EliteDesk 800 G4 SFF - Upgrade

[linuxun]

I'm trying to convert a system to a different purpose. It is currently an:
HP EliteDesk 800 G4 SFF, i5-8500 3.0GHz, 32GB RAM, 500GB m.2 SSD, Windows 11

I'd like to convert it to a Linux Proxmox virtual server.
And, I want to pack as much storage of whatever type that it's PSU can handle reliably.

Question:
1) I don't know how to calculate what is the best combo (and how many) of SSD/HDD that the system can support?
2) If the PSU can't support all that can go on the mobo, how much storage can I install?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

---------

On the board:
SSD1 M.2 solid-state drive (currently 500GB)
SSD1 M.2 solid-state drive (empty)

SATA0 (empty)
SATA1 (empty)
SATA2 (empty)

X4PCIEXP long expansion slot (empty)
X1PCIEXP1 short expansion slot (empty)
X1PCIEXP2 short expansion slot (empty)
X416PCIEXP long expansion slot (empty)

PSU 250W active PFC (factory) - 90/92/89% efficient at 20/50/100% load (115v)

Storage options on hand:

3.5" SATA - 1gb,  2gb x3,  4gb x2.

I'm not against purchasing a 1gb PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD drive for the open slot,

and another 1gb with a M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter.

Generic results of wattage research:

4-7w - 1 TB, M.2 2280, PCIe NVMe TLC SSD
7-9w - 1 TB 3.5" SATA HDD (up to 25w during initial spinup)
9-12w - 4 TB 3.5" SATA HDD (up to 25w during initial spinup)
65w - Intel Core i5-8500
15w - Intel UHD Graphics 630

The PSU limit is the core question I guess.

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@linuxun,

Welcome to our HP Community Forum!

An HP EliteDesk 800 G4 SFF can 'pack' an enormous amount of storage.  Honestly, your only limit is your budget.

I upgraded this desktop in 2022, with more storage than I really needed (4 drives with a combined 6TB), but it was a 'proof-of-concept' build: Solved: Upgrading HP EliteDesk 800 G4 SFF - HP Support Community - 8523990, and here is my UserBenchMark reference: HP EliteDesk 800 G4 SFF Performance Results - UserBenchmark.  If you don't need the PCIe x16 slot, you can add another M.2 NVMe SSD by using a PCIe to M.2 NVMe SSD adapter.  If you have the budget to purchase 8TB+ drives, so much more power to you: it will work just fine.

However, once you start adding drives and such, perhaps it would not be a bad idea to upgrade your power supply to a 400-watt unit, which has p/n: 942332-001.  You can purchase this PSU online, such as via eBay: HP 942332-001 for sale | eBay.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[linuxun]

Thanks alot!

Just the answer I was looking for.

I knew the pocketbook would take a hit.  I've heard good things about the 800 G4 for the purpose I intend.

I guess I'll stick a Kill-a-watt meter in the wall and start adding things and watch the power draw numbers.  If I get anywhere near the PSU's max output, I'll visit eBay for the 400-watt unit.

Thanks again!

[NonSequitur777]

@linuxun,

You're welcome.

Good idea to measure the wattage usage.  Your 250-watt power supply may do the job, but if it is the case that your HP EliteDesk 800 G4 SFF starts pulling 200+ watt (given its power supply's 92% power efficiency), you may consider upgrading your power supply.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[linuxun]

Update > (NonSequitur777):

The 500gb 2.5" boot ssd pulled about 22 watts during spin up.  Then 16 watts total for the system at idle.

Added two additional 3.5" hhd's (4tb x 2).  Power drain during boot for all three was 90-95 watts.  After that at idle, 22-25 watts.

This system is primarily for data backup, so I don't see any issue with it's 250w power supply. Even if I add another 32gb of ram to bring the total to 64. I was really surprised how quiet the box is.

I ran into two issues:

1) During install of the 3.5" hhd's.  The frame has some sort of green-tabbed clip rails which I'm guessing is for standoff screws placed in the body of the drives.  Anyone know of what screws they are, or an Amazon link?

2) I need to get into the Bios and I was prompted with administrator password.  I researched for the default password and came up with "hp****nt" which did not work.  I guess I'll have to reset the bios admin password.  Is there a link that describes the correct procedure to do that for this model?

Thanks!

[NonSequitur777]

@linuxun,

1.) You mean these: Amazon.com: Create idea 12PCS Hard Drive Mounting Screws Compatible with HP 2.5 Inch HDD 6000 6005 P...?

2.) Unfortunately, I cannot go beyond what HP allows me to post: HP Business PCs - Forgotten or Lost BIOS Password | HP® Support.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[linuxun]

Thanks for the link!

I solved the other problem by consulting the service manual.

[NonSequitur777]

@linuxun,

Outstanding!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777