Dell Studio XPS 8100 - Upgrading graphic card and PSU

[deb2]

Here's my spec for my Dell Studio XPS 8100:
Intel Core i7 Processor 860 (2.80GHz, 8MB)
Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
2TB(2x1TB) Serial ATA Raid 0 (7200RPM)Dual HDD
current card- 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTS 240
PS6351-2 350W Power Supply

I noticed that my power supply is very low. I'm afraid my computer will die on me if I get a higher-end graphic card.

I have decided to get the ATI FirePro™ V4800. I still have doubts about what's going though because I plan to use the video card to do CAD work and ANSYS, as this seems like the best card to fit my buget and needs.

Even though the graphic card uses a lot of energy - the card requirement is a 350-Watt power supply or greater card ,
will the the card be OK in my computer or should I also upgrade the PSU? - if so do you have any recommendations. Thanks

 

[z06psi]

I have that desktop and I actually had a 5870 on it for awhile before I upgrade to a Ultra LSP550W. However the 5870 is a lot more taxing on the system then your FirePro and I think you will be fine with the Dell stock PSU.

 

[deb2]

Thanks z06psi, hopefully the new card should perform well enough for my needs.
Do you think I should take the opportunity to upgrade the PSU as well? do you think it make a difference it terms of performance of the card/machine?
Sorry for the newbie questions but the new card should arrive in a few days and I really don't want to make a stupid mistake and kill the machine :/

 

[z06psi]

If you have the budget then upgrading is always a good idea. The cases are so pretty that why I have held on to mine. a 550-650 PSU would be just fine.