APC by Schneider Electric SYA8K16I vs Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN: Specification Comparison
Both the APC Symmetra LX SYA8K16I and the Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN are 8 kVA class online double-conversion UPS systems targeting data center, enterprise IT, and critical infrastructure deployments. The SYA8K16I is a tower unit scalable to 16 kVA with hardwire output, while the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is a flexible rack/tower unit rated at 8,000 VA / 8,000 W with hardwired input/output. Both share the same input/output wiring method and operating temperature range, making them genuine cross-shop candidates for buyers specifying 8 kVA UPS infrastructure.
In This Guide
- How do the power capacity, output efficiency, and runtime specs compare?
- Which unit offers greater scalability, redundancy, and deployment flexibility?
- How do the management, monitoring, and integration capabilities differ?
- Which should you choose: the SYA8K16I or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the power capacity, output efficiency, and runtime specs compare?
The SYA8K16I is rated at 8 kVA / 5,600 W, yielding a power factor of approximately 0.70. The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN 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 to the load. For modern server equipment with high power factors, this is a material difference: a load drawing 7,500 W would exceed the SYA8K16I's 5,600 W output limit but remain within the GXT5's 8,000 W capacity.
On efficiency, the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN specifies up to 98% in Active ECO Mode and up to 95% in on-line mode. No efficiency figure is provided in the SYA8K16I spec set. The GXT5 holds ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification; no equivalent certification is listed for the SYA8K16I.
For runtime, the SYA8K16I provides specific figures: 7.5 minutes at full load (8 kVA / 5,600 W) and 20.2 minutes at half load. The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN does not include runtime figures in the provided specifications; buyers should consult Vertiv's runtime curves for battery configuration details.
Which unit offers greater scalability, redundancy, and deployment flexibility?
The SYA8K16I is explicitly scalable from 8 kVA to 16 kVA in a tower form factor, with N+1 redundancy architecture built into the Symmetra LX platform. This modular design allows capacity and redundancy to be expanded without replacing the frame — a significant advantage for growing critical loads. The replacement battery cartridge is the SYBT5.
The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is a fixed 8,000 VA / 8,000 W unit. It supports a flexible rack/tower form factor and notes that optional PODs (Power Output Distributions) are available for output wiring flexibility. No scalability or N+1 redundancy is stated in the provided specifications. The external battery connector interface suggests extended runtime battery cabinet support, but no specifics are provided in the given spec set.
For deployments where load growth is anticipated or redundancy is a hard requirement, the SYA8K16I's documented N+1 architecture and 16 kVA ceiling are directly specified. The GXT5's scalability path beyond 8,000 VA is not addressed in the provided data.
How do the management, monitoring, and integration capabilities differ?
The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN ships with a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard, providing out-of-the-box network management, SNMP protocol support, and web-based monitoring. Additional interfaces include USB, RS485, RS232, a terminal block, and an external battery connector. A full-color graphic LCD with gravity-sensing orientation provides local status. Serial out-of-band management is also supported.
The SYA8K16I includes one SmartSlot interface with the AP9619 card pre-installed. APC SmartSlot is a well-established ecosystem supporting a range of network management, environmental monitoring, and relay I/O cards. Emergency Power Off (EPO) is explicitly listed as a feature. No LCD or local display specification is provided in the SYA8K16I data.
For certifications and compliance, the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN carries UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH, and ENERGY STAR 2.0 listings. Compliance certifications for the SYA8K16I are not included in the provided specifications. Buyers in regulated environments should verify applicable listings for the SYA8K16I directly with APC documentation.
Which should you choose: the SYA8K16I or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN?
