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 @ $69.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128536&cm_re=lga775_motherboard-_-13-128-536-_-Product
All I'd like to know is will this work with the Q6600 CPU and is this an upgrade to the 0M017G motherboard since it can support DDR3 RAM - or is the difference meaningless? The problem I'm having currently is I do not have available RAM left over while I'm playing games even on the lowest settings. I have restored my PC completely to rid of everything, but the one game I play. And 2x4GB of DDR2 RAM is SOOOO EXPENSIVE - That I'd rather just upgrade the motherboard and get cheaper DDR3 RAM and keep everything else that is already in the system. Is this a proper upgrade/replacement motherboard and will it work with everything else that is currently in my system?
Thanks, Nick - have a great day folks.
(I have already replaced the GPU, but have not thrown it in until I can do something about a new motherboard / faster DDR3 RAM with more size.
Dell Studio 540s:
Motherboard - 0M017G (Does have PCIe x16 slot v1.1)
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40GHz - Intel G45
Memory(RAM) - Maximum Memory Supported (8GB) 4 slots: Dual Channel - only have 2 slots filled at the moment with 2x2GB DDR2 PC2-6400 (It's over 100$ 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.