The power supply unit is a crucial yet one of the most overlooked components of a desktop PC. Knowing how long this integral part of a computer lasts can help users take necessary actions sooner rather than later to ensure the longevity of their PC setup.
So how long can a power supply unit last? Can we get an idea about it from its warranty period? What are the things that affect its longevity?
Read ahead; you’re in the right place to find the answers to all of these questions.
Check out our recent article on what Power Supply do I have.
How Long Do Desktop Power Supply Units(PSUs) Last?
Under moderate usage, a power supply unit can last up to 5 years. After this time, it becomes less efficient, affecting overall system stability. But premium quality PSUs from reputable brands can last up to 10 years.
To be honest, there’s no absolute age to how long a computer’s power supply can last. Brand PSUs with a 10-year warranty can last beyond their warranty period. Even PSUs with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty have also been known to last decades.
Consequently, if you’re bitcoin mining 24/7 on your PC, it will overstress the power supply & drastically reduce the lifespan of the PSU.
Heavy tasks such as streaming your gameplay for a prolonged period can keep the power supply at peak wattage, reducing the power supply’s longevity.
Also, check out our separate post on what happens if your Power Supply is too weak.
What PSU Warranty Says About Its Longevity
It is common practice to determine how long a product can last by looking at its warranty period. After all, if it is warranted for X amount of time, we can expect that the manufacturing company believed that this product would last up to X years.
So, what is the warranty situation of the power supply units in the current market? Let’s take a look at the PSU warranty period comparison table to analyze and get a clear-cut idea.
| PSU | Warranty | 80 Plus Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonic Prime Titanium TX-1000 | 12 Years | Titanium |
| XPG Core Reactor 650W | 10 Years | Gold |
| Corsair RM750x | 10 Years | Gold |
| Corsair CX450 | 5 Years | Bronze |
| EVGA 500 B1 | 3 Years | Bronze |
As you can see, the warranty period is directly tied to the quality and efficiency rating of each PSU model regardless of the brand. This suggests that we can extrapolate an educated guess about the actual lifespan of the PSU based on the warranty provided by the manufacturer.
But this is not the be-all-end-all type of conclusion.
Personally, I have used several PSUs on my own computer and built around 30 PCs for many people. Based on my years of expertise, I can say that PSUs can last 2-3 years beyond their warranty period or even die out early.
Furthermore, there are various other aspects that directly influence the lifespan of the power supply, which brings us to our next topic.
Follow our guide step-by-step to fix Computer not turning on Power Supply.
What Affects the Longevity of a Power Supply?
The quality of the internal components, power surge, dust and debris, cooling, workloads, etc can all impact the lifespan of a power supply unit. This is why it is crucial to choose a PSU from a reputable brand who are known for providing high-quality internal components.
Additionally, using a power supply that has a rated wattage very close to your overall system’s power consumption can also reduce the PSU longevity and might cause system stability issues.
So it’s always recommended to pick a power supply a tier above the total PC power consumption. Also, the ambient temperature & case airflow plays a vital role in the PSU’s longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace your PC power supply?
Generally, it would be wise to replace the power supply every 4-6 years (for a 5-year warranty product). If your computer’s PSU exceeds the 5-year age, it’s most likely time to replace it.
How do I know if my power supply is going bad?
You can know your computer’s power supply unit is going bad when your computer won’t even turn on. If the power supply is still operational & all the other PC components have become defective, the LED light or the PSU fan should still turn on.
Should I replace my 10-year-old power supply?
Yes. You shouldn’t keep a PSU beyond its warranty limit which ranges from 5-10 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Basically, the lifespan of a power supply unit depends on its components’ quality & workload. If you articulate the factors mentioned in this article, you can get an overall idea of how long your computer’s PSU might last.
That’s about it. If you have any further queries, let us know in the comment section below.
Have a nice day!
