Should PSUs be replaced after so many years?

[Max Dread]

Hi there

I built a PC in 2008 and used a Seasonic SS-400ET power supply. It is still working fine.

However, I am changing a few bits in the PC and giving it a major clean at the same time. I wondered if anyone could tell me what the working life of this power supply is roughly likely to be? Does it reach a number of years at which it is a good idea to replace a PSU even if it is working fine? Or am I worrying about nothing?

If it IS a good idea to change it "just in case", have there been any changes to the SS-400ET model since 2008? I noticed that some of the ones for sale now state "80 PLUS Bronze". Is that something new and something I need to consider?

Many thanks

Max

[edh]

I wouldn't replace it just because of age alone. That's a waste of money.

[CA_Steve]

In general, no. There is some deration of the max power as the components age. If I were putting in a new CPU/mobo, I'd consider a new PSU for decent efficiency, bigger/quieter (or possibly no) fan.

[Max Dread]

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Is there any software test or benchmark which could test the current state of my PSU?

I'm not in a rush to replace. It just seemed a logical time to think about it while I am giving it a thorough clean out (and replacing the GC, and adding another HD). I am tempted by the idea of a passive PSU. Are they quite new to the market (as in post-2008)? Just cannot remember considering them when I built the PC and I am sure I would have done if they were readily available.

Unless of course the PaQ case REQUIRES a PSU with a fan because of how the way air flows through the case. Does anyone familiar with the PaQ have thought on this?

Cheers

[edh]

Is there any software test or benchmark which could test the current state of my PSU?

Not exactly. If however you use Prime95 and Furmark and your PSU explodes then that's a sign something is wrong.

You could use an oscilloscope or some other specialist equipment to measure the power output but without knowing enough about PSU design itself, there would be no point in trying. I simply wouldn't worry about it.

I am tempted by the idea of a passive PSU. Are they quite new to the market (as in post-2008)?

There were a small number of passive PSUs around in 2008 like the Silverstone Nightjar but they were a niche product, expensive and questionable performance wise. In 2010 the Seasonic X fanless models were released and that's really when passive PSUs became common place.

I wouldn't to upgrade PSU for the sake of it. It won't pay for itself in efficiency terms, will give you no better performance and in terms of silence, that's questionable unless your old PSU is really bad anyway. What PSU do you have?

[CA_Steve]

What PSU do you have?

It's in the first post.

[xan_user]

id only consider it, if the inside was very dirty. like a if it operates in a high dust or lots of pet traffic type situation.

[CA_Steve]

Maybe you could list the current components and what you are thinking of getting...

[joelmusicman]

The other possible reason is as a troubleshooting method if your computer blue screens a lot. Most of those are caused by either bad memory or power issues.