First and foremost, I totally agree when buying a computer power supply, we should ALWAYS go with a quality model from a reputable maker. And you can go through 100s of my posts (or just look
here) and see where, when troubleshooting computer problems, I regularly recommend users swap in a known
good PSU since EVERYTHING inside the case depends on
good, clean, stable power - just to ensure they are providing good power, and to see if the problem stays or goes away.
And you can see where I regularly recommend going with a "reputable" brand (like EVGA or Seasonic "Golds" - not that "Gold" suggests better quality, it does not but that's a different discussion). That said, TT, while not known for top quality, is not a no-name generic brand, either.
However,
my point was to show even units that are operating within specs/arent defective, might warrant a swap (with a different brand unit).
Different brand? Why? Sorry but that really does not make any sense - on multiple points.
A reputable brand name does NOT ensure, or even imply the supply is
more capable of supporting the connected devices. Nor does going with an off-brand generic imply the supply is less capable. About the best we can truly assume is (1) going with a reputable brand suggests that most likely the device "will" meet "published" specs and (2) it will be less likely to fail prematurely. But those are NOT givens or absolutes!
We
must ASSUME, of course, the design specs meet or exceed the requirements to perform the task at hand. If not,
the user failed to buy the correct size for the job. For example, a lawnmower engine, operating within specs and not defective, is not designed to pull a travel trailer (caravan) around. So "of course" you would need a different vehicle and bigger motor with the capacity to pull that load.
Again, the OP has stated this PSU has been working fine - suggesting it has the capacity to do the job, and is NOT defective. So why spend money to replace it just because it is a TT (a brand we don't like) and not a EVGA or Seasonic (brands we do) when the TT appears to be working properly now? That makes no sense.
just because something isnt physically defective, doesnt always mean its working properly...
Not sure what you mean by "physically" or "working properly". What other kind of "damage" to inanimate objects is there?
If a device is not damaged (physically... or otherwise?), "AND" the device is the right tool/size for the job, "AND" the user/operator is using it properly, then yes, the device will be working properly.
What do I mean by user "using it properly?" I mean he/she selected the correct size for the job, is feeding it the right fuel, and is operating it in the correct operating environment (adequate cooling, not in the rain, etc.)
Again, as I have also said 100s of times, the power supply is NOT an area to trim the budget. So I do agree that buying a quality supply from a reputable brand is ALWAYS the wise choice.
I am just saying spending good money (or advising others to spend their good money) to replace something that apparently is working properly and is meeting their needs, just because we don't like the company name on the side, is not a wise use of money, or good advice.
I will also add this, then move on. For anyone who does their own tech support on their computers - or is the designated computer guy/gal for their family, friends or neighbors, then by all means, have a known good, spare PSU handy for testing purposes. And for the OP, if he fits that description and has no spare PSU, then perhaps buying a new, quality PSU from a reputable brand to put in this computer is a good idea, then he can use this TT as a suitable spare/test unit.
