getting a switch would not improve your situation. Connect to NICs via a crossover cable is the FASTEST way to transfer data. Using a switch would at best give you the same performance.
You might want to get some quality NICs such as an 3com etherlink xl, intel etherexpress, or even a netgear ea310tx. They will all run fine at 100tx/full duplex when connected with a crossover to each other.

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"You dumb bastard...it's not a schooner, it's a sailboat!"