PC Audio During Loadshedding: Essential Tips for Gamers

Stage 4 loadshedding hits. The lights die, but your UPS kicks in, saving your PC from a sudden shutdown. Your game continues... but in eerie silence. Your epic boss music and crucial audio cues are gone because those mains-powered speakers are dead. Don't let Eskom silence your victory. Keeping your PC audio during loadshedding is easier than you think, ensuring you never miss a footstep, reload, or triumphant soundtrack again. 💡

Promate LumiSound™ HD 40W True Wireless Speaker with RGB Lights / 6Hrs Playback / AUX, USB & TF Card Playback / 9 RGB Modes / IPX5 Rating / TWS Compatible / Strike-40

R1199.00In Stock

Promate Portable Bluetooth Speaker, High-Definition True Wireless Speaker and Headphone Stand with USB-C and Dual USB-A Hub, Colorful RGB Lighting, Ergonomic Futuristic Design, Fast Charging / Alpha-X

R499.00In Stock

MARVO SG-286 RGB Gaming Speakers / USB Bluetooth RGB Lighting Soundbar / Frequency Range: 60Hz-20KHz / Easily Accessible Volume Knob / SG-286

R299.00In Stock

MARVO SG-269 2.0 Stereo LED Gaming Speakers / 3.5mm Audio Jack / Wired Audio Mode And Wireless Mode / 14-Color Lighting With Rainbow Effects / Volume Control / 2x 3W Speakers / SG-269

R199.00In Stock

Promate Delta-X Futuristic True Wireless Speaker – 20W Sound, Audio-Reactive Lights, Long Battery Life – Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Party, Music & Outdoor Use / Delta-X.White

R1199.00In Stock

Promate Bluetooth Speaker, 10W True Wireless Portable HD Speaker with RGB Lights, Bluetooth v5.3, Long Playtime, Quick Music Navigation, Water-Resistance, USB Port and TF Card Slot for iPhone / LumiBar

R499.00In Stock

Why Your Sound Cuts Out During Loadshedding

It's a simple but frustrating problem. Your Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a hero, but it has its limits. It's designed to power essential, high-draw components like your PC tower and monitor. Most desktop speakers, especially powerful ones with a subwoofer, plug directly into the wall for their power. When the grid goes down, so do they.

This is a common oversight when planning a loadshedding-proof setup. We focus on keeping the visuals running but forget that immersive sound is just as critical for gaming. A solid solution for your PC audio during loadshedding doesn't require a second inverter; it just requires smarter gear.

Loadshedding-Proof Audio Solutions 🔊

You don't have to game in silence. With the right hardware, you can keep the sound flowing as smoothly as your UPS-powered framerates. Here are the most effective ways to maintain your PC audio during loadshedding.

USB-Powered Speakers: The Plug-and-Play Fix

This is the most straightforward solution. USB-powered speakers draw all the electricity they need directly from your PC's USB ports. Since your PC is connected to the UPS, your speakers stay on too. They are typically compact, affordable, and surprisingly capable for their size. While you might not get wall-shaking bass, you'll get clear, consistent audio. Many gamers find that simple 2.0 setups are perfect for maintaining spatial awareness without draining your UPS battery too quickly.

Promate LumiSound™ HD 40W True Wireless Speaker with RGB Lights / 6Hrs Playback / AUX, USB & TF Card Playback / 9 RGB Modes / IPX5 Rating / TWS Compatible / Strike-40

R1199.00In Stock

MARVO SG-285 Havoc 20 Gaming Speakers - Grey / 3.5mm Audio Jack / RGB Lighting Effects / Volume Control Knob / 2x 3W Speakers / SG-285-GY

R349.00In Stock

Promate Portable Bluetooth Speaker, High-Definition True Wireless Speaker and Headphone Stand with USB-C and Dual USB-A Hub, Colorful RGB Lighting, Ergonomic Futuristic Design, Fast Charging / Alpha-X

