PSU upgrade -- when is it needed?

[wosa]

Hello! Long time fan of Anandtech, but I've been on a hiatus from computers for awhile. However, I've recently decided to build a desktop. I discovered in the process that my 7 yr old computer was worthless (literally), so I went with a new setup:

(Case P180)
CPU: i5 2500K
GPU: Radeon 6870
mobo: ASUS P80Z LX
RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR3 1333 (1.5v)
SSD Patriot Wildfire 120
Other: 7yr old DVD drive

PSU: Antec NEO HE 550W
I realized that this item might be usable despite its age. (*Note: I purchased this PSU about 7yrs ago. It worked fine the last time I turned it on ~1.5 yrs ago.) However, I haven't researched into changing technology.

1) Is it possible/safe to use this old PSU to power my new machine?
2) Is it better to invest in a new PSU like the OCZ ZS? (slickdeals --> http://slickdeals.net/f/3893672-OCZ...5-shipped-after-25-MIR-and-20-Newegg-Giftcard)


Many thanks in advance for the guidance!
-wosa

 

[Johnny Doe]

1) Is it possible/safe to use this old PSU to power my new machine?

Yes. How long has it been used, and what kind of load did it see for that time being?

2) Is it better to invest in a new PSU like the OCZ ZS?

Depends on the condition of your unit. If it's still useable, then the ZS would be a downgrade from your Neo HE. The ZS is a budget unit built by a Chinese company called Great Wall. The Neo HE OTOH is an excellent SeaSonic S12 unit:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-NeoPower-550-Power-Supply-Review/361/10

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/OCZ/ZS_750W/9.html

 

[know of fence]

A check list from the top of my head. Modern PSUs have:

- 24pin (or 20+4) instead of 20 pin mainboard connectors
- SATA power plugs instead of molex
- several additional 6 pin 12 V connectors for video cards
- a bigger fraction of total power allocated to 12 V, I think
- active PFC correction, which helps if you are ever troubled by circuit breakers
- generally better efficiency (thanks to certification), even though more efficiency costs extra
- All modern PSUs including SeasonicUSA are made in the People's Republic of China.

 

[Johnny Doe]

Well the Neo HE is built on the SeaSonic S12 platform. In fact, it's one of the best iterations of that design, which is still used on PC P&C Silencer units. So it's in fact a well modern, great unit.

 

[wosa]

Yes. How long has it been used, and what kind of load did it see for that time being?

Depends on the condition of your unit. If it's still useable, then the ZS would be a downgrade from your Neo HE. The ZS is a budget unit built by a Chinese company called Great Wall. The Neo HE OTOH is an excellent SeaSonic S12 unit:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-NeoPower-550-Power-Supply-Review/361/10

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/OCZ/ZS_750W/9.html

Thanks so much for the info. The power supply is in good condition, just a little dusty. Before, it only powered a general CPU/GPU/MicroATX/HDD setup. No overclocking or anything, although the case did get extremely hot at times (bad ventilation in my room). I'll be setting up my system this weekend, so I'll find out then!