I'm looking to upgrade my PC that I built about 7 years ago, and I wanted to ask about the safety of reusing my current PSU. It's a Seasonic Focus+ 850W 80+ Gold, and I plan to switch from a 1070 ti to a 5070. My CPU and motherboard are an i7-8700k and MSI z370 Carbon Pro. I feel like 7 years isn't too old for a power supply, but I'm a bit worried since I don't always shut down my PC at night. Any thoughts on this?
3 Answers
You're probably fine using your old PSU. I still have my 1200W unit from about 12 years ago, and it works like a charm! Power supplies usually either function well or they don’t. As long as the wattage is adequate for your needs, you should be okay.
That CPU and motherboard are quite outdated, which might hold back the performance of the 5070. Considering your PSU, its longevity really can depend on factors like heat; if you keep the PC running all the time in a warm environment, it could wear out faster. If you’re looking at the 5070, you might want to consider a full system upgrade instead. Check the recommended specs for the games you're into!
The capacitors in PSUs definitely have a lifespan, and various factors affect how long they last. Generally, they can last around 15 years if kept cool and unused, so with 7 years in your rig, you're in a bit of a gamble. It could last several more years or fail tomorrow. If it were up to me, I’d suggest getting a new one for peace of mind, especially with a new build coming up.
What GPU are you currently using with it?