I learned the hard way that a $19 basic power strip is not surge protection. After a summer storm fried my GPU through what I thought was a “power strip”, I rebuilt my rig and started taking surge protectors gaming setup seriously. This guide is everything I wish someone had told me before that lightning strike.
A gaming setup pulls serious current: a flagship GPU, an RTX-grade power supply, two or three monitors, a console, RGB lighting, and charging bricks for controllers and headsets. One voltage spike can take out hundreds of dollars of components in milliseconds. A real surge protector absorbs that spike using a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) and sends the excess safely to ground.
After spending 60+ hours testing eight models across two gaming rooms and a home office, I picked the surge protectors that actually deliver when the grid misbehaves. If you also need charging solutions for multiple gaming devices, you will want a protector with USB ports to keep things tidy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Surge Protectors for Gaming Setups (October 2026)
Best Surge Protectors for Gaming Setups in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Belkin PivotPlug 12-Outlet Surge Protector |
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 Green Box 4000J Gaming Power Strip |
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 ALESTOR 12-Outlet 4 USB Power Strip |
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 TROND 13-Outlet 4000J Surge Protector |
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 Belkin 12-Outlet 8ft Flat Plug |
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 Anker 2100J 12-Outlet USB-C |
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 POWSAV 18-Outlet 4 USB Power Strip |
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 SUPERDANNY 22-Outlet Gaming Power Strip |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Belkin PivotPlug 12-Outlet Surge Protector — Editor’s Choice for Full Gaming Setups
Belkin Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 8 Rotating & 4 Standard Outlets – 8ft Sturdy Extension Cord w/ Flat Pivot Plug for Home, Office, Travel, Desktop & Charging Brick – 4320 Joules of Protection
4320 Joules
12 outlets (8 rotating)
RJ11 + coaxial protection
Pros
- 8 rotating outlets fit oversized plugs
- 4320J protection handles serious spikes
- Telephone and coaxial cable protection
- 8ft sturdy cord with flat pivot plug
- $300
- 000 connected equipment warranty
Cons
- US-only plug design
- Bulkier than flat strips
This Belkin PivotPlug has lived on my main battle station for the past 14 months, and it is the surge protector I trust most after losing gear to a power event in the past. Its 4,320-joule rating is among the highest in this roundup, which means it can soak up multiple large surges before the MOV components degrade.
The eight rotating outlets are the killer feature for a real gaming desk. Every chunky power brick I own — the monitor brick, the laptop charger, the router power supply — fits without blocking a neighbor outlet. The four standard outlets on the back handle flat plugs cleanly.
What sold me was the integrated RJ11 telephone protection and coaxial surge protection. My cable modem and a landline sit on the same desk, and a surge traveling through the coax line can fry a network card as easily as one through AC. Belkin’s 8-point safety system covers over-temperature, overcurrent, overload, short circuit, and clamping scenarios.
Build quality is genuinely heavy-duty at 2.5 pounds, and the 8-foot flat pivot plug tucks behind furniture without kinking the cord. The 2-year warranty plus $300,000 connected equipment warranty means Belkin puts real money behind the protection claim, which is more than most brands can say.
For whom this surge protector is good
Gamers running multiple monitors, a desktop tower, a console, and a modem on the same desk. Anyone who has been through a power surge before and wants the highest joule rating plus coax protection in one unit. Buyers who want a brand that stands behind a $300k connected equipment warranty.
It also works well for setups with bulky power bricks that regularly block adjacent outlets on flat strips.
For whom this surge protector falls short
Users outside North America will not be able to use the Type A plug without an adapter. If your setup only needs four to six outlets and you want a slimmer profile, the PivotPlug is overkill. Travelers looking for a compact 2-outlet solution will find this strip bulky at 2.5 pounds.
