Vertiv GXT5-3000IRT2UXL vs Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI: Specification Comparison
Both the Vertiv Liebert GXT5-3000IRT2UXL and the Vertiv Liebert PSI5-3000RT120LI are 3000VA rack-mount uninterruptible power supplies aimed at protecting IT infrastructure in data closets, server rooms, and edge deployments. The GXT5 employs an online double-conversion topology while the PSI5 uses line-interactive architecture with automatic voltage regulation. This comparison evaluates topology and output quality, physical and environmental characteristics, and management and compliance features to help installers and IT buyers select the right unit for their load protection requirements.
In This Guide
- How do the UPS topology and output quality differ between the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL and the PSI5-3000RT120LI?
- How do the physical dimensions, battery technology, and operating environment compare between the two units?
- What management interfaces, communication protocols, and safety certifications does each unit offer?
- Which should you choose: the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL or the PSI5-3000RT120LI?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the UPS topology and output quality differ between the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL and the PSI5-3000RT120LI?
The GXT5-3000IRT2UXL uses an online double-conversion topology with a DSP-based microcontroller. In double-conversion designs, utility power is continuously converted from AC to DC and back to AC, meaning the load is always running from the inverter and is fully isolated from input disturbances — including frequency variations, voltage sags, and transients — with zero transfer time to battery.
The PSI5-3000RT120LI is rated 3000VA / 2700W and uses a line-interactive topology with automatic voltage regulation (AVR). It delivers pure sine-wave output on battery, which is critical for active PFC power supplies common in modern servers. Line-interactive units correct voltage sags and swells via AVR without switching to battery but do have a brief transfer time (typically a few milliseconds) when switching to battery — a distinction from double-conversion. The PSI5 power factor is 0.90 (2700W ÷ 3000VA).
The GXT5-3000IRT2UXL is specified for 230V input/output environments. The PSI5-3000RT120LI is specified for 120VAC nominal input with a range of 75–146VAC, and offers user-selectable output voltages of 100, 110, 115, 120, or 125VAC. These are different voltage classes and the two units are not interchangeable for a given installation's voltage standard. Power rating in watts is not disclosed in the available GXT5 spec data.
How do the physical dimensions, battery technology, and operating environment compare between the two units?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI has fully documented physical specifications: weight 53.6 lbs, height 3.38 in (approximately 2U), width 17.24 in, and depth 24.8 in. It uses lithium-ion battery technology, as indicated by the 'LI' suffix and model name, and supports front-access hot-swappable battery kits, minimizing downtime during battery replacement in rack deployments.
Physical dimensions and battery chemistry for the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL are not present in the provided specification data. The product name and SKU indicate a 2U rack/tower convertible form factor ('2U' in the model number), and the 'XL' suffix typically denotes an extended battery capacity variant, but neither weight, depth, nor battery type is confirmed by the available specs.
The PSI5-3000RT120LI is rated for operation from 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C). Operating temperature for the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL is not specified in the available data. Buyers deploying in environments with elevated ambient temperatures should verify GXT5 thermal ratings directly from Vertiv documentation.
What management interfaces, communication protocols, and safety certifications does each unit offer?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI provides a rotatable LCD control panel for flexible rack or tower installation, a USB interface, an EPO (Emergency Power Off) connector, and an optional Liebert IntelliSlot UNITY communications card slot that enables SNMP and web-based management. Safety and compliance listings include UL 1778, c-UL-us, NOM, FCC Part 15 Class B, and UN 38.3 (the UN lithium battery transport standard, applicable due to the Li-ion battery).
Management interfaces, communication options, and safety certifications for the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL are not present in the provided specification data. The GXT5 product line is documented as having undergone multiple firmware/hardware revisions from 2018 through January 2025 across low-voltage (LV), high-voltage (HV), and international (I) variants, with a DSP microcontroller confirmed, but interface and compliance details are not surfaced in the specs provided.
For installers requiring SNMP-based monitoring integrated into existing NMS platforms, the PSI5's IntelliSlot UNITY option provides a confirmed, spec-documented path. Buyers evaluating the GXT5 for similar management needs should consult the Vertiv GXT5 datasheet directly, as that data is absent from the specification set provided for this comparison.
