With PSU's out of stock, do I risk old PSU on new CPU ?

infyrana · 31 May 2020 at 02:09

So after a suggestion to replace my current PSU and with replacement stock levels being a bit empty (depending on the one I opt for), I'm wondering my options in purchasing a new setup. Currently I'm sporting a Corsair AX860 which hasn't experienced any issues over the years powering my I5 Haswell and GTX 1060, but it is 7 years old! I'll be changing to something along the lines of a Ryzen 3000 series and X570 motherboard but retaining the graphics.

Is it wise to re-use my existing AX860 on a brand new motherboard/cpu/memory setup even if temporarily, or should I wait out yet another month or more for a new PSU to come in stock? I'm in two minds, sure a new supply with warranties and the like would resolve any immediate issues and technically run out the box perfect, but my existing power supply is a known workhorse.

VeNT · 31 May 2020 at 07:09

if the PSU is within spec then there's no reason not to.
I've always re-used my PSU between builds until it was getting underpowered. never had any issues.
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you atm, 4690k, 280x on a OCz 800w moving to a b450 and 3600. keeping the graphics and PSU.
PSU supply is crazy atm.

mattyfez · 31 May 2020 at 10:59

No reason not to... Higher quality PSU come with long warranties and lots of safety features.
My last PSU lasted through three rebuilds.

That's why I don't mind spending £100 on a PSU generally have ample power and built to last.

I only replaced my last one as the fan became noisy and I botched replacing the fan so I thought, sod it, I've more than had my monies worth out of it.

infyrana · 31 May 2020 at 12:52

Thank you both, I figured that would be the case. I understand warranties aren't a guaranteed way to tell if something is at end of life, and I believe they did up their warranties on newer models from 7 to 10 years to which they must have recognised their lifespan.

I'll just have to remember to test the motherboard and base components before I add everything else.

mattyfez · 31 May 2020 at 13:46

Yeh if its not given you any reason to doubt, then re use it.

I might be wrong but I think the AX series was their top tier range.

My outgoing hx620 must have been in use for about ten years or more and it was only the fan that started getting a bit grumpy. And that it was full of dust as I'd ran my PC with no side panel for ages.

Paul_RD · 20 Jun 2020 at 11:52

Take it apart and clean it out to ensure the fans and heatsinks are clear of all dust.
You can also give it a good visual inspection and look for any signs of overheating.
Once you've cleaned it, post some pictures of the internals on here and get a second opinion.

keylion · 20 Jun 2020 at 11:56

I wouldn't have a problem reusing it. In fact if I was in your position it would be going into my new build permanently. I'd just do as Paul_RD suggests and give it a good clean out.