How should I upgrade my computer for better internet gaming?

I mainly use my computer for playing rpg and fps games but lately I've been getting alot of computer stuttering (stops like every 7 seconds) and a low rate of frames per second.





I have a dell inspiron 5100-


Intel (R) Pentium (R) 4 CPU 2.66GHz, 2.66GHz, 512mb of RAM.





I've run defrags, error checked, deleted everything I can but I still get bad performance...





I don't know a whole lot about computer hardware, should I upgrade my RAM from 512mb? Should I go for a new processor? Or is there something else I can do?

How should I upgrade my computer for better internet gaming?
Once your processor is over 2.4GHz (in old P4 terms), the biggest gaming factor becomes the video card. So in your case, that's the first thing I would look at upgrading.





Also, RAM is fairly cheap. Check to see if your system supports dual-channel memory and make sure you have it set that way if it does. Bump up the amount to 1GB as well if possible.





Besides upgrading RAM and the video card, there's nothing else I'd recommend changing. It would be more cost efficient to replace the PC with a new one before I'd recommend doing anything else. In fact, you might want to use that money now towards a new PC instead of wasting time/money on this one.
Reply:The more RAM you have in your computer the better most computers now come with at least 1MB. Check with Dell Web site to see how much RAM you can add to your computer. Next what is your connection to the Internet? Is it cable if so you may need to review your Ethernet card. If you think you need a new processor it is time to buy a new computer. I think the one you have should be OK.
Reply:Your best bet is to buy more memory and possibly a graphics car which will have additional memory. You may have too many files on your computer slowing it down and causing lag. Good luck, generally an easy fix.
Reply:there is nothing wrong with ur processor...what u need is just another 512ram or 1gb ram...you can try to upgrade ur graphic card.......the best graphic card would be nvidia..gamer choice graphic card..
Reply:Add more memory. Also you might have programs running in the background that are not really needed.
Reply:You might have to spring for a new computer. You might need a better vid card which you cannot replace.Try to add a stick of RAM and to get a better HD.
Reply:Upgrading the RAM would be easiest. Then I would look at upgrading your graphics card (consult your owner's manual) if you can.





I would shoot for at least 1 more GB of RAM.





This will give you the kind of RAM you need:





http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/