Power Consuption

[PMM]

So whats all this hype then about needing like 550W of power, if actual consumption is pretty low? I'd say the minimum one needs for a system is 350W for the average gamer should suffice!

Man all this amps is amputaing my brain!

Because of the draw on different voltage rail's

A power Supply will supply X watts as a combined total of the 3.3v/5v/12v/-5v/-12v etc etc

What a PSU cannot do is supply that all to one Rail so each voltage has a max
rating that's combined in total to make a rating.

Now if a PC consumes alot of power on one rail more than the others you can
in essance be drawing more power than it can supply remembering its limited
by its capacity per voltage rail e.g. 12v line rated to 240watts max 5v rated to 180w.

Another aspect is the watts quoted are the ideal at 25deg you PSU trust me
will not be a 25degs A good example is Qtec 550w its true rating is more like 325w at running temp of 40deg.

If that makes sense?

[PMM]

2450mhz 1.98v its all the girls got, think I've just found the cpu limit of this shuttle motherboard as its stable upto 2450 but throws a benny at anything over and FSB speed is in spec cpu temps in spec unless heat inside is crippling the northbridge
only passive cooled as I nicked fan to go into the A64 Shuttle.

Idle = 0.9a (216W) 3dmark= 1.10A (264W).
So add say extra 70W for a top brand Gfx little extra headroom for clocking
and I say 350-360w is prob max for most systems not using any watercooling.

Does not mean a 410W PSU is suitable though see earlier comments