I have an EVGA SuperNova 750W P2 power supply that I suspect is nearing the end of its life, as it was released around 2016. Its 10-year warranty is about to expire, and I'm contemplating whether to retire it this year. Recently, I purchased a used Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold, which should ideally last me until around 2030 to 2034. My main concern is whether to wait until the EVGA PSU shows signs of instability, like unexpected shutdowns, or proactively recycle it. I'm also hesitant to sell it because I worry about inadvertently damaging someone else's setup since it's quite old. On a side note, what's the longest you've kept a power supply before deciding to replace it? I'm curious about your experiences!
5 Answers
For me, I usually get new PSUs with most of my builds. It might be overkill, but since it’s such an essential part that's capable of frying other components, I wouldn’t push it to the max lifespan unless it’s a system I don’t care about. If you do sell it, just price it reasonably or keep it as a backup! I once used a PSU for about 8 years before selling my old rig.
Yeah, I just sold my old computer with a 2013 PSU still going strong!
Honestly, if I got rid of my gear just because the warranty ended, I’d have to toss out most of my stuff. But with power supplies, they can fail unexpectedly and take other components with them. So, I'd definitely think about replacing it after 10 years, especially if you’re concerned about reliability. Better safe than sorry!
Absolutely! A failing PSU can lead to more than just its own demise, even if it's uncommon.
Right! Mine failed at about 10.5 years, just outside of warranty, so I learned the hard way.
I think you shouldn’t use a PSU that’s out of warranty in systems you care about. Good brands have warranties for a reason, as a safety net against failure. Anyway, warranties are not a sign of nearing the end of life, just a marketing tactic. If your PSU hasn’t shown any signs of failing, you probably don’t need to worry about replacing it just because the warranty is up.
Do you have any recommendations for tools to check voltage stability?
Absolutely, tracking voltage stability is key—some software tools and physical meters can help!
I typically replace mine whenever it starts acting up. If it hiccups even once, I’m looking for a replacement. I upgraded from a 650W to an 850W, not because I needed more power, but to reduce wear as it wouldn't be working as hard. Keeping it cooler is a bonus, plus I don’t stress about pushing it too close to its limits.
Ten years is generally a good lifespan for a PSU. Just remember, if it’s been in constant use for that whole time, it could be wearing out. Capacitors can go bad, leading to voltage surges that potentially damage your components. But the actual lifespan can vary widely depending on usage and other factors, so it’s hard to say without evaluating its performance.
I bought it used, so it’s tough to say how long it was used before I got it. I heard good things about EVGA, so I’m hoping for the best.
Keeping a backup PSU is smart! It'll save you a hassle one day.