What ways are there to make a psu last longer?
The best way to obtain maximum PSU life is to buy a good quality unit that is adequate for the load and use the computer in a well ventilated location. That and ensure that all vents are clear and all fans are working properly. The quality of the PSU is very important. Cheap units may not supply adequate current even when used within nominal power ratings. They also do not like to die alone but like to take the motherboard and other components with them. A cheap power supply is a poor way to economize.
The only way to make it last is not to turn it on. When it does go, replace it with a top quality psu.
Along with use, heat may play a part in the life of a psu. 1/3 of highway deaths are caused by drunks. The rest are by people who can't drive any better than a drunk.
Are you referring to a laptop power pack?
The best way to obtain maximum PSU life is to buy a good quality unit that is adequate for the load and use the computer in a well ventilated location. That and ensure that all vents are clear and all fans are working properly. The quality of the PSU is very important. Cheap units may not supply adequate current even when used within nominal power ratings. They also do not like to die alone but like to take the motherboard and other components with them. A cheap power supply is a poor way to economize.
LMiller7 FTW!
Don't overload it. Keep it dry and cool. No physical abuse.
-Don't run the PC on a circuit shared with an air conditioner, large furnace blower, microwave, large appliance, etc. -Have it connected to a good surge protector or a good UPS (and avoid the cheap standby units--these output a modified sine wave (aka square wave) instead of a pure sine wave when running on battery power. Not healthy for any power supply).
-Unplug the power and network connections during a thunderstorm, even if it is connected to a good surge protector/UPS.
Socket 939 | Dual-core Opteron 185 @ 3.2GHz | 4GB | 1.0TB | Win7 x64
GeForce GTX 460 1GB | X-Fi Ti Pro | A8N32-SLI Deluxe | Antec P182
Above are all good answers. Also you may wish to use power strip on it when not in use. Be sure to turn off computer when not in use and turn off the power strip that has all the wall warts and monitor connected to it. Saves electricity too.
1/3 of highway deaths are caused by drunks. The rest are by people who can't drive any better than a drunk.