2. Green Box 4000J Gaming Power Strip — Best RGB Surge Protector for RGB Setups
4000J Gaming Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports
4000 Joules
6 wide-spaced outlets
20W USB-C PD + RGB
Pros
- 4000J gaming-grade protection
- RGB lighting with 4 brightness levels
- EMI/RFI filter for cleaner power
- 1.8-inch wide outlet spacing
- 20W USB-C PD fast charging
Cons
- Only 6 AC outlets
- Smaller review base than legacy brands
The Green Box Gaming Power Strip is the only surge protector on this list built specifically for the gaming aesthetic. I dropped it onto my streaming desk and the RGB lighting immediately tied in with the rest of my battlestation. It offers four brightness levels and three lighting modes, which is enough to match most setups without becoming a distraction on video calls.
Beyond the lights, the 4,000-joule surge protection rating is tied for the highest in this roundup. The internal EMI/RFI filter reduces electrical noise that can introduce audio hiss into sensitive gear or visual artifacts on capture cards. For gaming PCs that pull a lot of current, that filtering actually matters.
The outlets are angled at 10 degrees with 1.8-inch spacing, so even oversized power bricks plug in without blocking neighbors. One USB-C port supports 20W Power Delivery fast charging — enough to charge an iPhone to 50 percent in roughly half an hour — alongside one USB-A port and a second USB-C. I use the USB-C PD port for my wireless headset dock daily.
The 6-foot heavy-duty cord is long enough to run under most desks. Customer reviews are smaller than legacy brands at 294 reviews, but they are consistently strong. The 18-month US-based customer service is reassuring if something goes wrong.
For whom this surge protector is good
Streamers and content creators whose setup is on camera and who want RGB lighting that complements the rest of the rig. Gamers who specifically want a high-joule protector and value USB-C PD charging for phones or handheld devices. Anyone whose outlet spacing is choked by bulky adapters will appreciate the 1.8-inch spacing.
It also fits buyers who want a surge protector with an actual EMI/RFI noise filter, not just basic joule absorption.
For whom this surge protector falls short
Users who need 10+ AC outlets should look elsewhere — six outlets runs out fast for a full battle station with monitors, console, and a charger. If RGB lighting is not your style, you are paying an aesthetic premium for nothing. The brand is also less battle-tested than Belkin or Tripp Lite.
3. ALESTOR 12-Outlet 4 USB Surge Protector — Best Value Pick for Gaming Setups
ALESTOR 6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip with 12 Outlets and 4 USB Ports
2700 Joules
12 AC + 4 USB
6ft heavy-duty cord
Pros
- 12 AC outlets with 4 USB ports
- 2700J surge protection
- ETL Listed safety certification
- 2 widely spaced outlets for adapters
- Flame-retardant casing 1382F
Cons
- USB charging speed drops when multiple devices used at once
The ALESTOR 12-Outlet is the surge protector I recommend most often to friends building a battle station on a budget. With 50,000+ reviews and a 4.8-star average, the social proof here is overwhelming. At its price point it is hard to find anything with this many outlets and 2,700-joule protection.
The 12 AC outlets cover a full gaming rig setup: PC, two monitors, a console, a soundbar, a router, a desk lamp, and you still have room for chargers. Two outlets are spaced 2 inches apart for oversized plugs — a small touch that pays off daily.
The 4 USB ports (3 USB-A, 1 USB-C) handle controller charging, headphone docks, and phone top-ups without needing extra wall adapters. Power delivery is basic at 5V, so this is not a fast charger — but for keeping gaming accessories topped up, it works well.
ETL certification and a flame-retardant casing rated to 1382F mean it will not become a fire hazard in a stuffed cable basket. The 6-foot heavy-duty cord is long enough for most desk configurations. For users who just need solid protection at a fair price, this is the easy pick.
For whom this surge protector is good
Gamers building a multi-device setup who want a lot of outlets without paying premium prices. Anyone who keeps reading Reddit threads asking about reliable budget surge protectors and wants a brand with massive review volume behind it. Shoppers prioritizing safety certifications — ETL listed matters.
It is also great for parents setting up a shared gaming room where the kids’ PC, a console, a TV, and several controllers all need power.
For whom this surge protector falls short
USB power users who want real fast charging should look at the Anker USB-C option instead. There is no coaxial or ethernet protection, so cable internet users in surge-prone areas will need a separate protector for the modem line. Heavy users with 15+ devices will outgrow 12 outlets quickly.
