It definitely sounds like you know what you're doing.  The most important upgrade is the gfx card, then the processor.

Your graphics card is bringing you way, way, way down.  That score definitely isn't the best, but the real question is, what do you plan to do with your computer?  Are you satisfied with your current performance?  If you are, there's no reason to upgrade.  If you aren't, then we can discuss this further.

well to be honest.  i haven't been playing games for quite a few years but are now getting back into the scene.  currently playing counter strike, i would like to play doom3, halo, half life, etc...i want to experience what these games are built for, i would be happy to make the appropirate upgrade (but not going crazy and spend too much). as a a start, i am getting an ati 9600xt coming in a few days, i know the x800 or 9800pro is much better but dont' want to drop $250+ for a vid.  i also plan to get a p4 2.8 upgrade, and perhaps 512mb of ram.  if you have any other suggestions, they are much welcomed.  thanks

Just to give you something to compare to, my Dimension 8400 (3.0GHz HT, 512MB, x800 XT 256MB PCI-e) got a score of 12089 using 3dMark03 and in the Wings of Fury part it went just above 1300fps real quick with an average of 256fps overall on that test.

Dave

sgtcasey, wow that's pretty fast. my 179 score is probably left in the dust ages ago..

Just remember that those benchmarks aren't just a measure of your graphics card, but the computer as a whole.  You could have the best card available, but if you have a slow CPU or slow memory you'll get a low score.

Dave

Yeah, here's an example:
I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with a 2.2 gHz processor, 512 MB RDRAM, and a Radeon 9800 Pro.
Now, I get 5,400 3dmarks, roughly.

Back when I had a GeForce 3, I got roughly 1,000 3dmarks.  That's the difference a gfx card can bring.

thanks all for the input. i am picking up my ati 9600xt 256mb tonight. once installed, i will re-run the test and see if there will be any significant pick up.

installed the 9600xt as planned, with ease.  the whole thing was done in less than 10 mintues. re-ran 3dmark03, and all i can say is WOWWWWWWWWW.  it was able to run all four tests, with a score of 3564.  and for wings of fury, it's averaging 107fps.  now, i know this is still no where hear the scores published on this thread, but it is a tremendous improvement over the mx 420.  now i wonder, what a 2.8ghz p4 would do.  looks like i am gonna make another dent to the wallet...heheh

I guess it's too late to do anything about this, but how much did you pay for that 9600xt?  It and the Geforce 5700 aren't bad cards, but they're bad deals when they're about the same price as a Radeon 9800Pro or Geforce 5900xt/se (around $200).  Nvidia's new Geforce 6600GT will be around $200 also, and will be an even better deal.