Gimme some input on my computer choice

[Roland]

I remember reading somewhere or other that the current on the 12 V rail(s) was far more important than total wattage for the majority of typical users - since all the "heavy" stuff (video card, CPU, etc) utilize the 12 V rail, the others are far less important.

I just recently got a case and PS, and the PS is only a 350 watt.  But between the two 12 V rails, it has almost 25 A, which appears to be much more than I need.  But then, this computer will never see more than two hard drives and a mid range CPU.

gekko
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Next to the CPU, the video card seems to have the highest demand for power. Sometimes it can even surpass the CPU. Don't kid yourself - wattage is equally important as anything else. However, if the power is "dirty" (i.e. a 12V rail is only sending 10V, or fluctuates between 10V and 14V), it won't matter how big the PSU is. You need clean, reliable power going to all the rails, as well as adequate total wattage to supply everything. Failure to have both will leave you hurting, guaranteed. That's why a QUALITY PSU is THE most important component to any PC.

For some, 350W is plenty. Most comp-in-a-box come with that much power. For many, though, especially hardcore gamers, or video editors, 450W and beyond is bare minimum, at least for comfort. I have 480W, and it suits me fine. But 350W? I'd blow that up long before I even connected my video card, even though that's the "minimum" required for my video card. I know, because that's how I got my 480W. ;)