m8, 9600xt is much much better than 9700.
9700 is the old series, 9600 is the new series (the old one but newer that 9700)
all radeon based systems are based on the best of the old series.
x200 is based on 9200xt. x600 on 9600xt and x800 on 9800xt.


9600xt is better then 9700 in many ways.
i'de prefer it, its newer also.
but, why not buy 6600gt?
its 200$ (or less) and much much better