My dilemma. I have a low end Dell that I upgraded last fall. Current specs are: P4 2.8 1GB DDR RAM (maxed out) 40 GB system drive 160 GB data drive Integrated Intel Extreme graphics I now need a system that will let me run high end CAD software. I can get by with everything but the graphics controller. But the cards that I can use are either PCIe or AGP, neither of which are available on my current MOBO. I've heard that you can upgrade the 3000 to a 4600 motherboard. But I think the 4600 takes DDR2, not DDR. So I would have to replace the memory. Then, I'm concerned the current power supply won't be sufficient for the type of graphics card I will need. Should I try to upgrade everything? Should I buy a new Dell Precision 380? Should I build a custom system? Thanks for the help.

I highly doubt you have PCI-e, but you should be able to get a decent card if you have an AGP slot. CAD needs lots of RAM though...1GB may not be able to cut it. If you're capable, building is almost ALWAYS better than buying an OEM system. ASUS A7N8X-X Athlon XP 1800+ 8.5 x 200MHz 1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro SP1

Buy a new Dell or build a "custom" system. Don't upgrade your Dell.

depends on how much you want to spend. you could either use your exisitng HD/CPU/RAM/etc and buy another board/case/video card but, that will leave you with a dell case with nothing but a board and psu OR you couled keep the dell the way it is and build one that is closer in specs to what you want and have two PC's. I guess you will not buy another manufactured system as you have run into what alot of people have in that you havea system that cannot be upgraded.

Hi, "Low end Dell" This to me means a Dimension 2400 series. Look at this support page for advise re upgrading the integrated graphics to the best PCI graphics card your machine will take. http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_video&message.id=115197 Beyond this either build your own machine with PCI Express graphics or buy a Dell that has PCI express and is not integrated everything. My D4700 has integrated Ethernet and sound but has PCI Express graphics. Basically it is a call between how cheap the machine is and how much is built in. Or how expensive the machine is and how many PCI - AGP or PCI Express expansion slots you have for all the extras you will need or want to fit. Integrated Sound & Ethernet just meant I did not need to use any PCI slots for these features. SATA meant I did not need a PCI ATA control card to fit an extra hard drive. Careful examination of the specifications is needed to avoid this sort of thing or just build your own. hth Ceri