Putting together a new build - time for a new PSU?

[Sho'Nuff]

So I am putting together a new build and, like my last three builds, I am contemplating replacing what is now an ancient (but still very good) power supply. For the last 8 years all of my builds have been powered with an ABS TAGAN BZ series 1100W 80+ efficieny power supply, which I bought in early 2007.

Details of the PSU can be found here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817814012

I of course recognize that the PSU is more than sufficient for even the most demanding modern builds, but I am starting to get concerned about its age. Moreover the manufacturer of the PSU went out of business years ago, and it is now impossible to get any more of the proprietary cables for it, which is frustrating because I am pretty much maxed out in terms of power connections.

Thoughts? Am I worrying about nothing or should I just bite the bullet and buy a new modular PSU for my next build?

 

[lehtv]

Yes, 8 years is definitely enough to retire a power supply.

Modularity shouldn't be your first concern in a new PSU. Modular cables are just a convenience, not an indicator of quality or stability. Buy a unit that's done well in reviews on sites like jonnyguru, techpowerup, hardwaresecrets, kitguru, xbitlabs.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I am aware that modularity is not a sign of quality. But I do know that I like modular PSU's for their convenience and that high quality module PSU's are available.

Anyone have any idea what the average service life for a PSU is? I remember 30+ year old power supplies being used in my college electrochem lab, so it would seem that they can last a long time.

 

[doubledeluxe]

That's a crazy looking PSU. Isn't there some way to test it? If it dies would it take anything else with it?

I see that the warranty on that thing is 3 years but there are EVGA ones that have 10 year warranties. So they can clearly last a long time if built right. I have a Silverstone SFX PSU with only a 1 year warranty but I obviously think it'll last longer than that.

 

[nsafreak]

PSUs can last a long time, it all depends on the quality of the components inside them although because of the way PC PSUs operate they do degrade over time. I remember seeing ads for those PSUs and though that the cables were a bit on the odd side but otherwise they looked like decent units. I suppose you have a couple of options:

1) Get a PSU tester or a multimeter (a good tool to have regardless) and see what the readings are on each of your rails. If they're still well within spec then I wouldn't see an issue to continue use of the PSU. If they're only slightly out of spec then it's probably still fine and in all honesty expected in a PSU of that age. However if they are a good bit outside of spec then perhaps it's time to get a new one.

2) Just get a new PSU, there are plenty of quality modular PSUs out on the market as you stated. I'd probably recommend looking at an eVGA SuperNOVA NEX G2 line myself although it's far from the only candidate.

 

[JimmiG]

Same here, bought the Corsair 450W back in 2007 and have been using it ever since. Still works fine but it's of course over 8 years old now. The voltages shown by hardware monitoring software and in the BIOS are within spec, so I guess it's OK?

 

[Blain]

Putting together a new build - time for a new PSU?

So I am putting together a new build and, like my last three builds, I am contemplating replacing what is now an ancient (but still very good) power supply. For the last 8 years all of my builds have been powered with an ABS TAGAN BZ series 1100W 80+ efficieny power supply

yes, it's time for a fresh PS with fresh components inside.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yeah. Unless the PSU has a 10-year warranty with high-quality Japanese-made capacitors throughout, then it's probably due for a replacement after 8(!) years. Plus, PSUs made these days have a much higher emphasis placed on efficiency than they did back then.