ive never really noticed a difference between AMD and Intel. but i never have used them side by side either. I know AMD is slightly lower in price, thats why my last upgrade was from an intel to an AMD. If i were you, I would go ahead and get the new system if it is a good deal. The only thing i would do right off the bat however, would be to up the RAM to a gig. That alone will have a serious impact on performance. Regards, E