Lifetime Expectancy

[Dun]

I recently upgraded my somewhat antiquated system (roughly 2 years old) from/to:

CPU: AMD64 3200+ // Intel Q6600
GPU: Radeon 9800 Pro // HD4850
Mobo: ASUS A8VDeluxe // Gigabyte UD3P
RAM: 1GB DDR 266 // 4GB DDR2 800

1 Optical and 1 HD

but haven't yet upgraded the PSU (Blue Storm AX500-A, max output 460W), but will likely order the Antec EA650 ($49.99 FS seems like a steal). So far it's ran without a problem, though I haven't had the chance to test with any games yet.

That said. is there a maximum amount of time, on average, one should use a PSU before retiring it? Also, am I risking anything by using it to power this system in the meantime? Are there are visible/obvious signs or symptoms of impending failure? After replacing it I will likely use it to power the old system. Reported voltages are:

Rail // BIOS // Speedfan
+3V // 3.328 // 3.33
+5V // ------ // 5.03
+12V // 12.112 // Garbage (1.02)

Appreciate any insight.

 

[Uberbob102000]

Forget software voltage, it has a massive margin of error.
I don't think you'll have any problems in the mean time, so play games, wait for your PSU, Install and enjoy.

 

[BillR]

Over time capacitors can dry out and fail. IF you are out of warrantee and IF you trust yourself to pop the top look at the tops of the Caps for bulging and or leakage. Look for leakage at the bottoms as well.

Then look at the sides for bulging as well. Blow out all the dirt and dust bunnies with a Can 0 Air and if the fan isn’t noisy it should be fine.

As the man above said, use a proper voltmeter to check voltages, never rely on software or the bios.

This is how I check for wear so to speak, I don’t like PSU failure and admittedly I’m a bit extreme.