3DMark theoreticals
I'd like to have a look at the theoretical tests on 3DMark 2001SE to see how they view the respective cards.
Firstly the single-texturing fillrate test. This just takes into account how many pixels the card can push without optimisations.
The 9800 Pro's advantage over the 9700 Pro can be laid almost exclusively down to its faster core clock (380MHz vs. 325MHz). The FX Ultra, however, should be well ahead in this test if it really is running a 8x1 rendering system. A 500MHz core and 8 pixel pipes give it a theoretical 4Gpixel/s fillrate. Hmmm.
Now on to multi-texturing, one that takes account of additional texture units.
The FX Ultra does really well here. It's 500MHz core finally paying dividends. This does lend some kind of weight to a 4x2 rendering system. 2 texture units would certainly push up the score.
Vertex shading now. It's the test with multiple Keanu Reeves-like figures on screen at once.
Another relatively easy win for the 9xxx cards.
Lastly, we'll look at the advanced pixel shader test. Using PS1.4, we should see more games feature this level of shading in the very near future.
Seems as if the FX driver needs a little work. The Radeons storm this test.