LOL - Well, just to update everyone. I just got home from work and decided I would give it one more hack to see if i could figure this sucker out. Well, i'm kinda happy to say that i'm back on the 8300 as we speak.
I guess i didn't try all of the module combinations... lol I put 1 stick of 512MB in DIMM CHANNEL 2 slot 3. Passed post and booted to my OS. Then I tried another 512MB in DIMM CHANNEL 2 slot 4. And also passed post and booted to OS. Then I tried putting another 512MB in DIMM channel 1 slot 2 and got the beep codes. failed to post. So I guess it's safe to say that the DIMM CHANNEL 1 of this board is screwed. Which leaves me with only 1 DIMM channel.
Well, I guess it wasn't the northbridge after all. But, I'm still glad that I ordered the new parts for my rebuild. It's probably only a matter of time before the 2nd DIMM CHANNEL goes too.
Don't buy Dell. I repeat, don't buy Dell....