When is it a good idea to replace your PSU?

[Biggiesized]

I'm currently gathering components for a new build. One thing I had planned to reuse from my existing rig is my PSU.

However, I'm starting to have second thoughts. What's a safe lifespan for a PSU? My current Seasonic PSU was purchased in January 2007. I've never had a problem with it but it was only warrantied for five years; I'm already at seven years ownership.

It will give me plenty of power to spare in my new build, but I'm worried it might go kaput.

Should I look for a replacement now, or just keep my eyes peeled for a good deal down the road and pray for the best in the mean time?

 

[Rebel44]

As long as they provide enough power, I replace PSUs only if they stop working correctly or die.

 

[Blain]

I only build when I have a "need to", so I'm not cycling through them with every new wave of tech.
My vote is always to start with a solid, high quality PS to build up from (new/fresh, no refurbs).
PS can take other components out when they die, so I don't wait or take that chance (new/fresh, no refurbs).

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

If you run it for long periods, just leave it on then YES REPLACE IT. How ever if you shut it off while your not using it, I think it can last a lot longer. I would error on caution and sell what you have n buy a new one.....

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would:

1) Avoid PSUs that come with cases, Antec cases + PSU excepted.

2) Buy new, top-tier PSUS, no refurbs / used.

3) Pro-actively replace PSUs, either every 3-5 years, or when the warranty runs out (if the warranty is longer than 3-5 years).

 

[bryanl]

In practice only the fan and capacitors wear out, and your Seasonic's capacitors are likely all Japanese and should last 10 years. Regardless, 5-7 years is a reasonable interval for replacement.

 

[Yuriman]

I carried a Fortron PSU from computer to computer from around 1997 to 2009, and only replaced it when it no longer had sufficient wattage for much of anything (250). It's in a box as a spare now. I still have a Fortron 460w running in a computer from 2002.

 

[JEDIYoda]

when it`s not working.............

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I have replaced or purchased new PSUs for the following reasons:

1) Outdated connector types
2) Burned out
3) Too low-wattage for newer GPUs.
4) ATX PSUs don't fit in SFF cases.
5) SFX PSUs don't fit in ATX cases.
6) Modular PSUs are awesome.
7) 80+ Bronze PSUs are awesome.

 

[infoiltrator]

Depends on quality of power supply more than anything else.
Corsair CX REPLACE.
Seasonic keep using.

 

[country2]

If you run it for long periods, just leave it on then YES REPLACE IT. How ever if you shut it off while your not using it, I think it can last a lot longer. I would error on caution and sell what you have n buy a new one.....

I always thought of it the opposite way...best to leave on as components not cycling on / off which means not heating up and cooling off. I always thought that was the main killer, of course unless its getting really burning hot.

 

[Cerb]

Depends. On an important PC, 3-5 years. Major upgrades pretty much always include a PSU. For seconadry PCs, until it dies.

 

[Cerb]

I always thought of it the opposite way...best to leave on as components not cycling on / off which means not heating up and cooling off. I always thought that was the main killer, of course unless its getting really burning hot.

You're screwed with PSUs, though. As your PC changes its power usage, that degrades it from cycling, just as if it was switching on or off, just to a lesser degree. The capacitors last less time from running hotter, regardless of cycling or not. "Wet," capacitors also degrade from not being used. Fan bearings may also egt worse from starting and stopping, but also running forever.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Typically when they die. That said I don't upgrade often enough so usually by the time I upgrade I need a bigger psu anyway. I usually want to use the old PC for something else as well so I end up buying a PSU for the new PC.

 

[JoseWalrus]

PSU's are the heart of the build so I change them once they are not able to feed my pieces or when they die... if the PSU is good enough use it, if you think that 7 year is to much and you have that extra cash to pursue a new and better PSU then do it.

 

[Biggiesized]

Well, I guess I bit into my temptation.

I do cycle my computer a lot since the sleep function in Windows 7 never cooperated with my hardware. Hell, even my monitor backlight is starting to flicker a lot when turning it on. (I think my monitor has at least 60,000 hours.)

I bought a Seasonic SS-660XP2 because I think it's the cheapest it has ever been.

$124.99 - $30 promo code - $25.00 rebate = $69.99

Promo code: EMCWPWF54

It's only on sale today and tomorrow.

 

[evident]

i have a 8 year old seasonic that's going strong and just as efficient as other units out there today... no need to replace till it dies. i don't mess around with cheap power supplies though.