Upgrading old PC at work - worth it?

[SaladFingers]

There's a server where I work that's being accessed by 5 terminals. It runs 2 SQL servers, and is the host of the software the terminals are using. They all run the executable file from its shared folder on the network.

 

Currently it has an E5500. Sometimes the software that's running on the other computers hangs for couple seconds. I haven't noticed if there's a CPU spike when that's happening, but while the usual usage is around 3% it does spike to 90% sometimes when I open stuff up (Process Hacker actually spiked it to 91% when it opened). The SQL service itself appears to be spiking at 6-10% so far but I need to log more.

 

I should also note that it has 4gb of ram (Windows XP, 3.24 appear as usable) and it usually sits around 45% used without any noticeable spikes. The I/O of the Disk also appears to be normal, the network is using 100mbit connections which appears to be more than enough for this kind of work load.

 

Would it be worth it to upgrade to some Q6600 or even a Q9650 if I can get a used one for around $40? Would people notice a difference?

[Wishiwasdead]

 you want to spend your own money to upgrade a computer the company you work owns...?

[SaladFingers]

Just now, Wishiwasdead said:

 you want to spend your own money to upgrade a computer the company you work owns...?

 

No, the company will be spending the money. I'm just trying to figure if it's going to be worth it or not.

[iHardware Shelden]

1 hour ago, SaladFingers said:

 

No, the company will be spending the money. I'm just trying to figure if it's going to be worth it or not.

See what they are willing to spend and try to go a little lower than that, I would say something like a Q8300 would even be fine ($18-$22ish) but if you can get a Q9400 that would be a good sweet spot. Definitely a worth while upgrade for it it looks like your doing if it can use the extra cores.

[SaladFingers]

16 hours ago, iHardware Shelden said:

See what they are willing to spend and try to go a little lower than that, I would say something like a Q8300 would even be fine ($18-$22ish) but if you can get a Q9400 that would be a good sweet spot. Definitely a worth while upgrade for it it looks like your doing if it can use the extra cores.

Unfortunately I can't get those prices where I live, but will definitely look at those models too. Currently trying to figure if there will be a noticeable improvement, so far I am seeing some CPU usage spikes so it will probably help. Thanks for your answer