[RAM] Memory upgrade newbie question

Hi, I have a Dell XPS/Dimension 630i
Processor: Processor, E8500, 3.16, 6MB Wolfdale, 65W
Memory: Dual In-line Memory Module 1GB, 800, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce 9800GT

I'm running Windows XP and have 4 gb or RAM, but I want to install Windows 7 64-bit and upgrade to 8 or 16 gigs of ram.

I also want to upgrade my Graphics Card to a NVidia GeForce 560

My newbie question #1 is, is it even possible to upgrade to 8 or 16 gigs of ram with my current motherboard, and if so what kind of RAM do I need? Can I get something like Corsair DD3 SDRAM?


http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Veng [...] 381&sr=8-4


The Dell Website is only offering me the option of upgrading to 240-pin DIMM DDR2

I'm also wondering if upgrading my graphics card and ram will give me a performance boost for gaming? Mainly World of Warcraft, Star Wars The Old Republic and Skyrim. I don't want to upgrade my CPU, because that's too expensive for me right now.

Thank you, and sorry for the newbie questions.

Your board can run 2 gb per slot (8 gb total) non ecc ram, up to pc6400 (800 speed), but ddr2 can cost twice as much as ddr3. You can't use ddr3 in your ddr2 slots. It's a different voltage and notched differently; will ruin your ram slot to force it in. I would check craigslist for some used dell (crucial or samsung) 240 pin non ecc ram in a matched pair. Or pull one stick out and check the label for brand and speed, and match it. To upgrade your video card, get a 500w minimum ocz, corsair, or antec power supply.