When do you buy a new PSU? Poll 1

[Thorsson]

I've always bought a new PSU on substantial upgrades, largely because it has been necessary (new connectors, more power needed, etc.).

[D.M]

I like to buy a new PSU for each new build, otherwise it'll be like buying a new Merc and then adding your old & battered floor mats from your old Ford Escort

New build / New PSU

[arthurleung]

Since the age of Prescott is over, we can see the TDP of Core2Duo and Athlon64 / Phenom had not been going up at all. For everyone who is using 1~2 GPU, the power level is still roughly the same.

Not to mention we have already past the 5V -> 12V transition. Unless there is a radical change in the way a computer draw power from the PSU, is there any need to upgrade?

May be there will be PSU that have 90%+ Efficiency coming out in the near future, but 85% is not much less compared to 90%, so it is not a temptation to "upgrade".

And further consider Corsair PSU comes with 5-Year warranty, even if the PSU breaks in 5 years you can just RMA it.

P.S. My 2 previous Hiper PSUs died after 3 years (suprisingly they died within a 1 week window) just out of warranty

[-iceblade^]

New build = new PSU... even a graphics card upgrade can warrant a new PSU...

why take chances with not being able to power your components?

[Salazaar]

I generally buy a new PSU when I need a new PSU. I.e if my old one lacks the power for a new rig or if it's just plain broken, I won't buy one just for the sake of having one for a new build.

[Main]

Usually a new PSU for a new PC, although I do use those included with a case if it's custom built for a small case (Shuttle type or mATX etc.).

That said I may use my current PSU in my next build because it seems like it would be up to the task.

[Johnny Bravo]

Usually more on a time scale - if it's been more than 18-20months then yeah I usually upgrade the PSU

[Timmy!!!]

In the past I have always boughta new psu for a new powerful pc. I only choose quiet and efficient psu's that arn't rediculously expensive, but I dont mind spending a bit extra.

[TAKTAK]

i tend to buy a new psu, depends on how extreme the upgrade is, if its not particularly amazing i.e. ram knazzed then i wouldnt upgrade, but for substansial upgrades, new psu everytime, and new build is exactly what it says, its all new

[Flibb]

I tend to buy a higher PSU than I need, so that it can handle several upgrades.

[SiM]

I will reuse old PSU if it has enough power and is quite enough for new system...

[Goldfish92]

Well, I'm about to build a new PC and I decided to try and build a good LAN party rig in a Silverstone Sugo03 case. Usually I would use my exsisting PSU, but its a legnthy modular one and it would be too difficult to squeeze in so an 'upgrade' is in order.

Just out of interest, anyone know any PSU's that hande higher temperatures well an have a fan that shifts alot of air fairly quietly

[peterb]

Depends - if the case came with a reputable PSU, Id use that. If it was a minor upgrade, I'd use the existing. If it was a major upgrade or something unusual, I'd buy a PSU specifically for the build.

[lawrencetao]

I've always bought Antec cases as they're nice and cheap and pretty good quality, and most of them come with a fairly decent PSU. For my media centre PC which is on 24/7 I did change the power supply - it's important for the system to be absolutely reliable; and for my computer I changed the power supply for a quieter one. For friends and family, however, not needing a PSU to be silent or dependable under 24/7 load the one that comes with the case is more than adequate.

[hibby]

As a rule, if I need a new case then I get a new PSU. Mostly because my old PCs hang around with the intention of using them for something else (server, media centre, etc.), so they stay in the old case.

[M_Taylor40]

I used to just get any cheapo PSU, as long as it had a decent power output I just looked at cheapest but now with higher power requirements in most parts I look for reliablity and power rating over price.
Saying that tho, I still cant afford to spend £100 on a PSU when I need to get a GPU or anything as well so unfortunately even though it is a very important part, it gets pushed down the list for me.
M_Taylor40