Thread: Upgrade help: PSU and GPU

So I want to upgrade by PC to the best possible for no more than $250.
I pretty sure the weak point of my system is the gpu and I'll most likely need a new psu for it.

Here's what I have been looking at, but tell me what you guys think about them or what I should get instead:

ATI HD 5770 1gb @ $169.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-447-_-Product

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W @ $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139003

Comes out to $239.98


For reference, my current specs:

8gb ram
nvidia 9500gs
AMD Phenom x4 9750
350w Power supply
Vista Premium 64bit
and I use 1440x900 resolution (19" widescreen native)

I would go with a 550 Watt PSU minimum, and anything bigger would just allow for future expansion without having to replace the PSU.

I have no experience with PSUs, so advice on good companies would be helpful.

Okay, I'm getting ready to order the 5770.

One question I have is about the PSU. I have a 430W thermaltake (in an older computer that I forgot I had to replace the PSU in) with all the right connections and I was wondering if it would work, even though the GPU recommends a 450W PSU. So should I hook it up and try it (when the GPU comes that is) or is it too risky (as in damage the rest of the computer)?