Symptoms of Dying Power Supply

[Freerunner]

I was wondering what are some more common symptoms of a power supply that may be going bad. The one I have is 8 years old and I see by some comments that it probably should be replaced. No problem doing that but was wondering if it is already telling me to do so. Thanks

 

[beers]

Usually they get less efficient over time as the components wear. This also brings the total wattage availability down.

If it's 8 years old and was a cheap or inefficient unit you can get ROI over time by replacing it with a higher efficiency unit.

What model is it?

 

[Freerunner]

I don't think it was cheap. It was purchased through here when this forum helped me build this computer.
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V

 

[johnb35]

Those have 5 year warranties. I have the 650 watt model of that one. What are the rest of your specs as far as cpu and video card? Something like that could last 10 years or so. Mine is like 6 years old but will be replaced when building a new pc this year or early next.

 

[Freerunner]

The CPU and MB are still original. Graphics was changed in May last year. I'm not against replacing, I just want to make sure I replace with something as good or better.

CPU: Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
MB: Foxconn BloodRage GTI LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
GPU: XFX Radeon R9 380 R9-380P-4255 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 CrossFireX Support Double Dissipation XXX OC Video Card (May 2016)
Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
HD: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB (May 2016)
Display: Samsung U28E510D 4K Ultra HD Monitor (July 2017)
Heatsink: Prolimatech - Megahalems CPU Cooler - 775 / 1366 / 1156 - Rev B
Fan for Heatsink: COOLER MASTER R4-C2R-20AC-GP 120mm Case Fan
Case: COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower

 

[johnb35]

That system wouldn't be pushing that power supply to its limits. You might be around 500- 550 watts there. So you may have some time left.

 

[Freerunner]

But I'm still wondering if it's possible that it is weakening. And I was wondering if there might be symptoms that would lead me in that directions. Maybe something with hardware functionality?

 

[johnb35]

The only way to really tell would be put it at max load and use a tester to check output wattage and voltage. The motherboard bios may tell you what the voltages are, but thats at idle, not at load.

 

[Freerunner]

OK, with that being said, and maybe I should ask this on another post, but I'm also wondering about replacing the mb. It's original and not sure if newer ones would work more efficiently with Win 10?

 

[johnb35]

ut I'm also wondering about replacing the mb

If you do that, you'll need a new processor and memory as socket 1366 has been dead for some time. You would have to move to socket 1151 or 2066, which would require ddr4 ram and a new cpu.

 

[Freerunner]

I'm good with that, but I'll need some help. Should I move to a new post? I'll need recommendations with newer versions of what I already have and then questions about the actual replacement. And as long as I'm replacing should I also go ahead and replace the power supply?

 

[johnb35]

I probably would. Start a new thread if you want recommendations on what to get. Does the system handle everything you want it to though?

 

[Freerunner]

Yes, actually I overbuilt, but I was OK with that and I would like to stay that way. Initially I said that I was going to make it a gamer because I wanted to have the ability to play games on it, if I decided.

 

[beers]

If you aren't having any problems then I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure you dust it out every once in a while and that the fan still works.

I'm also wondering about replacing the mb. It's original and not sure if newer ones would work more efficiently with Win 10?

Just swapping out the board doesn't give you any benefit.

 

[Freerunner]

OK, thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it.

 

[strollin]

In my experience, PSUs don't give any warning before "going bad". Most of the time they work 100% one second and die completely the next second.