R499.00In Stock

Promate 3-in-1 Cloud Design Bluetooth Speaker with LED Nightlight / Qi Charger / 10W Wireless Speaker / Auto-Time Sync / Touch Control Brightnes / HOMECLOUD.UNI

R999.00In Stock

Promate Magnetic Bluetooth Speaker, 3W TWS Small Bluetooth Speaker with HD Sound, 40mm Dynamic Drivers, Long-Lasting 12H Playtime, and Bluetooth V5.3 for Magsafe Compatible Devices / PUNCH.PINK

R299.00In Stock

Promate Magnetic Bluetooth Speaker, 3W TWS Small Bluetooth Speaker with HD Sound, 40mm Dynamic Drivers, Long-Lasting 12H Playtime, and Bluetooth V5.3 for Magsafe Compatible Devices / PUNCH.NAVY

R299.00In Stock

Battery-Powered Wireless Speakers: Cut All the Cords

For ultimate freedom, a good pair of portable wireless speakers is a fantastic option. Charge them up beforehand, and when loadshedding strikes, simply connect them to your PC via Bluetooth. This method adds zero extra load to your UPS. Brands like Promate offer excellent options with long battery life, delivering robust sound that can easily fill a room and keep you immersed for a full 2-4 hour loadshedding slot.

Gaming Headsets: The Focused Choice

Of course, the tried-and-tested solution is a gaming headset. A wired headset plugs into your PC or controller, drawing negligible power. A wireless one runs on its own internal battery. This is the best option for competitive gaming, where precise directional audio is key. While not a speaker solution, it's the most reliable way to guarantee uninterrupted sound. The same logic applies to speakers; sometimes the simplicity of reliable wired speakers (that are USB-powered) is the most robust choice.

Promate 3-in-1 Cloud Design Bluetooth Speaker with LED Nightlight / Qi Charger / 10W Wireless Speaker / Auto-Time Sync / Touch Control Brightnes / HOMECLOUD.UNI

R999.00In Stock

Razer Leviathan V2 X: PC Soundbar with Full-Range Drivers / Compact Design / Chroma RGB / USB Type C Power and Audio Delivery / Bluetooth 5.0 / Supports PC, Laptop, Smartphones, Tablets & Nintendo Switch / RZ05-04280100-R3M1

R1999.00In Stock

Monster Superstar S110 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Black / Portable Bluetooth Speakers 5.0 with TWS Pairing for 360° Louder Stereo Sound, Built-in Mic, Portable Wireless Speaker for Home or Indoor Use, IPX5 Water Resistance Wireless Speaker / MS11901

R499.00In Stock

MARVO SG-269 2.0 Stereo LED Gaming Speakers / 3.5mm Audio Jack / Wired Audio Mode And Wireless Mode / 14-Color Lighting With Rainbow Effects / Volume Control / 2x 3W Speakers / SG-269

R199.00In Stock

Monster Superstar S310 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Black / Portable Bluetooth Speakers 5.0 with TWS Pairing Deliver Rich Bass, Dynamic Stereo Sound, Built-in Mic, Wireless Speakers for Home or Outdoor Use, IPX5 Water Resistance Wireless speaker / MS11902

R799.00In Stock

HP DHS-4200 Wired LED Computer Speaker, 2x 3W Rated Power, 3.5mm Jack Audio & USB Power Supply, 52mm Speaker Size, Bright LED, Black | DHS-4200

R499.00In Stock

Choosing the Right Configuration for Power-Saving

When browsing the wide range of PC speakers, you'll see terms like 2.0 and 2.1. This refers to the number of speakers and whether it includes a subwoofer.

• 2.0 System: Two satellite speakers, no subwoofer. Ideal for loadshedding as they are often USB-powered and have a low energy footprint.
• 2.1 System: Two satellite speakers plus a dedicated subwoofer for deep bass. While fantastic for immersion, these more powerful 2.1 systems almost always require their own wall plug, making them unsuitable for most UPS setups.

For uninterrupted PC audio during loadshedding, a USB-powered 2.0 set or a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker is your best bet. You get clear, reliable sound without risking your UPS's precious battery life. 🔋