runnyriver :
It looks to me that card manufactures are fine over-estimating the PSU required. Why they don't just state the full load watt requirement for the card only is beyond me. I'm in the same boat, looking to get a 280x now and crossfire later. I'm going with a 750w psu. I checked out a few different power supply websites, and as of now I'm confident in my purchase. I'm by no means an expert.. so I'd recommend you get a 1200w PSU so you can't blame me for recommending too low a wattage.
I would imagine they do it that way to cover themselves for the shortcomings of low end PSUs. An 850W 80+Bronze and 850W 80+Platinum are entirely different animals. The platinum will last longer at peak load, and is far more likely just to shut down if it's overloaded, and will probably die without frying other hardware.
I'm getting a pair of MSI 280Xs and will probably stick with my 850W 80+ Gold. They say that each 280X draws 250W max under full load. You have to conservatively figure the average CPU draws 125-150W, MB 60-75W, BR-DVD 30-45W, HDDs are 10-20W each, estimate another 25W for fans and pretty lights and whatnot, and that's what you should be looking at for your total power needs. For a more exact power consumption figure you'll have to research the specs for each of your individual components.
I've always gone the way of a smaller high quality PSUs for the above reason coupled with other minor annoyances like loud fans and coil squeal. Higher end PSUs are also good for air cooled rigs as they often have modular cables that take up less space, and allow for better airflow in the case.