Dell Inspiron 530 Questions

Z

z0rz

New Member
Hello!

I'm interested in purchasing a refurbished computer from Dell and upgrading some individual parts. I know, "I should just build it myself if I really wanted to save money." Quite honestly, I don't have the know-how or the patience to build my own computer, and I've already made up my mind on getting a refurbished Dell. Before I do so, however, I'd like to get some more information. The computer is a Dell Inspiron 530 (not 530s), and the specs can be found here:
http://www.dell.com/content/produc [...] l=en&s=dfh

My options for a processor are pretty much a tossup between an Intel Core2 Duo E8200 or a Core2 Quad Q6600. I'm currently leaning more towards the quad. I'll mostly be gaming with this computer, but I'm not really a "hardcore" gamer. I'm cool with playing games on lower settings if I have to, but I'd like to build a cheap machine that can handle some of these newer games. I don't really do any heavy rendering with Photoshop or video editing or anything like that, but from what I can imagine, the quad core processor is the wave of the future and would be the better longterm investment. Is the quad the best way to go, or should I go for the duo?

Next, I'm clueless as to what I should do for a video card. I'd like to get a GeForce 8800GT if possible, but I know Dells don't come with the best PSU's. To combat this, I was thinking about purchasing an OCZ 600W PSU (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=316504&prodlist=cj) but I don't know if this is compatible with my system or the graphics card. Also, I'm not even sure if the 8800GT will even fit in my case. I've also heard that an 8800GT requires 2 PCI-e slots, but Dell says the Inspiron 530 has:
PCI: 2 Slots
PCIe x1: 1 Slot
PCIe x16 (Graphics): 1 Slots

Does this mean I can't (or shouldn't) use the 8800GT? If this is the case, what would be the best card for the money?

That's all I can think of for now. Sorry for the long read, and thank you in advance for any help!
 
if you are willing to spend the money I would invest on the quad core

I could not follow the link you posted so I'm not sure if it will fit in the case or what kind of power supply it has

can you post another link?

Best Regards,
Francisco
 
If the dell PSU is 500 watts or over you shouldn't have a problem with that card. I am running a much more watt-consuming setup and am using 500 watts which is working really well.
But, the 8800gt should fit fine. the EVGA model takes up one slot.

Post pics of the model you want, the case may be too small to fit an 8800gt.
 
refurbished cpu?

Could you please post the link to the computer specs again (that's really what I needed :D)
 
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Refurbished CPUs? That'll be a first....

GTS G92, OCZ GameXStream 700W, and Antec 900 is a good combo. Custom build it yourself if possible.
 
Oh sorry, bad link up there.

Here are the specs: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspndt_53x?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

Dell says it comes with a 300W PSU, which I can already imagine will not be enough for an 8800GT. I don't see any reason why the 600W OCZ PSU wouldn't work, but I have a feeling there is some minor detail that I'm overlooking.

Another concern I have is cooling for the video card. I've heard that the 8800GT gets very hot and requires extra cooling. Does anyone know if this is true? How difficult is it to set up extra cooling systems (I haven't looked into that at all yet)?
 
I just realized that when you customize a brand new Inspiron 530 on their site, one of the options for upgrading your video card is an ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB, which I've read is comparable to a GeForce 8600. Since you can't upgrade the PSU through Dell, I would think it is safe to assume this card would run/fit safely in the Dell. Can I make the same conclusion for an 8600GT 512? I think I'd rather take this route since it saves me time and money, even if it doesn't measure up to the 8800GT.
 
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