m17 - improving setup - next step?

Here's my system: (edited from a copy of m17 specs I found, hence the layout)

Key specs:
* Windows Vista Home Premium (64 bit)
* Intel Core2 Quad Q9000 (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
* 2GB 1066MHz DDR3
* Dual ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 - CrossFireX Enabled!
* 7200 RPM – 250GB SATA from Alienware.
* 5400 RPM – 500GB SATA Hitachi
* 17-inch Widescreen WXGA+ 1440 x 900

I regularly play CS/CS:Source, KOTOR, Assassin's Creed, sometimes Crysis and a few others. I do some photo and video editing (rarely on the video editing), though I am often encoding or transcoding video and audio.

I am wanting to know what would be the best upgrade to my current setup. I know that gaming kinda suffers with a lower speed processor, since most games don't utilize quads, but I also figure that doubling my ram from 2gb to 4gb would also give some good improvements and I've been toying with buying a 2x2gb kit from newegg, but I wanted to ask what does NBR think would give the most bang for buck in improving my setup. Perhaps win7 might be worth looking into, processor upgrade, ram upgrade, or maybe something else, let me know your thoughts (ideally, looking to spend $100-300, not much more, but would still like to hear any advice that might exceed that range)

Thanks ahead for your thoughts

 

Ram for sure as first upgrade since its needed for video/image editing. Cpu power isnt an issue especially if the game supports a quad cpu. Id suggest staying away from higher end quads in the M17 (Qx9300) since they have a notorious stuttering issue on this laptop.

 

Thanks for the input, Coolmine. I've read the countless problems and semi-seeming solutions for quads. If I upgraded the processor, it seems like going to a much higher speed dual core would be the smart way to go.

 

Higher speed dual cores (like the one i have) is a downgrade for programs/games that benefit from quads though.

 

You can always go for a T9900 or X9100.

 

Not sure if the benefit will be that high to worth the cost to be honest.

 

Yea specially since he can overclock.

Go for ram first then If you wanted you could get a better screen with a higher res.

But basically your setup is very nice

 

Thanks Moo, I wonder about the performance of only 2.0Ghz quads as the ATI cards use proc power to render, and when doing benchmarks, it is quite noticeable... from memory I think I scored in the 12,000's but I can't remember at all it's been a while since I last benched.

Definitely planning on getting ram, the screen doesn't bother me as I didn't mention I have a 19" lcd external 1440x900 next to my lappy, and that makes screen space fine =]

 

I would recommend RAM (~$100), then an SSD ($200-$250). You'll see a LOT of difference with just those two things.

 

Your Q9000 is not an issue especially when you can OC it. But you MUST upgrade RAM if you wanna play stuff like AC and Crysis and do video editing. I used to play Crysis on Vista w/ 2GB RAM and performance is horrible, always get alert about low memory.

An SSD is a nice choice too. It increases your overall performance but is not really noticeable in gaming.

Windows 7 is a lot more optimized than Vista so it makes you feel a lot more comfortable.

 

You definitely need at least 4GB of Ram. Other than that, I think your good. But if you're a gamer, you should try to get ATI 4850 crossfire.

As for your CPU, I think it is good enough. I upgrade my CPU from Q9000 to QX9300 and overclocked it to 3.0GHZ but I don't really feel the performance while gaming improved. Maybe just a little bit.