Image quality
Before we begin benchmarking in earnest, let's have a look at the image quality produced by both the GeForce FX and Radeon 9700/9800 cards. We're attempting to see if both sets of cards produce similar images when a) no image enhancement is applied and b) when varying degrees is applied.
I've taken a screenshot from both the GeForce FX and Radeon 9800 Pro at 1280x1024x32. To further test both outputs, I've blown-up a section of the Serious Sam 2 image by around 350%. The in-game settings were the same, with a quality bias. Further, the Radeon 9800 Pro's images were identical to the 9700's.
Firstly the GeForce FX with no image enhancement applied.
Notice the jagged edges on the column and the poor definition on the ground ?.
Now the Radeon, again with no image enhancement.
Very similar output. I just feel as if the top of the stair wall has slightly greater detail on the Radeon shot.
Now at the other end of the spectrum at 4x AA and 8x AF.
GeForce FX
Discernable detail on the ground (aniso.) and the column is almost devoid of jaggies.
Radeon 9800 Pro.
The wall texture seems a little sharper with the Radeon 9800 Pro. The overall image seems to be that little bit better.
I also tried intermediate settings and found little or no difference between the images produced by either card.