Upgrading an Inspiron 531?

[Yerfdog]

You see, right now I have an Inspiron 531. It has two AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processors (4400+) clocked at 2.3 GHz, if my device manager is to be trusted.
It also has an integrated graphics chip (nvidia geforce 6150SE nforce 430). This obviously does not work well for gaming at all. Right now, I just want to be able to play games like Team Fortress 2 and Counterstrike Source well. Right now, I'll be lucky if it runs TF2 at 30 FPS on the lowest settings possible. Without any action going on. I've done a bit of research and it appears that the PSU that came with this computer (my dad bought it back in 2007, I think), wouldn't be powerful enough for a new graphics card.

Do you have any suggestions on what graphics card and power supply unit I would need to get to run TF2 and/or CS:S on high settings at 30 FPS and 1280x800 resolution? Any other upgrades I would need?

 

[MindoverMaster]

Man, that onboard video looks familiar...

That have a 300W PSU? 500-550W should be OK for you. Corsair rules!

What price range are you looking for a GFX? I have a Radeon HD5770. Very nice. Could also get a GTX 260.

 

[Yerfdog]

Well, preferably keeping the cost of the graphics card under $100.


Also, do any of you know if the motherboard that comes with the Inspiron 531 has PCI-E slots?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131381&cm_re=4830-_-14-131-381-_-Product

Saw that. Do you think it could handle it?


And yes, I think the Inspiron 531 comes with a 300W PSU.



Which PSU looks better to you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139019


I think my computer uses IDE HDDs.

Help?

 

[Trotter]

Yes, it has a PCI-E x16 slot.

Avoid the "Builder Series" as they are crap. I would suggest this PSU:
Newegg.com - Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply
$69.99 w/$5 off w/ promo code EMCZNNW24, ends 1/3/11 + $15 MIR

Oh, and this card:
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R485OC-1GH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

 

[Yerfdog]

Would the power connectors work for an IDE Hard drive?

And also, from what I'm asking for, wouldn't the 4830 be plenty?

Not to question your judgment, but truthfully, I'd probably have to get this as a birthday present, and my parents don't really have a lot to spend. So now I've started thinking it over more, and I'm thinking that total I would need to keep it under $130 (after rebate and shipping) with both the PSU and graphics card together.

 

[Trotter]

IDE drives use standard molex connectors so you will be fine.

Yes, the 4830 will suffice. I was just going by the $100 limit you posted.

If you want to keep it down then go with the 4830 and the Antec PSU and you will come out good.

 

[Yerfdog]

Thank you, my good sir.

Now to make sure I don't do anything to get on their bad side so that they will let me open up the computer and put these in when the day comes.


Oh, is this all I would need, or would I also need to get another fan as well? Because I really don't want to end up messing up the system by overheating it. >.>

 

[FairPlay]

If anyone is still around on this thread, the answer to the last question would really help me out.

 

[Slaymate]

Extra fans never hurt.

 

[FairPlay]

I see what you mean, is there a better cooling system that you would recommend?