Is AMD that bad?

What are you looking to use the computer for?

Intel has HTT (hyperthreading) allowing 2 individual threads per core, giving a maximum of 12 threads on one processor. Granted, you have to make sure the Intel processor you buy has that capability, many do not. AMD has higher on die cache latency. My i5 3210M with 4 threads (2 per core) performs at half or less performance than my FX8350, with 8 total threads. Intel is generally more expensive, and the motherboards/accessories are more expensive.

This is going to turn into a fanboy war really fast...

Oh gosh..... Indeed. That's why I list the facts only.

Is this for gaming?

Intels perform better due to a higher IPC: they have better performance per core, even with lower clock speeds. Since most games use less than 4 cores, the intels 4 strong cores (in the case of an i5) perform better than the AMD FX's which are reliant on having more cores which are weaker (most of which end up not being used).

As "RookieOfTheYear" posted, all depends the use: gaming, office, design, etc.

Both have pros and cons.

If you go over benchmarks and associated articles for the past few years, for the money, Intel beats AMD every time. BUT... The differences are smaller in actual use than some benchmarks suggest; there will always be confounding factors. Also, on a set budget, if an AMD CPU+mobo are cheaper than their Intel counterparts, that money might be better spend on a stronger graphics card. For most games, a [weak] AMD CPU paired with a $200 graphics card will outperform a [stronger] Intel CPU paired with a $150 graphics card; for a strict gamer, AMD may make more sense, especially if adding a stronger card later seems unlikely. For myself, I won't build a new system unless I have the budget to get what I want out of it, and that's going to mean an Intel CPU especially since I don't just play games, and none of my games are super-demanding. That said, I notice no compelling difference between my FX-8320 and i5-3570K in daily use.
It is also worth noting that the Intel system will use less power and run cooler while offering equivalent or better performance, but again the differences are not huge and may not matter.

Agreeing with Onus, in simple daily usage, my Macbook Pro Retina and gaming PC are tied. The SSD in my Pro makes opening and closing apps WAY faster, but the added performance of my PC is good for games.

Because of the high 3D workloads, get an AMD, and spend the extra money on a very good GPU.

What's your budget?

Actually it depends on what 3D work your doing. If its memory intense and you need high speed AND high capacity RAM, then Intel is the better option. AMDs memory controller is ancient and can barely handle 16GB of 1600MHz RAM.

Just by the way. If you fill this out we can help you a lot better.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/353572-31-build-upgrade-advice

Cool then.

Disclaimer: AMD fanboy since built first pc with 800Mhz Athlon in Jr high more than a decade ago... I still think the data will prove that on at tight budget, phenom or Athlon with L3 cache + good mobo + money saved on CPU added towards great GPU is a great way to go. In a yr or two when AMD offers a real improvement (I am on the fence about whether the fx series, which I currently use, is really a significant improvement over their phenoms) plug that in the same mobo with the same GPU, and you should be good to continue playing most somehwhat intensive games at mid-range quality for another couple years. If I could do it over again, I would do this.

OP, if still deciding, I disagree with this statement. For 3D rendering and gaming, AMD beats Intel per dollar. There really is data supporting this (see below) this, unless by "for the money" you mean that you have lots of money (and that's not a bad thing, Intel is king at the high end for everything and for general computational, that is pretty unequivocally supported by data.)

Here's probably one of the most used benchmarks: http://www.futuremark.com/hardware/cpu

Note that the fx series is higher value per performance (3D physics rendering, so basically gaming). I would also add that AMD compatible motherboards and other items will be typically cheaper. I would add that AMD can get some increased performance from overclocking for not that much more $$ for unlocked processors. Intel really cranks up the cost for the K versions. Finally, I would strongly suggest you look at FPS for the particular games you want to play. It may sound trifle, but, for example, Crysis 3 you see a huuuge boost from a 6 core fx over the 4 core, and it is really one of a few games that really takes advantage of the extra 2 cores. If you are really tight on budget, check out some of the older AMD's like the phenoms that still have an L3 cache. You will see that the performance against the newer fx series is really trifling in many benchmarks. It's kind of surprising.

All of this being said. Intel is a safe choice if it's going to be your main machine and you have the money. But if you are on a budget, you can save some money with an AMD and throw it at the GPU, for gaming I think you would be well served IMHO...

I agree with Onus and propranolulz.

My bro added a GTX660ti to his A10-5800k build (Athlon x4 750k equivalent) and every game I've seen him play, he's been able to put it to 1080p ultra settings and it played smooth. Was it uber 60fps constant like my i5 build? Probably not. But honestly I couldn't tell a bit of difference. And he even plays his stuff off a regular 1tb WD Black 7200rpm drive. If you're on a budget, the FX6300 or FX8320 are good cpu to pick, and put that saved money into a good gpu like R9 270X or GTX760,etc.

With Mantle and DX12, as well as both consoles using 8 core cpu, I think stuff is going to play fine for years to come on AMD cpu. Certainly at 1080p. Stuff will move to 1440p/4k, but I don't have any intention to ever move from 1080p. In a couple years a gpu to max out 1080p should be really cheap too, just like a cheap gpu now could max out 720p.

In conclusion, you really don't need THAT much to play stuff well on 1080p. Get a good gpu.