Computer Able to Handle Graphics Card Upgrade?

M

Mister Man

New Member
Currently, I have a Dell Inspiron 530. Would I be able to install a new graphics card without changing the power source or some other part?
 
You will have to change the power supply if you want any sort of graphics upgrade. The Dell Inspiron 530 comes with a 300w power supply, this will not be enough to push a graphics card. On the Tech Spec tab it shows you the hardware your computer has.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspndt_530?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Pütting in a new power is really not that hard. There is only so many cables and they only fit into certain places...we can help if you decide to try it.

You can get a decent model that will push a graphics card for around $50...assuming you are from U.S. As for a graphics card...it really depends on budget. The more you spend the more you get.

What is the total budget you are planning on using for the upgrades?
 
Well, I was thinking about about $100 for a new graphics card. And I am in the US and I could probably scrounge up $50 more for a power supply.
 
If you're on a tight budget I would actually look into the 9600GT. If you overclock it enough, benchmarks have shown that it performs better than an 8800GT, which is basically a 9800GT. The 9800GT has more shader processors than the 9600GT, but for $30-$50 more it might not be worth it. Also, my friend has the Cooler Master linked above and it runs his 9600GT fine, but the fan is very loud.

I would look into this one, or wait until there is a better sale. I bought this one when it was really cheap.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003
 
Would someone mind explaining to me what overclocking actually is? From what I understand, it's running something harder than what the manufacturer says or something. The Dell has a 2.5GHz processor speed. Is overclocking that possible and what kind of speed could I expect if so? Heck, is this computer even worth upgrading, or should I just save my money for an actual build aimed at gaming?
 
Essentially you can overclock a dell. But in basic, what overclocking is, is when you run a cpu, gpu, memory, etc at a higher clock rate than specified by the manufactuer by raising the front side bus speed, this ususally generates more heat than stock, so you need a good cooler. Plus it requires a motherboard that allows you to change the fsb, which the dell motherboards will not allow you to overclock your system. To overclock basically what you would need is a motherboard that allows overclocking(any decent board pretty much, even most budget boards let you overclock somewhat). This might help you understand better:
http://www.computerforum.com/16346-overclocking-101-oc101.html
 
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