testing a used PSU

the_metal · Feb 8, 2017

I'm thinking about buying a used PSU from the tier one list. Most of the time a seller will say it's a perfect PSU, but only using it will prove if that's right. I'm wondering how safe is it to test a used PSU which it's condition isn't truly known on a PC. Can it damage the MOBO or the GPU? Is there a safe method to test the PSU on a system (ex: i7 with a high end GPU) without damaging it's components. I'm thinking about a PSU which is 20% more than the recommended PSU. So if the recommended PSU is a 500W then I'm gonna buy a 600W or above PSU. What's your advice?

vrumor · Feb 8, 2017

A PSU can take out an entire system. I wouldnt buy a used PSU period. It is the single most important part of your system. Buy a new one off the Tier 1 list.

DSzymborski · Feb 8, 2017

the_metal :

Not even simple use will prove if that's right - nobody would ever evaluate heart health by just noting the simple fact that the person is not dead at that moment. To properly test a PSU, you need very specialized, expensive, equipment. And since 99.99999% or so of people selling used PSUs don't have this, their assertions that the PSU is fine is essentially worthless.

The PSU is the most important part of your PC. You say you have an i7 and a high-end GPU. To now go to a PSU of unknown use is like shelling out your cash for a moonroof and fancy lighting for your car but then using tires you found at the city dump.

Eximo · Feb 8, 2017

500-600W power supplies aren't terrifically expensive, you can get a decent one for around $55.

Size your power supply so that your 100% load value is between 50% and 80% of the rating on the power supply, this is where they are most efficient. If you have plans for more components in the future, you can plan ahead a little on the size.

the_metal · Feb 8, 2017

@vrumor
Thanks for your advice. I'll try to buy a new one.
@DSzymborski
Thanks for your advice. I don't have an i7 or a high end gpu at the moment, but I was saying it as an example. What do you think about PSU testers? Are they reliable? If not, what is the cheapest reliable hardware that can truly test a PSU and determine it's current condition?
But anyway I'll try to listen and buy a new PSU.
@Eximo
Should I use a PSU calculator or should I just add the power consumption of the CPU and GPU and the rest of the components manually?

DSzymborski · Feb 8, 2017

the_metal :

A real power supply tester, rather than a "tester" that sees if the power supply is simply functional on a basic level, can run you into the thousands. It doesn't make sense to purchase unless you do professional reviews of PSUs or have a business related to this.

Use a PSU calculator, but keep in mind they tend to err on the side of overestimation.

the_metal · Feb 8, 2017

@DSzymborski
Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

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