@ Lance: Running the game below native resolution will create a dull look, even with max settings. I suggest an upgrade to your graphics card, maybe something like a GTS 250 or GTX 260. Maybe you want to stay with ATI like ATI 5750 or 5770. Those are some decent budget gaming cards. And with a quad-core, that would definately stabilize framerates.
@ kenz3001: I will be on soon too, just have to finish up a few things here before I can play.