Require assistance upgrading an Inspiron 531

[FairPlay]

Hey, well apologies if this has been posting 1000 times over but I do require quite personal assistance to my requirements. Thanks.

Well basically I have an Inspiron 531 from Dell and the time has come for me to upgrade my system. Though I need some help.

Currently I believe to have:
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
AMD Athlon 64X2 Duel Core Processor 5600+ [ 2.8gHz ? ]
2.0GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT

I would like to upgrade my graphics card to an NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 card. That's all okay, though I have read in many places that I would need to also replace it's power supply and perhaps maybe even the cooling system if I wished to do so.

Please can you assist me so that I know what I need to purchase for my computer, thanks alot.

 

[acerinpa]

First off- need your budget ....., then need to know what your planning on using the computer for ( ie. gaming = how intense, photo editing, serving ,etc. ) . If you decide on getting the new GPU card there is little doubt that you will need to replace the Power supply. YOU could also get an additional 2 GB of RAM and Upgrade to Win7 32 bit. I am no expert , but I remember for some reason Dells are not easy to upgrade. Might be the RAM. Please post budget and usage and we'll move forward from there.

 

[FairPlay]

I would say a budget of roughly £200, I purchased different RAM to the original also. Mostly the computer shall be used for gaming purposes, but not too intensely. Thanks for your response. I also think that the power supply that came with it is about 300W or something, don't quote me on that though!

 

[Trotter]

Yep, it is a 300W.
Documentation

 

[FairPlay]

So, would you say that I need a new PSU with an upgraded GPU?
Thanks for the response.

 

[Abstract Hero]

If you are using the stock 300watt that came with the PC I wouldn't even think about any bigger of upgrade until you get a new PSU.

 

[FairPlay]

Ah, okai then. What would be your recommended PSU upgrade wattage etc..? And if it's not too much could you recommend a model or brand also? I am new to this a bit.
Thanks for the response.

 

[FairPlay]

Anyone still around..?

 

[acerinpa]

I got a OCZ 550 watt for a great price before Christmas. So far it has been great.

 

[FairPlay]

OCZ would be..?
Okay I'll look at 550 wattage.
Thanks for the response.