Windows 7: Pentium Dual CPU E2160 @ 1.80 GHz Processor Replacement Reccomendation

I am running Windows 7 Professional x86 (32bit) and i have a P5GC MX motherboard, my computer type is ATX, and i have a Pentium Dual CPU E2160 @ 1.80 GHz Processor. I very much enjoy video gaming and I don't have much trouble with the games I really love (old ones) but it's getting annoying to have my framerate drop exponentially whenever I go to play a newer game (Assassin's Creed, Skyrim, etc.) so I want to buy a new processor, but I can't buy a new computer, so I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a processor I could buy that would be compatible with my motherboard? I can't buy a new motherboard either so I need one that's the same shape and size as my current processor so that I can just swap them out, I would like something in the range of 3.0 Ghz or higher, probably quad core, any ideas?

Is that an Asus brand motherboard?

If so, I think it is socket 775, dating back several years. I'm not sure there are any quad-cores for it.

Does your documentation indicate what chipset it uses, such as Intel 945 or something like that?

Here are a bunch of socket 775 processors, but I'm not sure which are necessarily compatible with that motherboard:

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, CPUs / Processors, Processors - Desktops, Intel, LGA 775

Thanks this is really helpful, I haven't heard of this web store though, are they reliable? if so thank you very much, if not thank you anyways because this helps me know what I'm looking for from a best buy or something

Newegg is highly reliable and the best single source of computer hardware.

But you need to further investigate which socket 775 processors are compatible with your motherboard.

Just because the processor will fit into the socket doesn't mean that it will work properly. You need more info than I am able to supply.

You may be able to get some performance boost by buying a more powerful and compatible CPU, but many will tell you to save your money and try to upgrade the motherboard as well.

I'll be sure to do that, thank you

Here is a list of supported CPU's for the board... ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Motherboards- ASUS P5GC-MX

Very helpful as well, thank you