What is the best General Use vid card to replace GF6150?

The thing that matters is that he isnt a gamer, so as far as a video solution goes, the integrated graphics will be sufficient. As a matter of fact you can probboly turn the amount of shared RAM it uses down in the BIOS(most inegrated graphics now steal 128-256 system RAM). Unless he does HD stuff, I would stick with the integrated and save your dollars.

All depends on the PSU. If its only the 305w you may only get enough amps for the 2600pro.

appreciate the insight guys! he is using vista home premium (really? is it premium?) so i'd hesitate to turn any memory down especially since i just upgraded it to 3GB of systems memory. you think?

I'd agree. There's really no need to turn down the amount of memory the integrated chipset borrows from your system RAM (given that you just upgraded to 3 Gig). The 6150 chipset should be more than sufficient for DVD playback/Web surfing/etc... But if you're looking at HD playback, you may want to consider placing an NVidia 8400GS or an ATI HD 2400 graphics card in there. Given these are low-end solutions, I really don't think you need to worry about power, but it doesn't hurt to check and make sure before making any purchases.

-Wolf sends

If you want to go with the 2600pro make sure its not an OC'ed version as stock versions System Requirements is 300w. Look under the Full specifications to see the 300w.
http://shopper.cnet.com/graphics-cards/visiontek-radeon-hd-2600/4014-8902_9-32640551.html?tag=also

I would suggest either the HIS or SAPPHIRE.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102152

your help is very much appreciated, thanks to all who've replied.

Ensure that there is a PCIe slot in that Dell. I upgraded my father-in-law's Dell with a video card and had to settle for regular PCI because it didn't have a video card slot. There was only the outline of the card slot on the PCB.