Depending on what your PC is used for, the answer to the Intel vs. AMD question changes. In my experience, users looking towards budget-level PCs (or even HTPC) have a choice between Intel processors paired with the nvidia 9300 chipset, or AMD processors and the AMD 780G chipset. Both routes are more than sufficient for home office or home theatre purposes.

Intel definitely becomes a favorite as system prices increase for gaming and content creation platforms. AMD is left in the dust as its older 65nm processors lack the muscle needed to compete with Intel's Yorkfield and Wolfdale 45nm offerings. In the gaming segment, the faster clock speeds of the E8000-series Core 2 Duo processors offer the best performance for dual core friendly applications.

At the upper end of the scale, the AMD vs. Intel question gets a little complicated. If you can wait, be patient and buy into socket 1366 processor platform. If you cannot hold off, walk past the AMD aisle and pick up an Intel Q9000-series processor. Compared to AMD's best Phenom X4, the Q9300 ought to handle video processing, 3D rendering, photo editing and number crunching faster.

That being said, my best advice is to hold off on purchasing a PC system until the full range of Intel Core i7 processors emerge, and there are more than a handful of super-enthusiast Intel X58 motherboards to pick from. With its radical architecture changes, even a few months of waiting will mean a significantly longer lifespan for your investment, and higher performance curves.

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