Upgrading from Onboard intel chipset to last gen GPU...how exactly?

I've done upgrades on every other part of a PC before, but I've never done a GPU upgrade. So instead of jumping straight in like i usually do I thought, hey why not ask gamespot. Im going to get a 8600gt or lower card (cuz im very short and cash and patience). I got a 300w psu(not gonna upgrade) so any other suggestions would be fine.

btw I know the 8600gt sucks and i know my psu sucks...please tell me something i dont know:)

Do you know what motherboard you have?

Yea . MoBo is: Foxxconn 945G7MD-8KS2H, onboard is: 82945G Epress Chipset Family. I suppose for the hell of it i can list the rest specs. Jeantech micro titan case, E4400 with 512mbs ram and 300w psu. Ill be upgrading my ram with my GPU.

That mobo has a PCIE slot, so you can get any PCIE slot card. However, i would suggest you just upgrade RAM for now, save up a little more, then get a AMD 3850 + better psu. Just buying the 8600gt right now is not worth it in my opinion. Besides, we cant be sure that your 300w psu can support the 8600gt

That mobo has a PCIE slot, so you can get any PCIE slot card. However, i would suggest you just upgrade RAM for now, save up a little more, then get a AMD 3850 + better psu. Just buying the 8600gt right now is not worth it in my opinion. Besides, we cant be sure that your 300w psu can support the 8600gt

Mr_NoName111

[QUOTE="Mr_NoName111"]

That mobo has a PCIE slot, so you can get any PCIE slot card. However, i would suggest you just upgrade RAM for now, save up a little more, then get a AMD 3850 + better psu. Just buying the 8600gt right now is not worth it in my opinion. Besides, we cant be sure that your 300w psu can support the 8600gt

LouieV13

Sweet that was the confirmation of the 8600gt running on my 300m psu that i needed. Just buying the 8600gt is indeed worth it right now cuz im not even gonna attempt to play crysis for another 1yr/ 1yr and a half, i wont be running at resolutions higher than 1280 x 720 and i am indeed short on patience.

But back to the topic. Do I pop open my machine and plug the card in before or after installing whatever(drivers and such) comes with it?