PSU life

[wjgollatz]

How long will psu's typically last? I have a psu, not used for games, going 5 years. I need to build a new system, and I am wondering if I should spec a new psu, or use this one as it will have enough power.

Thanks

 

[bryanl]

It depends on the quality of the capacitors, and in practical terms their quality depends on their brands.

 

[Blain]

How long will psu's typically last?

Has the PS been fed by a high quality AVR UPS?

 

[wjgollatz]

Has the PS been fed by a high quality AVR UPS?

No - just plugged into a wall behind surge protectors.

 

[darkfalz]

Depends how often they are used, typical load on them and quality of components. Whilst those 1200watt ones are silly and overkill certainly invest in a quality one (600-750 watts is more realistic).

I've had several go on me and apart from the cheapo ones that just go "pop" one day while playing, it has usually started for me with the inability to resume from standby (it will run fine, but if you go to into standby and then come out of after an extended period, system just restarts instead).

 

[aigomorla]

Typically u can use them for at least 2-3 builds.

Meaning roughly time factor, as long as its not heavily stressed, id say 7 yrs...
After that the EPS standards change on the PSU's and you may want to get a new one.