Buying used/refurbished PSUs

[marcplante]

I'm looking for a PSU for a fairly powerful build...1080ti, 7700k, 16G. I'm going to be running a driving sim FTTT, not mining.

I was looking at Corsair PSUs since I've had good luck with them. A friend referred me to the TM series, and, in addition to the usual retail suspects, I've been looking in Ebay for options (since there no longer is a used board here). I'd be looking for a 750W PSU.

Are used PSUs OK to consider? Any risks to them if they're reasonably contemporary?
What about FACTORY refurbished? I read in a thread that refurbished PSUs have a very high failure rate, but wasn't sure if that was factory refurbished.

There are some decent values to be had in this segment. I can find RMi or RX series PSUs for less than I'd pay for a TM.

Or should I cough up the extra $50 for new. (in which case I'd get a TM series Gold).

Thanks

 

[Lordhumungus]

Personally, I'd probably buy new, but that's more for being unable to predict what crazy stuff people do to their hardware. Under the right circumstances I would definitely consider it.

There is still a For Sale/Trade forum here btw.

Also, sending you a PM...

 

[UsandThem]

I'd never personally buy a used PSU, especially from EBay. Sellers there often claim they are "refurbished", but dont say who did the testing/work.

You could buy a nice PSU like EVGA G3/G2 or Seasonic Focus Plus for roughly the same price as a "used" or "refurbished" unit. Both come with a 10 year warranty, and both are well reviewed.

 

[Torn Mind]

It's fine to buy used if they were reviewed well and shown to preform within ATX spec, not have electrical designal flaws, etc. Those that are functional means that they are free of first day issues like botched solder joints or bad silicon. It is likely they can run until they quietly fail.

 

[XavierMace]

You've build a $1,000+ computer. Why would you now be fretting over spending an extra $50 on one of the most critical components on your computer? I'll second the suggestion of a Seasonic Focus Plus.

 

[marcplante]

Looks like there are decent deals on Seasonic Focus and Corsair TX models. I've had good luck with Corsair, but the extra 3 years of warranty couldn't hurt.

Thanks

 

[traderjay]

With the pedigree of your hardware, I would never consider used/open box or refurbished PSUs. Get a seasonic titanium or platinum PSU for your equipment sake.

 

[marcplante]

Not Gold? I was looking at new, gold PSUs.

 

[UsandThem]

Not Gold? I was looking at new, gold PSUs.

Gold is fine. There's not a huge difference going with a slightly more efficient unit.

That said, if I could buy an EVGA or Seasonic platinum unit at the same, or couple dollars more than their gold version, I would.

Just ignore the "Get a seasonic titanium or platinum PSU for your equipment sake", as that's just.....I'll try to put this nicely, just pure hyperbole.

A quality gold unit is not going to hurt your components, or be harder on them than a platinum or titanium unit would be.

 

[marcplante]

Thanks. I can pick up a Corsair TX750m gold for 79 plus a 20 rebate. Pulling the trigger tonight.

Thanks

 

[marcplante]

I got a deal on a new TX750 at Newegg so I am good to go.

 

[michellebox]

I tend to always buy refurbished now and never have a problem. I make sure that I'm buying from a reputable company that has certifications and offers a lengthy warranty.
I also like to check out the processes the company goes through so the testing for defaults etc.

I've never had a problem but always done my homework.