Griz I think you can get your score higher. For the benchmark, what optimization are you using?? I've seen a big increase on my machine by switching to Direct3D, I was using Athlon since, duh, I have an Athlon, but it seems that on systems with nice video cards (anything over a TNT2) they might benefit from using Direct3d. It doesn't actually make any difference in computer speed but it's nice to look at higher numbers. Your score should be higher than mine (8250). You might also wanna try the new VIA 428va drivers although there is an issue with your southbridge, <A HREF="http://www.viahardware.com" target="_new">http://www.viachipset.com</A> had a temporary fix for it. It did make a noticable 200-500 point increase on some of the systems I tried it on. I'm also using Detonator 7.52 BETA I did see a good improvement with these too. Oh I'm using Win2k SP1 and host of drivers for it. Anyone with a title of Forum Patriarch should have a higher score than me.
I believe someone here said that CPU's didn't make much difference in scores. Well that's only half truth. Just changing the CPU wont do crap. I think the most important thing for getting FPS up is good RAM. PC133 CAS2, (for those that it is applicable), will definitely increase your score most notably from a CAS3 based system. An increase in CPU speed wont be seen if the same bottle neck exists. I have seen scores skyrocket directly with 3DMark2000's CPU score (check it in show details after a benchmark). I get around 550 now (big jump from 330 read my Dumbass post). Increasing FSB and RAM latency really helps. Hey, maybe thats why we have DDR now!! This, though will only help to a point. A good graphics card is needed to break 5000 from what I've seen.
Just to let those interested know, it is quarter after 11am and I'm to meet my friend so we can do the Quadro2 crack during his lunch break at noon. I'll post at around 1:30 with benchmarks if all goes well.
<font color=red>Take my advice with a grain of salt, for</font color=red> <font color=blue>I AM A DUMB-ASS!!!</font color=blue>