I had to make a similar decision as yours when I was planning out the system that's in my sig. I could have chosen to get an expensive processor and spring for a lightweight video card, but I saw an article on X-Bit Labs that made me change my mind. In the article, they compared just about every current CPU out there in gaming performance and they came to the conclusion that more than anything else, the graphics card makes the difference when it comes to games.
It makes sense, really; if you had an FX-57 and a Geforce 6600 GT, you probably wouldn't get results as good as someone who has a cheaper processor like your 3000+ and a good, solid graphics card like a 7800 GT. The 3000+ isn't a bad processor by any stretch of the imagination when you consider how much it can be overclocked; I'd say you've got a pretty good processor as it is. If you haven't overclocked it yet, you should.
People love to hype dual-core processors and say they're the best thing since sliced bread, but the truth is that getting a dual-core processor really isn't beneficial at all to 90% of us. When I had to make the decision of getting a better processor or a better videocard for my new computer, I thought about when I would actually be able to make use of two cores and I couldn't come up with a single situation. If I burn a CD, I usually just go do something else in the meantime; I can wait, and I don't need to be totally glued to my computer at all times. I don't encode videos or anything like that, I don't really run much in the background aside from an anti-virus program, and I don't really multitask except playing music when I'm browsing the internet.
I would say that many gamers out there could say the same thing - and I'm guessing that you could as well, given when you said you do with your PC. That's all stuff that you should be able to do well with a solid single core processor like your Venice...and I don't know about you, but I think I'd rather have a super graphics card capable of producing beautiful imagery than a dual-core processor that I really won't benefit much, if any, from. Dual-Core processors are still in their infancy, and I'd rather get the most out of a more proven, mature technology than the overpriced, uncertain first steps of a new breed of CPU whose true potential really has yet to be realized (or needed by the majority of users, for that matter).
Go for the 7800 GT if you get enough for it. Regardless of the hype that surrounds them, getting a Dual-Core processor is a waste if you're not a huge multitasker and single-core processors still generally beat their dual-core counterparts when it comes to games and a good one costs a whole lot less (as I'm sure you found out with your Venice). Right now on both Newegg and Zipzoomfly, they've got a killer deal on XFX's factory overclocked, lifetime warrantied 7800 GT - after the rebate, it's only $310 and you get not only Far Cry but Call of Duty 2 for free. Now that's a great deal if ever I've seen one.
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