How often should one change their PSU?

PapaLazaru · 5 Dec 2012 at 14:42

I have a good, but older PSU. It is a Corsair TX750 which I purchased on 31/10/2008 from here. It still has just under a years warranty left, but what is the likely risk of it failing?

How often you you all change yours?

vanandjuanunited · 5 Dec 2012 at 14:45

When it dies or can't cope

Uncle Petey · 5 Dec 2012 at 14:46

Too many variables involved to give any real answer imo

MylesB89 · 5 Dec 2012 at 14:46

Never thought of it, but what are the signs that a PSU cant cope with the load? Will it just not turn on?

apeksdiver · 5 Dec 2012 at 14:57

When it breaks or if I am putting together a new rig. I would think the risk of failure is low.

SeraphX · 5 Dec 2012 at 14:57

What is it powering? If the psu is on the limit, chances are it would have failed by now, but if it's barely being taxed, it could well last forever.

delta0 · 5 Dec 2012 at 15:00

When it breaks.

DavidS14 · 5 Dec 2012 at 15:33

Only when I need to change either because the standards change and my PSU does not support the latest standard or because it's not rated high enough for the kit I want to run.

The PSU is one of the things that you buy a decent one and then keep between builds and upgrades normally until you have to change it.

Zeed · 5 Dec 2012 at 16:11

When i buy new system i buy new psu.

jamesfreddie · 5 Dec 2012 at 16:15

I keep PSUs until they are unrepairable by me.

Then maybe its time for a replacement.

BluSky · 5 Dec 2012 at 16:18

I tend to buy the best PSU I can at the time, big enough to cope with projected future upgrades, and then run it until it dies. So far I think I have only ever had one PSU die on me, all the others are still going strong (the oldest being about 8 years I think)

tres_kun · 5 Dec 2012 at 16:40

The fan on a PSU will go first
So wen it gets loud and hot get a new one
When it can not coup with the loud you will get inconsistent performance in games or unexpected restarts then you check the voltage
If the voltage readings on the motherboards work stress the cpu and gpu to the max furmark and something else for cpu
Voltage on 12V should not drop under 11.8 Volts under no circumstance
If it does the psu is insufficient or almost done

PapaLazaru · 5 Dec 2012 at 18:39

Well it is not under any real stress as I am pulling 450w max, but I am just wondering if it does go pop, what is the likelihood of it taking some other components with it? I have had a GPU go pop before and it pretty much destroyed everything else! If it is safe to leave it until it dies I shall.

Buchanan0204 · 5 Dec 2012 at 18:53

PapaLazaru said:
Well it is not under any real stress as I am pulling 450w max, but I am just wondering if it does go pop, what is the likelihood of it taking some other components with it? I have had a GPU go pop before and it pretty much destroyed everything else! If it is safe to leave it until it dies I shall.

Very safe.

PhillyDee · 5 Dec 2012 at 18:56

Im sticking with my HX620 till it bangs.

One · 5 Dec 2012 at 19:01

Every other month.

PwnDirect · 5 Dec 2012 at 19:37

every last Tuesday of a leap year

4T5 · 5 Dec 2012 at 19:44

When smoke comes out the rear is usually a good sign or when you upgrade beyond your current PSU's capacity.