Is my PSU holding me back?

[yasoumalaka]

I have a Vantec 520a PSU and I'm trying to reach 4ghz. So far I can hit 3.8 stable. When testing my 12v line with a multimeter I'm getting readings of 11.74v. This occurs when I have all my fans running on high and vcore/mem/vagp @ 1.5/2.9/1.6. If my two raptors powered up I could imagine the 12v line getting real close to that 3% threshold. Does anybody have any suggestions? :rock:

[Snafu]

Without modding your PSU or replacing it, about the only thing I can think of is to eliminate some of the components drawing on your +12v rail.

Such as reducing the number of fans or running them at lower speed and maybe eliminating an optical drive (if you have two running).

I am afraid these are not very good suggestions for running 24/7 but about the only thing I can think of at the moment to try and get you up there.

[totalwise]

do pci devices hold you back too? or do they not matter as the motherboard will drain the same amount of power regardless of the pci devices???

also may i ask what is the point in reaching 4ghz? microsoft windows will still be slow, I've upgraded from amd 1800+ to 2800+ which is a fsb jump too, but i haven't noticed a hike in speed what so ever, i doubt the system will be any faster if i were to get a amd 64 4000+ or whatever

[Snafu]

Everything draws some power. PCI cards do it through the Mobo and do take some juice - how much I suspect depends on the card.

I suspect 4Gs is more for benchies and bragging rights (not many hit 4Gs on air). I went from a PIII to this P4 and noticed a huge difference. The biggest gains I have seen are boot-up times, opening and running apps. One bench to try is bootvis before and after upgrading to see if there are any improvements in boot time.

Cheers