Hey everyone! I'm building a new PC on a budget and managed to grab some great components: an Intel i5-14600k, a Gigabyte B760M DDR4 motherboard, 32GB of 3200MHz RAM, a 1TB TeamGroup NVMe SSD, and an Intel Arc B580. Total cost was about $530. I'm planning to reuse my old Thermaltake 630W semi-modular PSU that I've had for around 8-9 years. It worked fine with my previous setup (first-gen i7 and GTX 970), but I'm a bit anxious about using it with these new parts. I've heard that older PSUs can potentially damage new components. What do you all think? Should I invest in a new PSU, or would it be okay to stick with my old one for now?
3 Answers
Any PSU can potentially fry components, especially if there’s a defect, but it’s uncommon if you’ve been using it without issues. If you’re tight on cash now, you might use it temporarily. Just plan to upgrade when you can to avoid risking your new components too much.
Should I only consider gold-rated PSUs when I shop for a new one?
Honestly, just get a new PSU for peace of mind. They're not that expensive, and it's better than worrying if your setup will fry. Your components deserve it!
It's pretty rare for old PSUs to fry new components. If your PSU is still under warranty, I’d say you can go for it. Just remember, don’t skimp on the PSU if you decide to replace it. Some brands like Corsair have long warranties for a reason—they’re built to last!
Gold-rated is a great choice for efficiency, but focus on reliable brands and reviews too!