[Snowed]

I want to expand my computer so my games will run better, my only restriction with it is my video card is not the greatest as it is some generic one that comes with a dell. I would like to upgrade it, but, i am concerned that is will either not fit the slot, or not be compatible with dells parts. Also, the power supply in my dell is is only a 160watt and i would like to upgrade it to a 550w as the video card itself needs a 300 atleast. My main question is, if I bought a new case, took the motherboard etc out of my dell case now, and put it in a bigger case where a larger power supply will fit, would that be a good idea or would I be better off buying all new parts and building a new one from scratch for gaming?

[etaf]

you may find the powersupply connectors - motherboard mounting do not work with a off the shelf box - I may be wrong, but i dont think DELL use the ATX standard.
So i would check that out before you try and move the kit over.

If you post make and model of the PC - then people can advise on if better to build yourself, I suspect it would be a better choice

[kiwiguy]

I believe later model Dells are OK, but not earlier ones. Using a standard PSU (even though the plus fites) results in instant destruction of the motherboard.

Usually a Dell with a 160 wattt PSU is not likely to have a slot for an external video card. A new PC is about the best way to go then, as the Dell Windows CD will not work on a new motherboard, neither will the RAM, etc.