I have an 1800+ with 512MB o' DDR-333.
Take RTCW for example:
when upgrading from a GF3-TI500 to a 9700, at MAX settings and 1024x768x32 the GF3 was JUST AS FAST (CPU/system limited) as the 9700 at 600x480, 800x600, and1024x768.
RTCW isn't that old, but basically for the money I get faster resolutions above 1024x768x32.
One cool thing those is that at least with RTCW, an unbelievable x6 FSAA is FREE:
Check it:
AMD 1800+
KT-333 chipset
512MB DDR-333
GF3 TI-500
__(640x480) AVERAGE FPS: 91.40
__(800x600) AVERAGE FPS: 90.87
_(1024x768) AVERAGE FPS: 88.57
(1280x1024) AVERAGE FPS: 75.83
(1600x1200) AVERAGE FPS: 50.07
9700
__(640x480) AVERAGE FPS: 87.53
__(800x600) AVERAGE FPS: 87.77
_(1024x768) AVERAGE FPS: 87.77
(1280x1024) AVERAGE FPS: 87.43
(1600x1200) AVERAGE FPS: 87
9700 with x6 Anti-Alaising
--(640x480) AVERAGE FPS: 87.63
--(800x600) AVERAGE FPS: 87.50
-(1024x768) AVERAGE FPS: 86.60
(1280x1024) AVERAGE FPS: 77.90
(1600x1200) AVERAGE FPS: 57.20
(note: those were done at maximum graphics settings using compressed textures - every graphics option was up all the way - @ 1024x768x32)
BTW - people do have problems with the 9700. I only have 1 problem with GTA3. Everything else is totally cool with mine.
check out the 9500/9700 tech forum at Rage3d.com (best 9700 discussion forum right now)