500+w PS now almost mandatory?

This is a companion to my earlier CPU query. I am amazed at how many forum posts/reviews associated with the Athlon64 compatible MBs highly recommend 500+w PS! It seems to me when looking at power consumption of these newer processors (and peripherals) that requirements for volts/amps/watts should in fact be reduced. Am I missing something or are people confusing inferior PSs for required power output? I've always used HQ PSs in previous builds and have never had a failure even when running as much as 4-5 fans, 5 HDs, Athlon XP 1.8, , AGP + PCIs and ABIT KT7-Raid all off a 340w Enermax. (lol, guess this proves my most recent build was ages ago. ;) I have a new 360w Enermax laying around and was expecting to put it to use in the new build but all the power talk has me wondering. Are all the new boards power hungry or are there a lot of wolves out there? Any insight would be appreciated. Regards!

Try this calculator :) My P4 server at work uses 90W total.

Nice link Sirber! My conservatively "heavy" calculation comes in at under 300w! This compares well to an article I read not too long ago on a PS oriented site. The author/tester/reviewer stated that touting big watts is more a sales ploy for manufactures than a requirement for MOST systems. He went on to make note that rarely is there a need for more than 275w-350w...seems he may not be in lala land afterall. ;-) Looks like my Enermax is good to go! Thanks for the info!

You're forgetting one thing: that 400W PSU is only 400W peak load; you need to look at the sustained load the PSU can handle. If your computer needs 300W sustained, you may need a 400W PSU because the 400W is peak and only supplies 325W sustained.

I knew about the calculator. Thanks for the infos about peaks :) Solution: always having the PC online :D

I agree with *.mp4 guy: a 500W no name PSU is often worse than a brand name 400W PSU, regarding sustained power and stable voltage output under load.