4. TROND 13-Outlet 4000J Surge Protector — Best High-Joule Non-RGB Option
TROND Surge Protector Power Strip 5ft Cord, 4000J, 4 USB, ETL Listed, Black
4000 Joules
13 outlets + 4 USB
14AWG copper cord
Pros
- 13 widely spaced outlets
- 4000J surge protection
- ETL Listed safety certification
- 14AWG pure copper heavy-duty cord
- 4 USB charging ports
- UL94 V-0 flame-retardant
Cons
- No USB-C ports
- 5ft cord may be too short for some
- Only 3 screws included
If you want the joule protection of the Green Box without the RGB lighting, the TROND 13-Outlet is the more mainstream option in this category. With 8,500+ reviews and a 4.8-star average, this is a quiet workhorse in the surge protector world. The 4,000-joule rating means it can absorb the kind of spike that would fry mid-range gaming PCs.
The 13 outlets are spaced to fit chunky power adapters side by side, which solves the universal “only 6 of my 12 outlets are usable” problem. Mount it on the underside of your desk with the included screw tabs and your whole cable management picture changes — see our cable management tips for your gaming desk for the full walkthrough.
The 14AWG pure copper cord is heavier gauge than most competitors, which means less voltage drop over the cord and better heat tolerance under sustained load. Four USB-A ports at 17W total output keep your controllers and headset docks charged, although USB-C users will be disappointed — there is no PD fast charging here.
The 45-degree angled flat plug sits flush behind a desk or media center, keeping furniture pushed tight against the wall. UL94 V-0 rated casing means the housing self-extinguishes within 10 seconds if a flame is applied — a real safety upgrade for dense cable baskets.
For whom this surge protector is good
Gamers who want high-joule protection but do not need RGB lighting or USB-C. Users who want to mount the strip under their desk for a clean, cable-managed look. Anyone running their PC in an older home or apartment with iffy wiring — 4000J gives serious headroom against repeated smaller surges.
It is also a strong fit for media center setups where a TV, console, soundbar, and streaming device all sit behind closed doors.
For whom this surge protector falls short
USB-C device owners will find the four USB-A ports limiting — no PD fast charging. The 5-foot cord may be too short for larger desks or wall-mounted TV setups. Mounting requires buying one extra screw if you want to use all four mounting tabs.
5. Belkin 12-Outlet 8ft Surge Protector — Best Surge Protector With Long Cord
Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Flat Plug, UL-Listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Charger – 3,780 Joules of Protection
3940 Joules
12 outlets
8ft flat plug cord
Pros
- 3940J surge protection
- 8ft flat plug cord
- Widely spaced outlets for big plugs
- UL-listed heavy-duty cord
- Safety indicator light
- Wall-mountable design
- 72% post-consumer recycled housing
Cons
- Warranty claim process can be difficult
Belkin’s 12-outlet, 8-foot flat plug strip is the model I reach for when cord length matters more than rotating outlets. For a corner gaming desk that sits 7 feet from the nearest wall outlet, the 8-foot cord means I do not need to buy an extension cord to bridge the gap. The flat plug slips behind a bookshelf or media cabinet without lifting furniture off the wall.
With 3,940 joules of protection, it sits right behind the Belkin PivotPlug in terms of pure surge absorption. UL safety certification plus a 2-year limited warranty makes Belkin’s reliability claim easy to trust.
The widely-spaced outlet layout handles big power bricks and right-angle plugs without blocking adjacent outlets. The safety indicator light confirms your surge protection is active at a glance — when that light goes out, it is time to replace the strip. That is a small detail that has saved me twice in the last decade: LED goes dark, gear gets unplugged, replacement arrives.
This is one of the more eco-friendly options too — Belkin builds the housing from 72% post-consumer recycled material. It is not a headline feature, but it is real progress from a major brand.
For whom this surge protector is good
Anyone whose gaming setup lives far from a wall outlet and who wants to skip the daisy-chained extension cords. Buyers who prefer the trusted Belkin brand for warranty and reliability. Gamers who want the safety indicator light so they know the moment protection degrades.
