Can subpar PSU prevent good overclocking results?

[LukFilm]

Just wondering, my P4 1.6A@2.3 works well at 1.6, but even 1.7 doesn't help it make it to 150MHz FSB (2.4GHz) when I know it should be able to. Is my PSU the culprit?

 

[BlvdKing]

I suspect that it can be. I will let you know tonight when I get back home with my new Antec true 430 watt (if it's in stock).
I will be upgrading from an enlight 300 watt.

 

[BlvdKing]

NOPE, didn't help a bit. Still no 2.4 for me with an Antec Trupower 430 watt.

 

[Schnieds]

Lukfilm,

What motherboard are you using? The motherboard and FSB ratio makes a huge difference in results...

 

[Lizardman]

Lukfilm It all depends. I am using a Generic 300Watt Deer PSU that came with my case and i can get my 1.6A to 2.7 at 1.54Vcore and its stable. the 5v and 3.3v lines are stable too. I would say your PSU is the cause of your "less than expected" overclock if the 5v and 3.3v lines are unstable. To determine if they are stable or not put your system underload say by prime95 then use MBM and check to see how much they go up and down by. My 5V line stays between 5.03 and 5.00 while my 3.3 stays between 3.25 and 3.28.

If you voltages flux a lot more than that say 2% I would say your power supply is too weak and you should get a new one. BUt generic doesnt always mean bad. Such as in my case

Good luck in your Overclocking

 

[BlvdKing]

With the Antec Trupower 430, my voltages are as follows:
3.22
4.95
11.67
-11.78

This is with the CPU under load (SETI). I think my motherboard is the culprit. It is the MSI 845 Ultra ARU. What kind of motherboard are you using LukFilm?