64 bit performance (autocad 2008) AMD vs Intel

intel renders MUCH faster

I design in 3d mostly, but occasionally have to draw up in AutoCAD, since I'm a ME and not a CE I don't use ACAD much therefore I HATE it (Yes I know some MEs still design in ACAD and that's largely due to gigantic file systems all in 2D that would cost too much to convert to 3D). I don't have much to compare with other than comparing my workstation to my home PC for 3d modelling (SolidEdge)

Workstation - Intel P4 w/ HT 2.8Ghz & ATI Open GL GPU (Forget which one) & XP 32-bit

Home - Q6600 @3.2Ghz & 8800GT, XP 64-bit


Anyway my larger 3d assemblies render ridiculously faster at home despite having a gaming vid card. Of course this is largely due to a far more powerful CPU but it appears to take advantage of the cores quite well.

I realize that this doesn't help at all. But until AMD comes out with a Phenom that works at clock speeds as high as Intel, I wouldn't even consider an AMD CPU for CAD.

Thanks for the advice all. I will probably go with a Q6600. Or is Intel on the verge of coming up with a new line of quads (something in the 45nm flavor)?

The Penyrn quads got delayed til 1Q08 I think because of AMD's failing Phenom. I think they should be out by the end of January.

why the P35 and not the 38? For the small price difference, I thought the 38 with DDR2 might make a good workstation.

Thanks all. Looks like a Q6600 and a P35 in my future.