Upgrade advice needed - current spec included

[hotchilidamo]

Hey All

So I have a PC I bought a while back, I've listed out the spec below. I'm finding it is slowing down using programs like lightroom etc. Rather than buy a new one, I wanted to know what I could do to this one to speed it up and future proof it a bit. I'd love your suggestions.

Here's the current spec:

Intel® Core™2 Quad Q9450
ASUS® P5K Motherboard
4GB CORSAIR DOMINATOR 1066MHz
1000GB SERIAL ATA II HARD DRIVE WITH 32MB CACHE (7200rpm)

I'm assuming I could add another 4GB RAM to this but I would then need to change the OS to 64 bit - I'm assuming this isn't a simple install, rather a wipe and then complete install of a new OS

Is there likely to be much point in upgrading the processor? How about a solid state drive for the OS?

As you can see I'm really not sure what to do so ideas/advice would be very welcome

Thanks in advance

 

[brookheather]

An SSD would be the best performance upgrade. If you are running out of memory running Lightroom then just installing 64-bit Windows 7 would give you almost 1GB extra from your existing 4GB (it would be a clean install).

 

[maf1970]

CPU - no point as you have one of the better ones already. Anything above is expensive and can be difficult to get. Core 2 Extreme CPUs are real expensive.

Your board will support up to 8Gb of RAM but this is only worth doing if in conjunction with an upgrade to a 64-bit OS and yes it is a complete reinstall.

I would second brookheather in that an SSD for the OS would be the best upgrade choice. This would allow you to use the large drive just for data and as a temp area while editing.(remember to reconfigure software where necessary.)

 

[EndlessWaves]

I'm finding it is slowing down using programs like lightroom etc.

Slowing down when doing what in Lightroom?

 

[hotchilidamo]

Slowing down when doing what in Lightroom?

mainly navigating from file to file in the filmstrip and in development mode

 

[EndlessWaves]

mainly navigating from file to file in the filmstrip and in development mode

I don't use lightroom but that does sound like a disk limitation so an SSD may well help.

 

[hotchilidamo]

Great, thanks everyone. An SSD it is then.

Any recommendations? Current HD usage is about 250GB. I'm pretty sure I can get rid of a lot of crap from that so assume 256GB should be about right

 

[brookheather]

If you are working with compressed files then avoid Sandforce drives - have a look at the Samsung 830 or Crucial m4. You are looking at around £150 for a 256GB drive.