Time for new PSU?

[ActuallyGoose]

Hi there, so I've been reading into PSU's lately. And noticed that a lot of people recommend about 5 years of use, then replacing it. I was just curious if this is true of some can last longer, or shorter durations based on their wattage, efficiency, etc. 

 

So, do you think I'm safe for a bit more time, or is it time for an upgrade?

 

I've got a Corsair CS750M, so it's a 750 watt 80+ gold PSU, I first used that in my old Xeon 1231v3, r9 390 system, and now in my 1700x, 1080ti FE, system. Just not sure how much longer it will be safe to use, and was hoping someone with more knowledge of power supplies could help answer this.

 

Thank you in advance for any help given 

[KarathKasun]

I would say that the threshold for failure is closer to 10 years on quality units.  This time frame depends heavily on percentage of load over time as well.

[PopsicleHustler]

5 years isn't limit. I had EVGA 650W powering my 3 consecutive gaming PCs over past 7 years. I think it could've served me a couple more years if I didn't replace it.

[ActuallyGoose]

Oh, well good news then. I'm actually in the process of using the old pc parts for a 2nd computer for my girlfriend. I might be able to buy a new PSU for mine and throw this one in the 2nd computer. I tried looking on the website and box, but couldn't really find any info about how long it is recommended to last. But thanks for the information guys 

[Guest]

On 1/14/2019 at 3:34 PM, PopsicleHustler said:

5 years isn't limit. I had EVGA 650W powering my 3 consecutive gaming PCs over past 7 years. I think it could've served me a couple more years if I didn't replace it.

EVGA didn't have a 650W PSU seven years ago.  Why do you want to lie to people?

On 1/14/2019 at 3:10 PM, Mufastang said:

Hi there, so I've been reading into PSU's lately. And noticed that a lot of people recommend about 5 years of use, then replacing it. I was just curious if this is true of some can last longer, or shorter durations based on their wattage, efficiency, etc. 

 

So, do you think I'm safe for a bit more time, or is it time for an upgrade?

 

I've got a Corsair CS750M, so it's a 750 watt 80+ gold PSU, I first used that in my old Xeon 1231v3, r9 390 system, and now in my 1700x, 1080ti FE, system. Just not sure how much longer it will be safe to use, and was hoping someone with more knowledge of power supplies could help answer this.

 

Thank you in advance for any help given 

5 years is probably typical, but you have a very good PSU there.  I'd give it as long as 10.

 

[KarathKasun]

12 hours ago, jonnyGURU said:

EVGA didn't have a 650W PSU seven years ago.  Why do you want to lie to people?

5 years is probably typical, but you have a very good PSU there.  I'd give it as long as 10.

 

Well, the OEM manufacturing their PSUs did.  Most "name brand" PSUs are just rebranded units from other companies.

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, KarathKasun said:

Well, the OEM manufacturing their PSUs did.  Most "name brand" PSUs are just rebranded units from other companies.

That's not what was stated.

 

Nor does it matter.

[KarathKasun]

9 hours ago, jonnyGURU said:

That's not what was stated.

 

Nor does it matter.

NEX 650 was available for purchase in 2012.

 

https://web.archive.org/web/20121111172901/http://www.evga.com:80/Products/ProductList.aspx?type=10&family=Power+Supplies

 

Or does that not matter too?

Should I bring up lying to people?

[Guest]

58 minutes ago, KarathKasun said:

NEX 650 was available for purchase in 2012.

 

https://web.archive.org/web/20121111172901/http://www.evga.com:80/Products/ProductList.aspx?type=10&family=Power+Supplies

 

Or does that not matter too?

Should I bring up lying to people?

EDIT: Yes.  the NEX was available as of December 2012.  So for it to be a 6 year old PSU (since we're only one month past 6 years), he would have to have run out and bought it the day it was released.

 

My only point is there's no reason to exaggerate.  You shouldn't be saying you had a PSU for seven years when it wasn't even for sale seven years ago.

 

[Stefan Payne]

On 1/15/2019 at 12:34 AM, PopsicleHustler said:

5 years isn't limit. I had EVGA 650W powering my 3 consecutive gaming PCs over past 7 years. I think it could've served me a couple more years if I didn't replace it.

OH yeah, its absolutely no problem to use old PSU with new components.

 

THIS Video proves it:

1V Ripple is absolutely no problemo man. Its just almost 1000% of the Spec (120mV).

What can go wrong if we have 10 times the AC on DC that is specified...

 

 

PS: this posting is sarcastic...

