Which CPU is better for my uses?

I'm building a computer and am try to choose between a Amd or Intel possessor chip. so far from what i can tell Amd is cheaper. does it have equivalent power to an Intel chip set?. Is there that big a difference in performance or miner . which would last longer under a full load if it were to run 24/7 "let say i want to choose between the I'core7 3.06 gigahertz and the Phenom II X4 945 3.00 gigahertz.also i'm considering over clocking and the amount of heat that it would produce. to some it all up i'm basically trying to saying i require speed at a convenient price thats not an arm and a leg

i7 920 offers excellent performance and very good overclockability. Both will last a long time under full load. Yes, AMD is cheaper, but Intel is a good bit more powerful in multithreaded apps. As for which will produce more heat, buy a good aftermarket heatsink, like a Xigmatek or Core Contact Freezer or TRUE, all of which will easily handle those processors and overclocks.

If you have a low budget, go AMD. If your budget is between $1000 - $1500 (including monitor, os, and pereprials) then it depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do with it, ie HTPC with blu ray or just dedicated gaming. Above $1500, you really should look towards the i7.

It all depends on your budget and what you want to use it for audio video encoding I7 rig gaming on a budget of over $1500 a core I7 rig as well however if you are on a budget of less than $1500 probably you would get more bang for your buck with AMD at the $1000 mark AMD wins substantially in gaming performance(can get a better GPU with extra savings)A great gaming CPU for a budget gamer is the phenom II 720X3 it performs equal or better than the Phenom II X4 chips in almost every game and overclocks a bit higher(due to less heat).Here are a bunch of benchmarks on many CPU's http://www.overclockersclub.com/re [...] am3/11.htm

A Phenom II X3 or X4 system at 2.8-3.2ghz, a 4850 with 512meg of memory, 4 gig of any decent DDR2, a Western Digital Black Hard drive, a DVD drive, a good quality 650 watt PSU, a pretty case, and you are golden for what you want to do

I guess I have to agree with most of all of the above, with a minor exception: for what you want to do, you really don't need any more than a dual core

If you have that kind of money to throw at a PC then do it.If you are set on an I7 get a lower model and OC it then get a gtx285 or 295 and still spend less.The $789 PC in that ebay link would beat this in almost all gaming and video apps because the 4890 destroys the gts250 also know that only a select few applications encoding mostly would gain performance from this rig.The 720X3 multitasks about 97% as well as this cpu so it is all about your choice but I definately wouldnt go with a 1000 CORE i7 WHEN A $280 CORE i7 OVERCLCOCKED DOES THE SAME

Novagiant, I think you have two choices here.
1. If you have the interest, and the time, start researching. I don't mean marketing tripe, or just what's biggest and fastest; learn about capabilities in general. This will allow you to decide what best fits your needs. Read benchmarks and competent, technical reviews (not just consumer blather at places like newegg). Read articles and watch [youtube] videos of how to build a PC. Come back with lists of what you want to accomplish, and a potential parts list, and you'll get more relevant advice. You'll make your final choices, hopefully find some good deals, and place an order or two. Then one day, a bunch of parts will arrive, and you'll get to build your PC, and you'll either know how to fix it if something goes wrong, or you'll know how to find out. This is, to me, the most rewarding approach. If you really don't have the time or the interest, then there's always...
2. Go to a reputable site like Dell or HP, with a budget in mind. Call them up, and talk to someone. You'll be oversold, and spend more than you need to, BUT you'll get something quickly, that will work, and will have a warranty and likely even a year or more of onsite service. There may be frustrations like limited future upgrades, and yeah these guys are the butt of a lot of deserved derision by those of us who build our own PCs, but for people who have other things to do than sweat the details of their PCs, for a price they're there; they wouldn't be in business if there were no market for their products and services.

The title of this topic has been edited by Randomizer

Not something I do often but the title was just asking for the fanatics to get into an off-topic fight.

I was going to suggest the OP buy a DELL ... top of the line ... with front USB even !!

Actually an off the shelf product with a good warranty would suit the OP - just add a decent graphics card !!

Pretty much it's always the graphics card.

nah go with the propus, there are chances of getting a fully loaded Deneb out of it with 6 mb of cache and stuff

thanks