Built a 'small form factor' computer....how fast can I push it?

Question

...so anyway, the gf's demands on what we can have in our 44sq m place in Copenhagen has forced me to build a small form factor computer'.

Now, what I'd like to know, is how far can I push this little device?

..as it only comes with a 200W PSU, and I don't want to melt the thing.

So far, I've added the following:

P4 531+ 3.0GHz (clocked at 3.42GHz and no crashes yet)
Twin s/w striped hard disks (7200rpm IDE &7200rpm SATA)
Radeon 800rx 256MB 3D card
Audigy X-Fi sound card
1.5GB RAM
Optical drive is external Sony DVD RW D/L (some rest for the supply here)

So what is next guys?

I'm currently checking out 10k rpm SATA drives at the moment (as my m/b supports RAID for matching SATA drives). Would these be too much for the supply?

Also, what can be done with memory timings in the BIOS? I don't understand what to tinker with first?

Is the new 3.0GHz LGA 775 CPU ready for EBay already, in favour of a dual core or something?

Need more more more!

Any ideas?

Good thoughts there guys...

I actually found a 300W 'silent' PSU upgrade, but for a cool 60 pounds though...

Any ideas how much power my m/b might be consuming?

Thanks again.

Answer 1

You need 350-400W maybe 5-600 most likely if you can or use an external PS...200W is more suitable for powering Pentium II 233-333MHz with an IDE hard drive and CD-R/RW but it's a stretch towards 1 small HD, optical and a DVD player. I use 350W for a 700 MHz Slot A, CD, |CD burner and DVD-ROM with 10GB.

I think your CPU would starve seriously if left to fend like this. P4 is notoriously bad about putting out heat and killing itself if not cooled very well (oversized cooling a good thing).

I would highly suggest pulling it down and assuring it has enough juice, cooling and that the PS will handle the amperage at the least. All my knowledge points to a failure and loss of an expensive CPU. SATA may put a strain on it and as I understand the ATA drive should run UNDER the SATA or the optical. ATA-66 or 133 running an SATA means that access will be slower and harder. Put the fastest drive first

DO NOT OVERCLOCK A P4 WITHOUT ADEQUITE CURRENT AND COOLING!

You will watch it take up smoking...

Answer 2

What's next? I think you are very close to toasting your PSU.

Your P4 531 is an 84 watter and your Radeon 800rx could be a 40 watter (Pro & GT are 48W). Your PSU must be running hot and one or two caps could be pregnant in no time at all.

Get a higher rated PSU or shift to the more energy efficient components.

The C2D Conroes and Allendales are better performers at lower speed and wattage (65W).