And well, besides that you probably had the PSU between 3 and 5 years and not 7...

Especially with modern components, transients of like 40-60A or so...

Or 5V and 12V regulated together...

PSU are a bit more than a black box that does power. At worst it can kill all your precious Components...

[KarathKasun]

11 hours ago, jonnyGURU said:

EDIT: Yes.  the NEX was available as of December 2012.  So for it to be a 6 year old PSU (since we're only one month past 6 years), he would have to have run out and bought it the day it was released.

 

My only point is there's no reason to exaggerate.  You shouldn't be saying you had a PSU for seven years when it wasn't even for sale seven years ago.

 

I don't remember months when things were bought, and I am sure you don't either.

 

For something that old I would just say "Eh, I got it in 2012, its 2019 now, 7 years sounds about right."

 

That is not a lie, or even an exaggeration of truth.  It is, "I don't care enough to go dig out my receipts because its close enough and doesn't matter."

[KarathKasun]

5 hours ago, Stefan Payne said:

OH yeah, its absolutely no problem to use old PSU with new components.

 

THIS Video proves it:

1V Ripple is absolutely no problemo man. Its just almost 1000% of the Spec (120mV).

What can go wrong if we have 10 times the AC on DC that is specified...

 

 

PS: this posting is sarcastic...

And well, besides that you probably had the PSU between 3 and 5 years and not 7...

Especially with modern components, transients of like 40-60A or so...

Or 5V and 12V regulated together...

PSU are a bit more than a black box that does power. At worst it can kill all your precious Components...

Except high end PSUs from 10 years ago exist that are still within spec.  Hell, there are bad PSUs from ~10 years ago that are still within spec.

 

I have a scope and I have tested a few, if its not a cheapo group regulated Chinese copy/clone its generally not a problem.

 

Honestly though, if you are using stuff that old, spend the $25 to get an old analogue scope to test your gear.

[Stefan Payne]

5 hours ago, KarathKasun said:

Except high end PSUs from 10 years ago exist that are still within spec.

Yeah?
How do you know that they are still in spec?
How do you test for it?!
 

See, that's the Problem...

 

5 hours ago, KarathKasun said:

  Hell, there are bad PSUs from ~10 years ago that are still within spec.

Yes and?

How high is the chance that a 10 Year old PSU is still fine?
How high is the chance that a 10 Year old PSU looks like the Video?
Do you want to risk your 1500€ PC because of 50€ for the PSU?

 

Yeah, totally makes sense.

Would you use your 15 Year old Tyres on a 250HP Car?

 

 

5 hours ago, KarathKasun said:

I have a scope and I have tested a few, if its not a cheapo group regulated Chinese copy/clone its generally not a problem.

Oh great. And what about the ATX conform Load?
What about the "normal people"?

Do they have a Scope?
Do they have the ability to check their PSU??

 

5 hours ago, KarathKasun said:

Honestly though, if you are using stuff that old, spend the $25 to get an old analogue scope to test your gear.

And there is no skill needed to operate a scope, it does it themselves!
You don't have to know what an Osciloscope is and how to use it, obviously, right?

 

WRONG!
An Osciloscope needs a trained person to operate it, it requires to learn how to use it. Its not "fire and forget" like a simple Multimeter, its more complicated...

 

And what about the Bandwith of the Scope? With what Bandwith do you measure the Voltages??

[Stefan Payne]

5 hours ago, KarathKasun said:

I don't remember months when things were bought, and I am sure you don't either.

 

For something that old I would just say "Eh, I got it in 2012, its 2019 now, 7 years sounds about right."

 

That is not a lie, or even an exaggeration of truth.  It is, "I don't care enough to go dig out my receipts because its close enough and doesn't matter."

Yes, it is a lie.

Why can't you just admit that you were wrong and the PSU is not as old as you claimed it to be?!

 

Why do you try to talk yourself out of this 

[tonymc]

These are my ideas on this topic.
If you are updating your system and you are at least 5 years old, also change your power supply without hesitation, do not wait for it to fail to do so, as it puts your new components at risk.

That simple sight you see everything normal does not mean that all parameters are like the first day, there are components inside the PSU that degrade over time, like electrolytic capacitors.

You have spent money on your new system and it is not enough to immediately replace your old PSU, which still works, well, you will do it, do it, put your system to work, but do not fall asleep with this, the first time opportunity replace your PSU.

If the PSU has a 7 year warranty, then maybe it does not replace it at 5 years, it would give you more time logically it has very good quality.