First point; it isn't "out there" now... it's only been released to the press.
And no, look at the below benchmarks for UT2003.... the performance increase was much too slight to be significant. The flyby in UT2003 showed the FX was better but the actual botmatch showed a much lesser lead with actual PLAYERS in the game.
UT2003:
Flyby:
http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/...ent_2003_flyby
Botmatch:
http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/...rce_fx-09.html
As for Quake III, the game is somewhat outdated in my standards... the fps in that is mainly driven by processor speed as it's a game low on polygons and textures.
At tomshardware download the mp3s comparing the 9700 Pro and the FX's sound production... the FX was so freakin loud. I see how it can drive people nuts when trying to play a game during anything that's suspensefulf.
So when I compare getting a new $400 FX or a $330 9700 Pro, I see the 9700 is quieter, cheaper, and does better with FSAA and ansiotrophic filtering.