Upgrading video card questions

[chompino]

I'm sorry if these types of questions have been asked too much, but I just wanted to make sure everything will work if I get a new video card. I tried searching but didn't find anything relevant. Anyway, I want to upgrade to an 8800GTX. I have a Dell XPS Gen 5 machine with the following specs:
Pentium D 840 (3.2GHz)
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz

1) Will I need to upgrade my processor as well?
2) Will the new card fit in my case?
3) Is my power supply enough? (I think it is 455)
4) Is there anything else I should consider?

Again, I appologize if these are dumb questions. I am not very computer savy and this is the first upgrade I will try on my own. Thanks in advance for any info you can give.

 

[Spazilton]

In order to correctly answer question 1, I need to know what resolution you will be gaming at.

2. Most likely Yes, the XPS Gen 5 should have a lot of room.

3. Iffy, In my opinion. Will probally work, if you aren't running a lot of other components.

4. Resolution you will be gaming at. Your processor and chipset are starting to get a tad on the old side performance wise. If you aren't going to be gaming at 1600x1200+, You will most likely be CPU bound.

Cooling will be another concern of mine, the 8800 GTX run HOT. Even with the rear heat exhaust they do radiate a ton of heat XPS GEN 5 series were never known for their ability to remove heat from the case.

Hope that gets you started.

I would also like to know what video card you are running currently. 6800 series?

 

[chompino]

Wow, thanks for the quick response. Right now I currently have the ATI X850XT PE. I will also be upgrading my display to either 27" or 30". So I guess I'd like to game at something like 1600x1200 or higher if that's possible. It looks like I'll need to upgrade my processor as well then huh.

I was also concerned with heating issues. Is there an easy way to upgrade my cooling? Thanks for all your help.