Reuse old PSU?

Z

zero_vertical

Gawd
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Jun 6, 2006
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I have an Enermax 720w PSU (modular) that's been a workhorse for me for years.

I'm in the middle of planning a new build, and I'm considering dropping it in the new box. It's quiet and has been rock solid for so long, I'm wondering if it's nuts to consider reusing it.

I'm not expecially tight on money, but what's the worse that could happen, right?

computerFire.jpg
 
How many years have you been using it for? I start getting paranoid when PSUs hit the 10 year mark.
 
Enermax generally make quality PSUs. I would start looking for a replacement, but you don't have to toss it just yet. Just wait until a nice deal comes along and keep it as a spare for when the Enermax dies (be sure to test it to make sure you don't get a DOA). Or keep the Enermax as a spare, whatever suits your fancy.

Quality PSUs die quietly. Low quality PSUs burn down your house, and can do it at anytime, not just when it's old.
 
It's 8 years old or so. I've had three from that era, all still crank.

Those things were beasts.

At this point, the cost of the rest of the rig probably warrants a new psu along with it, even though this will be a lower power user (no big video card, no spinning drive platters, etc.)
 
If it works, has great rails, and has all the connectors your need.......you might be better off keeping it when you consider a certain % of even top of the line supply are doa or aren't far from it....small chance yes but it happens. Keep it clean and gods know how long it will last if it was made on a good day lol...just my 2 cents
Which exact model is it btw?
 
zero_vertical said:
It's 8 years old or so. I've had three from that era, all still crank.

Those things were beasts.

At this point, the cost of the rest of the rig probably warrants a new psu along with it, even though this will be a lower power user (no big video card, no spinning drive platters, etc.)
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If you buy a new motherboard, the ATX version and requirements are going to be different than what we had 8 years ago. I would retire the old PSU. I never skimp or buy/use used PSU's in new builds.
 
Rav3n said:
If you buy a new motherboard, the ATX version and requirements are going to be different than what we had 8 years ago. I would retire the old PSU. I never skimp or buy/use used PSU's in new builds.
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While they are different, they aren't that different. The ATX spec hasn't changed dramatically since the introduction of 2.0 in 2003, almost 12 years ago. Minor revisions since then have primarily dealt with performance characteristics, like efficiency and ripple.

There really is no good practical reason to retire an old good quality or higher PSU besides the new system exceeding the old PSU's capacity.
 
Tsumi said:
While they are different, they aren't that different. The ATX spec hasn't changed dramatically since the introduction of 2.0 in 2003, almost 12 years ago. Minor revisions since then have primarily dealt with performance characteristics, like efficiency and ripple.

There really is no good practical reason to retire an old good quality or higher PSU besides the new system exceeding the old PSU's capacity.
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My point is... it IS different, and for a reason. ;) He would greatly benefit from a new PSU.
 
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