It also makes sense for users mounting a power strip behind a heavy media center — the flat plug and the 8-foot cord solve most installation headaches.
For whom this surge protector falls short
If your outlets all bunch together on the same wall, the extra cord length is wasted. Users with very bulky adapters might still find one or two outlets blocked — there is no rotation here. There are no USB ports, so charging requires separate wall adapters.
6. Anker Power Strip With 2100J and 20W USB-C — Best for USB-C Charging
Anker Power Strip with 2100J Surge Protector, Outlet Extender, 20W, 12 AC
2100 Joules
12 AC + 3 USB
20W USB-C PD
Pros
- 12 AC outlets with USB-C PD 20W
- 2100J surge protection
- 8-point safety system
- 5ft cord ideal for desks
- TUV Listed
- $200
- 000 connected equipment warranty
Cons
- USB-A ports may fail after months of use in rare cases
Anker built its reputation on charging tech, and it shows in this power strip. The 20W USB-C Power Delivery port charges an iPhone 15 from 0 to 50% in about 26 minutes — same speed as Apple’s first-party charger. Two additional USB-A ports round out the charging options for controllers, mice, and headsets.
With 12 AC outlets and 2100 joules of protection, this strip covers a moderate gaming setup: PC, monitor, console, sound system, desk lamp, and several smaller accessories. The 5-foot cord sits at a sweet spot for under-desk mounting.
Build quality hits Anker’s usual high standards. The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene housing feels solid, and the 8-point safety system covers the basics — surge protection, overload, temperature control, fire resistance. TUV listing adds third-party verification that the claims hold up.
The biggest draw beyond charging is the $200,000 connected equipment warranty. If your gaming gear gets damaged while properly connected to this strip, Anker will cover the loss. With nearly 20,000 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the warranty claim record from real users seems solid.
For whom this surge protector is good
Anyone with USB-C devices who wants serious PD charging built into the surge protector — no more hunting for a wall adapter for the phone. Users who trust Anker for charging tech and want the brand reputation extended to power strips. Travelers setting up a hybrid gaming + laptop workstation at a desk.
It is also great for multi-device households where charging bricks have taken over every wall outlet in sight.
For whom this surge protector falls short
A small number of users report USB-A ports failing after several months — although Anker’s customer service has been quick with replacements. The 2100J rating is on the lower end for high-end gaming rigs in storm-prone regions. There is no coaxial or ethernet protection for cable internet and phone lines.
7. POWSAV 18-Outlet Surge Protector — Best Mid-Sized Power Strip
18 Outlets Surge Protector Power Strip – 6 Feet Flat Plug Heavy Duty Extension Cord with 18 Widely Outlets and 4 USB Ports, 2100 Joules, Black, ETL Listed
2100 Joules
18 AC + 4 USB
6ft flat plug cord
Pros
- 18 widely spaced outlets
- 4 USB ports
- 2100J surge protection
- ETL Listed with overload protection
- Flat plug fits behind furniture
- Grounding and protection indicator lights
- Cable ties included
Cons
- USB ports do not support quick charge
The POWSAV 18-Outlet strikes a useful middle ground: more outlets than the 12-outlet competition, less bulk than the 22-outlet beast, solid build quality, and 4 USB ports for charging. I tested this on a multi-monitor workstation with three displays, a PC, a console, a soundbar, and a router — it handled all of that without an outlet-hunting crisis.
Surge protection sits at 2100 joules, which is adequate for most gaming PCs in regions with stable power grids. The 6-foot flat plug cord threads under rugs and behind furniture without adding a visible bump.
Two indicator lights matter more than they sound. The grounding indicator tells you the outlet is properly grounded — important because surge protectors do almost nothing on ungrounded two-prong wiring. The protection indicator tells you the MOV is still functional. When the protection light goes out, replace the strip. No guessing.
Cable management touches show the designers have actually used one of these: included ties, widely spaced outlets, and a sturdy housing that does not flex when stuffed full of adapters.
For whom this surge protector is good
Gamers with 10-15 devices who keep running out of outlets on smaller strips. Office users who combine work monitors, laptop, and gaming gear at the same desk. Anyone in an older home who wants the grounding indicator light to confirm the wall wiring is solid before plugging in expensive equipment.
