CPU vs Video performance w/3.5x

[cellness]

Now that G-Force 3.5 uses OpenGL acceleration, I would like to know what has a bigger impact on G-Force's performance, the CPU or the Video card? For both Mac and Windows PC's, what are some real-world specs to shoot for if one were trying to set up a dedicated computer for G-Force (trying to keep costs to a minimum - spec'ing used equipment is acceptable for this exercise)

Another question, is there a way to verify that G-Force is using OpenGL, or should the visuals simply be that obvious?

In my particular situation, my dedicated "jukebox" machine in my home theater is a 266 G3 on Mac OS X 10.3.9 (yes, I know officially 3.5x requires a G4, but it does work on this G3) using the built-in video (6MB VRAM - Rage IIc or something). Would I see a fair improvement if I purchased a PCI Radeon 7000 (about $50 on eBay), or would the CPU be too much of a bottleneck? (FYI, the Radeon 7000 can be made to support Quartz Extreme using the utility PCI Extreme, if that is relavent info to G-Force). Would upgrading to a G4 or faster G3 (ZIF socket upgrade) show a fair improvement with or without also upgrading the video card?

Thanks!
Marcel

[cellness]

I found a Radeon 7000 for about $20, so I went ahead and got it. After applying PCI Extreme and making sure that Quartz Extreme was enabled, it really seemed to make the Mac OS X interface much snappier. However, it didn't seem to make a difference in G-Force. At some point if I come across a cheap ZIF upgrade, I'll try testing that.

In regards to the previous question regarding putting together a real-world PC for a dedicated jukebox/G-force machine, keep in mind that a new Mac Mini is $600. Perhaps the question should be "can anyone think of anything more cost effective than a new Mac Mini"?

Thanks!
Marcel