I've managed to score some great deals on parts for a new PC build, including an i5-14600k, a Gigabyte B760M DDR4 motherboard, 32GB of 3200MHz RAM, a 1TB Teamgroup NVMe SSD, and an Intel Arc B580. The total came to about $530. However, I'm considering using an old Thermaltake 630W semi-modular PSU that I've had for around 8–9 years from my previous i7 GTX 970 build. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether it's safe to use this PSU with my new components, especially since I've heard that older PSUs can potentially fry new hardware. What do you all think?
6 Answers
Honestly, you should just get a new PSU for peace of mind. It's not that expensive, and having reliable power is worth it.
I found a 15-year-old 1000W PSU that I trust way more than some of the newer, cheaper models out today. If your PSU is a Smart SE 630W, it’s decently made. If it has the necessary protections, you shouldn’t have to worry too much.
As long as you haven't been pushing the PSU to its limits, it should be fine. I suggest getting a wattmeter to see how much power your rig is actually using. For instance, while playing demanding games like Cyberpunk, I usually pull under 500W. That'd give you some insights.
Old PSUs can fail and potentially cause problems, especially if they're near their rated capacity or in poor condition. If you can’t replace it now, consider using it temporarily, but plan to upgrade soon. Just be cautious with your new components and keep an eye on power consumption. If your PSU breaks, you’ll need to replace it anyway, so it might be worth buying a new one.
Should I only stick to gold-rated PSUs for the upgrade?
It's not very common for old PSUs to fry your components. If your PSU is still under warranty, you might feel more secure using it. Otherwise, if you're really worried, it might be smart to hold off on the build until you can get a newer PSU. Remember, sometimes older high-quality PSUs are better than newer cheap ones!
I used my PSU for over 13 years across three different builds, and it worked perfectly until I finally upgraded my GPU. You might be fine, but keep an eye on it for any unusual sounds or issues.
Gold-rated ones are great for efficiency, but research is more important. Find a reliable brand that suits your system's needs.