Our take: The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is the stronger choice when maximum usable wattage, built-in network management, and certified efficiency are the primary drivers. Its 8,000 W output versus the SYA8K16I's 5,600 W represents a 43% greater real-power delivery at the same 8 kVA rating — a decisive advantage for high-power-factor server loads. It also ships with a factory-installed SNMP/Webcard and carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification alongside UL1778 and RoHS2 listings, none of which are documented in the SYA8K16I's provided specs. The SYA8K16I is the stronger choice when N+1 redundancy and in-frame scalability to 16 kVA are required: its documented modular architecture and runtime figures (7.5 min full load / 20.2 min half load) give specifiers concrete numbers the GXT5 data does not provide. Buyers standardized on APC SmartSlot infrastructure will also benefit from the SYA8K16I's card ecosystem. At 220 kg (SYA8K16I) versus 224.8 lb / ~102 kg (GXT5), physical installation constraints differ significantly.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric SYA8K16I | Vertiv GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN |
|---|---|---|
| Power Rating (VA) | 8,000 VA | 8,000 VA |
| Power Rating (W) | 5,600 W | 8,000 W |
| Power Factor | 0.70 (derived) | 1.0 (unity) |
| Topology | Not specified in provided data | On-line double conversion |
| Form Factor | Tower | Flexible rack/tower |
| Scalability | 8 kVA to 16 kVA, N+1 | Not specified in provided data |
| Output Connection | Hardwire | Hardwired in/out; optional PODs |
| Runtime at Full Load | 7.5 min | — |
| Runtime at Half Load | 20.2 min | — |
| Efficiency | — | Up to 98% ECO / 95% on-line |
| Management Interface | 1× SmartSlot (AP9619 pre-installed) | RDU101 SNMP/Webcard (factory), USB, RS485, RS232, terminal block |
| Local Display | — | Full-color graphic LCD (gravity-sensing) |
| EPO Support | Yes | — |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40 °C | 0–40 °C |
| Weight | 220 kg | 224.8 lb (~102 kg) |
| Certifications | — | ENERGY STAR 2.0, UL1778, c-UL, RoHS2, REACH |
| Replacement Battery | SYBT5 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SYA8K16I or the GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN?
The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is the stronger choice when maximum usable wattage, built-in network management, and certified efficiency are the primary drivers. Its 8,000 W output versus the SYA8K16I's 5,600 W represents a 43% greater real-power delivery at the same 8 kVA rating — a decisive advantage for high-power-factor server loads. It also ships with a factory-installed SNMP/Webcard and carries ENERGY STAR 2.0 certification alongside UL1778 and RoHS2 listings, none of which are documented in the SYA8K16I's provided specs. The SYA8K16I is the stronger choice when N+1 redundancy and in-frame scalability to 16 kVA are required: its documented modular architecture and runtime figures (7.5 min full load / 20.2 min half load) give specifiers concrete numbers the GXT5 data does not provide. Buyers standardized on APC SmartSlot infrastructure will also benefit from the SYA8K16I's card ecosystem. At 220 kg (SYA8K16I) versus 224.8 lb / ~102 kg (GXT5), physical installation constraints differ significantly.
Is the SYA8K16I or GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN better for larger deployments that need room to grow?
Based on the provided specifications, the SYA8K16I is the documented choice for growth: it is explicitly scalable from 8 kVA to 16 kVA with N+1 redundancy within the same tower frame. The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN is specified as a fixed 8,000 VA / 8,000 W unit; no scalability path beyond that rating is stated in the provided data.
Which UPS delivers more usable power to modern servers with high power-factor power supplies?
The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN delivers up to 8,000 W at its 8,000 VA rating (unity power factor). The SYA8K16I delivers 5,600 W at 8 kVA, reflecting an approximately 0.70 power factor. For server loads with power factors of 0.9 or higher — typical of modern equipment — the GXT5 can support substantially heavier real-power loads before reaching its output limit.
Does either UPS include built-in network management out of the box?
The GXT5-8000MVRT6UXLN includes a factory pre-installed Vertiv RDU101 SNMP/Webcard with SNMP and web management enabled, plus USB, RS485, and RS232 interfaces. The SYA8K16I includes one SmartSlot with an AP9619 card pre-installed; buyers should confirm the AP9619's specific capabilities against their management platform requirements. The GXT5's included card provides SNMP and web access without an additional purchase based on the provided specs.
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