I've been planning a new build for Black Friday, but with RAM prices being high, I'm reconsidering. I've got a 12700k with 32GB of DDR4 and am tempted to upgrade to an AMD DDR5 system. However, the cost for the upgrade isn't really justified now. On the other hand, GPU prices have stabilized, so I might get a 5070 to replace my 6700XT since they have similar power needs. My concern is about my existing PSU: it's an XFX XTR P1-650B-BEFX 650W from 2015, and while it's been reliable, I'm questioning if it's time to replace it. What's the general consensus on how long a PSU is considered safe to use? Is five years too long? Ten? Twenty? Am I risking my system by keeping it?
2 Answers
Usually, the lifespan of a PSU is closely tied to its warranty period. So, if you're still within that time frame, you're likely good to keep using it. But once the warranty expires, I’d suggest planning for a replacement at your next upgrade just to be safe!
I’ve got an old 1000W PSU from BFG that I bought back in 2008, and I’m still using it! Some of these power supplies can run for a long time if they’re well-made.
Exactly! Most warranties are around 3 to 12 years, so if you hit that mark, start thinking about a new one.