SubSerpent

They aren't that expensive. That is why Intel is just wiping the floor with AMD right now. It's an affordable processor and it is much better than anything AMD has out there right now. Even the low end Core 2 duo's are fast. I think the slowest one runs at 1.6GhZ or 1.8ghz x 2 and can compete with an Intel P4 Extreme Edition 3.6 and win. Or compete with the AMD 4600 X2 and win according to the benchmarks that you can look up on the net. Also, that 1.6 or 1.8Ghz core 2 duo processor is nearly $300-$400 cheaper than either of those two. It's a no brainer on what to spend your money on IMHO! Just google the benchmarks and look at the prices of what you can afford.

When AMD comes out with something better (which might not be for a year or two) then put your money with them. That's my plan anyways. I'm going with who has the best techno right now and will worry about who has the best techno in about 2 years or so before upgrading to a new PC. This gives me time to allow the kinks in Windows Vista to get worked out and see what video cards are going to support the new DX10 that is suppose to be released sometime with Vista. I'd say it will be another 1-2 years or so before it has all come together. That has been the "average" time that it's taken in the past for new operating systems and hardware to become a bit more perfected.