Many 64bit systems can probably handle 8gig, some 16 or 32 possibly, but it must be 64bit to use 4gig + and show it correctly, i3 is the newer generation of CPU’s, as such they can be pricey, an alternative option would be to look at say a Phenom system, say with the 6 core CPU, but if you consider such AMD options, you may find the price more in what you can manage, but as above asks, without a budget we have no idea what range to guide you too.
I disagree. Upgrading you memory is the best thing you can do when it comes to upgrading. Not to mention the cheapest way to gain extra performance. I’m sure you know about disk-thrashing…
No. Core2Duo is older, and not as efficent, as the i3. So, when it comes down to performance i3 is better then Core2Duo which came out years ago. If you had a choice between the dual-core processors, go with the i3, even though it will be a tad more expensive.