I've been on a budget hunt for PC parts and recently picked up a solid list for about $530. Here's what I have: an i5-14600k processor, a Gigabyte B760M DDR4 motherboard, 32GB of 3200MHz RAM, a 1TB Teamgroup NVMe SSD, and an Intel Arc B580 graphics card. I'm planning to use my old Zalman case along with a Thermaltake 630W semi-modular PSU that has been powering my first-gen i7 and GTX 970 build for about 8-9 years now. I'm a bit nervous about using this older PSU because I've heard stories about how old units can damage new components. What do you all think? Should I stick with this PSU or invest in a new one?
7 Answers
I used the same PSU across three different builds over 13 years, and it worked just fine until I had to upgrade my GPU. So it can hold up well if it’s a decent unit!
Definitely keep an eye on your PSU. Any unit can fail, especially if it’s a cheaper one. Make sure you can afford a new one if needed. You've got a gold efficiency rating, so that's a plus! If your old PSU meets your needs and runs fine, there's no reason not to use it, but keep a new one in mind for the future as a backup.
I actually found a 15-year-old 1000W PSU from Seasonic that I'm comfortable using, so I definitely trust older, quality brands more than some new, lesser-known ones.
Honestly, just get a new PSU for peace of mind. It’s not a huge expense compared to the rest of your build, and being able to trust your power supply is worth it.
It's pretty rare for old PSUs to actually fry your components, but I’d still be cautious. If your PSU is still under warranty, I'd use it, but if not, consider investing in a newer model. Just remember, an old reliable PSU often beats a cheap new one that might not be very good.
As long as the PSU has good protections, it should be fine. It’s uncommon for them to cause damage; they mostly just fail. What model do you have again? If it’s a Smart SE 630W, that’s a decent PSU, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just make sure to check the brand and model for reliability.
If you haven't been pushing it too hard, your PSU should be okay. I recommend getting a wattmeter to check how much power your build actually uses; sometimes it’s eye-opening! For example, even running demanding games, I usually stay under 500W.
Should I stick to only gold rated PSUs for the best reliability?