GamersNexus: "This is largely an Intel-based guide to saving power with BIOS C-state stepping (C6 / C7) and other features, like Power Decay Mode, EIST, and Load-Line Calibration."
BIOS flashing can achieve results that are better than standard overclocking.
Neocrisis - The BIOS is the basic input/output system of a PC. The BIOS work with applications and the operating system, in order for the computer to successfully operate.
Digitimes: Weak PC sales have impacted BIOS designers such as Insyde Software, Phoenix Technologies and American Megatrends (AMI), prompting them to start taking measures to deal with the impact, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.
I agree with their recommendation to buy a high efficiency 80+ Gold or Platinum Power Supply, but I feel that just tacking on 100W to what you think you need is less accurate. I feel it is better to estimate off a percentage.
If you already have a good feel for how much power you need a 10% contingency (10% more than you need at max load) on the wattage should be enough, if you are more unsure increase this to a 20% contingency.
The reason I would recommend 10-20% over your expected max load is that 80+ Gold and Platinum power supplies hit their best efficiency ranges when they are near or above 80% load. Believe it or not if you only utilize 50% of what a power supply is capable of under load you'll be wasting more watts to heat than actual use in the system.