upgrading hardware on Dell Inspiron 531

signas10signas10
edited March 2010 in Hardware
Hello people
so here's the thing...i want to upgrade some hardware on my computer so i can play pc games on it

Here's my specs
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4000+ 2.1 ghz
4 Gb ram at 301.4 mhz
NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
Windows Vista home premium Sp 2

I'm thinking of getting this processor which should work
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Processors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=CU159&mfgpid=192779&chassisid=8464

as for graphics card, I don't know what i should get
same goes for the power supply if needed or suggested (current one runs at 300W)

If anyone can help me out with this It would be much appreciated

Comments

  • miragemirage
    edited March 2010
    The video card upgrade may not be that straightforward due to BIOS settings (disabled PCIE port) and PSU rating. See the links below.
    http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19325195.aspx
    http://en.allexperts.com/q/Video-Card-Problems-2109/2008/1/Dell-Inspiron-531-new.htm

    Upgrading the PSU can also be problematic if Dell is using a proprietary PSU. PCP&C has a Dell specific PSU.. Newegg also has some Dell specific PSUs, if you search. In case you don't upgrade the PSU, do not buy a graphics card with an external power connector. In that case, I would recommend an ATI HD4670 or 5670 or an Nvidia GT240.

    If you upgrade the PSU, an ATI HD 5770 would be a good card for your computer.
  • RichDRichD Essex, UK
    edited March 2010
    You may also have problems with the CPU depending on how locked down the BIOS is. I am just speculating but if you cand change you clock settings you wont get any more out of your new CPU than you currently do.

    In short Pre-built PCs are not very upgradeable.
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