Studio PC Computer - questions about upgrading

[thunderbroom]

I'm hoping this is the correct forum for this post...

I've decided that I wanted to put some studio profits back into my main recording PC; though I've got some experience in building and upgrading, at this point I'm looking for some advice and direction. First, here are my current specs:

Windows 7 x64-based
CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 @ 3.40 GHz
RAM: 2 x 8GB DDR3
MOBO: ASRock P67 Extreme 4 Gen 3
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 520
SSD Drives: 1 x 250GB; 2 x 500GB; 2 x 64GB
UAD Quad Core PCIe
External HD: 1 x 4TB via USB
iLok dongle; wireless internet dongle

In addition to Reaper, some other things I run fairly often are:

KOMPLETE 10, Toontrack EZDrummer2, IK Multimedia Amplitube.

My (current) main interface is a Saffire Pro 40 Firewire interface; via optical, I've also connected a UA 4-710d preamp, which is the master clock for both units.


This basic setup, has done well by me since 2011, but I am noticing as some of my work gets more intensive, like some film scoring, and higher CPU plugins and such, that things can get slow, backups take longer, etc.

In looking at all of this, there are many directions - upgrade the processor...which most likely means upgrading the MOBO, which then leads to upgrading...you get the idea. Ideally I'd rather not do everything at once, but if that's the only way to do it, then so be it. Any PC folks out there with some experience and patience, I'd appreciate any feedback you might offer. Thanks in advance.