Motherboard compatibility question

[stash9876]

I have a Dell XPS 400 that is a little over 2 years old and I'm hoping to make a few upgrades but I'm afraid I don't know enough about current technology to know if that's possible with my motherboard.

Dell 0FJ030, Chipset - i945P/PL/G/GZ, SouthBridge - 1CH7/R
Pentium D 830 3.0 ghz
GeForce 6800
1 GB DDR2 (533)

I am hoping to be able to upgrade to a c2d (the e7200 specifically), a better graphics card, and 4GB RAM. My gut tells me I'll probably need to upgrade the mobo, but I figured I'd ask anyway. Any help is appreciated.

 

[badge]

Your system MB has the 945P chipset. The 945P does not support C2D processors with a few exceptions. A few MB Mfg's including ASUS released 'revision 2' 945P MB's with revised proper voltage regulators to support C2D processors. Sorry, the DELL 945P MB will not support C2D. Certainly not the 45nm 7200. The latest Intel chipsets to support 45nm are X48/X38/P45.

 

[stash9876]

Thanks, that's what I figured. I guess I'll have to add a motherboard to my list of upgrades.

 

[badge]

Well, the Intel P45 chipset is the sweet spot for the 45nm processors. ASUS is available sub $100 these days. I'm sure you are aware. Just one example.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131347