Need help with finding a new PSU

[Fluffy_the_ic]

So I just got a new computer for Christmas, and I must say, I'm loving it. Everything is perfect with it, except for two things. First of all, it has the Intel Graphics Chipset, and according to that system scanner website, my computer would even run SWBFII slowly. When I was looking at computers, though, I predicted that and I'm buying a Geforce 9800 GT. The other problem was the PSU. The 9800 uses 450 watts, and my computer came with a 300 watt PSU. My problem is that I don't know how powerful of a PSU to upgrade to. I'm going to need at least 600 watts, but that's as much as I know. My computer is a Dell Inspiron 560, so could someone help me out here?

[Teancum]

Well as a tech who deals almost exclusively with Dells, let me say I highly recommend going with a Dell-approved PSU. Although Dells are awesome, a lot of their stuff isn't interchangeable with standard frankenstien'd PCs. Make sure what you buy is Dell-compatible. Secondly I would go with a 650W+ PSU. It never hurts to have the extra wattage should you decide to expand later, and it doesn't get used if you don't. Stay away from budget PSU brands like Hercules as they often don't have voltage regulators - which means if the PSU gets hit with a major voltage spike, that spike then travels on to your motherboard and whatnot. Expect to spend $50 USD or more.

www.pricewatch.com is a great place to hunt for the best deal across multiple sites.

[Fluffy_the_ic]

Oh, thanks! Just wondering, will I need to get a new fan to go with extra heat, or should the new PSU be fine?
EDIT: Is Corsair a good manufacturer? I just found a 650 watt one, although it's priced a little higher than I would have liked.

[Teancum]

Higher wattage PSUs come with appropriately powerful fans. Unless the internals of the case itself are getting warm you don't need another fan - in fact, most people who add fans don't think about how the air is flowing and so often have, say three fans blowing in and only one out. As far as the PSU just ensure it's Dell compatible. Corsairs aren't a bad brand - I've never heard bad things anyway. I've only used their RAM, but I like it well enough.

[Wonderboy]

So you can replace graphics cards and PSUs in Dells, but what about CPUs? Sorry off-topic.

[Teancum]

Yep - though Dell mainboards are usually specific to Dell, so it's a good idea to replace the chip with one that's Dell certified. That's the blessing and the curse of owning/working on Dells. They're ridiculously easy to work on, but sometimes you're stuck with Dell certified parts only.