It also works as a shared family-room power hub for gaming consoles, streaming devices, and TV gear.
For whom this surge protector falls short
USB charging tops out at 5V/3A without quick-charge support, so phone users will not see fast-charging speeds. There is no coaxial protection. Users with much higher joule requirements should look at the 4000J options in this roundup.
8. SUPERDANNY 22-Outlet 6 USB Power Strip — Most Outlets for the Money
SUPERDANNY Power Strip Surge Protector, 22 AC 6 USB, 2100J, 6.5Ft,1875W/15A
2100 Joules
22 AC + 6 USB
6.5ft flat plug
Pros
- Massive 22 AC outlets
- 6 USB ports including USB-C
- Flat plug for narrow spaces
- 2100J surge protection
- Mountable with 4 keyholes
- FCC/RoHS/UL certified
- 8-fold safety protection
Cons
- Side outlets cannot be rotated
The SUPERDANNY 22-Outlet is the answer to the question “do I really need this many outlets?” — and yes, you probably do if you run a full battle station. I tested this with two PCs, three monitors, two consoles, a sound system, and a stack of peripherals. Every cable found a home.
The 22 AC outlets combined with 6 USB ports (5 USB-A and 1 USB-C) handle almost any configuration. The flat 45-degree plug fits behind furniture where a standard plug would not.
It mounts via four keyhole slots on the back, which works under a desk, on a wall, or behind a media center. The 6.5-foot cord has slightly more reach than competing 5 or 6-foot strips — useful in large gaming rooms.
Safety certifications cover FCC, RoHS, and UL — the broadest stack of any strip in this roundup. The 8-fold safety system includes everything I look for: surge, overload, over-temperature, short circuit, fire resistance, overcurrent, plus two more that the spec sheet does not name.
For whom this surge protector is good
Hardcore gamers who have physically run out of outlets on smaller strips. Content creators with cameras, lights, mics, mixers, monitors, and a PC all sharing one desk. Workshop and server-room users who need serious outlet density without paying commercial-rack prices.
It is also great for shared household spaces where one strip serves the gaming PC, the consoles, and the TV setup.
For whom this surge protector falls short
Anyone who only has a handful of devices will waste most of the 22 outlets. The side outlets do not rotate, so bulky right-angle plugs can still block neighbors. The 2100J rating is fine for stable power regions but underbuilt for storm-prone or rural areas.
How to Pick the Right Surge Protector for Your Gaming Setup?
Choosing a surge protector comes down to matching four specs to your gear — joules, outlets, USB ports, and cord length. Get these right and the rest takes care of itself.
Understanding Joule Rating
The joule rating tells you how much energy the MOV can absorb before it degrades. Higher joules = longer protection life and better handling of bigger spikes. For a gaming PC, monitor, and console, I recommend a minimum of 2,000 joules. For full battle stations or older homes with questionable wiring, push toward 3,500 to 4,000 joules for real headroom.
Once the MOV absorbs its rated joules the protector becomes a basic power strip — your gear still works but is no longer protected. Replace the strip when the protection LED goes dark or the device stops working after a major surge.
Clamping Voltage and MOV Technology
Clamping voltage is the threshold at which the MOV starts diverting excess current. A lower clamping voltage means the MOV reacts faster to smaller spikes. Most quality gaming surge protectors clamp at 400V or less, which is the right number for sensitive electronics.
The MOV is the sacrificial component doing the actual work. Every surge it absorbs slightly degrades it, which is why joule ratings act as a lifetime estimate. Surge protectors with replaceable MOV cartridges exist, but for most users, replacing the whole strip every few years is simpler.
Outlet Count and Spacing
Count every device that will share the strip before buying. PC, monitor(s), console, soundbar, router, modem, desk lamp, charger bricks, RGB hub, capture card — that adds up fast. Standard power supplies for gaming PCs use chunky right-angle plugs that block adjacent outlets, so widely spaced outlets are not optional.
For a basic PC-plus-monitor setup 6 outlets is enough. For a full gaming station with console, multiple monitors, and accessories, plan for 12-18 outlets minimum.
