Jumpexx

Seen a bunch of open-box 850W gold units popping up from the usual big-box retailers over the last week. From what I can tell these are mostly customer returns, not refurbs. Some still have the plastic on the fan grille, others look like they were mounted and yanked.

Question is: are these worth the gamble for a rig that runs 24/7? I've always bought new for PSUs because if the PSU goes weird it can take half the build with it. But the discount on a good 850W gold model is tempting, basically covers a couple of case fans or a tube of thermal paste.

Anyone actually run an open-box power supply for a year or more without drama? Or is this a hard skip no matter how cheap?

I've done it twice. One open-box 850W from a big retailer was basically brand new, just a torn box. Still running three years later in my Plex box. The other one had missing modular cables and a slightly bent EPS pin, sent it back the same day.

I'd say it depends on the retailer return policy. If you can return/exchange easily within 30 days and the unit is from a brand with a solid rep, maybe. If it's final sale or 'open-box, no returns,' absolutely not.

For a 24/7 box I'd want to at least load test it for a few hours before trusting it. And check the cable bag before you leave the parking lot.

Ok so I just bought an open-box 850W last month for my first build and now I'm a little nervous. I didn't know missing modular cables was common. My box had the cables in a bag but the bag wasn't sealed, just taped. I assumed that was normal.

Also quick question: could I just use modular cables from another power supply if I need a spare? I have an old 650W from the same brand and the connectors look the same. Would save me buying a whole set.

Sorry if that's a dumb question. This is my first modular PSU. Thanks for the warnings, I'll double check the cables tonight.