting a unity (1.0) power factor — meaning it can deliver its full VA rating as usable watts without derating.
On efficiency, the Vertiv GXT5 specifies up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in standard on-line double-conversion mode. The APC SYA8K16I specifications provided do not state an efficiency figure, so no direct comparison can be made on that dimension.
The Vertiv also carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification and lists UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, and REACH compliance. The APC SYA8K16I specifications provided do not include listing or certification data.
Which unit offers better runtime and scalability for growing deployments?
The APC SYA8K16I provides specified typical runtimes from its internal battery: 7.5 minutes at full load (8 kVA / 5,600 W) and 20.2 minutes at half load. The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN specifications provided do not include internal runtime figures at any load level, so a direct runtime comparison cannot be made from available data.
The APC SYA8K16I is explicitly scalable from 8 kVA to 16 kVA, supporting N+1 redundancy in a tower form factor. The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN specifications do not indicate a scalability path or N+1 capability, though it does include an external battery connector port that could support external battery cabinets to extend runtime.
The APC's replacement battery cartridge is identified as the SYBT5. No equivalent replacement battery part number is specified for the Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN.
How do the management interfaces and integration options differ?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard, enabling SNMP and web-based management out of the box. It also provides USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector interface. A full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation is included for local status and configuration.
The APC SYA8K16I includes one SmartSlot interface with the AP9619 card pre-installed. The AP9619 is a SmartSlot card; buyers should verify independently whether this specific card provides SNMP/network management, as the provided specifications do not detail the AP9619's feature set beyond identifying it as a SmartSlot card. EPO (Emergency Power Off) is supported on the SYA8K16I; the Vertiv specifications do not mention EPO.
The Vertiv GXT5's flexible rack/tower form factor and gravity-sensing LCD orientation display are distinct mechanical integration advantages for mixed-installation environments. The APC SYA8K16I is specified as a tower form factor only.
Which should you choose: the SYA8K16I or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
Our take: The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is the stronger choice when maximizing usable wattage, out-of-box network management, and efficiency certification matter most. The Vertiv delivers 8,000 W at unity power factor versus the SYA8K16I's 5,600 W — a 43% difference in actual watts available at the same VA rating — and specifies up to 98% efficiency in ECO mode versus no stated efficiency figure for the APC. The Vertiv also ships with an SNMP/Webcard and full-color LCD as standard, whereas the APC's SmartSlot card (AP9619) feature set is not detailed in the provided specs. Conversely, the SYA8K16I is the stronger choice for deployments requiring a documented scalability path (8 kVA to 16 kVA, N+1), confirmed EPO support, and specified runtime data (7.5 min full load / 20.2 min half load). Choose the Vertiv for density-optimized, efficiency-certified, network-managed rack or tower environments; choose the APC Symmetra LX where modular growth to 16 kVA and EPO compliance are non-negotiable site requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SYA8K16I | Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN |
|---|---|---|
| Power Rating (VA) | 8,000 VA | 8,000 VA |
| Power Rating (Watts) | 5,600 W | 8,000 W |
| Power Factor | 0.70 (derived) | 1.0 (unity) |
| Topology | Not specified in provided specs | On-line double conversion |
| Form Factor | Tower | Rack/Tower (flexible) |
| Efficiency | Not specified | Up to 98% ECO / 95% on-line |
| Input Voltage | 220/230/240V or 480/400/415V | Typical 208VAC; Range 176–288VAC |
| Output Voltage | Not specified | 200/208/220/230/240VAC (configurable) |
| Wiring / Outlets | Hardwire only | Hardwired + 2x L6-20R + 2x L6-30R |
| Management Interface | 1x SmartSlot (AP9619 pre-installed) | RDU101 SNMP/Webcard (pre-installed), USB, RS485, RS232 |
| Scalability | 8 kVA scalable to 16 kVA, N+1 | Not specified |
| Emergency Power Off (EPO) | Yes | Not specified |
| Runtime at Full Load | 7.5 min | Not specified |
| Runtime at Half Load | 20.2 min | Not specified |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40 °C | 0–40 °C |
| Weight | 220 kg | 164.2 lb (≈74.5 kg) |
| Certifications / Listings | Not specified | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
| Replacement Battery | SYBT5 | Not specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SYA8K16I or the GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN?
The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN is the stronger choice when maximizing usable wattage, out-of-box network management, and efficiency certification matter most. The Vertiv delivers 8,000 W at unity power factor versus the SYA8K16I's 5,600 W — a 43% difference in actual watts available at the same VA rating — and specifies up to 98% efficiency in ECO mode versus no stated efficiency figure for the APC. The Vertiv also ships with an SNMP/Webcard and full-color LCD as standard, whereas the APC's SmartSlot card (AP9619) feature set is not detailed in the provided specs. Conversely, the SYA8K16I is the stronger choice for deployments requiring a documented scalability path (8 kVA to 16 kVA, N+1), confirmed EPO support, and specified runtime data (7.5 min full load / 20.2 min half load). Choose the Vertiv for density-optimized, efficiency-certified, network-managed rack or tower environments; choose the APC Symmetra LX where modular growth to 16 kVA and EPO compliance are non-negotiable site requirements.
Is the SYA8K16I or GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN better for larger deployments that may need to grow beyond 8 kVA?
The SYA8K16I has a documented scalability path from 8 kVA to 16 kVA with N+1 redundancy support, which is specified in the product data. The GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN specifications provided do not describe a scalability path beyond 8 kVA, so buyers planning capacity growth should factor this difference into their selection.
Does either UPS include network management out of the box, or do I need to purchase a card separately?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN includes a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard with SNMP and web management enabled as standard. The APC SYA8K16I includes a pre-installed AP9619 SmartSlot card, but the provided specifications do not detail whether the AP9619 provides SNMP or network management functionality — buyers should verify this with APC documentation before assuming equivalent capability.
Which unit is more efficient, and does that affect operating costs?
The Vertiv GXT5-8000HVRT5UXLN specifies up to 98% efficiency in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in standard on-line mode, and carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification. No efficiency percentage is stated in the provided specifications for the APC SYA8K16I, so a direct efficiency comparison cannot be made from available data. Higher efficiency directly reduces heat output and electricity costs over the operational life of the UPS.
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