Upgrading an old Dell Studio 540s. Have a couple questions and need a few recommendations as well. (0M017G - Motherboard)

[Sir_Nicholi]

Hello! I am trying to revive an old desktop gaming PC. I've realized that the first thing I must do is upgrade the motherboard so I can take advantage of cheaper / faster DDR3 RAM as the motherboard I have now only supports dual channel DDR2 RAM. Also, I am unable to upgrade the CPU at this time - so I need something that will fit the socket type of my current CPU as it is a Quad Core and I think it'll be fine for the games I listed above at least on medium settings. I just have a few questions and need a few recommendations if that is possible. Below are my complete specs - ask away if you need anything else.

(I have already replaced the GPU, but have not thrown it in until I can do something about a new motherboard / faster DDR3 RAM with more size.

Dell Studio 540s:
Motherboard - 0M017G (Does have PCIe x16 slot v1.1)
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40GHz - Intel G45
Memory(RAM) - Maximum Memory Supported (8GB) 4 slots: Dual Channel - only have 2 slots filled at the moment with 2x2GB DDR2 PC2-6400 (It's over 100$ for DDR2 2x8GB or I'd replace them)
Current Graphics Card - Integrated ATI Radeon HD 3600series
Power Supply - 500W Extreme Cooler Master Power Plus

So, I am unable to upgrade the CPU at this time as I am building a different gaming rig (my first attempt ever) and don't want to throw too much money into this one 'yet'. So I need a new motherboard which has more features, can support newer/cheaper/faster RAM, and can support the Q6600 Socket type which is (775) I believe - very old.

Here is the motherboard I was thinking about getting from Newegg @ $69.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128536&cm_re=lga775_motherboard-_-13-128-536-_-Product

All I'd like to know is will this work with the Q6600 CPU and is this an upgrade to the 0M017G motherboard since it can support DDR3 RAM - or is the difference meaningless? The problem I'm having currently is I do not have available RAM left over while I'm playing games even on the lowest settings. I have restored my PC completely to rid of everything, but the one game I play. And 2x4GB of DDR2 RAM is SOOOO EXPENSIVE - That I'd rather just upgrade the motherboard and get cheaper DDR3 RAM and keep everything else that is already in the system. Is this a proper upgrade/replacement motherboard and will it work with everything else that is currently in my system?

Thanks, Nick - have a great day folks.

 

[abbadon_34]

I'm afraid there is no way to upgrade only one part with out wasting money and preventing future upgrades. Sure with that motherboard you could upgrade to DDR3 with your existing cpu, but once you upgrade your cpu you would need a new motherboard, and guess what, it will probably take DDR4 !

 

[Sir_Nicholi]

I don't plan on upgrading to a new CPU anytime soon - I just bought an i7 for my gaming rig - this is just going to be a minor gaming rig for small games like LoL / Hearthstone / youtubing for my girlfriend. So, with that in mind - would upgrading the motherboard to the link provided be an "okay" solution 'for now' anyways?

 

[abbadon_34]

You will need a graphics card, since the current one is built-in to the motherboad, something even something cheap like a 730 will add about about $50, though "ok" for youtube and gaming on the lowest of settings.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#sort=a8&page=1&X=4342,7320492&c=175

If you're serious about this route, I'd suggest looking at a used second tier card from the previous generation of nvidia or amd.

 

[Sir_Nicholi]

Actually, no, the ATI Radeon 3600s is actually in the PCIe x16 slot - I took it out yesterday while cleaning everything - dropped my gtx 750ti in it and booted up. Used it for a while and threw the Radeon 3600 back in after I was done. So it's not built into the motherboard at all and it is just the motherboard/RAM I need an opinion on. Back to my original question though... Would it be worth it to spend 100$ on 8GB 2x4GB of DDR2 RAM or should I just upgrade the motherboard for 70-100$ PLUS new DDR3 RAM for around 50$?

I don't expect this rig to last more than another 5 years... So I was just going to get more RAM (This PC will hold up to 8GB and it is dual channel) so I was debating on whether paying the high price of DDR2 RAM or just upgrading the motherboard plus the RAM. This rig is not something I'd like to future proof nor is it the 'real' gaming rig - what would be the best option with all things considered above?

 

[Sir_Nicholi]

So basically... Spend 100$+ on DDR2 RAM 2x4GB - OR upgrade the motherboard so I can buy the cheaper DDR3 RAM? Either way it's both over 100$.. and all I want out of this is more RAM as that's what is bottlenecking my system currently... What would you do with an older machine you're likely going to throw away in a few years after a family member gets their use out of it by playing minor games like LoL/Hearthstone? Would you pay for the DDR2 RAM for around 100$ - or would you say screw it and just upgrade the motherboard to support DDR3 RAM? The 2nd route is more expensive by about 20-40$, but for some reason I can't justify paying 100$ for DDR2 RAM, bwaha. So.. here I am looking for a 2nd opinion.