I've maxed out the RAM on my Quadra 650 and I'm using the stock video and CPU that came with the system. I did replace the old 500 MB hard drive with a 9.1 IBM hard drive, but that required the use of a 50-to-68 pin adapter. Eventually that hard drive died and I replaced it with a 4 GB that also required the same adapter. With this current setup, my Quadra is pretty snappy even with Mac OS 8.1. I would imagine a better Nubus video card would help but I'm fine for the moment. The CF card option might be a future project if I've got some spare change available. Just some ideas to consider.