The only advantages the 9XXX series was in DX9(and how many DX9 games came out that was *truly* worth playing before the new generation of ati/nvidia cards where out?) and a little bit better AA.
The FX series was superior to the 9XXX in DX8.
Although the reason I bought a 5900 was a) the price b) software bundle c) only ever owned nvidia and they have always ran flawlessly.
ATI's 850XT PE may be the fastest card but for the same price of one(700-900$) you can easily get two 6800GTs in SLI which is even faster. Or hell if you got the money spend $1200 and be in gaming heaven with dual 6800 Ultras!
