Memory upgrade or CPU upgrade?

if you are using a Pentium four processor and then I think right now don't need to upgrade CPU. You should call for a higher memory power so that it can boost your performance. And with the latest operating system from Microsoft it is very much a sensual nowadays to have minimum 512 of memory. Apart from that applications nowadays are becoming more heavy and so it would be a very wise choice to go for better memory rather than changing your processor which will not help your cause that much. Processors are used not put that extent that to keep on upgrading them very frequently. But memory is something which is increasing every day and useful to upgrade.

if you are talking about big difference, its better to go with core 2.. that might cost you more.. Difference with memory upgrade comes only when you are running much bigger applications. Because it reduces the swap in swap out of the data from the virtual memory in the hard-disk.

it will make a difference but not noticeable enough, if you upgrade your cpu you will see the difference from the startup of your pc itself though it might cost a bit more.

I think both are required equally because if you upgrade to core 2 and you have a less RAM then your computer will run a bit slow while opening too many programs like photoshop,corel draw,media player,office,IE etc And if you upgrade your RAm then your processors speed will remain same to execute programs but you can open lot of programs at the same time but your processor will run with the same speed and take its own time.

Hi first of all the performance of system not only depend upon the cpu power and the available ram size rather it is a mixture of all the periferals. The Ram Clock Cycle ANd The Fsb of the board should be matched and the latancy of hard drive should be accordingly then u achive best performance. as u mentioned ur configuration i suggest u to meet a vendor for better performance and if u minded to upgrade then go for ram with proper bus speed.

Definitely upgrade your RAM. I've been a computer tech for many years and I can tell you, upgrading your CPU alone will offer at best, a 2% improvement in performance. The reason being that you are using a Pentium 4 CPU. That is a good high end processor even if it is a little outdated. You upgrade will probably be limited to a slightly faster Pentium 4. A Core 2 Duo would most likely require a new motherboard which will end up costing you close to $400 for a new CPU, motherboard, and possibly new RAM (the ram from your old board probably won't be compatible with a new one). Upgrading from 512MB to 1GB will allow your computer to multitask more effectively since it will be using RAM instead of virtual memory from your hard drive, virtual memory is much slower. Honestly, your computer seems like a decent setup. If it's running slow your problems are more likely to be fixed by defragmenting, running an antispyware program, or getting a virus scanner that bog down your system too much. If you have Norton or McAfee they will cut the speed of your computer in half so you may want to switch to Avast, or AVG. Both of those are free and use less system resources (especially AVG).

I would cpu upgrade as it will increase speed but do it with motherboard upgrade also.

for changing the proccessor u may have to change the motherboard also ,however the dual core is 40% faster ,however a extra 512 Mb will incerase ur speed ,Most games now ask for a 1 gb Ram

Well it all depends on what you use your system for, and what speed your P4 is. Really I would say I need more info before making an informed decision. If you want to run a lot of high powered apps then perhaps the RAM upgrade is what you need. If you are just running a handful of apps and none that are overly highpowered but still looking for a speed boost then the processor upgrade is what will do it. That being said I think 512 is the minimum ram you should be running these days, so I think the RAM might extend the life of your system more then the processor at this point.

Well well you havent mentioned about the motherboard you are using? I hope you are using a 845 if it go for memory upgrade as you cant go for just processor if you are using 915 you can go for pentium D go for cpu upgrade Pentium D 805 its good and cheap if you are using 945 then you can go for the c2d thats conero core 2 duo by some bios upgrade well its up to you but rem. ram can be bought back but processor cant be upgraded fre. so think thrice and take decision.