Upgrading Dell E520 Graphics/Peformance

[Sorenmatica]

I'm planning on upgrading my computer to run a bigger variety of videogames.
I don't intend on running these games on max settings... Even low is fine with me as long as I can run them without my computer exploding.

Currently I have a GeForce 7300SE which is total crap for what I want to play. Examples: Mass Effect, Grand Theft Auto 4, The Witcher, and basically other games like that. I only have 1gb of ram and I really want to upgrade that too, but I've no idea what kind of ram my computer would take.

I've already figured out that I need a compatible PSU for a new card. I plan on buying a 500w Dell PSU from power & cooling. I just need to find a video card that will fit in the Dimension 520 tower and preferabley the type of ram so I can have 4 gigs instead of 1.

Hopefully this will all be achieved within the next 4-5 months. My budget is extremely thin so I can't afford something like a 9800GT. I prefer nVidia cards. Someone please help me... I just want to play recent games at low/medium settings. :D

Sorry for babbling.

[jlreich]

Specs (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dimen_e520?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&~tab=specstab) -

Ram - DDR2-533 4GB max - Specs say 4 slots, but looks like 2 in the picture??? Could you open the case and confirm how many memory slots?

305w power supply

1x PCIe x16 slot

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What is your budget?

Keep in mind that whatever recommendation we might give you today will likely be much different in 4-5 months. But it will at least give you an idea of what you are looking at.

[Sorenmatica]

I opened my case and it has 4 slots. The picture on the Dell site does make it seem like it only has 2 lol.

my budget is about $400. I'm sure when the time comes later on to complete the upgrade, I'll be back lol.

[jlreich]

$400 is more than enough for what you are wanting. 4x1GB ram will run you about $60, whatever amount you seen for the PC P&C PSU, by the best video card you can get with the remaining. Actually you probably wouldn't need to spend any more than $200 max on a video card and it would blow your mind on how well it runs games. Probably more like $100-$150 for what you are asking.

When you are ready do come back and we will help you pick out what is going to be best for you at the time.