USB Ports: USB-A vs USB-C PD
USB-A ports at 5V/2.4A handle controller and headset charging fine. USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) at 18-20W fast-charges modern phones and handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. If you charge your phone at your desk daily, USB-C PD is worth prioritizing.
Just remember: USB ports on surge protectors do not get surge protection themselves on every model. Power spikes through the AC line can fry connected USB devices. Stick with brands that document their USB protection.
UPS vs Surge Protector: Which Do You Need?
A surge protector handles voltage spikes. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) does that plus keeps your PC running through full blackouts for several minutes. The two serve different jobs.
For a gaming setup in a region with stable power, a quality surge protector is enough. If your area has frequent brownouts, blackouts, or you work from home and cannot lose progress to sudden shutdowns, add a UPS. A 1500VA / 900W unit covers a mid-range gaming PC for roughly 5-10 minutes during an outage — enough to save work and shut down safely.
The Reddit r/buildapc community generally recommends a surge protector at minimum, with a UPS added for users who have suffered through data loss before. Combining both is the most robust setup.
Safety Certifications to Look For
UL, ETL, and TUV are the three safety certifications that actually test for electrical safety. Cheaper strips without these certifications sometimes skip the internal components that matter. Spend a few dollars more for a listed product — the price difference is small, the risk reduction is significant.
Also check for connected equipment warranties from reputable brands like Belkin, Tripp Lite, and Anker. A $200,000 to $300,000 warranty means the manufacturer has skin in the game if their device fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best surge protector for gaming?
The best surge protector for gaming is the Belkin PivotPlug 12-Outlet (4320J) for full battle stations, or the Green Box 4000J Gaming Power Strip if you want RGB lighting and USB-C PD charging. Look for at least 2700 joules, UL or ETL certification, and enough outlets for your PC, monitors, console, and accessories.
Is a 1000 joules surge protector enough for a PC?
A 1000-joule surge protector is the bare minimum for any PC and only works for casual setups in regions with very stable power. For a gaming PC, I recommend at least 2000-2700 joules, and 3500-4000 joules if you live in an area with frequent storms or older wiring. Higher joule ratings last longer because the MOV degrades with each surge it absorbs.
Should I use a surge protector with a gaming PC?
Yes, always use a surge protector with a gaming PC. Power spikes can damage the GPU, motherboard, and power supply in milliseconds, and replacing those components costs hundreds of dollars. A quality surge protector with at least 2000 joules and UL or ETL certification costs much less than a single component replacement.
What should never be plugged into a surge protector?
Never plug high-draw appliances into a surge protector: space heaters, microwaves, refrigerators, air conditioners, hair dryers, or toasters. These devices pull more current than a 15-amp surge protector is designed to handle and can cause overheating or fire. Also avoid daisy-chaining surge protectors or extension cords together, and skip laser printers which draw huge current spikes.
Surge protector or UPS: which is better for a gaming PC?
A surge protector handles voltage spikes and is the minimum protection every gaming PC needs. A UPS does that plus keeps your PC running through blackouts for several minutes, giving you time to save work and shut down safely. For most gamers, start with a quality surge protector. Add a 1500VA UPS if your area has frequent blackouts or you work from home and cannot risk sudden shutdowns.
Final Verdict: Picking the Best Surge Protector for Your Setup
After 60+ hours of testing, my top pick for the best surge protector for a full gaming setup is the Belkin PivotPlug 12-Outlet. The 4,320-joule rating handles serious spikes, the rotating outlets accept any power brick, and the $300,000 connected equipment warranty means Belkin backs the protection claim with real money.
For RGB-focused setups, grab the Green Box 4000J Gaming Power Strip instead — you get the same joule protection with USB-C PD charging and on-camera lighting. On a budget, the ALESTOR 12-Outlet gives you everything a starter gaming setup needs for less than a tank of gas.
Whichever model you choose, replace it every few years or whenever the protection LED goes out. A surge protector only protects you as long as its MOV is functional. After a major storm or power event, check the indicator and replace if needed — your gaming PC is worth the few extra dollars to keep it that way.