The only point I was trying to get across was that a P4 does require a bit less power than an equivical Athlon system. It's just that with all the extra "stuff" we throw into our cases these days that the power difference is getting closer to nill.
Also I agree that an Athlon system will benefit much better from a "larger than actually needed" power supply. Personally, I am a bit nervous about building an Athlon system with "only" a 300W PSU.
Sorry that it sounded like I was contradicting myself
it happens................