CPU and RAM upgrading

I'm looking to do both, since 2gb of ram isn't very good at running PS CS5.

Anyway, I have:
mobo -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138105
cpu -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103211
ram -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144
(I got one pair of those, so I have 2 open ram slots)

I'm not sure if it would be worth it to just get more ram and a new cpu for this mobo or just replace all three now. Either way I don't know too much about picking out parts myself (those were picked out by a friend). It's been like 3 years since that, and now I'm looking to run things like PS CS5 and probably upgrade to win7 here soon.

So, should I replace the mobo or just get parts for my current one? Which way is probably cheaper, and how much of a difference would I be looking at? And either way, what parts would you recommend? (if you need more info about my computer, simply ask)

 

As always, it's tough to choose for someone else when a budget isn't mentioned. Your current machine will support W7 very nicely and if you get W7X64 then you can install tons of RAM. That being said, you have wimpy onboard graphics, have you tried a separate PCI-E graphics card? I would personally build/buy a new machine. An AM3 mobo with an AMD X4 CPU and PCI-E graphics card.

Also, for the PS experts, state the size of your average renders.

 

AuggieDoggie has a good point: It depends on how much of a performance boost you need. A quick trick (using XP, Vista or 7) is to hit CTRL+ALT+DEL and start the task manager. Leave it up while running your current commonly used software. If your processor usage hangs at or near 100% for long periods of time, it's a good excuse to upgrade your CPU. Also, check your current setup using an all-in-one freeware suite such as Advanced Windows Care (free in MajorGeek's download setction). Something as simple as defragmenting the hard drive can boost speed.

Since the link in your post doesn't show the amount of memory or version of Windows, it's hard to judge how much benefit replacing just the CPU will provide. If you have both memory slots on the board filled, you'll have to replace them with higher capacity sticks.

If your budget permits, here are a few system building tips I give to friends and clients:

Go with an AM3 board and DDR3 memory. The price gap between DDR3 and DDR2 is now minimal; the performance boost of DDR3 is worth an extra $10-$15 bucks per stick.

Skimp on the things you can easily add or upgrade later. If you're not doing heavy gaming or graphics, on-board video and a single 2GB DDR3 stick will get you started.

Spends a few extra bucks on a board with SATA3 and USB3 connections (currently about a $30 upgrade). They'll work with SATA2/USB2 devices now; this will give you faster speed if or when you add new drives or devices. Since SATA3 and USB3 are industry standards it's likely new drives and devices will rapidly be released with the new technology.

Read the reviews on Newegg and Amazon. It's better to pay a few more bucks for a quality product that will last several years.

Don't skimp on the power supply, especially if you plan to upgrade the video card in the next few years. Again, look at the product reviews. If you leave the PC on 24/7, buy at least an 80 PLUS efficient PSU - it'll save about $20/year on electricity.

Finally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching. Although many stores and web sites claim the deals are already here, I suspect the true Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals will get even better.

 

Thanks for the advise guys. Yeah, I totally forgot that price is like the most important factor, I have a geforce 8800 ultra so I think i'm good on graphics cards, I didn't know the price gap had gotten so small (so thank u for tell me, because I know there's a performance gap), I'll agree the reviews on newegg are extremely helpful (helped me pick out my current case which i'm rather happy with), and I have 750W psu so it's gonna be around for a while.

does newegg have sales on black friday? because on black friday i don't leave where I am, I wouldn't go to an actual store on black friday if someone paid me.

And thank you to both you. I did manage to get ahold of my friend that built my system last time, and he also recommended replacing the mobo with one that has ddr3/am3. He picked out new cpu, ram, and mobo since the ram and mobo are out of date and the cpu is corrupting my programs.