It doesn't really matter what you buy, the important part is that the competition keeps pushing the envelope and prices remain competitive.

Where AMD has been kicking Intel's @sses for the last few years is price:performance ratio. It's only the last 2 years or so where AMD was the clear winner in price and top overall performance.

If patterns hold, AMD will match or pass in performance within about 3 to 4 months and will do so at a much lower price point. Rumors have it that the new AMD 4x4 (dual socket, dual core) will hit by end of year.

I haven't been paying much attention lately, but now that I'm probably within a few months of building a system... I've been trying to 'catch up' with the hardware scene and reading my MaxPC a little more thoroughly.