For compiling the cpu is gonna be the big gain. As its math co-proc. intensive. Get the best cpu you can afford. The XP 2200+ retail 3 year warrenty is under $117 now days. I use kingston mem. Its cheap-reliable and also has a lifetime warrenty. $35.00 for 256mb pc2700 cas 2.5 or $60 for the same in 512mb stick. THats as cheap as the good stuff gets. My vote is for the cpu upgrade as 512mb mem is enuff for that. Going DDR thugh will amke the cpu faster instead of the slow sdr you have.