Question about reducing "Processing" time for print jobs

We are looking to buy a new HP printer but before i get into that let me tell you what we have now and the problems i have with it.

We currently have an HP LaserJet 8000, it has a 133MHz processor with 16mb ram.

The problem we are having is that it takes way too long to process a 11x17 paper size job. We are an engineering firm that uses AutoCAD 2005. Our file sizes range from 1mb to 10mb. When printing the larger sized files it can take 1 to 2 minutes of "Processing" time before it will come out of the printer. The 8000 does 24 pages per minute but that doesn't help when it takes 2 minutes to process a job. Our current setup is we have it connected directly to our network switch via the jetdirect card in the printer. The jobs are then spooled through a stand alone computer with Windows 2000 Server.

We are currently looking at the HP LaserJet 9040n. It has a 533MHz processor and 128mb of ram. I am hoping that the faster processor and increased amount of memory will help decrease the processing time. You can upgrade the memory to 512mb and even add a 20gig hard drive. I'm not convinced which option will help more or if neither will make a difference. I don't want to spend the money on the memory or hd if the difference is gonna be minimal. And maybe that isn't the problem. Maybe the slow processing time has to do with the computer the print jobs are being spooled thru.

Any advice or help would be appreciated. Thank you.