Which should you choose: the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL or the PSI5-3000RT120LI?
Our take: The PSI5-3000RT120LI is the stronger choice when the installation is on a 120VAC North American circuit, budget favors line-interactive economics, and lithium-ion battery longevity plus front-access serviceability are priorities. Three concrete spec deltas support this: first, the PSI5 delivers 2700W on a line-interactive platform rated 75–146VAC input range, while the GXT5's watt rating and input range are not confirmed in available specs; second, the PSI5's lithium-ion chemistry and hot-swappable front-access battery kits reduce lifecycle maintenance cost and rack downtime, whereas the GXT5's battery type is unspecified; third, the PSI5 carries confirmed UL 1778, c-UL-us, FCC Part 15 Class B, and UN 38.3 listings, while GXT5 certifications are absent from available data. Conversely, the GXT5's online double-conversion topology — if confirmed adequate from Vertiv's full datasheet — is the correct choice for 230V environments or loads requiring zero transfer time and complete galvanic isolation from utility disturbances.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Vertiv GXT5-3000IRT2UXL | Vertiv PSI5-3000RT120LI |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Topology | Online Double Conversion | Line-Interactive (AVR) |
| Power Rating (VA) | 3000VA | 3000VA |
| Power Rating (W) | — | 2700W |
| Power Factor | — | 0.90 |
| Input Voltage (Nominal) | 230VAC | 120VAC |
| Input Voltage Range | — | 75–146VAC |
| Output Voltage | 230VAC | 120VAC (selectable: 100/110/115/120/125VAC) |
| Output Waveform (on battery) | — | Pure sine wave |
| Battery Technology | — | Lithium-ion |
| Service Access | — | Front-access, hot-swappable battery kits |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack/Tower | 2U Rack/Tower |
| Weight | — | 53.6 lbs |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | — | 3.38 × 17.24 × 24.8 in |
| Operating Temperature | — | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
| Management Interfaces | — | USB, EPO, Optional IntelliSlot UNITY (SNMP/Web) |
| Safety Certifications | — | UL 1778, c-UL-us, FCC Part 15 Class B, NOM, UN 38.3 |
| Microcontroller | DSP | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL or the PSI5-3000RT120LI?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI is the stronger choice when the installation is on a 120VAC North American circuit, budget favors line-interactive economics, and lithium-ion battery longevity plus front-access serviceability are priorities. Three concrete spec deltas support this: first, the PSI5 delivers 2700W on a line-interactive platform rated 75–146VAC input range, while the GXT5's watt rating and input range are not confirmed in available specs; second, the PSI5's lithium-ion chemistry and hot-swappable front-access battery kits reduce lifecycle maintenance cost and rack downtime, whereas the GXT5's battery type is unspecified; third, the PSI5 carries confirmed UL 1778, c-UL-us, FCC Part 15 Class B, and UN 38.3 listings, while GXT5 certifications are absent from available data. Conversely, the GXT5's online double-conversion topology — if confirmed adequate from Vertiv's full datasheet — is the correct choice for 230V environments or loads requiring zero transfer time and complete galvanic isolation from utility disturbances.
Is the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL or the PSI5-3000RT120LI better for protecting sensitive servers with active PFC power supplies?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI explicitly specifies pure sine-wave output on battery, which is required for active PFC power supplies. The GXT5-3000IRT2UXL's output waveform is not confirmed in the available specification data. Buyers with active PFC loads should verify GXT5 output waveform directly with Vertiv before purchasing.
Can I use either UPS in a standard North American 120V rack environment?
Only the PSI5-3000RT120LI is specified for 120VAC nominal input with a 75–146VAC range and 120VAC default output. The GXT5-3000IRT2UXL is specified for 230V environments based on the available product data. Installing the GXT5 on a 120V circuit without further voltage specification verification from Vertiv would be incorrect.
Which unit is easier to service in a live rack — the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL or the PSI5-3000RT120LI?
The PSI5-3000RT120LI explicitly supports front-access hot-swappable battery kits, allowing battery replacement without pulling the unit from the rack or powering down connected equipment. Service access details for the GXT5-3000IRT2UXL are not present in the available specification data, so serviceability cannot be compared on a spec-for-spec basis.
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