I'm probably not the best person to ask about Intel CPUs, as I've never owned a box that had Intel inside, although I've driven tons of them. What I can tell you, is that an AMD processor has hitherto always beaten an Intel one on a 'bang-per-buck' basis.
These days, a certain amount of fan-worship (don't start, Bat!) exists, which results in a degree of impartiality. So look in your wallet and if you can afford it, buy it -- it'll be obsolete next week anyway!