Re-use Corsair HX520 for new build?

[BoomerD]

Thank you for bumping this thread. I have an HX520 from 2007 that's been dormant for a few years now (only used maybe a total of 5 years max) that I've been thinking about reusing to replace my sister's CX430M from 2015 (her rig is running a Ryzen 1600 + GTX 1660, no OC). It's good to see someone still using one today!

I wouldn't hesitate. These are excellent quality PSU's. I have an HX620 in a rig that 2as first installed in 2007. Got very regular use until I bought my pre-built 2 years ago. I've used that desktop a few times since. No problems at all.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Lifespan is a function of temperature in most cases (given same PSU/model) and that can be a big variable, depending on case airflow, dust buildup, load which is not just the parts but use for extended gaming sessions or video encoding, etc where it's a heavy load for extended periods of time.

An old timer's rule of thumb is that for each 10C decrease in temperature you double the lifespan. I'm not confident that was ever accurate, nor as applicable today, but temperature can still make a large difference in lifespan, especially if the PSU doesn't have top shelf japanese capacitors and a quality fan, not just some 2nd tier sleeve bearing fan even if they give the sleeve bearing a fancy name.

Thermal compound between the MOSFETs and heatsinks tend to dry up too. Just like they do on your CPU and GPU.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Thermal compound between the MOSFETs and heatsinks tend to dry up too. Just like they do on your CPU and GPU.

Interesting point, never really thought of that before. Of course not all of us do teardowns on PSUs or really think critically about what we're seeing when someone else does a teardown.