Upgrades needed?

[cashman]

hi i have a sony vaio computer and i want to do some upgrades on the ram and other tuff tell me how much can i change for under $500 cdn the specs are listed below

Key Specifications Sony VAIO RB30C

Manufacturer Sony Corporation
Manufacturer Part # VGC-RB30
Processor Type Intel Pentium 4 530J 3.0GHz with Hyper Threading Technology
Data Bus Speed 800MHz FSB
Cache Memory Type L2 cache
Installed Size 1 MB
RAM Installed Size 512MB
Technology DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed 400MHz
System Type Desktop
Storage Hard Drive 200GB 7200 rpm
Storage Controller Type Serial ATA
Optical Storage Type DVD±RW CD-ROM
Read Speed 40x (CD) / 16x (DVD)
Write Speed 32x
Rewrite Speed 24x
Display Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 900
Video Memory Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
Audio Output Type Sound card
Compliant Standards AC '97
Telecom Modem Fax / modem
Max. Transfer Rate V.90 56Kbps
Networking Networking Network adapter
Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Expansion Expansion Slots Total 2 ( 0 ) x front accessible 5.25" x 1/2H
1 ( 0 ) x front accessible 3.5" x 1/3H
4 ( 3 ) x internal 3.5" x 1/3H
Expansion Slots Total 2 ( 0 ) x memory DIMM 184 pin
1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x16
1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x1 PCI
1 ( 1 ) x Memory Stick
1 ( 1 ) x SD Memory Card
1 ( 1 ) x CompactFlash Card type I/II
1 ( 1 ) x xD Picture Card
1 ( 1 ) x SmartMedia Card
Interfaces 1 x network Ethernet 10Base, T/100Base, TX RJ 45
6 x Hi Speed USB 4 pin USB Type A
1 x keyboard, generic, 6 pin mini DIN (PS/2 style)
1 x mouse, generic, 6 pin mini DIN (PS/2 style)
1 x display / video, VGA, 15 pin HD D Sub (HD 15)
1 x parallel, IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP), 25 pin D Sub
1 x audio, line in, mini phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 6 pin FireWire
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 4 pin FireWire
1 x headphones, output, mini phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x microphone, input, mini phone 3.5 mm
Miscellaneous Input Device Mouse, keyboard
Compliant Standards ACPI
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software Included Drivers & Utilities, Corel WordPerfect, InterVideo WinDVD, Sony Click to DVD, Sony PictureGear Studio, VAIO Media, Sony DVgate Plus, VAIO Recovery Wizard, VAIO Help and Support, VAIO Update, VAIO Zone, Sonic RecordNow! 7, Sony SonicStage 2.1, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Norton Internet Security (90 days subscription)
Power Device Type Power supply
Voltage Required AC 110/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Power Consumption Operational 305 Watt
Dimensions
(W x D x H) Unit 7.13" x 15.24" x 16.9"
Weight Unit 25.4 lbs.
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty on parts and labor.

[ktkendall]

All I would really do to that PC is up the ram and upgrade the video with a good pci express card.

[AnotherMuggle]

same here!

[blue60007]

Watch the power supply - it may not handle much of a video card upgrade.

EDIT: I see a 305W down at the bottom - I assume that's the power supply. I don't think it's going to handle a modern video card.

[AnotherMuggle]

Well pointed out!

[newbuilder14]

I think 350w will be fine as long as it's not too much of a powerful video card... I mean I have a 6600 video card on a 305w power supply. It really depends on the quality of it.

[AnotherMuggle]

Yep...but since its a pre-built system it's likely that the PSU is designed to work with what's in the machine and not a lot of thought will have been put into upgrading.

[blue60007]

Even the 6600's I looked at had a 350W requirement (would probably work if it's quality as you said). Most of the high end ones need 400W+