Can I use my PSU from 2005/06 on a new build? Antec Truepower 430

[FearoftheNight]

Hey guys. Was wondering if I could get away with using the Truepower 430 for a new build? I won't be doing anything too crazy like SLI or anything.

 

[dac7nco]

Yes, you can.

 

[thescreensavers]

I believe the antec of that time used some Caps which degraded with heat. Which is why people did not use them. I had a Smart power no idea if it uses same caps as yours. But it still worked great.

 

[Athadeus]

I had one of those (if it really isn't the 'new' version), pretty sure it was the same model number, that I got in 03 that died late last year. Tested the computer with another one, nothing was damaged, but ended up junking the computer. 7 years isn't bad, especially considering it was not cleaned much at all for the last 3 and might have suffered from dust/cat hair buildup.

 

[FearoftheNight]

I had one of those (if it really isn't the 'new' version), pretty sure it was the same model number, that I got in 03 that died late last year. Tested the computer with another one, nothing was damaged, but ended up junking the computer. 7 years isn't bad, especially considering it was not cleaned much at all for the last 3 and might have suffered from dust/cat hair buildup.

so is that a yes?

 

[BoomerD]

PROBABLY.

It's hard to give a definitive answer without knowing your exact hardware specs, and there's no way for us to know what kind of shape your PSU capacitors are in...but it SHOULD be OK...but there's no guarantee.

 

[FearoftheNight]

is there a tangible chance this psu could adversely affect my other components?

 

[Kenmitch]

is there a tangible chance this psu could adversely affect my other components?

Do you feel lucky?

There is a chance that you could use it and everything is fine....But on the other hand there is also a chance that it won't. May not happen right away but the possibliliy of failure is always there.

If your just trying to save a buck on the build then the power supply should not be the place to look....After all it's the heart of the system!

 

[infoiltrator]

If you can use tools remove cover (do not stress fan plug/wires). Clean inside and fan. IF you see any bulged caps replace psu. Examples available at Bad Caps website.
Check 12 volt wattage requirement of new build against wattage available.
I have a TruePower Trio 430, 3 12 V rails at 16A each. No load should exceed 16A 192 watts per rail.
Given the age, its possible to have out of specification problems. Given that you were/are using it without troubles you should be fine.

 

[Athadeus]

so is that a yes?

Depends on what will be in the new PC (how much load it will put on the old PSU). There's always a risk that even the best PSUs could damage components.

 

[HOOfan 1]

is there a tangible chance this psu could adversely affect my other components?

Considering that the junk capacitors used were on the Secondary...yes, yes indeed they can damage your components.

 

[FearoftheNight]

alright guys. my old pc was like 1 gig of ddr ram...amd 3000+ and a x1950 agp with 3 sata hdds...my new pc will prob be like a dual core sandbridge..4 gigs of ram and $200 video card...

Does that sound safe? or near the limit as it is?

 

[HOOfan 1]

I'd upgrade the PSU.

Something like this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139018

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371030

 

[nyker96]

My also support upgrading, I used to have that TP430, but it's low efficiency and build quality is soso. Get a antec Earthwatt as replacement, they are real workhorses, 80% efficient and has better build quality than that TP line they used to have. They'll essentially pay for themselves by saving you headache and energy.

 

[j03h4gLund]

Considering the fact that many people believe the PSU is the #1 most important component in a PC, I'd recommend upgrading. I recommend Antec!

Here's a short article explaining why the PSU is so important.

http://technicallyeasy.net/2010/12/what-is-the-most-important-component-in-a-computer/

 

[Zap]

If you can use tools remove cover (do not stress fan plug/wires). Clean inside and fan. IF you see any bulged caps replace psu.

Bolded. Basically just open it up as it is out of warranty, and look for failing capacitors. If all look fine and the PSU still works, keep using it. If any capacitors look like they are bulging, cracked, leaking (from top or bottom) then do not use it.