Looking to upgrade my computer

[supreme_36]

I just had bought a dell inspiron 545s from one of my friends for $100, and i was looking to do some upgrades to it. Since the psu is only 250 w, i was considering getting a new case, psu, and graphics card. If anyone could suggest something to me that would be greatly appreciated. Ill post my specs below.

Time of this report: 2/4/2013, 18:24:55
Machine name: MATT
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.120503-2030)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 545s
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7500 @ 2.93GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.9GHz
Memory: 6144MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 6134MB RAM
Page File: 2222MB used, 10042MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

 

[Azn Cracker]

Probably best to just keep it as is or start from scratch. The C2D you have there is out of date so it won't fair well in modern games.

But if you insist on upgrading, you have to tell us you budget.

 

[supreme_36]

Well, what ever is cheapest. Give me some ideas then ill tell you.

Its not like i want to be playing high end games to begin with, the games id be playing are Mists of Pandaria, Counter Strike source and Global offensive, League of Legends, and possibably SWTOR My old computer had the AMD Athlon 7750 black edition w/ the EVGA 9800gt, 4gb ram.

 

[edgewood112358]

Honestly, in terms of bang for your buck, you might be better off just buying a mid-range GPU that can draw all it's power from the PCI-E slot and leave it at that. The radeon HD 7750 is probably the fastest GPU you can get that doesn't need external power (and hopefully will run well on your 250w PSU).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131461

Plus, you're running on a Core 2 Duo, which is a fairly dated processor. Any super fast (or even moderately fast) video card you put in there is going to be severely bottlenecked. However, the 7750 shouldn't be bottlenecked by the core 2 duo, and is still capable of playing every game out there.

As far as getting a new case, it's probably more trouble than it's worth, as long as you have the full profile case, not the slim one (which could impede putting in a new video card). Plus, Dell has the unfortunate tenancy to use weird mobo form factors and headers, which can cause problems when switching cases. They like making things proprietary for some reason.

 

[supreme_36]

Honestly, in terms of bang for your buck, you might be better off just buying a mid-range GPU that can draw all it's power from the PCI-E slot and leave it at that. The radeon HD 7750 is probably the fastest GPU you can get that doesn't need external power (and hopefully will run well on your 250w PSU).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131461

Plus, you're running on a Core 2 Duo, which is a fairly dated processor. Any super fast (or even moderately fast) video card you put in there is going to be severely bottlenecked. However, the 7750 shouldn't be bottlenecked by the core 2 duo, and is still capable of playing every game out there.

As far as getting a new case, it's probably more trouble than it's worth, as long as you have the full profile case, not the slim one (which could impede putting in a new video card). Plus, Dell has the unfortunate tenancy to use weird mobo form factors and headers, which can cause problems when switching cases. They like making things proprietary for some reason.

Im almost positive that card wont fit in my case.

 

[MauveCloud]

I looked up specs, and the Inspiron 545s is a slim tower, so this one should fit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002

 

[supreme_36]

Would this work? It says it requires minimum of 400w and i only have a 250w psu?

 

[MauveCloud]

Video card manufacturer specifications for psu requirements are often overstated. I plugged your computer details into the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Pro, and it recommends 229 W with 13.9 A on the +12v rail. I can't currently find online specifications for your psu's +12v rail (separate retail psus have a sticker that gives amperages on the different rails, psu in a prebuilt might not), but overall wattage should be sufficient.

 

[supreme_36]

I appreciate that, so you think this card will do the job?

 

[Kisianik]

I can confirm this as well, without calculator I know that this card reported working even on Dell 220 watt power supplies, another way is to change case to a lever one, about $30 or even less with rebate, and you can upgrade PSU and etc.