Upgrading My Dell Inspiron 530s and need help.

A

Axeoasis

New Member
So recently i've decided to so some upgrades on a Dell Inspiron 530s that i bought from a friend. As far as i know, it's a stock model with no upgrades. Basically, i just want to get it upgraded so i can play some of the newer games out on the market. The only ones i really play are things like Minecraft, Realm of the Mad God, so i'm not trying to make it a high end computer or anything. I took a picture of my specs:

2015-11-09 07_05_17-CPU-Z.png 2015-11-09 07_07_36-CPU-Z.png 2015-11-09 07_07_54-CPU-Z.png 2015-11-09 07_08_22-CPU-Z.png 2015-11-09 07_08_45-CPU-Z.png 2015-11-09 07_09_36-CPU-Z.png 2015-11-09 07_09_54-CPU-Z.png

My budget is about $200, so at a bare minimum i want about 8GB of ram, a faster processor (i was thinking an Intel Core 2 Duo?), and a better graphics card. When looking the computer up i found threads talking about the limitation of the computer due to the case. I was wondering if i moved the computer to a new case if that would help.

It can run games like minecraft, but it has to have optifine, on the lowest settings, and the FPS is still dropping as low as 1 (Normally fluctuates between 16 and 32).

Basic rundown of the specs:

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate (32 Bit, will be upgraded to 64 bit)(200 GB) and Windows XP (50 GB)(Backup OS)
Processor: 2.20 GHz Single Core 64 bit.
RAM Memory: 2GB DDR2
HDD: 250 GB (Not sure on this)
 
Ok i've found some parts that could give an upgrade to the system:

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...DbOrKgVOjMR2y6CN8Tdm_RoCY_Dw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

RAM Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...NWMf8xeVfFg2ewO9PrK7wBoCuJfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Graphics Card:
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Radeon-2400-Pcie-Card/dp/B001C7KMQ2

(And if need be)(my current case is missing it's front two panel flaps the go over the disk drive and other side) Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353055&ignorebbr=1

The one i'm uncertain about is the graphics card. It turns out that the Dell Inspiron 530s ships with a 250w PSU, so that limits the GPU upgrade capabilities, and it would also have to be low profile to fit my current case. The GPU i linked was rated at 30 FPS on minecraft, but with optifine i might be able to get it at about 60.

Current total: (without case) $139.05 (before tax)
 
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This is the list of supported processors:

Intel Celeron processor 430
Intel Celeron Processor 420 (1.6 GHz, 800 FSB)
Intel Pentium Dual-Core 2140 (1.6 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
Intel Pentium Dual-Core 2160 (1.8 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200(2.5 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 (1.8 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 (2.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 (1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 (2.13 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 (2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 (2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 (2.66 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 (2.80 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
Wolfdale Core 2 Duo, E8400, 3.0GHz, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, E0
Wolfdale Core 2 Duo, E8500, 3.16GHz, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, C0
Wolfdale Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
Wolfdale Dual Core Kit, E8600, 3.33GHz, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, E0
Click to expand...

I'd go for the E8600 myself since it's got the highest clock speed.

It supports a max of 4GB of RAM, so you're good on that.

I don't think any of the graphics cards you've linked would be much of an upgrade over the onboard video. You'll want to look for something more powerful and get a stronger PSU and larger case.

Though in all honesty, I'd just build a new system.
 
I like your suggestion for a new system, although atm i just don't have the money for it (i'm only 17 :P). If i could i would.

So you think a 300w would be good enough? And the case i linked?
 
I can't guarantee you'll be able to swap cases because Dell systems are very proprietary with their motherboard layout.
 
beers said:
This, even upgraded it's still an ancient relic of the past.
Click to expand...

As i said, i'm unable to build a minecraft ready system with a $200 budget :( still, time moves by so fast! I remember when windows 7 had just hit the market...

voyagerfan99 said:
I can't guarantee you'll be able to swap cases because Dell systems are very proprietary with their motherboard layout.
Click to expand...

Perhaps a Dell Dimension 3000 case would work?
 
Pick up a cheap C2D off of eBay (E8400 $6.45 shipped) and 2x1GB sticks ($4.85/ea) to tide you through a higher budget. The main thing holding you back would also be the integrated graphics, but adding a GPU would require you to also buy a power supply. What is the wattage of the unit you have now? Usually if you open the cover of the PC it will be a sticker on the side of the unit that gives you max wattage figures.
 
I'm not currently at home, although i'm almost sure that it's 250w (the ship model comes with this). Would i add those 2 1GB sticks to the current two (i have 4 open slots, the max is 8 GB). or is this for a new build?
 
Save up money for a new system. I wouldn't be wasting the money you have now on an old system. Its just common sense.
 
johnb35 said:
Save up money for a new system. I wouldn't be wasting the money you have now on an old system. Its just common sense.
Click to expand...

I could save, but i wouldn't end up getting a new system for years. I'm moving out soon and almost every cent i make is going toward that.
 
If you can find a Q6600 on ebay, I would get it. Then a dedicated video card and better power supply and you have an ok system.
 
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