I recently built a new PC and reused a few parts, including a power supply unit (PSU) that I've had for 11 years, a Corsair AX760. Initially, when I powered on the new build, nothing happened at all. I checked the front switch wiring and it was fine. I even tried the paperclip test to see if the PSU was functional, but it didn't work! It was working perfectly fine in my old PC just yesterday. What could have gone wrong? I just removed it, cleaned it with an air duster, and reinstalled it. Now I'm worried about buying a new PSU and want to avoid damaging that one too.
4 Answers
Honestly, your PSU was already 11 years old—consider it lucky that it failed without taking any other parts down with it. It’s a good idea to replace the PSU when it’s nearing or past its warranty, as it can become a ticking time bomb after that. Better safe than sorry!
When you did the paperclip test, did you check it with a multimeter or were you just looking for the fan to spin? Keep in mind that with the AX760, the fan doesn't start until it's under about 35% load. The paperclip test only confirms if the PSU powers on; it won't ensure everything is working properly.
Regardless of its condition, you should definitely replace that PSU. At 11 years old, it's well beyond its service life and warranty period. Better to get a new one than risk damaging your PC components.
Totally agree! It's not worth the risk at this point.
If you made sure the back switch is on and just used an air duster, that's typically safe, as long as no liquid was accidentally sprayed. But remember, when a PSU fails, it often gives some kind of noticeable sign, like a pop. If there’s absolutely no power, it may have just given up the ghost for no real reason, which can happen sometimes. You might want to check everything from the wall power, socket, fuses, down to the cable too. If nothing works, then it might just be time to accept it’s dead.
Yeah, that's a good point! I usually test mine with a cheap multimeter to see if the voltage rails are doing their job when I do the paperclip test.