How long should you use a power supply

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Warmonger101

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Oct 19, 2009
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I recently upgraded my gaming system and have a 2 1/2 year old Thermaltake 850W Toughpower, Model W0131RU left over. I'm about to build a new i7-920 based system for my wife. Can I trust this unit to last three more years? Despite its age, I'm sure it has less than 1k hours on it. Never had any issues with it and the case was always well ventilated.
 
Sure it should work just fine. I have power supplies over 9 years old on older systems and they work great. If you were hearing any odd buzzing/hissing noises or if it was acting in some strange way then I would say replace it.
 
Generally, as long as the fan and capacitors hold up, you can keep using the PSU.

Fans apparently last anywhere from 10,000-150,000 hours (1 year = 8766 hours), the worst usually being thin-shafted ones with sleeve bearings.

Old Antecs (SmartPower, original TruePower) have been known to fail in just 2-3 years because of their Fuhjyyu brand capacitors. OTOH my Sanyo TV, made with Sanyo capacitors, has needed only two replacements -- in 33 years.
 
my setup has been running for.... I'm wanting to say 5+ years now? almost always 24/7.

can't remember exactly what brand it is though.

but it's a tough power supply :)
 
I would say if it doesnt fail with in the 1st year it will last like 10yrs if not stressed to the max constantly
 
Power Supply operating life can be affected by many factors such as the average load rate, Power surges, and ambient temperature. You might have bought a 850 watt power supply 2 1/2 years ago but it may be as efficiency as a 750 watt now. I would check my voltages. If they are good and your not trying to run two 295 GTX then keep it.
 
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